enters into the expression `Inspiration of God' in 2 Timothy 3:16, which in

the Greek reads theopneustos.

As we remarked earlier, Right Division deals with The Word of Truth and

comparison deals with the same inspired oracles of God.  We further observe

that Paul speaks of the `words' which the Holy Ghost `teacheth' which word in

the original is the word didaktos (1 Cor. 2:13).  Didaskalos (1 Cor. 12:28);

didasko (1 Cor. 4:17); didache (1 Cor. 14:6), all derive from the same root,

and by comparing one with the other, links teacher, teaching and doctrine

together, and with all `The Words which the Holy Ghost teacheth', a blessed

and fruitful fellowship to be earnestly safeguarded and fostered by teacher

and taught.

The word translated `compare' is the Greek sunkrino, and is found only

in the epistle to the Corinthians:

`Comparing spiritual things with spiritual' (1 Cor. 2:13).

`For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves

with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by

themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise' (2

Cor. 10:12).

The word `discerned' in 1 Corinthians 2:14 is however a compound of

krino, namely anakrino.  This word is translated `examine', `search',

`judge', `ask questions' in Luke 23:14; Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 2:15 and

Krino means `to judge'.

It is explained in Dr. Bullinger's Critical

Lexicon thus:

`To divide, to separate (akin to Lat. cerere, to sift), to make a

distinction, come to a decision, to judge, to pronounce final judgment.

Not merely sentence of condemnation, but also a decision in any one's

It seems therefore that `compare' in 1 Corinthians 2:13 is the

complement of `divide' in 2 Timothy 2:15, for whereas Right Division

separates into classes and callings, Comparison brings together those items

that are thus segregated and provides a common denominator in the search for

essential meaning.  Let us consider some examples of this principle:

In Philippians 3:11 we read:

`If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead'

(Phil. 3:11).

It is certainly a disturbing thought that the apostle Paul could at the

time of writing the epistle to the Philippians be in any doubt as to whether

he would participate in a most glorious resurrection.  No doubt on this score

can be read into Philippians 3:21:

`Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His

glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to

subdue all things unto Himself'.