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The second word calling for comment is the word "subverting". The Greek word so
translated is katasthrope, which the reader will recognize as the prototype of the English
"catastrophe", and Peter in II Pet. 2: 6 indicates the dire nature of this overthrowing of
the faith, for he uses this same word to describe the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha
as is used by Paul to describe the overthrowing of the believer.
The Apostle has more to say about the particular evil that was threatening the faith,
and deals with it in verses 16-18, but before going further with this negative side of
witness, he states what is the glorious anchorage for faith and service, and the one great
principle of right interpretation, which, if we give attention to it, will keep, and satisfy,
better than a whole library of works on heresies old or new, or thousands of testimonials
written by fallible men:
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Tim. 2: 15).
#20.
The approved of God (2: 15).
With special notes on Spoudazo (study)
paristemi (shew) and dokimos (approved).
pp. 130 - 133
The reader will remember that the central members of the structure of the epistle
concentrate attention upon two related words, "Approved" (II Tim. 2: 15) and
"Disapproved" (II Tim. 3: 8). Step by step, our studies have led us through glorious
revelation and solemn warning, and at last we reach the verse that lies near to the heart of
the apostle's word to Timothy and to ourselves. No one can read this epistle without
sensing the apostle's anxiety for Timothy. The days were dark; opposition was growing;
evil doctrines within the church menaced the faith; love was waxing cold. How could
the apostle best help Timothy and all who tread the path in after years? He calls up
memories of Timothy's home life; he reminds him of his gifts; he exhorts him to
possess a pattern of sound words; he uses the figures of the soldier, athlete and
husbandman; he refers to his own example; he encourages by linking together enduring
and reigning; he warns concerning subverting heresies, and at last he gives his whole
doctrine of perseverance in one verse, II Tim. 2: 15.
The verse divides naturally into three parts:--
(1)
THE APPROVAL OF GOD.
(2)
THE UNASHAMED WORKMAN.
(3)
THE ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLE OF INTERPRETATION.
First of all, let us be clear as to the import of the command "Study". The idea in the
word is not that the person addressed is to be "studious". It is certain that he must have
some acquaintance with language, for his material is "the word of truth", but he is