2 Timothy 2:15

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, etc.] The Alexandrian copy reads, “to Christ”; (see <451610>Romans 16:10). Not unto men, as pleasing them; for such who study to please men, are not the servants of Christ; and sometimes those that are approved to and by men, are disapproved of by God and Christ: but unto God, showing all fidelity and uprightness; speaking out the Gospel openly, and freely, with all sincerity, as in the sight of God; commending themselves to him, and to every man's conscience, by manifestation of the truth; and such will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” another day. A workman that needeth not to be ashamed; the ministry of the word is a work, and it is a…”

“Study--Greek, "Be earnest," or "diligent." to show--Greek, "present," as in Rom 12:1. thyself--as distinguished from those whom Timothy was to charge (Ti2 2:14). approved--tested by trial: opposed to "reprobate" (Tit 1:16). workman--alluding to Mat 20:1, &c. not to be ashamed--by his work not being "approved" (Phi 1:20). Contrast "deceitful workers" (Co2 11:13). rightly dividing--"rightly handling" [Vulgate]; "rightly administering" [ALFORD]; literally, cutting "straight" or "right": the metaphor being from a father or a steward (Co1 4:1) cutting and distributing bread among his children [VITRINGA and CALVIN], (Luk 12:42). The Septuagint, Pro 3:6; Pro 11:5, use it of "making one's way": so…”

“Study to show thyself approved unto God - Give diligence 2 Peter 2:10, or make an effort so to discharge the duties of the ministerial office as to meet the divine approbation. The object of the ministry is not to please men. Such doctrines should be preached, and such plans formed, and such a manner of life pursued, as God will approve. To do this demands study or care - for there are many temptations to the opposite course; there are many things the tendency of which is to lead a minister to seek popular favor rather than the divine approval. If any man please God, it will be as the result of deliberate intention and a careful life. A workman that needeth not to be ashamed - A man…”

“A workman that needeth not to be ashamed - Either of unfaithfulness or unskilfulness. Rightly dividing the word of truth - Duly explaining and applying the whole scripture, so as to give each hearer his due portion. But they that give one part of the gospel to all (the promises and comforts to unawakened, hardened, scoffing men) have real need to be ashamed. 2 Timothy 2:16”

“2:15 who correctly explains (literally who guides along a straight path): The NLT relates this verse to right interpretation of the word of truth. Another possibility is that Timothy should keep to his purpose in teaching the word (see 1 Tim 1:4) and not turn aside by engaging in the false teachers’ controversies (2 Tim 2:16).”

“Study: Heb 4:11; Pe2 1:10, Pe2 1:15, Pe2 3:14 \*Gr. approved: Act 2:22; Rom 14:18, Rom 16:10; Co2 5:9, Co2 10:18; Gal 1:10; Th1 2:4 a workman: Mat 13:52; Co2 3:6, Co2 6:3, Co2 6:4; Ti1 4:6, Ti1 4:12-16 rightly: Mat 13:52; Mar 4:33; Luk 12:42; Joh 21:15-17; Act 20:27; Co1 2:6, Co1 3:1, Co1 3:2; Co2 4:2; Th1 5:14; Heb 5:11-14 2 Timothy 2:16”