Among all the apostles, it was Paul who was very vocal about handling the Word of Truth. In fact, if we look at the previous verses before 2 Timothy 2:15, we can read that Paul tells Timothy to see himself as a worker who seeks to please God.
It should be the desire of the worker or servant to satisfy his or her boss's expectations. The same was true for Timothy's work for God. Timothy didn't serve others, but God.
Paul reminds us here that a Christian's focus can be distracted in many ways by the world just like how Timothy was distracted. He was too focused on making people happy rather than looking to please the Lord.
This scenario in 2 Timothy 2:15, which says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth,” reminds us that we should not be ashamed of the truth, rather handle it in such a way that is pleasing to God.
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness” (2 Timothy 2:14-19).
There is a proper way of handling the Word of the Truth and we are reminded by Paul through these verses.
What Does ‘Handle’ Mean?
In order for us to understand what it means to handle the Word of Truth, we must understand carefully what the word “handle” means. This word was first written in Greek, and it means "Orthotom."
“Orthotom” means: to cut straight, to proceed on straight paths, to hold a straight course, to teach the truth directly and correctly. It's best visualized as a clear and unobstructed pathway, with no obstacles blocking the way.
Based on this understanding of the word, we might ask ourselves: “Can't we handle the Word of Truth correctly if there are no obstacles?” Of course not. The biggest misconception is that everyone's opinion counts. Truth is objectively knowable, not subjective and yes, the scriptures can't be interpreted any way we want.
Be Bold in Faith
When suffering arose, Paul emphasized boldness in faith to those who were trying to avoid hardships. The boldness he displayed also implied that he handled the truth about the scriptures rightly. Contrary to false teachers who argued over words, like Paul, Timothy had been reading the scriptures since he was a kid and was going to handle it right.
Paul mentioned not being ashamed on three occasions in the previous chapter before proceeding on boldly saying to handle the Word of Truth. As is written, “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).
In 2 Timothy 1:12, it says, “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame because I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”
“May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains” (2 Timothy 1:16). All of these previous passages boldly exclaim do not be ashamed.
Paul also condemned pointless bickering in the previous verse. Instead, he encourages deeper study. We can get an accurate picture of what Christian discernment is supposed to look like when these two ideas are combined.
Our studies should be diligent, not only to defend our faith, but also to determine what is worth fighting over, and what is just a distraction.
Understand the Bible in its Entirety
2 Timothy 2:15 says that Paul told Timothy to do his best to present himself to God as one who's approved, a person who doesn't need to be ashamed, who's able to handle the truth. We can only be unashamed and handle the truth if we continually understand the Bible in its entirety — in its context.
That is why the Bible must be studied. There is no expert system for understanding Scripture since every verse must be understood in relation to its passage, every passage in relation to its chapter, every chapter in relation to its book, every book in relation to its testament, and the testament in relation to the whole Bible.
The scripture speaks for itself, so it must be governed by this principle. Hebrews 4:12 says that God's Word is alive and active. Scripture quotes itself all the time.
You can learn theology from Scripture. The scriptures will enable us to understand and handle the truth correctly when we carefully contemplate and consider different accounts of the Bible.
Be Critical with New Interpretations
As we handle the truth, we must interact with the writings and teachings of theologians past and present and be critical about it. Remember that the Truth does not change. The truth has always been revealed to believers. The truth is Jesus and Jesus is the key to truth.
Although sometimes hidden or obscure, the theme of the Bible is Jesus and exactly what Jesus says is true. It's not just about saying the Bible is true, it's about having faith in the living truth of Jesus.
The only way to get to the right understanding of and perception of the truth comes from engaging with Scripture. The scriptures must be illuminated by God. Getting insight and understanding from the Spirit of truth is vital to handling the Word of Truth correctly.
The only way we can correctly analyze, correctly explain, and correctly apply Scripture is when the Holy Spirit shines His light on it.
We can correctly handle the truth if we are bold enough to express our faith, we present ourselves according to God’s will and we become critical with other interpretations of the Holy Word.
The most important thing for us in order to handle the Word of Truth is to be strong in the Truth, which is Jesus. Jesus should be the center of our understanding of the Word.
All of the scriptures revolve around the coming and the death of Jesus Christ and how God loves us by sending His Son to save us. This should be the straight course we take in handling the Word of Truth.
For further reading:
Why Is Reading the Bible in Context Important?
Why Can the Bible Be Hard to Explain?
How the Word of God Cannot Be Threatened by Man
What Does it Mean That the Word of God Is Alive?
What Does it Mean That the Bible Is God-Breathed?
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Priscilla du Preez
Glory Dy has been a content creator for more than 10 years. She lives in a quiet suburb with her family and four cats.
