Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Timothy 2:15

"Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15 (ASV)

Study to show yourself approved unto God. Give diligence (2 Peter 1:10), or make an effort so to discharge the duties of the ministerial office as to meet the divine approval. The object of the ministry is not to please men. Such doctrines should be preached, 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 anyone pleases God, it will be as the result of deliberate intention and a careful life.

A workman that needs not to be ashamed. A man faithfully performing his duty, so that when he looks over what he has done, he may not blush.

Rightly dividing the word of truth. The word here rendered "rightly dividing" occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, properly, to cut straight, to divide right; and the allusion here may be to a steward who makes a proper distribution to each one under his care of such things as his office and their needs require .

Some have supposed that there is an allusion here to the Jewish priest cutting or dividing the sacrifice into proper parts; others, that the allusion is to the Scribes dividing the law into sections; others, to a carver distributing food to the guests at a feast. Robinson (Lex.) renders it, "rightly proceeding as to the word of truth;" that is, rightfully and skillfully teaching the word of truth. The idea seems to be that the minister of the gospel is to make a proper distribution of that word, adapting his instructions to the circumstances and needs of his hearers, and giving to each what will be fitted to nourish the soul for heaven.