How to Rightly Divide the Word of Truth
What does 2 Timothy 2:15 mean
Ever read something in the Bible that seemed to contradict something else in the Bible? I used to be confused about those apparent contradictions, but now I love them. I know that if I dig a little, I will likely uncover a gem.
The entire Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). But we also need to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). That well-worn phrase comes from the King James Version. Other translations say we need to accurately handle or rightly handle the word of truth.
How do we do that?
How do we rightly divide the word of truth?
It all comes down to covenants.
In essence there are two questions we should ask when reading any scripture in the Bible: (i) What does this passage mean in light of the cross? And (ii) who is the writer writing to or about?
Let’s start with the cross, which is the dividing point between the old and new covenants (and the single most important event in human history).
Before the cross the old law covenant reigned, but after the cross a new covenant made the old one obsolete (Heb. 8:13).
Under the old covenant you were blessed if you were good, but under the new covenant we are blessed because God is good.
Consider these contrasts:
Before the cross we were blessed when we obeyed and cursed when we disobeyed (Deu. 11:26-28). But after the cross we are blessed because Jesus obeyed and we have been set free from the curse of the law (Eph. 1:3, Gal. 3:13).
Before the cross we forgave in order to earn God’s forgiveness (Matt. 6:14). But at the cross we were unconditionally forgiven and we now forgive because Christ has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
Before the cross loving your neighbor meant not coveting his wife or property (Deu. 5:21). But after the cross we love and accept others because Christ loves and accepts us (1 John 4:19; Rom. 15:7).
Before the cross God was distant and unapproachable (Ex. 19:12). But because of the cross we have been brought near to God to receive mercy and find grace (Eph. 2:13; Heb. 4:16).
Before the cross God held us responsible for our sins and not even sacrifices could clear a guilty conscience (Lev. 5:17; Heb. 9:9). But because of the cross Jesus’ blood cleanses us from a guilty conscience and he remembers our sins no more (Heb. 8:12, 10:22).
Before the cross we said “We will” (Ex. 19:9). But after the cross God says “I will” (Heb. 8:8-12). Before the cross it’s “do, do, do”. After the cross it’s “done, done done”.
Before the cross righteousness was demanded of sinful man (Deu. 6:25). But at the cross righteousness was freely given (Rom. 5:17).
Before the cross Adam’s sin meant condemnation for all men (Rom. 5:18). But because of the cross there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1).
When we read the Bible we should ask, is this scripture describing the old law covenant which condemns sinners or the new grace covenant which makes sinners righteous? That’s the first question. Here’s the second.
Who’s the audience?
It’s also important to ask who the words were written for, otherwise you might end up taking someone else’s medicine. Because there are two kinds of people – those who put their faith in Jesus and those who don’t – the Holy Spirit uses the scriptures to bring two convictions:
- The Holy Spirit seeks to convict the world of unbelief (John 16:9)
If you are an unbeliever, the Holy Spirit (and a good preacher) will use the scriptures to convince you that God is good and trustworthy. Through the Son he will seek to reveal the unfailing love of the Father so that you may believe and have life in his name (John 20:31).
- The Holy Spirit convicts Christians of their righteousness (John 16:10)
With so much guilt and condemnation in the world, we who are in Christ often need to be reminded of our right standing before God (2 Cor. 5:21). Much of the New Testament was written to assure Christians that we belong to God our Father and nothing can separate us from his love (Rom. 8:38–39).
The short version: Rightly dividing the word means reading the Bible to see Jesus. It is through a revelation of the Son that we come to understand who God is, how much he loves us, and all the good things he has planned for us.
The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, reveals Jesus. Read the Bible to see Jesus.
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Escape to Reality 
What about James, who was he writing to? Seems like he is in the “obey and be blessed” camp just like OT doctrine states.
James illustrates the article perfectly. Because many readers are ignorant of the context of James’ letter, they wrongly conclude that James preached a different message from Paul. Nothing could be further from the truth. James did not merely preach grace; he preached the greater grace of God, just like Paul.
James gospel? Where does James ever proclaim how to get saved in his letter?.
James’ letter is full of good news. Unbelievers are encouraged to submit and draw near to God (Jas. 4:7–8), humble themselves and receive his grace (Jas. 4:6, 10). Believers are encouraged to hold onto the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ (Jas. 2:1). More here.
I prefer ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 ) Paul’s MO is much more convincing in these passages than trying to figure out if or what James is talking about especially when he was speaking to his Jewish audience. Thanks Paul and thank you Paul”.
That’s because you’re a Gentile and Paul was writing to Gentiles. If you were raised in the West, your education and worldview was profoundly shaped by the Greeks. But if you were a first-century Jewish synagogue attender, you would get nothing out of 1st Corinthians. You’d find James much more relatable.
That’s true Paul. Thanks for your ministry and outreach Brother”.
Looking for Jesus in the Bible is a long way from looking for what I need to do. One is a firm foundation and the other is quicksand.
Well said, LJP.
Good word. There are so many Christians who do not understand this. It causes a lot of problems with bad theology and poor representation of the Gospel.
Right on point, Paul. The consequences of this not being common knowledge amongst believers is often damaging, dangerous, or even deadly.
Rightly divide between the OT and NT, I said that when I saw the title.
Actually from Acts 1 onward is the New Covenant writings.
Jesus said “Go NOT to the cities of the Gentiles etc” only the sheep of Israel.
THEN go ye into ALL the world & so on….after the Resurrection/Pentecost.
Good stuff Paul.
Hey can I have you over for a pig roast now?? ;-p
Paul, there are still contradictions that aren’t explained by the cross. For instance this one:
Again the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel, and He moved
David against them to say, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” (NKJV) 2
Sam. 24:1
Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.
(NKJV) 1 Chron. 21:1
I went into the original languages and it still said it this way! So who was correct, Samuel, or the writer of chronicles?
And I’ve got another question about what you say in the article. That before the cross God was distant. If it’s true that God never changes, then How come he changed from a vengeful punishing God, ( no matter how you slice it, that’s what the Old Testament writers portrayed him as ) to the one he is now? The one that’s exactly like Jesus?
I’ve written about those two passages elsewhere. Please check out the Archives > Scripture Index > Old Testament.
Re: your second question. God was always an intimate Father. God walked with Adam and Adam is known in scripture as the son of God. God blessed Abram on the basis of his grace. But at Mt Sinai, the Israelites wanted to trade the grace-based covenant God had made with their forefather with a law-based covenant of sticks and carrots. It was not a great decision.
God doesn’t change; we do.
Thank you, Paul. And what you say, makes my point. That is wasn’t that God changed, but that the people who wrote the scriptures portrayed him after their own understanding. As a person well acquainted with slavery, Moses presumed God to be as harsh as an Egyption master, and wrote him that way.
Yes!!! “The entire Bible reveals Jesus. Read the Bible to see Jesus.” Amen Brother Paul.
As people of the new covenant we (I) tend to give the OT short shrift. I must be reminded that Jesus is the Word made flesh, per John, before the NT was a thing. We must see He is throughout the entire Bible.
This past week I was suffering a bit of anxiety, (welt angst?) over the state of affairs, complaining to our Lord, and He spoke back to me to “lift up mine eyes from whence cometh my help.”
I googled it and found it was a truncated first line of Psalm 121, a short psalm of encouragement and reassurance. Just what I needed. How wonderful is our Lord who continuously speaks to us through His word, which He personifies and applies perfectly, mercifully, graciously.
Blessings to all.
I strongly disagree with this article. Paul was writing to Timothy who was appointed to help lead the church it Paul’s stead. The letter was an encouragement to Timothy teach the truth correctly as delivered. It is primarily for Timothy.
This article is spot on.
Your article doesn’t make sense.
Mr Ellis, I would like to quote you in a series of art and Scripture journals that I am creating for publication. Please let me know if you would honor me by allowing this article to be quoted. I would give credit both to this website and you as the author. Thank you for your consideration!
Go for it! Thanks for asking.