I’ve got to admit this. I misunderstood this verse.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
This verse is in a section of the Scripture where the Apostle Paul is telling Timothy how to do Christian apologetics. I used to read this and think that it meant I should read my Bible and be prepared with verses and arguments for any subject that came up. This is the way Protestant apologists read this passage.
The problem is the following verses are all about developing the virtues and nothing about Bible Study. Looking deeper, the word translated “study” in the KJV is an archaic use of the word. It doesn’t mean study – like open a book. Everywhere else the word is used in the New Testament it is translated as “be diligent”.
σπουδάζω spoudázō, spoo-dad’-zo; from G4710; to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest:—do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.
This makes the entire passage make sense. It’s not about developing arguments to be used in apologetics, it’s about developing the right virtues. These are listed in the following passages of the text as: Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace. gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness.
If you are filled with the Spirit you will speak from the Spirit who will give you the words you need at the moment you need them:
Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
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