63. VI.—THE PLACE WHERE THE PASSAGE OCCURS IS OFTEN ESSENTIAL TO ITS FULL INTERPRETATION

Some passages of Scripture derive their chief importance from the revelation of a great truth which is made in them.

Some derive their chief importance from certain words employed in that revelation.

But others derive their chief importance from the place where we find them written.

It is well, therefore, for us always to notice and see whether this last is the case with any passage which we may be considering.

We must ask: Why is this passage or verse here? Why is it in this Book, or in this Epistle? Why is it not in some other Book or Epistle?

This, it will be seen, is closely connected with our Canon IV. as to the Context being always essential to correct interpretation: for, the examination of the place where a Scripture is written involves giving this attention to the Context.

Yet it is distinct; for it has a special object in view, instead of a general object.

Let us give a few illustrations.

1.—2 Tim. iii. 16, 17: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

This passage is remarkable for all three of the reasons given above.

It is remarkable for its wondrous revelation of the claim that the Scriptures are the gift of God; and that they are "God-breathed."

It is remarkable also for certain words employed in this revelation of truth:

Especially for the word θεόπνευστος (thropmeustos), God-breathed, which is rendered by the five English words, "given-by-inspiration-of-God."

ALL SCRIPTURE GOD-BREATHED: 2 TIM. III. 16, 17

It is remarkable also for the expression "the man of God," which is the Hebrew idiom for the prophet, as being God's "spokesman" (compare Exod. vii. 1 with iv. 16), and needing, therefore, the God-breathed Scriptures so that he may know what to say for Him for whom he speaks as His spokesman.

It is remarkable also for the word ἄρτης (artios), rendered perfect, but meaning fitted as perfectly as a joint is fitted in its socket.

Also for the word ἐξαρτίζω (exartizō), to fit out, used of fitting out a vessel for sea, which must take everything, on every voyage, which experience has shown may by any possibility be needed.

All this teaches us that only the man of God who thus has the profitable God-breathed Word is thus fitted out, prepared and equipped for every emergency as God's prophet or spokesman.

But our particular question now is not confined to the revelation of truth, however important, or even to the words employed, however interesting, but to the place where we find both.

Why is this passage given to us here in this third chapter of Paul's second Epistle to Timothy?

Why not in one of the other four chapters? Why not in the first Epistle to Timothy? or in some other Epistle?

The answer to these questions leads us to "search" this Epistle, and track out that reason.

In doing this we note, in chapter i. 15, the falling away of some who turned away from the Apostle Paul and his teaching; and we note also the Divine provision for such a trial in his unfeigned faith in God (v. 12), who would never turn away from him.

In chap. ii. 18 we read of those "who concerning THE TRUTH have erred," and note the Divine provision of comfort in the fact that "The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His" (v. 19). Those secured on that foundation will not so "err."

¹ See above, pp. 304, 305.

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VI. PLACE OF A SCRIPTURE ESSENTIAL

In chap. iii. 8 we read of those who "resist THE TRUTH." What is the Divine provision for an emergency like this? We have it introduced in the fourteenth verse: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of": going on and leading up to the verses we are considering as to the profitableness of the God-breathed Word for God's spokesman, fitting him out for this special conflict with those who oppose and withstand the truth.

The fact of this passage occurring here, as the Divine provision for this conflict, speaks to us, if we have ears to hear; and it says:

"When men 'resist the truth,' do not trust in your own wisdom, but in the Scriptures of truth. If they will not believe God, they will not believe you. If God's Word will not conquer them, be sure yours will not. Remember how the Lord Jesus engaged in His conflict by using this Sword of the Spirit: 'It is written.'"

The reason why so many fail in silencing those who "resist the truth" is because they depend on the logic of their argument, or the neatness of their retorts, or the smartness of their replies, or the cleverness of their answers, instead of on the power of the Word of God.

The fact of this passage occurring here speaks to us and says: "Open the book." Close your own mouth, and quote and use the words of God, the Sword of the Spirit, in meeting resistance to His truth.

In ch. iv. 4 we read of those who would "turn away their ears from THE TRUTH, and be turned unto fables," and we note that the Divine provision in such a condition of things is our one and only duty to "Preach the word." Nothing more, nothing less, nothing different. And this, all the more diligently and earnestly, for the reason given, because "the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine," but "will turn away their ears from the truth." At such a time we are not to seek for something which men will endure, but to "Preach the Word."

Thus, in this brief epistle, we have a complete directory for these last "perilous times" in which our lot