After commanding Timothy to “hold fast the pattern of sound words” (1:13), and mentioning those who have failed to do so, Paul continued to encourage Timothy to endure. To do so, he would need strength. Such is found “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” The knowledge of God’s gracious gifts bestowed on man …
Continue reading 2 Timothy 2:1-7Pondering Scripture
The division of the instruction for “men” (males) and “women” (females) shows this text concerns the worship assembly. Their roles within the assembly are not the same. Men are given roles of leadership and authority (v. 8), and women are to be in submission (vv. 11-14). The exhortation to prayer in verse 1 is to …
Continue reading 1 Timothy 2:8-15
Paul began his second epistle to the Thessalonians as usual. He named himself, and those with him – “Silvanus (Roman for Silas), and Timothy.” Both men accompanied Paul throughout parts of his ministry. Timothy was especially dear to Paul (cf. 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2). The epistle is addressed to the assembly “of the …
Continue reading 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 Having just outlined proper conduct which the Thessalonians should be careful to observe, Paul moved to prayers on their behalf. Such conduct is the process of sanctification. As we grow closer to God by gaining a fuller knowledge of Him and His will, and by subsequent participation in His will, we are being further set …
Continue reading 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 This is the last section of the epistle before Paul concludes with his final greetings. It is that which follows the foundation laid by Paul concerning Christ’s preeminence (1:15-23), the negative remarks concerning the Colossian heresy (2:1ff), and the applications concerning the Christian’s duties before the Preeminent One (3:1-4:6). After emphasizing their need to do …
Continue reading Colossians 4:2-6 Having just described his attitude of pressing on to the “goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (v. 14), Paul encouraged the brethren to follow his example. He does not mean he is the standard, but as he wrote to the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate …
Continue reading Philippians 3:17-4:1 At this juncture in his epistle, Paul has reached his points of application. He has written of the spiritual blessings in Christ, the way in which the Ephesians were redeemed, and God’s use of himself in the revelation of the mystery, along with his prayer for the Ephesians’ realization and appropriation of the strength offered …
Continue reading Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia addressed the problem concerning influence of Judaizing teachers. Their doctrine suggested that to be justified, one must observe the Law of Moses. The apostle defended his apostleship in Christ so the Galatians would respect the authority of his message. This section of Galatians serves a two-fold purpose: (1) …
Continue reading Galatians 2:11-16 It is apparent that some of Paul’s opposition were suggesting, or would have suggested he pretentiously recommended himself. To the contrary, Paul said later, “For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends” (10:18). Any commendation of the apostles that Paul brought forth ultimately came from God. Also, it is apparent …
Continue reading 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 This chapter began Paul’s discussion on the resurrection of the dead. This subject is inextricably linked to the resurrection of the Christ. Paul began his reproof of those who “say that there is no resurrection of the dead” in verse 12. Before doing so, however, he set the foundation of his argument that was the …
Continue reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-11