One of the reasons Paul left Titus in Crete (cf. 1:5) was to remind those who were “heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (3:7) how to live. A Christian is to submit to authorities, be ready for good works, speak evil of no one, be peaceable, gentle, and humble (cf. 3:1-2). Paul makes …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Titus 3:1-8Pondering Scripture
Having just told Timothy to “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner” (1:8), Paul goes on to encourage him to “hold fast the pattern of sound words” (1:13). It is important to note the “gospel according to the power of God” (1:8), and the “pattern of sound words” …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:13-18When Paul went to Macedonia, he left Timothy with some work to do in Ephesus. Different heresies were threatening the churches in Asia. Timothy was told to “charge” them that they teach no other doctrine. Doctrine is an important facet of the church. By it the church is edified. By it people are saved (cf. …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:3-7God has shown His love for Christians in His scheme of redemption. Before the foundation of the world God chose a special people for salvation (cf. Ephesians 1:4). Contrary to Calvinistic doctrine this predestination is not individual. The text clearly states that man obtains salvation “through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15In the text, Paul gives the Christians in Thessalonica some exhortations for Christian living. He urges and exhorts them to “abound more and more.” This calls for a constant longing for improvement. There is always room for growth. Paul had given them instruction on how to they “ought to walk and to please God.” This …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8In the chapter previous to our text, Paul warns the brethren of being cheated through “philosophy and empty deceit” (2:8), legalism (cf. 2:11-17), “worship of angels” (2:18), and asceticism (cf. 2:21). “These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom” (2:23). However, there is no wisdom there. He begins chapter 3 with the statement, “If then …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4The apostle Paul continues to write of “the brethren in the Lord” who are “bold to speak the word without fear” (v. 14). He makes a distinction between two groups of those considered in verse 14. Both preached Christ. There is no doubt that the preaching considered was truth. Paul would have never condoned false …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Philippians 1:15-18In the given text, Paul gives an analogy between the marriage relationship, and Christ’s relationship with the church. While Paul is speaking concerning “Christ and the church” (v. 32), the principles contained in the analogy are to be taken as divine instruction from God on how a marriage works. The relationship a wife has to …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-24Paul begins his second letter to the church at Corinth with an affirmation of his apostleship. This statement was necessary because of the claim that his writing was inspired (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:10). This is a recurring introduction of Paul’s seen in his other epistles (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 and …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-2The apostle Paul begins this text by referencing the time he came to the Corinthians (Acts 18). He said he was with them in “weakness, in fear, and in much trembling” (v. 3). Paul experienced these emotions while in Corinth because of the reputation the Greeks had for the love of philosophy. When the Jews …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5