Posts from August 2022
Basic Facts from Titus (Part 2)
Opposition is a reality of the Christian’s life, according to Titus 1:10. In the context of this letter, Paul is describing those among the early Christians who were trying to require Gentile converts to be circumcised and observe Jewish dietary restrictions as part of their conversion to Christ (see vs. 14). In the larger principle, he is acknowledging that – people being people – Christians will always encounter someone who responds to the scriptures will be “yes, but…” (even within…
Basic Facts from Titus (Part 1)
Titus was a Gentile Christian. He had accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem (almost certainly during the events of Acts 15), where he was accepted as a brother by “those of reputation” (the other apostles, and elders of the Jerusalem congregation) despite the fact that he had not been circumcised. Whether he is also the “Titus Justus” of Acts 18:7 is not clear. It IS obvious that he was a close and trusted companion of Paul in some of his…
Basic Facts from 2 Timothy (Part 5)
Paul’s instruction for Timothy to continue in the things he had learned (2 Timothy 3:14) is actually a parallel to Jesus’ own statement to the disciples in John 8:31 – “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” In effect, Paul is telling Timothy that the way to stay completely prepared/equipped for serving God in this world is to “stay where God put the equipment for your task” (vv. 15-17). Christians sometimes make the mistake of trying…
Basic Facts from 2 Timothy (Part 4)
For many Christian, 2 Timothy 2:15 may be the most familiar verse in the entire letter. Paul’s instruction that we “study” (lit. make an effort, try, exert ourselves) is actually a counterpoint to the “efforts” of those who “strive about words to no profit” in verse 14. It also sets the stage for his command in verses 16-18, to “shun” (avoid, keep away from) the behaviors – unholy, empty “chattering” – of those like Hymenaeus and Philetus, whose actions and…