More Mentions

Image via Wikipedia

• 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon: Timothy a co-author with Paul
  
• 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Timothy a co-author with Paul and Silas
  
• 1 & 2 Timothy: Recipient
  
• Hebrews 13:23: Timothy "has been released"
  

Related articles by Zemanta

• Chronological Order Of The Bible (lightening74.wordpress.com)

Paul & Timothy in 1 Corintians 4

Paul informs the Corinthian church that he is sending Timothy to remind them of Paul's "way of life."

Timothy's ministry is still a partnership, based upon teamwork and modeling, but he is now being sent out alone.

Paul is gradually giving Timothy more and more independence and authority.

We Meet Timothy

According to the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary Volume 2: New Testament, we first meet Timothy in Acts 16:1-3, part of Paul's second missionary journey.

It is believed that Timothy first came to faith as a result of Paul's preaching on his first missionary journey, just two years before Paul recruits him.

Outline of 1 Timothy 5

Image via Wikipedia

1. Honor older men and women
   
2. Advice about widows
   
3. Honor elders
   
4. Aside: drink wine
   
5. Good and bad deeds follow us
   

Why Write?

Paul would rather visit Timothy in person, but he may be delayed.

Writing is another way to share truth about the Christian life.

I

Image via Wikipedia

There's the key!

Paul writes "I" in verses 9 and 12.

This is Paul's personal approach, not a universal principal.

Controversial Passage: vv. 9-15

Cover via Amazon

Verses 9-15 are incredibly challenging.

Here are a couple of blog posts related to these verses:

Women in the Church- 1 Timothy 2:8-15, part 3 adopts the complementarian rather than the egalitarian interpretation.



Reading 1 Timothy 2:9-15 in Its Literary Context proposes that "[r]eading 1 Timothy 2:9-15 within its literary context indicates that Paul is not addressing women here simply because they are women," and consequently that it is not necessary to adopt either the complementary or egalitarian position on this passage.

What I find most difficult as I struggle with these verses is that the egalitarian position appears to be much younger than the complementarian position. This point is made repeatedly by the complementarians.

However, this does not make it necessarily the correct interpretation.

For example, the egalitarian position with respect to race is younger than the complementarian position. This has important implications!

Are there any Christians willing to adopt a complementarian position on race? Or is this perspective outdated?

My claim is that it is outdated.

Maximization

In verses 1-8, Paul tells Timothy that he wants to see as many people as possible praying for as many people as possible, because God wants as many people as possible "to be saved."

Related articles by Zemanta

• Pray like (madharasan.blogspot.com)

Fight the Good Fight

Image via Wikipedia

Living the Christian life is not all about functionalism. Sociology's conflict theories have value in helping a Christian interpret the world's events, too.

Paul reminds Timothy to "fight the good fight" against Hymenaeus and Alexander.

I wonder what it means to hand these two men over to Satan?

Related articles by Zemanta

• Being Nice, Love, and Living as a Follower of Jesus (onethingiknow.net)

1 Timothy 1:15-17

Image by Aleeph via Flickr

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (NASB)

Damaged Goods

Image via Wikipedia

In verses 12-14, Paul thanks Jesus for the privilege of service, despite his terrible past.

Ignorance was forgiven.

In what ways am I ignorant?

I don't want to stay there. It is easier to escape once I understand that even Paul's ignorance was covered over by grace.

What Not to Teach

Image via Wikipedia

In verses 3-4, Paul emphasizes Timothy's charge to emphasize what shouldn't be taught.

This is surprising. I'd have expected Paul to lead with a statement of what Timothy should be teaching.

There is great value in restraining wrong thinking. At times, it can be more urgent than implementing right thinking.

So You Want To Be a Pastor?

Image by JL Outdoor Photography via Flickr

This epistle is written as a primer and encouragement to Timothy, a young pastor and friend to Paul.

Here's a brief outline:

1. Be careful of false teachings
   
2. I, Paul, am a positive model
   
3. Pray lots
   
4. Paul's thoughts on women
   
5. Elders and deacons
   
6. Living like a pastor
   
7. Caring for widows
   
8. Concluding advice
   

Related articles by Zemanta

• Obedience to the Journey - Part I (frpelletier.blogspot.com)

Deeper Resurrection Reflection

Sin entered the world via one person, Adam.

Forgiveness entered the world via one person, Jesus.

Even More 1 Corinthians 15

1. Last of all, Jesus appeared to Paul
   
2. Despite his persecution of the church
   
3. He worked hard teaching the good news
   
4. Through the power of Christ
   
5. If there is no resurrection, then Paul's teaching is useless
   
6. v. 19: Sums up Christianity's Achilles' heel
   
7. If Christ's body is found, then the Bible's message is proven false

More 1 Corinthians 15

1. Peter saw Jesus after his resurrection
   
2. Then the apostles
   
3. Then over 500 other witnesses
   
4. Most of these eyewitnesses were still alive when 1 Corinthians was written
   
5. Then James
   
6. Then "all the apostles"
   
7. How are "all the apostles" different than the previous categories of eyewitnesses, esp. #14 & 15?

#1-12

1. Paul reminds his Corinthian readers of the gospel again
   
2. He warns that their belief is "in vain" if they don't hold onto the message
   
3. This means that belief can be in vain
   
4. Belief does not always produce useful results
   
5. Belief can be misguided
   
6. Belief can be mistaken
   
7. Belief can get messed up
   
8. Belief itself is not what makes people right with God
   
9. Therefore, belief is not our ultimate goal
   
10. Paul then lists the most important elements of the gospel
    
11. Christ died for our sins
    
12. The Old Testament prophesied and foreshadowed this event

By the Will of God

Paul uses the phrase "by the will of God" in several places:

Colossians 1:1
1 Corinthians 1:1
2 Timothy 1:1
Romans 1:10
Acts 18:21
Romans 15:32

Do I approach life with this humble attitude, one which acknowledges that God is in control?

Focused Living

We learn in verses 25-29 that Paul was specifically drafted by God to serve the Gentiles in Colossae and around the region.

Who has God specifically called me to serve?

When I answer this question, I will struggle less with time management and scattered energy.

Colossae

I was surprised to learn that Colossae is not currently inhabited. Additionally, the site has not been examined by archaeologists.

I wonder what makes this ancient city less interesting to archaeologists than other locations?