Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1 thru Hebrews 5

[bejay]

Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 1 thru Hebrews 5

The Letter to the Thessalonians

This letter is the earliest of the letters that Paul wrote. It was probably composed around 50 CE. Acts 17:1-10 gives the account of his arrival in Thessalonica and the results of his preaching there. The Jews who lived there instigated riots against the Christians to cause the city officials to outlaw them. Because of this trouble, the brothers urged Paul and his companions to leave the city. Later Timothy brought Paul a report concerning these Christians and he wrote this letter to 1) encourage them to stand firm in the face of the persecution, 2) to defend his position as a divinely appointed messenger, and 3) to clear up doctrinal matters that they were confused about.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 1

Paul sends greetings to the brothers from himself, Silvanus and Timothy and told them that he always gives thanks to God for them in his prayers remembering their faithful work, their labors and their endurance because of the hope they have in the Lord Jesus Christ and God. The good news that was preached to them was not just words but was backed up with holy spirit, power and strong conviction. Paul reminds them that after observing his conduct among them, they became imitators of him and of Jesus as they had accepted the word under much tribulation and with much joy that they became an example to all the believers in the region.

They have also been diligent in sounding forth the word of Jehovah so that their faith has become widely known. Paul says that others that he meets constantly speak of their conversion, how they turned from idol worship to slave for the living and true God and how they look forward to the coming of Jesus from heaven to deliver them from the coming wrath. The Thessalonians were located in an area where they could spread the good news to a large area. The NIV Bible Commentary, Volume II, page 849 tells us this: “Part of the Thessalonians’ outreach stemmed from their location on the Egnatian Way and the Thermaic Gulf with access by sea to the whole Mediterranean world.”

1 Thessalonians Chapter 2

Paul’s appeal in this chapter seems to be aimed towards those who were making false accusations against him. These brothers are aware of how Paul and his companions had been badly treated in Philippi but with Jehovah’s help, they got up the courage to bring the good news to them and they had done so with pure motives and with conduct that had been above board. They were not trying to please men but God who had entrusted them with this message and who knew their hearts. They had never used flattering speech to hide any greedy motives towards them nor were they seeking anything from them. They had not become an expensive burden on them as they could have done as apostles of Christ but were as gentle towards them as a mother who is nursing her child. He had been pleased to impart the good news as well as their own soul to them because they had become very dear to him.

Paul reminds them that he had worked at his trade to provide for himself so that he would not be a burden on them and they were aware of how he had lived among them in a manner that would not bring any criticism upon himself . He had exhorted each of them, comforting them encouraging them to live their lives in a manner that was worthy of their being called by God to share in His kingdom. He is grateful to God that they had accepted the word as being from God and not from men. They followed the example set by the congregations in Judea by enduring the persecution brought upon them by their own countrymen just as the congregations had done at the hands of the Jews who were guilty of putting Jesus and the prophets to death. These Jews were also guilty of trying to stop him from speaking to the Gentiles so that by this they were continually adding to their sins and this is why God’s wrath had come upon them.

Paul had been anxious to see these brothers in person but twice Satan had somehow prevented this from happening. Paul considered these Christians to be his hope, his joy and the crown that he would be proudest of before the Lord Jesus at his presence.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 3

Paul was sending Timothy to them to strengthen and encourage them in their faith so that they will be able to endure the persecution that they are faced with but he would remain in Athens. (Acts 17: 16-34) He had warned them to expect this persecution but he was anxious to know how they were faring as to whether Satan had been successful in ruining the work that he had accomplished in them. He writes that he has just heard about their faithfulness and love as Timothy had just returned to relay this good news. He is also pleased to know that they miss seeing him as much as he does them. This good news has cheered him greatly and it was like life itself to him to know that they are still standing firm. He continues to pray fervently that he might get to see them in person so that he can complete whatever may be lacking in their faith. He will petition God along with Jesus that they will clear the way for his visit to them. He also prays that God will cause them to abound in love towards one another and to all and to make their hearts firm and blameless before Him at the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 4

Paul now appeals to these Christians to continue making progress as they have been instructed to do and as they are currently doing in living their lives in a manner that would be pleasing to God. It was God’s will for them when He sanctified them that they would abstain from fornication with each knowing how to control his own body in holiness and honor. They should keep in mind what effect ignoring this command will have upon their spiritual brothers and that Jehovah will exact punishment from those who offend in this matter. Their calling was for them to be holy, to reject their previous mode of life and so whoever makes light of this matter is reproaching God, not men, who has put His holy spirit upon them.

They did not really need any reminders from him about loving their brothers as God was teaching them how to do this. They are already showing that they are putting this into practice by how they treat those in Macedonia but Paul believes that there is still much room for improvement. They will want to keep their attention focused on their own personal business, working to provide their own needs. In this way they will give no cause for those on the outside to reproach them.

They are also to keep in mind that they are a people who have hope in reference to the ones who have already died. They do not need to grieve over these ones as they have assurances that these ones will be resurrected. Their best example is Jesus whom they know was raised to life by Jehovah and all those who are in union with him will also likewise be raised to life with him. He now discusses what may be a new idea to them that of what happens to those who are alive at Christ’s presence. These ones will not have the advantage over those who have already died as these ones will rise first when Jesus himself descends from heaven with the voice of an archangel and with God’s trumpet. Afterwards those who are alive will experience an instantaneous death and resurrection to heavenly life. They should continue comforting each other with this information.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 5

Paul tells them that he does not need to write to them about times and seasons as they are already aware that the day of the Lord would come quietly and with no fanfare. A thief does not give any warning that he is going to break into your house, so they would have no warning that this day was near. He does mentions that someone will make an announcement that ‘Peace and security,’ had been achieved but that this peace would mean sudden destruction would come instantly upon those who say this. This reference may not be applicable to them directly but may have more meaning for those of us who are alive today.

However he does say that these Christians are not in darkness so that this day will catch them unawares. They are sons of light, sons of day and as such they should stay awake, keep their senses and be sure to have on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of salvation. God did not choose them so that they would be condemned but that they should acquire salvation through Jesus Christ. They should continue to comfort one another and keep on building each other up.

They should show extraordinary respect and love to those who are working hard among them, presiding over them and admonishing them. They are to live in peace with one another and to warn those who are unruly, encourage those who are timid and be patient with all. They should be joyful always, never stop praying, always give thanks for everything as this is God’s will for them in connection with Christ Jesus. Prophesying was not to be discounted as having no value for them and they were to stay away from every form of wickedness.

The Second Letter to the Thessalonians

The exact date of this letter is not known but many scholars believe that it was written less than a year after his first letter to them. Paul had to write them a second time for several reasons. They were still being plagued by persecution causing much despair among them. Some among them had convinced them that because of the intense persecution, Christ’s presence was imminent. Many who accepted this belief had left their secular employment and this was causing those on the outside to speak disparagingly about the Christians.

2 Thessalonians Chapter 1

Paul writes that he always gives thanks to God because their faith continues to grow as does their love for each other and he takes pride in them because their enduring the persecution and tribulation that they are suffering. The fact that they are bearing up under these problems is proof of God’s righteous judgment and this will lead to their being found worthy of the kingdom of God. They will get relief when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven, who, with his powerful angels, will bring vengeance upon those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the good news about Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal ruin being cut off from his presence when he comes to be glorified in connection with the holy ones and those who exercised faith in him. Paul prays that God will make them worthy of His calling and will fulfill every good purpose of theirs and every act prompted by their faith to the end that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified in them and they in union with him according to the undeserved kindness of God.

2 Thessalonians Chapter 2

Paul now writes them concerning the day of the Lord, whether it was imminent or not. He told them not to be alarmed by some inspired expression, verbal message or even a letter that was supposed to have come from him that said that this day was already here. He assures them that the Lord’s day would not come until the apostasy or defection from truth comes and the man of lawlessness has been revealed. The man of lawlessness will lift himself up above everything that is revered and will sit down in the temple of The True God showing himself to be a god. Paul reminds them that he had discussed this with them the last time that he saw them.

This man of lawlessness would be revealed when the restraint that was holding him back is removed. After he has been revealed, then the Lord Jesus would do away with him by the spirit of his mouth and the manifestation of his presence. The one’s presence is in harmony with the operation of Satan who will use powerful works, lying signs and portents to deceive those who are perishing. This will be their retribution because they did not accept the love of truth, which could have saved them. God will send an operation of error to them so that they will believe the lie and hence be judged because the truth did not appeal to them but they took pleasure in unrighteousness.

For a discussion on the modern-day application of the man of lawlessness and the apostasy that Paul discusses, see the article entitled “Exactly When Did Jehovah’s Witnesses Fall into Apostasy?” at the link given below.

http://www.livingwatersforum.com/forum/ ... c.php?t=42

Paul felt an obligation to thank God for these Christians that He had selected for salvation by sanctifying them with spirit and with faith in the truth. He encourages them to stand firm and hold onto what they had been taught by him so that Jehovah and Jesus would give them comfort and make them firm in every good thing that they said or did.

2 Thessalonians Chapter 3

Paul urged them to pray for him and others that the word of Jehovah would continue spreading and that they would be delivered from wicked men, men without faith because every one does not have faith. But Jehovah is faithful and He will protect them from the wicked one and will guide their hearts into a deeper understanding of His love and the patient sufferings of the Christ.

Paul orders them to withdraw from any brother who is walking disorderly and not according to the tradition he taught them. He had set the proper example for them so he could rightly encourage them to imitate him. He had not been idle nor had he eaten anyone’s food without paying for it but he had labored night and day so that he would be a burden on any of them in order to set the proper example for them. He had even told them that if a person did not want to work, then neither should he eat. He had heard that there were those among them who were refusing to work and were spending their time meddling in matters that did not concern them. His advice is that they should tell this person to find a job so that he can feed himself on the wages that he earns.

The brothers are not to give up in doing what is right and if someone is not obedient to his instruction in this letter, they are to mark him and stop associating with him so that he may become ashamed. But they are not to treat him as an enemy but are to admonish him as a brother. Paul closes with the desire that the Lord of peace will give them peace and would be with all of them.

The First Letter to Timothy

There is some uncertainty as to when this letter was written many scholars favoring the time after Paul’s first imprisonment between 62 and 66 CE. In this letter to Timothy, who Paul had sent to Ephesus, he encourages him to make sure that the congregation maintained the sound doctrine and discipline that they had been originally taught. He deals with various problems that the congregation was experiencing and he gives Timothy advice on how handle them.

1 Timothy Chapter 1

Paul encourages Timothy to remain longer in Ephesus as there are those in the congregation who are teaching doctrines that are not a part of the good news. They are paying attention to Jewish myths and genealogies, which only promote controversies, but do not contribute anything to Christian living that is a result of faith in God. Paul’s aim in these instructions is that the brothers will show love that comes from a pure heart, a clean conscience and sincere faith. Some have been turned aside from truth and spend their time pursuing things having to do with the Law and want to be teachers of the Law of which they were really ignorant. The Law is fine if handled with the knowledge that its purpose is to police the ones who practices all sorts of lawless acts but it is not for the righteousness man.

Paul is grateful the Christ found him worthy to be entrusted with this great ministry in spite of his former acts committed against his followers. He was shown mercy because he had acted out of ignorance and a lack of faith. Full reliance can be placed upon this fact that Christ came into the world to save sinners as Paul admits himself to be. He had been shown mercy so that by means of him Christ might demonstrated his unlimited patience as an example to all that would put their faith in him for everlasting life. These instructions Paul is entrusting to Timothy so that he can continue to carry on the fight of the good soldier holding on to faith and a good conscience, always keeping in mind the prophesies made concerning him. Those who have not acted in this manner have completely lost their faith. Paul mentions two such persons, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who Paul says he handed over to Satan to be disciplined by being disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation.

1 Timothy Chapter 2

Paul now gives instructions to Timothy dictating how worship should be carried on in the congregation. He emphasizes that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and offerings of thanks should be foremost. These should be made concerning all sorts of men such as kings and those in authority so that they would not interfere with the Christians as they carry out their God-given assignments. It is the will of God, who is the true savior, that all sorts of men should learn accurate knowledge and gain salvation. There is only one true God and one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus, who gave his life as a ransom to free men from slavery to sin. Paul says that he has been appointed as a preacher and apostle to the nations to carry this message to them.

Therefore Paul wants the men in the congregation to carry on prayer with uplifted hands, with no resentment or doubts in their minds. The NIV Bible Commentary, page 897, says this of verse 8: “Lifting up one’s hands in prayer is often mentioned in the OT (e.g., 1 Ki 8:22; Pss.141:2; 143:6;). It is a natural gesture, indicating earnest desire. The word ‘holy’ here means devout, pious, and pleasing to God. Linked to lifting up holy hands is the idea of moral purity.”

He wants the women in the congregation to be neatly dressed, modestly and with seriousness of mind not with elaborate hair styles, lots of jewelry or expensive clothes that would only draw attention to themselves. They should adorn themselves in a way that befits women who reverence God, that is, with good works. They are to learn in silence in the congregation being submissive to the regulations of the congregations. She is not to teach or exercise authority over a man. (1 Corinthians 14:33-35)

Since Adam was formed first then Eve indicates to Paul Adam’s headship over Eve. He also points out that Eve was deceived by Satan into sinning which to him may have meant that the woman could not be trusted to be a teacher over men. The next verse, 15, may have been a reflection on Genesis 3:16 where Jehovah told Eve that she would experience great pain during childbirth. Paul states that the Christian woman would be kept safe through childbearing provided she and her husband maintain their life in faith, love, holiness and modesty.

Since we in the YOR know that we are under a new covenant, the Scapegoat Covenant, we’ve learned that women will be treated differently in the congregation than they were under the Christian Covenant. For a discussion of this new concept, see the article entitled “Should Women Be Given Authority in the YORWW Congregation” at the link given below:

http://crossingeuphrates.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44

1 Timothy Chapter 3

Paul now tells Timothy the qualification that he should look for in a man who was reaching for the office of overseer or elder, and that of ministerial servant. There are some sixteen qualifications given that Timothy would have to consider before he could appoint a man to the position of elder and only eight qualifications for the man seeking the office of ministerial servant. The fact that verse 11 includes qualifications for women may indicate that they may have been appointed to the position of ministerial servant although most scholars doubt this because of the prevailing view of the woman’s place in the congregation. Alternatively, this verse could be showing that the wives of these men should also themselves have certain qualifications so that she will have the respect of the congregation also.

Paul is expecting to visit Timothy and this congregation soon but in case there is some delay, he is writing this information so that Timothy would know how all should conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the congregation of the living God, a pillar and foundation of the truth.

1 Timothy Chapter 4

Paul now warns Timothy that in later times that some will abandon the faith, and will give their attention to teaching inspired by the demons. These men are hypocritical liars whose consciences are dead so they have no scruples about teaching lies even though they have been taught the truth. They will pervert truth by forbidding to marry and commanding that people abstain from eating certain food. A footnote in the Jerusalem Bible for verse 3 says this: “the rejection of marriage was to be one of the hallmarks of Gnosticism.” The prohibition to abstain from eating certain foods stems from the Law Covenant and Paul tells Timothy that those who know the truth are aware that any food can be eaten as long as it is received with thanksgiving because it is sanctified through God’s word and prayer over it. Also they all know that Jesus declared all food clean. (Mark 7:18, 19)

Timothy would prove himself a faithful minister of Christ Jesus if he keeps all of these things before the brothers proving that he has been trained with the words of faith and the truth that he has followed closely. He is not to pay attention to godless myths and old wives tales but continue training himself with godly devotion as his aim as it holds the promise of life now and that which is to come. Paul says that he is striving to this end as he has rested his hope on a living God who saves all sorts of men.

Timothy is to continue applying himself to teaching and exhorting the brothers and he should conduct himself in a way that no one will think that he is too young to have the responsibility that he has. He should be an example in speaking, conduct, love, faith and chasteness. Timothy obviously had some special gift that Jehovah had imparted to him through holy spirit and Paul urges him not to neglect it but he does not specify what it is. Timothy is to give special consideration to Paul’s instructions always being absorbed in them so that others would recognize his spiritual growth. He is keep close watch on himself and what he teaches so that he will save both himself and those who listen to him.

1 Timothy Chapter 5

Timothy is now given instructions on how to treat each member of the congregation. He is not to speak harshly to an older man, but to entreat him as he would his own father, older women he would treat as he would his own mother, younger women he would treat as his sisters with absolute purity. Widows who are alone without any means of support should be compensated. But if a widow has children or grandchildren it is their primary responsibility to care for their own family member thus indicating that they are practicing godly devotion in their own households.

The widow who is to be put on the list for help should be at least sixty years old, has had only one husband and has a good reputation in the community. They would need to know if she has raised children, entertained strangers, washed the feet of the holy ones, helped those in trouble and has conscientiously done all that she can. Younger widows are not to be put on the list because they will be desirous of marrying when their natural desires grow stronger than their love for the Christ. They also have opportunity to become unoccupied spending much time in other people’s houses gossiping and meddling in these one’s affairs. Therefore Paul believes that they should marry and raise a family so that those on the outside will have no reason to speak disparagingly against the faith.

Those who preside over the congregation in a fine way are to be given double honor, that is, they are to be given financial remuneration. To prove this Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 25:4 and Leviticus 19:13. In his first letter to the Corinthians, (9:9, 10) Paul also explained that Jehovah was not writing about animals but really had reference to those who would take the lead in the congregation. An accusation against an elder was not to be considered except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. If a charge of sin can be proved against an elder, he should be publicly reprimanded so that others will be warned. Timothy is not to be hasty in making appointments of elders so that he will not become a sharer in his sins if the man is not qualified. The reason Paul makes this statement is because the sins of some may take time to become manifest while others are obvious and bring judgment early. The good deeds of those with the proper qualifications are publicly manifested and those that are not known immediately will eventually become known.

1 Timothy Chapter 6

The NIV Bible Commentary, page 905, says that “about half the population of the Roman Empire in the first century was composed of slaves.” That is why there is much admonition in the writings of Paul concerning how slaves and their owners who became Christians should conduct themselves. Paul writes that the Christian slave should treat their owners with respect so that no reproach would come upon God’s name or the good news. If their owners are also Christian, then they should be even more ready to serve them because the one who receives the benefit of their good service is a spiritual brother.

Timothy should continue teaching healthful words, those of Jesus Christ, that accord with godly devotion and if there are any who teach any other doctrine they are showing themselves to be conceited, having no understanding. They constantly debate over words and they question everything. These things only lead to jealousy, quarrelling, insults and abusive speech by those who are neither rational nor informed and who hope to gain some profit from the congregations. It is true that godly devotion is a means of great gain if it is accompanied by contentment. If the Christian has the basics, food, clothing, and shelter, then he should be content. Some who set their hearts on getting rich leave themselves open to all sort of temptations and desires that could literally bring them to ruin. The love of money will lead a person to engage in all sorts of evil activity and those Christians who succumb to this love will lose their faith and will bring untold hurt to themselves.

Paul advises Timothy to pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faithfulness, love, endurance and mildness of temper. He should fight the battle of the faith, hold firm to everlasting life for which he was called and for which he had boldly given a fine witness before others. He should be blameless and above reproach in the way he observes the teachings he has been given until the manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ whom Jehovah would reveal at His own time.

He should tell those who have an abundance of material possession not to place their hope on these uncertain riches but on God who generously gives all things for their enjoyment. They should strive to be rich in good works, to be liberal and ready to share thereby building a fine foundation for the future in order to get a firm hold on the real life. Timothy is admonished to turn away from contradictory teachings that violate what is holy and is falsely called knowledge and those who adopt such teachings have been drawn away from the true faith.

The Second Letter to Timothy

Paul wrote this letter from Rome during his second imprisonment around 66 or 67 CE where he was waiting to be sentenced to death. (See 2 Timothy 4:16) He was writing to Timothy to encourage him to remain faithful to the teachings that he knows to be true and to be courageous in the face of difficult times ahead. This is the last known letter that Paul wrote.

2 Timothy Chapter 1

Paul writes that he continues to remember Timothy in his prayers and he longs to see him so that he will have some joy. He remembers Timothy’s genuine faith that both his mother and grandmother possessed so he is reminding him to keep the gift alive that he received when Paul laid his hands on him. God gave them a spirit of power, love and soundness of mind, not one of timidity or cowardice so he should not be ashamed of the good news nor that Paul is a prisoner because of it and should take his part in suffering for it. God called them to a life of holiness not because of their works but for His own purpose. This He had purposed to do in connection with Christ Jesus a long time ago and has just now made it evident through his appearing in the flesh when he brought an end to death and shed light on eternal life through the good news that he, Paul, has been appointed an apostle and teacher.

This is why he is now suffering but is not ashamed that he is undergoing this. He has all confidence in the One that he came to believe in, that God is able to keep safe all that He entrusted Paul with. So Timothy is to keep close the pattern of healthful words that Paul imparted to him with faith and love in connection with Jesus Christ. Paul tells Timothy that all those in the district of Asia had deserted him except the household of Onesiphorus who were not ashamed of his prison bonds and had often refreshed him. He prayed that Jehovah would be merciful to him and his household on the day of accounting.

2 Timothy Chapter 2

Timothy should take strength in the undeserved kindness of God in connection with Christ Jesus and be willing to impart to others the things that he had been taught so that they too would be qualified to teach. Paul compares Timothy’s responsibilities to those of a soldier that would not involve himself in the business life during his time of service so that he might please the one who enrolled him as a soldier. An athlete has to compete according to the rules of the game if he is to gain a crown of victory. Timothy would, likewise, as a soldier of Christ, keep to his Christian ministry that would include suffering and endurance. If Timothy meditates on Paul’s words, the Lord Jesus will help him to understand what he should do.

Timothy is to keep reminding the brothers not to fight over words as it produces nothing and ruins the faith of those who listen. He should concentrate on gaining God’s approval by striving to correctly handle the word of truth. Stay away from talk that has no scriptural basis because this will lead the Christian away from the truth as has already happened to those who promulgate these teachings. These men were teaching that the resurrection has already occurred and were subverting the faith of some. But the truth has a solid foundation inscribed with the seal that Jehovah knows those who belong to Him and that everyone calling on Jehovah will renounce unrighteousness. In every large household there are many vessels, some are used for honorable purposes and others for purposes that lack honor. This is true in the congregation and those who avoid the vessels that lack honor, that is, those who teach false doctrines, will themselves become vessels that can be used for an honorable purpose, being sanctified and prepared for every good work.

Even though he is young, Timothy is to avoid those impulses that are natural to youth but is to pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace in company with those who are serving Jehovah in purity. Again Paul reminds him to resist foolish and ignorant questionings as they only produce fights. Servants of God do not need to fight but must be kind to all, restraining himself when under pressure. He needs to be able to instruct with mildness those who oppose because Jehovah may give them repentance and they will be able to learn accurately the truth and regain their proper senses and so be rescued from the snare of Satan.

2 Timothy Chapter 3

Paul gives Timothy a description of how some in the congregations will behave during the last days. These days will be critical because people will become more selfish and self-centered, greedy for money, proud, slanderous, ungrateful, disloyal, irreverent, unforgiving, without self-control, treacherous, rash and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They would put on a façade of godly devotion but yet not give any evidence of it in their lives. He was to avoid such ones.

From their number would be men who would deceive weak-willed woman who are overwhelmed with sin and who are never able to accurately learn the truth. Paul compares their resistance to truth two of Pharaoh’s magic practicing priest who resisted Moses. Their minds are corrupted and they are disapproved as regards the faith. But Timothy had faithfully followed Paul’s teachings, his course of life and all of the sufferings that he has endured. He is to continue in the things he has learned and knows to be true. He has been familiar with the holy writings from childhood and knows that they will prepare him for salvation because they are inspired of God and are beneficial for teaching, for setting things straight, and for disciplining in righteousness, preparing him to be fully equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy Chapter 4

Timothy is urged by Paul to preach the word urgently in favorable or troublesome season, refute falsehood, correct errors and exhort with all patience and long-suffering. This attitude will be needed by Timothy because the time is coming when many will no longer want to hear truth but will prefer to listen to teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. But he is to keep his senses in all things, suffer evil and fully accomplish his ministry. Paul knows that he is going to be put to death and he also that he has run the course to the finish. He believes that he has pleased Jehovah and will receive the crown of righteousness that is reserved for him when Jesus is manifested.

He urges Timothy to visit him as soon as he can because everyone had gone to other places and Luke was the only one left with him. He wants him to bring John Mark with him and also to bring a cloak and some scrolls when he comes. He mentions that Alexander the coppersmith has done him many injuries and Jehovah will deal with him in accordance with his deeds. Although no one stood by him during his first trial he does not want Jehovah to charge them with this offense. But he was not completely alone as the Lord Jesus infused him with power so that he was delivered as though from the lion’s mouth. After sending greeting to certain ones, he asks Timothy to try to get to him before the winter sets in.

The Letter to Titus

This letter to Titus was probably written at the same time as the first letter to Timothy was, around 63 CE, after his release from his first imprisonment. Titus was a Gentile and had been converted by Paul (Titus 1:4) and had been a traveling companion of Paul on his missionary tours. They both had gone to Crete together but Paul could not remain there long so he left Titus to finish organizing these congregations. He wrote this letter to encourage Titus and to give him instructions on how to strengthen the congregations in Crete. He also knew that the brothers, especially those who were Jews, would not accept him because he was not circumcised. (Titus 1:10) He wanted them to know that Titus was there as his representative and this letter would be proof to them that Paul had given him the authority to work among them.

Titus Chapter 1

Paul opens his letter by saying that he had been sent as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus to strengthen the faith of God’s chosen people through their accurately knowing the truth that leads to a godly life and the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised in times past. God, at the most appropriate time, made His purposes known through the preaching of the good news that He entrusted to Paul. The NIV Bible Commentary, page 922, says this concerning the time period when the good news was preached: “The historical appropriateness of the time is evident from the existence of the Roman peace that gave a favorable setting for the preaching of the Gospel and the development of Greek as the linguistic medium of its proclamation throughout the entire world.”

Paul wrote that he had left Titus in Crete to correct matters that needed attention and to organize the congregations by appointing elders. These elders needed to meet certain qualifications before being appointed and these are set forth in verses 6 through 9. They are basically the same qualifications that are given in 1 Timothy chapter 3. Titus also needed to stop false teachers from making inroads in the congregation. Among this group were Jews who were teaching that Christians needed to adhere to the Law especially that of being circumcised. Paul describes these ones as rebellious men who speak worthless words that deceive others. They must now be silenced as they will subvert entire households for the sake of dishonest gain. Paul quotes the words of Epimenides, a Cretan poet, who said: “Cretans are always liars, evil and beastly, lazy gluttons.”

The NIV Bible Commentary, page 925, says of this assessment of Cretans: “This man (Epimenides) had intimate knowledge of his own people and was esteemed by them as a ‘prophet.’ Paul was willing to accept this evaluation in order to underline the authority of his own judgment. The quotation establishes the picture without exposing Paul to the charge of being anti-Cretan. It put the Cretans on the horns of a dilemma. They must either admit the truthfulness of his verdict concerning them or deny the charge and brand their own prophet a liar.”

Paul verifies that what their poet said about them was true, though he does not say how he knows but he tells Titus that he needs to keep reprimanding them with severity so that they may be spiritually sound in the faith. They need to learn not to pay attention to Jewish fables and commandments issued by men that leave the truth. Everything is clean to those whose minds are clean but to those that are corrupt and have no faith, nothing is clean as their minds and consciences are defiled. They make a public declaration of knowing God but they produce no good works of any sort.

Titus Chapter 2

Titus is instructed to continue speaking things that befit sound teachings. The older men should be clear-headed, serious, self-controlled, sound in faith, love and endurance. Older women should be reverent in their conduct, not slanderous or addicted to wine, and they must be teachers of what is good that they may train the younger women to do what is right and good. Younger women are to love their husbands and their children, to be sensible and chaste, busy at home and to subject themselves to their husbands so that the word of God may not be spoken of abusively.

The only counsel mentioned here for young men is that they must learn to exercise self control as they seem naturally prone to being impetuous and always show a lack of self-restraint in their conduct. Titus, being a young man, can have a direct influence upon them by the way that he conducts himself so he is to set a good example. His teachings must reflect his seriousness and his speech must be wholesome such that no opposer will have any reason to revile him. Christians that are slaves are counseled to always be in subjection to their owners, not talking back to them or stealing from them, but are to be entirely trustworthy in all things so that they will be a credit to the teachings of God the Savior.

God’s undeserved kindness had been made manifest and it teaches Christians to turn away from unrighteousness and to live their lives with soundness of mind, uprightness and godly devotion in the present system as they wait for the blessing that will come with the glorious manifestation of the great God and of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds Timothy that he has full authority to encourage the brothers and to rebuke those who need it and he is not to let anyone look down on him.

Titus Chapter 3

Titus is to remind the brothers that they are to be in subjection to the governmental authorities, obeying them and being ready to perform whatever good service they can. They are not to speak evil of anyone nor be belligerent but they are to show mildness to all. They should keep in mind that they were once in the same predicament as these ones until God showed them love, saving them by His mercy, cleansing them and pouring out holy spirit upon them through Jesus Christ. He declared them righteous by means of His undeserved kindness, thus making them heirs of eternal life and none of this was due to any righteousness on their part. These statements are faithful and Paul wants Titus to speak of them with absolute certainty to the brothers so that they will keep their minds on doing what is good.

He reminds Titus to stay clear of foolish speculations, genealogies, controversies and quarrels over the Law because they produce no spiritual benefits and lead to nothing constructive. If a man causes divisiveness because he insists on voicing his personal opinion with no scriptural backing for it, then Titus is to admonish him once or even twice to try to readjust him. If this person still refuses to listen to him, then he should have nothing to do with him because he is sinning in his refusal to accept necessary discipline.

In closing this letter, Paul tells Titus that he is sending someone to replace him in Crete and he is to meet Paul at Nicopolis where he plans to spend the winter. Titus is to make sure that the two men who brought this letter to him have what they need for their return journey. He is to give the brothers the opportunity to share in helping these men so that they will learn to do good deeds so as not to be unfruitful.

The Letter to Philemon

Philemon was a wealthy slave owner who lived in Asia Minor, possibly Colosse, where he was a leading member of the congregation. His slave, Onesimus, had run away from him and had become a Christian and had became known to Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome the first time. The letter was written to bring about reconciliation between the two and Paul hoped that there would be no reprisals for Onesimus as they both were now Christians. Paul sent this letter to Philemon by Onesimus when he sent him back. The suggested date for this letter is around 62 CE.

Philemon 1

Paul directs this letter to Philemon, Apphia and to Archippus and to the congregation that was in their house. It is believed that Apphia was his wife and Archippus was a leader in the congregation. Paul tells them that he always mentions them in his prayers as he continues to hear good things about their progress in faith and love for Jesus Christ and all the holy ones. Their love had given Paul comfort and has cheered the hearts of the holy ones.

Paul now gets to the point of his writing. He does not want to order Philemon to do this but is encouraging him on the basis of the love that he accept Onesimus back into his household. He tells him that Onesimus had become a child to him in the faith while he is in prison and is now a valuable asset to him as well as he would be to Philemon. Paul would like to be able to keep Onesimus with him as he is a great help to him but he would not do so without Philemon’s permission. But he goes on to say that Onesimus may have left his owner for a while so that when he returned he would be more than a slave to him, but a beloved brother. Some think that Paul is here advocating that Philemon give Onesimus his freedom.

If Philemon counts Paul as a sharer in Christ along with himself, then he would accept Onesimus back in a kindly way and Paul agrees to repay anything that Onesimus might owe him. It cannot be stated for certain that Onesimus stole from his master and Paul may have reference to the fact that Philemon suffered a loss simply because Onesimus, having run away, had deprived his master of income he would have gained from his work. Paul is sure that Philemon will do what he asks of him and will do even more so that Paul will be free from anxiety over Onesimus. He then asks Philemon to prepare a place for him to stay as he is sure that he will be released soon because of all of their prayers. He closes his letter by sending greeting from those with him and requests that the undeserved kindness of Jesus be with their spirit.

The Book of Hebrews

It is generally accepted that Paul did write this Bible book although many scholars do not think so. Most however, agree that it was written to Jewish Christians and not to Gentile Christians. This Bible book draws heavily on the Hebrew Scriptures, especially the first five books and the Psalms, of which twenty-three of the twenty-nine direct quotes are taken. The author uses the Septuagint exclusively in his quotations. The main thrust of this Bible book was to show the Jews that the promises and prophesies of the Law were fulfilled in Jesus Christ and that through his high priesthood Jehovah would bring better things. They must persevere in the faith that is through Jesus and not return to the elementary things.

Hebrews Chapter 1

God spoke in times past through his prophets but has now spoken by means of a son and He has appointed him heir of all things. It was through this son that the universe was created. He is the reflection of God’s glory and is exactly like Him. After he made purification for their sins, he was given the highest place of honor and has inherited a name that is more excellent than that of any other angel. The writer quotes Psalms 2:7 and 1 Samuel 7:14 and applies these to Jesus to show the superior relationship between Jesus and God which none of the angels have. The author quotes Deuteronomy 32:43 from the Septuagint where the angels of God will bow down or prostrate themselves before the firstborn.

The scriptures speak of the angels as being lower that Jesus as in Psalms 104:4. This verse speaks of the angels as being wind or fire and Psalms 45:6, 7 says of the son that because he loved righteousness and hated lawlessness, God has anointed him with the oil of gladness beyond his companions. He then quotes Psalms 102:25, 26 and 110:1 as he continues to show the superiority of Jesus over the angels. The angels then are spirits in God’s service and are sent to minister to those who are going to inherit eternal life.

Hebrews Chapter 2

These Christians needed to pay very careful attention to what they were been taught so that they will not drift away. If those under the Law, which was brought by angels, were punished for every transgression they committed, then Christians would not escape punishment if they neglected the salvation that was first spoken by Jesus. God joined in by bearing witness with signs, portents, powerful works and by freely giving holy spirit.

God has subjected the entire earth to Jesus as he says at Psalms 8:4-6, in part, ‘that He had appointed him over all the works of his hands.’ Although all things have been subjected under Jesus’ feet, leaving out nothing, this is not apparent at the present time, but they are aware that though he was made lower than the angels he is now crowned with glory and splendor. He suffered death so the he might taste death for every man by means of God’s undeserved kindness. It is fitting that the one that God made the chief agent of life in charge of the salvation of many should have been made perfect through sufferings so that the one who sanctifies and those being sanctified share a common father, God. Therefore the scriptures say that Jesus will call them ‘brothers’. (Psalms 22:22; Isaiah 8:17, 18)

Those called ‘brothers’ of Christ are sharers in blood and flesh, so he likewise became flesh and blood so that he might destroy the one who has the power of death, the devil, and that he might set free those who have lived their lives in fear of death and were consequently enslaved to it. These ones that he is helping in this manner would not be angels but the seed of Abraham and he became like them so that he would become a merciful and faithful high priest in the things pertaining to God, offering himself as a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the people. He successfully passed the test and so is therefore able to help those of his ‘brothers’ who are being put to the test.

Hebrews Chapter 3

All those who are partakers of the heavenly calling should fix their attention on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of their faith. He was faithful to God just as Moses was, but he is to be given more glory than Moses would have because he is the builder of the house rather than only being a member in the house as Moses was. Moses spoke of the things that were to come and Christ, who was faithful as a son over the house, was the fulfillment of those things. These Christians are members of the house provided they keep hold of their confidence firm to the end.

They should not act as the nation of Israel had done in hardening their hearts, putting Jehovah to the test after having seen His works for forty years. Jehovah became disgusted with them and He swore in His anger that they would not enter into His rest. (Psalms 95:7-11) Christians must keep on guard to assure that they would not develop a wicked heart by drawing away from Jehovah but that they should keep encouraging each other as long there was time so that no one would become hardened by the deceptive power of sin. They would not receive their reward unless they continued to be faithful to the end because it was lack of faith that kept those of the nation of Israel, who came out of Egypt, from having any opportunity to enter God’s rest.

Hebrews Chapter 4

Since the nation of Israel did not enter God’s rest, the promise that some will enter that rest is still remains. They have had the good news preached to them just as Israel did, but Israel failed to benefit because of lack of faith. But the Christian who was exercising faith will enter His rest. When Jehovah said that they would not enter His rest he was pointing to a rest that would occur at some time during the seventh creative day as the scripture at Genesis 2:3 tells us that God rested on this day from all his works. So even though Israel lost their opportunity to enter His rest, there still remains the hope that some will enter into it.

Even though Joshua led the nation to a place of rest, it was not the rest that Jehovah had spoken to them about otherwise He would not have said later in the Psalms that ‘they would not enter His rest.’ Therefore there is still a sabbath resting for God’s people because the one who enters God’s rest will also rest or desist from his own works just as God did. Even though Israel entered the Promised Land they did not desist from doing their own works just as the scriptures show so they did not enter God’s rest.

Encouragement is given to the Christians to do all that they can to enter that rest as they could fall into the same pattern of disobedience as Israel did. God’s word is alive and is sharper than any double-edged sword. It can divide the soul from the spirit, the joints from their marrow and it can discern thought or intentions of the heart. Therefore everything is openly exposed to the One to whom they would have to give an accounting. Therefore, they should rest their confidence in their high priest, Jesus, who is able to sympathize with their weaknesses because of his being tested in all respects as they are, though he was without sin. They can therefore approach the throne of undeserved kindness with freeness of speech to obtain mercy and to get help when they need it.

Hebrews Chapter 5

The person who serves as high priest is appointed in behalf of men to offer sacrifices for sins. Since he is also a sinner, he can deal gently with those who are also sinners and when he makes offerings for sins he does so as much for himself as for others. The one who serves in this position is put there by God as Aaron was. So, Jesus as the son of God was elevated to the position of high priest by God and the position was a permanent one as Jehovah declared in Psalms 2:7 and 110:4. Although he was a son, he had to learn obedience through the things he suffered, and afterwards, he was installed as the eternal high priest, according to the manner of Melchizedek, and became responsible for the salvation of those obeying him.

There was much more that needed to be said on this matter but since these Christians had become slow to grasp spiritual truths, the writer was not able to explain these things in any greater detail. They, in view of the time, should themselves have become teachers, yet they were in need of someone to teach them from the beginning the basic things pertaining to God’s sacred pronouncements. They needed milk not solid food because they were more like spiritual babes rather than like mature people whose perceptive powers have been trained to distinguish right and wrong.


***©2006 by YORWW Congregation