Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
Summary: While different translators handle this passage in different ways, the key concepts of timing and validation remain clear.
This verse, 1 Timothy 2:6, is one of the passages that translators struggle with. Let’s look at a few of the many variations:
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:6b – In God’s Time”
… and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,
Summary: In this passage, Paul describes Jesus as a “mediator.” The word suggests a relationship between God and mankind that is more than we deserve.
Why would God need a mediator? Isn’t he God? Is there anything he can’t do?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:5b – We Call Him Jesus”
For there is one God …
Summary: As Paul begins his description of God’s salvation for mankind, he starts with the most difficult truth of all: There is only one God.
Paul has just said that God wants all people to be saved and know the truth. Now he begins to tell us what that truth is.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:5a – Only One”
I urge, then…
Summary: The first three words of chapter two require that we stitch together the threads of Paul’s letter so far so that we can see the whole tapestry.
A lot is going on in this passage, and we will examine several parts of it in detail. For now, let’s look at the first three words, “I urge, then…”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:1a – How We Fight”
… in keeping with the prophecies once made about you …
Summary: Paul’s reference to the “prophecies once made about you” leads us to wonder what they might have been and how they came about.
To understand what Paul is saying in this passage, we really need to talk about personal prophecies.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:18b – Personal Prophecies”
Now to the King … immortal …
Summary: Immortal is one of those interesting words that sounds like it should be the same as eternal, but isn’t.
As we continue our deep dive into Paul’s praise of God, let’s look at the word “immortal” and consider how that is different than “eternal.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:17b – Immortal”
Now to the King eternal…
Summary: Paul’s praise of God begins with two words that are critical for understanding God’s power and authority: “King” and “eternal.”
With these words, “Now to the King eternal …” Paul begins a sentence that has been used by churches around the world as a model of praise for God.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:17a – King Eternal”
…and receive eternal life.
Summary: Taking a closer look at Paul’s words, we take a moment to review what it means to have eternal life.
Jesus called Paul to be an Apostle — one who is “sent” to teach others about the kingdom of God. We might not ever be called to appear before a king in this life, but we will in the next, and we need to understand what is involved so that we can be prepared.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:16c – The Way Home”
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
Summary: Paul’s conversion and life for Christ is an example for all of us.
Why would God put up with you or me or anyone else, for that matter? Why would he be patient with people who disrespect him, even when they are trying to do what is right?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:16 – What God Can Do”
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
Summary: Paul’s “saying” is simple, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to say.
I have a confession to make — I’ve been reading this passage wrong my whole life.
In our last meditation, we just discussed why a saying is “a saying.” It is for a reason. When you and I say it ourselves, we are affirming the truth of the saying.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:15b – The Worst of Sinners”