Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
…older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Summary: Paul’s words challenge men to treat women with purity, echoing the words of the Old Testament laws.
Paul’s instructions to Timothy provide clear guidance on how to treat people. Not only people in church, but all people. In this passage, Paul once again instructs Timothy about those older and younger than he is. This time, the focus is on women.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 5:2a – In Search of Purity”
For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
Summary: This passage opens a window into Paul’s reason for writing the Philippians and the care and concern the early believers had for each other.
The voice of the letter is Paul’s, and so far in this letter, he has been instructing the Philippians (and us!) about Christian life. Now, for a moment, his thoughts settle on how he can reach out to the Philippians in a more personal way.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:26 – Homesick”
But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother…
Summary: Paul’s reference to Epaphroditus as a “brother” is a good excuse to consider what it means to be part of God’s family.
Paul has given Epaphroditus several titles. It might be useful to take a closer look at each one and see what we can learn from them.
The first title given to Epaphroditus is “Brother.”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:25 Part II – Brother”
… love one another …
Summary: Peter tells us to love one another using a rare word that means ‘brotherly love.’ This kind of love is not caught up in arguments but is the oil on the water that calms arguments. It allows brothers and sisters in the same family to get along.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:8 (c) — Oil on the Water”