Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
Summary: Paul’s instruction to Timothy reveals another glimpse of Timothy’s role at Ephesus as well as providing a clear guideline for parsing complaints about church leaders.
This passage is very specific and is directed personally to Timothy.
That does not mean that there is not an underlying principle we should pay attention to. There is.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 5:19 – Finding the Facts”
Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Summary: Paul’s use of Greek once again challenges us to consider the deeper meaning of what he was trying to say.
We often talk about the difference between the meanings of the original Greek words and the English translations, but in this case, we have one more barrier to cross.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:16a – Me, Myself, and I”
The goal of this command is love, (which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.)
Summary: When Paul tells us that the goal of the command he has given to Timothy is love, he forces us to think deeply about what love is and who we are supposed to love.
Before we dive into a closer look at what Paul says in this verse, let’s step back for a moment to gain some perspective.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:5a – Commanded to Love”
… so that you may command certain people …
Summary: Giving commands sounds easy until someone takes offense.
Let’s regroup and read Paul’s entire sentence so far:
“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people …”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:3b – In Defense of the Gospel”
To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Summary: Luke’s historical account in the Book of Acts provides important clues that help us understand what Paul means by calling Timothy his “true son in the faith.”
To say that Paul and Timothy had a special relationship is an understatement. In today’s passage, Paul calls Timothy, “my true son in the faith…”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:2a – Two for One”
Paul …
Summary: As we begin to explore Paul’s first letter to Timothy, it is interesting to note the relationship between Paul and Timothy. Paul’s adoption of Timothy as a son colors everything we will read here.
Paul begins his letter to Timothy in the formal style of his day. If you squint your eyes when you look at his letter, it really isn’t much different from our letters today.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:1a – Father Paul”
I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.
Summary: Waiting to see how things go requires patience. Looking closely at Paul’s story reveals a man who had learned to wait.
In this passage, Paul appears to be waiting on some news. He has mentioned that he is in chains (Philippians 1:7), suggesting that he is in prison or house arrest. Maybe he is waiting on his court date?
Continue reading “Philippians 2:23 – How Things Go”
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.
Summary: In this passage, we have to peek behind the curtain of the translation to capture the sense of what Paul is really saying.
Timothy must have been someone very special.
I think it is a tremendous testimony that the Christian brothers who surrounded Paul understood what he meant.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:20 – Spiritual Twins”
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.
Summary: Life in ancient times lacked the mass communication we take for granted. To share news and ideas required patience and planning.
This passage is a bit challenging to meditate on because it deals primarily with what is called “housekeeping.” Paul is sending a letter to the Philippians, but his reference to Timothy suggests that letters were a means of last resort in sending information.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:19 – Communication”
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…
Summary: As we begin our meditations on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we are prompted to reflect on God’s Word as his family album.
I often think of the Bible as God’s family album. Even without pictures, the Bible includes “portraits” of people who are important to God and who are part of his story.
Of course, we are all important to God! He loves us without a doubt! Yet, some people play a more prominent role than others (1 Corinthians 12:18-20).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:1a – One Voice”