GREETINGS As in most of the letters of the first century, Paul opens by introducing himself. He probably identifies himself as an apostle to stress that this is not just a personal letter but one intended to further the cause of Christ at God's direction, or commandment. One record of God's commandm... [ Continue Reading ]
CHARGING OTHERS TO TEACH NO OTHER DOCTRINE The word "urged" carries the idea of pleading or begging, according to Spain. It is an encouraging word that leaves the person with a sense of dignity. Timothy needed to stay in Ephesus while Paul went on to Macedonia because some urgently needed to be ins... [ Continue Reading ]
SOUND TEACHING WILL PRODUCE THREE DESIRED RESULTS. First, there will be love, in the sense of a desire for the ultimate good of others. This will come from a cleansed heart, not outward ceremonial cleansings. Second, there will be a good conscience that is well trained in God's will. Third, there... [ Continue Reading ]
UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW Paul was not saying that the law was not from God or that it did not fulfill a very important part of his purpose. It was the law that taught man he was a sinner. The law was holy but man could not live up to the perfection it demanded (Romans 7:7-12). Further, t... [ Continue Reading ]
THANKING GOD FOR HIS GRACIOUS GIFT No one understood the impact of sin on his life like the apostle Paul did (Romans 7:24-25). Grateful for the salvation afforded him through Christ and the opportunity to tell others about it, the apostle burst into praise. The word "enabled" suggests a giving of st... [ Continue Reading ]
RENEWING THE CHARGE TO A YOUNG PREACHER Next, the inspired apostle renews the charge he gave Timothy in verse 3. Paul wrote to this young man he loved as a son and committed to him, as one gives money to a bank, the preaching of the truth in the face of many opponents. We do not know what the proph... [ Continue Reading ]