Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 4

Paul Affirms his Conduct among these Thessalonians Part 1

1 Thessalonians 2:1-3 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:  KJV

When the Apostle Paul entered the city of Thessalonica on his missionary journeys preaching the Gospel of Christ, he did not come into the city with fan-fare or great outward displays of how good and great he was, there was never any billboards declaring his soon arrival, nor any flyers passed out proclaiming what a great speaker he was and that everyone in the city should be compelled to come out and hear him speak. No, Paul was just a redeemed Jew who once himself was engrossed, engulfed, and then energized by false worship, so he just went everywhere now with the truth that there is but One God who made everything visible and invisible and His Name is Jesus Christ. Therefore, because he only preached the true Gospel of Christ Jesus, that is, His death, burial, and subsequent resurrection from the dead (proving Himself to be God, for only the God-Man could die and come back to life again), then God the Holy Spirit convicted repentant hearts of men and women in that city and regeneration, redemption, and resurrection of spiritually dead souls took place in Thessalonica and these people then turned away from false worship of idols to worship our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ alone, just as Paul had done.

The little English phrase 'in vain' Paul uses at the end of this verse is translated by one Greek word kenos which means simply empty. In other words, the evidence of Paul's authenticity as an appointed Apostle of Jesus Christ was the new life formed, shaped, and molded into the hearts and minds of those who became a part of Christ Mystical Body and formed the local body there in the city of Thessalonica. Note: "Not always does the preaching of the true Gospel of Christ pierce the souls of unregenerate men and women in places where Christianity is not believed, for there has been accounts over the centuries of many faithful men and women of God who proclaimed the truth for years even and no one turned to Christ, this does not ever diminish the Power of the Gospel or by no means the Power of God, but what it does reveal is that God/Christ will not kick in the door of the hearts of sinners, He will only enter in when He is invited through repentance and faith and this is precisely what happened in the city of Thessalonica with some who live there. Paul perhaps was more concerned with his authenticity being believed in accordance with the truth of his message and his motives, that being, that he was not an imposter or false teacher seeking the applauds of men and desiring to enrich himself not caring about the eternal destinies of the souls of men and women."

This is exactly where Paul begins the next verse showing his desire to see lost men and women turn to Jesus Christ no matter the personal cost to himself as he declares with these words, "But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention." (1 Thessalonians 2:2) (KJV). The English phrase 'after that we had suffered before' is translated by one Greek word propascho (used this one and only time in the New Testament) meaning to undergo hardship previously: - suffer before. The English phrase 'shamefully entreated' is translated by one Greek word hubrizo meaning to exercise violence, that is, abuse: - use despitefully, reproach, entreat shamefully (spitefully). The English word 'bold' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word parrhesiazomai meaning to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor: to preach or speak boldly. In other words, despite the evil treatment Paul received at the hands of unregenerate men or two-legged devils in the city of Philippi (Acts 16:16-24), yet he came to Thessalonica with confidence, courage, and concern for the souls immersed in the worship of idol gods made by the hands of men and preached there as if nothing bad or evil had happened to him in Philippi. Note: "Today the preachers who are popular in this country do not face even remotely the evil treatment the Apostle Paul faced in his day for simply preaching the Gospel of Christ (but in other countries Christians and Christians converts are being treated even worse than Paul), some in this country face criticism for their flaunting, flamboyant, and fat lifestyles at the expense of the masses of people sending them money expecting to become healthy and wealthy as many of these proclaim that God/Jesus wants them to be, so some of these preachers are hounded by the media to fully disclose their ministry and personal earnings and many of them refuse to do so. This is not suffering for the Gospel's sake, this is true false prophets/profits at work praying on some sincere seekers of the truth."

Paul further reiterates the truth of his motives for coming to this city of Thessalonica by saying, "For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:" (1 Thessalonians 2:3) (KJV). First, Paul declares that his preaching was not of 'deceit' and this English word is translated by the Greek word plane meaning objectively fraudulence; that is, being an imposter or a misleader or in knowingly proclaiming error. Second, Paul declares that his preaching was not of 'uncleanness' which is translated by the Greek word akatharsia meaning having the quality of being impure or that which promoted moral impurity as being the will of God. Thirdly, Paul declares that his preaching was not of 'guile' and this English word is translated by the Greek word dolos meaning to decoy or to entrap or to trick; figuratively to delude or to be wily. In other words, Paul had no plans upon coming to their city to trick or bait these people into following him so that he could profit from their resources or to promote to them an acceptance of free love among them and seeking to sleep with as many of their women as being what God wanted for them, this was not Paul's intentions or motive to mislead these unbelievers with a false narrative of what the Gospel of Christ was and of who the God of Heaven is as revealed in Jesus Christ. Note 1: "Here is what Vincent's Word Study had to say about Paul's meaning here of 'uncleanness', 'Paul speaks of working uncleanness in a spirit of selfish desire which is the spirit of covetousness. In Ephesians 5:3, uncleanness and covetousness are closely associated. Paul means that his exhortation did not proceed from greed for gain or lust for power.'" Note 2: "Here is what Vincent's Word Study had to say about Paul's meaning here of 'guile', 'While uncleanness expresses impure purpose or motive, guile has reference to improper means; plausible but insincere methods of winning converts; suppression of the truth; 'huckstering the word of God' (see on 2 Corinthians 2:17); adulterating it for purposes of gain or popularity.'"

"The Apostle here comforts himself either in the success of his ministry, that it was not fruitless or in vain (according to our translation), or as others think, reflecting upon the sincerity of his preaching, that it was not vain and empty, or deceitful and treacherous. The subject-matter of the Apostle's preaching was not vain and idle speculations about useless niceties and foolish questions, but sound and solid truth, such as was most likely to profit his hearers. A good example this is, to be imitated by all the ministers of the Gospel. Much less was the Apostle's preaching vain or deceitful. He could say to these Thessalonians what he told the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 4:2): We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully. He had no sinister or worldly design in his preaching." Matthew Henry

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 3

Paul Recalls their Conversion to Christ by the Preaching of the Gospel and the Power of the Holy Spirit Part 2

1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. KJV

It was well known in all of the surrounding cities of Asia Minor during that time that all the Gentiles there were worshipers of many gods or idols, so when it was heard round about that many had become followers of 'the way' or now the term being 'Christians' since the time spent in Antioch (Acts 11:26) much attention/curiosity was given to this city of Thessalonica to bear witness to this new development, therefore, we find Paul describing their conversion and the effects of it likewise in this manner saying, "For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything." (1 Thessalonians 1:8) (KJV). In describing the effects or aftermath of their conversion to Christ, Paul here uses the little English phrase 'sounded out' which is used only this one time in the entire New Testament and it is translated by one Greek word execheomai meaning to make a loud noise or reverberate; to “echo” forth, that is, resound (be generally reported): - sound forth. In other words, the news or the evidence of some people in the city of Thessalonica rang out like someone ringing a loud Church bell or like the loud booming sound of a large marching band coming down the street during a parade or like the flying over of Airforce fighter Jets, so was the noise of the regeneration and new birth by the Power of God the Holy Spirit of many in the city of Thessalonica, it could not be missed and more importantly it could not be ignored and this is why the violence against Jason's House occurred (from those in the city who were not converted) Acts 17:5-9 as we documented in the last commentary/study.

What resounded or ricocheted or reverberated out from these new Christians was the 'word of the Lord' and Paul uses this phrase both subjectively and objectively to paint a Word Picture for us that the new converts in the city of Thessalonica (who before the Gospel pierced their souls spoke about what all other Gentiles spoke about) now they spoke about Jesus Christ and the Words of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ just as Paul spoke concerning himself when he entered the city of Corinth when he said this to them at the beginning of his letter, "For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2) (Amplified Bible). Note: "Much of the business and commerce that took place in the province of then Asia Minor required travel through the city of Thessalonica and with that reality many people encountered the new converts in the city for they certainly declared the Gospel of Christ to as many as they physically could and so this is what Paul meant when he says, 'in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.'" Paul now acknowledges to them that he had met many people after leaving their city and they relayed to him the reality of the faith of the believers in the Church @ Thessalonica and so he says, "For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;" (1 Thessalonians 1:9) (KJV). The little English phrase 'themselves shew' is translated by one Greek word apaggello it is used here confirming what we said earlier meaning to announce: - bring word (again), declare, report, shew (again), tell. In other words, many people as they travelled through the city of Thessalonica spoke of the converts to Jesus Christ in that city and most likely how they proclaimed His Name their and testified of their faith in Christ and proclaimed or preached the Gospel of Christ to all who would listen.

The Gentiles in the city worshipped 'idols' and this English word is translated by the Greek word eidolon meaning an image (that is, for worship); by implication a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such: - idol. In other words, the Thessalonians who worshipped these images or statues really thought they were worshipping the 'gods' or what they in ignorance perceived to be 'god' in their view until the Gospel of the One True God pierced their souls showing them that what they once believed and worshipped was indeed false, just as our Lord Jesus declared was the only True God when He prayed these words, "When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, Father, the hour has come. Glorify {and} exalt {and} honor {and} magnify Your Son, so that Your Son may glorify {and} extol {and} honor {and} magnify You. [Just as] You have granted Him power {and} authority over all flesh (all humankind), [now glorify Him] so that He may give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true {and} real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent." (John 17:1-3) (Amplified Bible) and likewise what the Holy Spirit wrote through the Apostle John when he said these words, "And we [have seen and] know [positively] that the Son of God has [actually] come to this world and has given us understanding {and} insight [progressively] to perceive (recognize) {and} come to know better {and} more clearly Him Who is true; and we are in Him Who is true--in His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). This [Man] is the true God and Life eternal." (1 John 5:20) (Amplified Bible).

In every century since the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, all sinners converted to Christ have had this sure and confident hope as the Apostle Paul declares with these words, "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." (1 Thessalonians 1:10) (KJV) and so did these believers in the Church @ Thessalonica. The little English phrase 'to wait for' is used this one and only time in the entire New Testament and is translated by one Greek word anameno meaning to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): - abide, continue, dwell, endure, remain, stand, or tarry; to wait for or to await. In other words, these believers in Thessalonica and we believers today are not working for, or wishing for, or waiting for a better world to be made by human beings down here on the earth, but instead we know certainly that Christ Jesus our Lord will come for each one of us (who belong to Him) individually and receive us to Himself as He said with these words, "And when I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:3) (KJV), this is done by our Lord Jesus Christ for every converted sinner @ the rapture of the Church or @ the death of every follower of His.

There is never coming upon this earth a better world, a world of peace and prosperity, a world free from hate, racism, and violence made by the wisdom of men, but what is coming upon this earth or this world is the Judgement or the Wrath of God (that is, Jesus who is God) as the Apostle John describes for us in vivid HD surround sound with these words, "When He [the Lamb] broke open the sixth seal, I looked, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun grew black as sackcloth of hair, [the full disc of] the moon became like blood. And the stars of the sky dropped to the earth like a fig tree shedding its unripe fruit out of season when shaken by a strong wind. And the sky rolled up like a scroll {and} vanished, and every mountain and island was dislodged from its place. Then the kings of the earth and their noblemen and their magnates and their military chiefs and the wealthy and the strong and [everyone, whether] slave or free hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, and they called to the mountains and the rocks, Fall on (before) us and hide us from the face of Him Who sits on the throne and from the deep-seated indignation {and} wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of His wrath (vengeance, retribution, indignation) has come, and who is able to stand before it?" (Revelation 6:12-17) (Amplified Bible). Praise be to Jesus Name that here Paul declares that He (Christ) is the One the Only One 'which delivered' us from this wrath to come. This English phrase 'which delivered' is translated by one Greek word rhuomai a verb meaning to rush or draw (for oneself), that is, rescue: - deliver. Is there any better hope out there in the world or the universe today? I'll let you answer this question for yourself...

"I am a movie buff, that is, I enjoy going to the Theater to watch all sorts of films depicted on the big screen. In so doing, I have seen some absolute phenomenal special effects done in many movies, but what we read in Revelations 6:12-17 is not a movie it is real and will really happen, but if it were, imagine the millions of dollars that would be required to make those things appear real. Therefore, we Christians knowing this truth should be diligent in getting out the Word of God, the Gospel of God, the Gospel of the Grace of God to see those who are deceived by the devil in their worship of false gods or idols that have no power to rescue them from this sure wrath of the True God that is coming upon the earth (whether it is believed or not it is coming). Listen to what the Psalmist had to say concerning idols, 'The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. [Idols] have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; They have ears, but they hear not, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make [idols] are like them; so is everyone who trusts in {and} relies on them.' (Psalm 135:15-18) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 2

Paul Recalls their Conversion to Christ by the Preaching of the Gospel and the Power of the Holy Spirit Part 1

1 Thessalonians 1:5-7 For our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. KJV

Immediately after Paul's greeting to these believers in Thessalonica, he reminds them of the miracle of their individual conversions to Christ and the subsequent forming of their Church in the city of Thessalonica, that before had no body of believers there in Jesus Christ as he says in this manner, "For our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake." (1 Thessalonians 1:5) (KJV). Paul includes Silas and Timothy in the preaching of the Gospel of Christ along with him throughout this city of non-believers at the time. Paul declares that the preaching of the Gospel of Grace did not come just by way of their human speech, but the Power of God accompanied their speech (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). This English word 'power' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word dunamis which is where we get our English word 'dynamite' from meaning force (literally or figuratively); specifically, miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself).

Paul is reminding them of the miracle that took place in their individual souls or inner man and inner woman when God the Holy Spirit took Paul's, Silas's, and Timothy's preaching of the Gospel and convicted them of sin, righteousness, and judgement just as our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ said He would do with these words spoken to the first Apostles/Disciples, "However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. And when He comes, He will convict {and} convince the world {and} bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in Me [trust in, rely on, and adhere to Me]; About righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God), because I go to My Father, and you will see Me no longer; About judgment, because the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world [Satan] is judged {and} condemned {and} sentence already is passed upon him." (John 16:7-11) (Amplified Bible).

When Paul says here, 'and in much assurance', he means that it was God the Holy Spirit who made them confident, conquering, and comfortably certain of their forgiveness of sin (past, present, and future sin) eternally and their union with our Lord Jesus Christ by grace through faith as Paul declared to the believers in Rome with these words, "For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory." (Romans 8:15-17) (Amplified Bible).

Once these Thessalonians were converted to Christ, they immediately left or parted with close communion with their unconverted friends and family to fellowship with Paul, Silas, and Timothy as fellow followers of Christ Jesus our Lord as Paul puts it with these words, "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:" (1 Thessalonians 1:6) (KJV). The English word 'followers' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word mimetes which is where we get our English word 'mimic' from it means to imitate. In other words, these converted Thessalonian people no longer wanted to be like unconverted family and friends they had known for a long time, but instead they now desired to imitate or be like Paul, Silas, and Timothy as they followed Christ, so did these new believers in Thessalonica want to do.

Paul reminded them of the hostility, harassment, and even hatred they encountered upon receiving and accepting the Gospel of Christ. Paul uses the English word 'affliction' which is translated by the Greek word thlipsis meaning pressure (literally or figuratively): - anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. The reality of these words by Paul can be better understood with the account recorded for us in the Book of Acts by Dr. Luke, "Now after [Paul and Silas] had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul entered, as he usually did, and for three Sabbaths he reasoned {and} argued with them from the Scriptures, explaining [them] {and} [quoting passages] setting forth {and} proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, This Jesus, Whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ (the Messiah). And some of them [accordingly] were induced to believe and associated themselves with Paul and Silas, as did a great number of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the unbelieving Jews were aroused to jealousy, and, getting hold of some wicked men (ruffians and rascals) and loungers in the marketplace, they gathered together a mob, set the town in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring [Paul and Silas] out to the people. But when they failed to find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brethren before the city authorities, crying, These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, And Jason has received them to his house {and} privately protected them! And they are all ignoring {and} acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, [actually] asserting that there is another king, one Jesus! And both the crowd and the city authorities, on hearing this, were irritated (stirred up and troubled). And when they had taken security [bail] from Jason and the others, they let them go." (Acts 17:1-9) (Amplified Bible).

Despite this intense pressure experienced by these new believers in Thessalonica, the newly found joy they experienced in the Holy Spirit far outweighed these light temporary afflictions at the time (2 Corinthians 4:17) & (Hebrews 10:32). The reception of the Gospel by these sinners converted to saints in Thessalonica under the extreme pressure and persecution we just documented made these converts 'ensamples' to others in nearby cities. This English word 'ensamples' Paul uses here to describe them is translated by the Greek word tupos meaning (figuratively) style or resemblance; specifically, a sampler (type), that is, a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning): example, fashion, figure, form, or pattern. In other words, the Thessalonians were firm, fixed, and forceful in their acceptance of the Gospel of Christ and all that the Word of God revealed (as they were taught it by Paul) and their later fidelity and faithfulness in which they adhered to it during the extremely sharp and strongly felt persecution they received upon their accepting Christ and His Word.

"The Gospel of Christ and of Grace is sure, solid, and satisfying to the souls of all who will have ears (spiritual ears) to hear it because it is the Word of God which carries with it the Power of God and it is able to convert/save any sinful soul of man or woman that truly sees their need for salvation just as the Prophet Isaiah said concerning the Word of God hundreds of years even before our Lord Jesus Christ manifested Himself in the flesh, 'So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please {and} purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.' (Isaiah 55:11) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

"They were fully convinced of the truth of it, so as not to be easily shaken in mind by objections and doubts; they were willing to leave all for Christ, and to venture their souls and everlasting condition upon the verity of the Gospel revelation. The word was not to them, like the sentiments of some philosophers about matters of opinion and doubtful speculation, but the object of their faith and assurance. Their faith was the evidence of things not seen; and the Thessalonians thus knew what manner of men the Apostle and his fellow-labourers were among them, and what they did for their sake, and with what good success." Matthew Henry

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 1

Paul Greets the Thessalonian Believers and tells them of his Constant Prayers for them

1 Thessalonians 1:1-4 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the Church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. KJV

Unlike some of Paul's other letters to the Churches, Paul does not have any scathing or coarse rebuke for these brothers and sisters of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, but instead we will find a continuous stream of encouragement, excitement, and exhortations for this Church that Paul founded (Acts 17:1-4). Paul includes here in his opening greeting to them the names of Timotheus or Timothy and Silvanus or Silas who were with him on this missionary journey and so he says, "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the Church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 1:1) (KJV). This place in Asia Minor at the time of Paul's arrival was well known for the Gentiles worshipping many idol gods, even though there were Jews who lived there and worshipped YAHWEH in their Synagogue. Paul immediately acknowledges that they are worshipping aright and the One True God (1 John 5:20), unlike his opening to the Church in Galatia (Galatians 1:6) where he questioned their worship and their object of worship. Paul also does not add to himself the title 'an Apostle' as he did in his opening greeting to the Galatian Church (Galatians 1:1) because Paul was assured that his authority as an Apostle was recognized among them, therefore, he greets them as one would greet an old familiar friend. Silas was a leading man among the brethren and a prophet as well (Acts 15:32). Although Timothy was much younger than Silas, Paul trusted the young man immensely and would later write two letters directly to him detailing to him his responsibilities as a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God. Paul speaks the favor and peace of God over their Church Body that comes only from the Grace of God.

Paul now declares to them how much they are on his mind by saying, "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;" (1 Thessalonians 1:2) (KJV). The English phrase 'we give thanks' Paul begins with here is translated by one Greek word eucharisteo meaning to be grateful, that is, (actually) to express gratitude (towards). In other words, Paul (despite being in bonds, brutalized, and battered physically by the Jews and Romans and swamped with many concerns) he consciously made it his priority to thank God the Father for the Church @ Thessalonica remembering them and calling them out to our Heavenly Father at all times in every one of his prayers to Him, such steadfastness and staunchness could only be activated and kept alive by a burning passionate love for the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica that made Paul want God the Father's loving protection to be over them and with them always just as he likewise prayed for the believers in Rome with these words, "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because [the report of] your faith is made known to all the world {and} is commended everywhere. For God is my witness, Whom I serve with my [whole] spirit [rendering priestly and spiritual service] in [preaching] the Gospel {and} [telling] the good news of His Son, how incessantly I always mention you when at my prayers." (Romans 1:8-9) (Amplified Bible).

Paul's uninterrupted prayers for them were so that God the Father would continue to supply them with the grace they needed to continue exhibiting these fruits of the grace of God in their individual lives and in their Church congregation and that is, "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;" (1 Thessalonians 1:3) (KJV). First their 'work of faith' and by this phrase the Apostle means the working reality of their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ produced by the working of God the Holy Spirit in their inner man and inner woman, just as Abraham's faith was proven by what he did being obedient to God as the Apostle James puts it with these words, "Was not our forefather Abraham [shown to be] justified (made acceptable to God) by [his] works when he brought to the altar as an offering his [own] son Isaac? You see that [his] faith was cooperating with his works, and [his] faith was completed {and} reached its supreme expression [when he implemented it] by [good] works. And [so] the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) God, and this was accounted to him as righteousness (as conformity to God's will in thought and deed), and he was called God's friend. You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he does and not alone through faith [through works of obedience as well as by what he believes]." (James 2:21-24) (Amplified Bible).

Second their 'labor of love' was manifested by how they welcomed the Word of God into their hearts after their conversion to Christ and sought to teach and spread Christ' Word throughout Asia Minor and beyond, also how tenderly, caringly, and affectionately they treated Paul, Silas, and Timothy during their stay with them in Thessalonica, for love shows itself by one's actions as Paul declared with these words written to the believers in Rome, "Love does no wrong to one's neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore, love meets all the requirements {and} is the fulfilling of the Law." (Romans 13:10) (Amplified Bible). Thirdly, their 'patience of hope' meaning that they upon receiving Christ Jesus our Lord placed all their eternal hope in His Redemptive work for them and exemplified patience during many trials. The English word 'patience' is translated by the Greek word hupomone from the Greek word hupomeno meaning to stay under (behind), that is, remain; figuratively to undergo, that is, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: - abide, endure; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). The English phrase 'of hope' is translated by the Greek word elpis meaning (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence. Therefore, we find that these Thessalonian believers had an enduring, abiding, persevering, confident expectation in the work of God in their souls to take them to completion and perfection as Paul declared to the Philippian believers with these words, "And I am convinced {and} sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] {and} perfecting {and} bringing it to full completion in you." (Philippians 1:6) (Amplified Bible).

These virtues stemmed from them knowing who they were 'in Christ' as Paul declares it in this way to them, "Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God." (1 Thessalonians 1:4) (KJV). The English word 'knowing' is translated by the Greek word eido which is a primary verb used only in certain past tenses meaning here to be aware, to be sure, or to understand. The English word 'election' is translated by the Greek word ekloge meaning (Divine) selection (abstractly or concretely): - chosen, election. Therefore, we see then that these Thessalonian believers had a sure hope and eternal heavenly expectation because they understood what the Apostle Paul had taught them concerning Divine election or the fact that they and we true believers today are chosen (Matthew 22:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13) for salvation (before the foundation of the world was formed Ephesians 1:4). To understand this truth and be confident of it applying to you individually will remove all fear of anything the enemy tries to do to you in this pilgrimage and sojourn we as believers encounter here in our temporary home of the earth.

"Wherever there is a true faith, it will work: it will have an influence upon heart and life; it will put us upon working for God and for our own salvation. We have comfort in our own faith and the faith of others when we perceive the work of faith." Matthew Henry

"The meaning is, that they had so strong confidence that they had been chosen of God as a Church unto salvation, that they might say they knew it. The way in which they knew it seems not to have been by direct revelation or by inspiration, but by the evidence which they had furnished, and which constituted such a proof of piety as to leave no doubt of the fact." John Calvin

"It is easy for anyone to say I believe in God, because the term God can mean anything or anyone, but for someone to say they believe in the One True God (who has made Himself visible through Jesus Christ) they must believe His Word and desire to obey what is revealed therein; no one can believe in the One True God and deny Jesus Christ is the One True God or that He was born of a virgin or that He physically, visibly, and bodily rose from or resurrected from the dead, true faith believes God's Word and acts upon it, this is what Abraham did when the Word of God came to him to take his only son Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice to God (Genesis 22:1-19)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Christ Preeminence is Detailed to the Colossians Volume 47

Paul's Final Greetings to the Colossian Believers Part 5

Colossians 4:16-18 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. KJV

Finally, Paul has reached the end of his letter to these Colossian believers that he never met (in his earthly life) face to face, but we now come to one of the most controversial statements in this letter and that is this directive given to the Colossian Church, "And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea." (Colossian 4:16) (KJV). I have read the commentaries of some of the most revered men of God in the history of the Christian Church and many differ on what Paul means here in this verse. First, I want to say that I am just a son of God who loves our Lord Jesus Christ as so many do all over the world, but just like every other brother or sister 'in Christ', I have from studying the Scripture for many years now formed my hypothesis as to what 'letter' Paul is referring to from Laodicea. It is my humble opinion, that Paul did write a letter or letters to the Laodicean Church most likely because they had contacted him through a letter written to Paul asking his guidance on certain issues that pertained to their body of believers specifically.

It is not difficult for me to believe that God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit did not allow every letter written by Paul or Peter or James or John or any of the other Apostles to be preserved for posterity or in other words for all future generations of Christian men, women, boys, and girls, for let us never forget the words concerning our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ written by the Apostle John about Him, "It is this same disciple who is bearing witness to these things and who has recorded (written) them; and we [well] know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If they should be all recorded one by one [in detail], I suppose that even the world itself could not contain (have room for) the books that would be written." (John 21:24-25) (Amplified Bible). Note: "Certainly I am not equating Paul with our Lord Jesus, but I am sure Paul wrote many letters just as our Lord Jesus said and did many things that are not recorded for us in the Scripture."

In instructing the various Churches to read one another’s letters out loud to or before the entire congregation was Paul (again being a Jew) following the practices, procedures, and plans directed to the ancient Jews by YAHWEH long ago concerning their reading of the 'Book of the Law' aloud to the entire Body of Israelites that were freed from slavery in Egypt as recorded by Moses with these words, "And Moses wrote this law and delivered it to the Levitical priests, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel. And Moses commanded them, At the end of every seven years, at the set time of the year of release [of debtors from their debts], at the Feast of Booths, When all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses [for His sanctuary], you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Assemble the people--men, women, and children, and the stranger {and} the sojourner within your towns--that they may hear and learn [reverently] to fear the Lord your God and be watchful to do all the words of this law, And that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn [reverently] to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land which you go over the Jordan to possess." (Deuteronomy 31:9-13) (Amplified Bible).

Note: "Laodicea, here referred to, was the seat of one of the “Seven Churches” of Asia Revelation 3:14; was a city of Phrygia, and was its capital. It was situated on the river Lycus (hence, called Laodikeia epi Lukō - Laodicea on the Lycus) and stood at the southwestern angle of Phrygia. Its early name appears to have been Dios polis, changed subsequently to Rhoas. The name Laodicea was given to it by Antiochus Theos, in honor of his wife Laodice. Under the Romans it became a very flourishing commercial city. It was often damaged by earthquakes, but was restored by the Roman emperors. It is supposed to have been destroyed during the inroad of Timur Leng in 1402. The ruins are called by the Turks Eski Hissar. These ruins, and the ruins of Hierapolis, were visited by Mr. Riggs, an American Missionary, in 1842, who thus speaks of them: 'These spots, so interesting to the Christian, are now utterly desolate.'" (Albert Barnes).

Paul now earnestly request or exhorts these Colossian believers to one particular person among them with these words, "And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it." (Colossians 4:17) (KJV). This man Archippus (whose name by the way means Horse Ruler) is referred to or mentioned only one other time by Paul in any of the letters we have recorded for us in the New Testament and that is as written here to Philemon with these words, "And to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier [in the Christian warfare], and to the Church [assembly that meets] in your house:" (Philemon 1:2) (Amplified Bible). Apparently 'Apphia' was Archippus' wife and he was the Pastor over a congregation of believers that worshipped in their home. The Apostle Paul is not here admonishing this man, but most definitely encouraging him and lifting him up spiritually (Acts 20:28), that he may be as it is written, "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]." (Ephesians 6:10) (Amplified Bible).

Lastly, Paul concludes with his distinguishing mark of signing or writing the closing verse or verses of his letters perhaps to add authenticity to them seeing that he had scribes to write the entire letter from his dictation as he declares with these final words, "The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen." (Colossians 4:18) (KJV). Paul wanted them to always remember why he was imprisoned in Rome, which was for declaring or preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every Gentile Nation he was able to reach, which these Colossians were Gentiles who heard the Gospel of Grace from Epaphras who surely was saved under the preaching of the Apostle Paul's ministry as he declared to them at the very beginning of his letter with these words we remember, "[Even] now I rejoice in the midst of my sufferings on your behalf. And in my own person I am making up whatever is still lacking {and} remains to be completed [on our part] of Christ's afflictions, for the sake of His Body, which is the Church." (Colossians 1:24) (Amplified Bible). How could they not remember how much Paul had and was suffering for their sakes in order that they might hear the Gospel of Christ and be save thereby.

"He wished their remembrance because he needed their sympathy. Like the old rags put round the ropes by which the prophet was hauled out of his dungeon, the poorest bit of sympathy twisted round a fetter makes it chafe less. The petition helps us to conceive how heavy a trial Paul felt his imprisonment to be, little as he said about it, and bravely as he bore it. He wished their remembrance too, because his bonds added weight to his words. His sufferings gave him a right to speak. In times of persecution confessors are the highest teachers, and the marks of the Lord Jesus borne in a man’s body give more authority than diplomas and learning. He wished their remembrance because his bonds might encourage them to steadfast endurance if need for it should arise. He points to his own sufferings, and would have them take heart to bear their lighter crosses and to fight their easier battle. One cannot but recall the words of Paul’s Master, so like these in sound, so unlike them in deepest meaning. Can there be a greater contrast than between 'Remember my bonds,' the plaintive appeal of a weak man seeking sympathy, coming as an appendix, quite apart from the subject of the letter, and 'Do this in remembrance of Me,' the royal words of the Master? Why is the memory of Christ’s death so unlike the memory of Paul’s chains? Why is the one merely for the play of sympathy, and the enforcement of his teaching, and the other the very centre of our religion? For one reason alone. Because Christ’s death is the life of the world, and Paul’s sufferings, whatever their worth, had nothing in them that bore, except indirectly, on man’s redemption. 'Was Paul crucified for you?' We remember his chains, and they give him sacredness in our eyes. But we remember the broken body and shed blood of our Lord, and cleave to it in faith as the one sacrifice for the world’s sin." Expositor's Bible Commentary

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Christ Preeminence is Detailed to the Colossians Volume 46

Paul's Final Greetings to the Colossian Believers Part 4

Colossians 4:14-15 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the Church which is in his house. KJV

Paul now list perhaps another of his most loyal and faithful fellow-workers during his missionary journeys later in his ministry and that is Brother Luke as he declares with these words, "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you." (Colossians 4:14) (KJV). After the split or division between the Apostle Paul and Barnabas over the nephew of Barnabas (John Mark), Luke became closer to the Apostle Paul and more of a confidant to him during his travels. It also was a benefit to the Apostle Paul that Luke happened to be a medical doctor, seeing how Paul found himself in so many situations preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ that got him often beaten, bruised, and battered at the hands of spiritually blind Gentiles and Jews who wanted to shut up his witness for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us remember his own words detailing for us the physical detriment, despair, and distress he often found himself in as he declared to the Corinthian believers, "Are they [ministering] servants of Christ (the Messiah)? I am talking like one beside himself, [but] I am more, with far more extensive {and} abundant labors, with far more imprisonments, [beaten] with countless stripes, and frequently [at the point of] death. Five times I received from [the hands of] the Jews forty [lashes all] but one; Three times I have been beaten with rods; once I was stoned. Three times I have been aboard a ship wrecked at sea; a [whole] night and a day I have spent [adrift] on the deep; Many times on journeys, [exposed to] perils from rivers, perils from bandits, perils from [my own] nation, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the desert places, perils in the sea, perils from those posing as believers [but destitute of Christian knowledge and piety]; In toil and hardship, watching often [through sleepless nights], in hunger and thirst, frequently driven to fasting by want, in cold and exposure {and} lack of clothing." (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) (Amplified Bible).

It was by the very hand of God that these two men of God were put together shoulder to shoulder for Christ and His Gospel of Grace. Our Lord Jesus already knowing what was instore for the Apostle (in His Name & for His Gospel) as he declared to Brother Ananias with these words, "But the Lord said to him, Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the descendants of Israel; For I will make clear to him how much he will be afflicted {and} must endure {and} suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16) (Amplified Bible), for it was this Doctor Luke whom our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ first saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) and then brought him into the company of the great Apostle Paul to minister to him both spiritually, but more importantly physically to tend to the many infirmities of Paul's physical body as detailed above. Luke was not a Jew by birth, but was a convert to Judaism and it is supposed that he was a native of Cyrene, and that he died in Achaia, soon after the martyrdom of Paul, at the advanced age of 84. However, it is completely evident according to the words of the Apostle Paul himself of Luke's loyalty and devotion to Paul and his ministry as evidenced by these words of Paul written to Brother Timothy not long before he was beheaded in Roman captivity for preaching the Gospel of Christ, "Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very helpful to me for the ministry." (2 Timothy 4:11) (Amplified Bible). There was Doctor Luke at the time of Paul's near beheading still ministering to his physical infirmities as best he could, even while he himself was dealing with his own physical problems. We see why here in his final greetings to these Colossian believers that Paul refers to this man alone as 'beloved' meaning dearly loved, well loved, and much loved.

Paul also mentions Brother Demas whose full name was likely Demetrius the name of an Ephesian. It is recorded by Paul of this disciple these words concerning him, "For Demas has deserted me for love of this present world and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens [has gone] to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia." (2 Timothy 4:10) (Amplified Bible). Paul does not declare that Demas had deserted our Lord Jesus Christ, but perhaps Demas had an episode similar to or such as John Mark did early on in Paul's ministry (Acts 15:37-38) and shrieked back from the raging spiritual battles with the devil that landed the Apostle Paul in Roman captivity soon to be beheaded as we documented above, for let us also be reminded that Demas was not alone in forsaking the Apostle as documented for us by the Apostle Paul with these words written again to Brother Timothy, "At my first trial no one acted in my defense [as my advocate] {or} took my part {or} [even] stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the [Gospel] message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So, I was delivered out of the jaws of the lion. [And indeed] the Lord will certainly deliver {and} draw me to Himself from every assault of evil. He will preserve {and} bring me safe unto His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen (so be it)." (2 Timothy 4:16-18) (Amplified Bible). Next the Apostle Paul tells these Colossian believers to, "Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the Church which is in his house." (Colossians 4:15) (KJV). This happens to be the only time the name 'Nymphas' is reported or accounted in the entire New Testament, so we know nothing of this Christian Brother except what the Apostle declares to us here and that is that he has established a Church Body in his own house. According to the way the Apostle Paul writes this verse of Scripture, we infer that Brother Nymphas is a Laodicean.

"As for Luke, his long and faithful companionship of the Apostle is too well known to need repetition here. His first appearance in the Acts nearly coincides with an attack of Paul’s constitutional malady, which gives probability to the suggestion that one reason for Luke’s close attendance on the Apostle was the state of his health. Thus the form and warmth of the reference here would be explained-'Luke the physician, the beloved.' We trace Luke as sharing the perils of the winter voyage to Italy, making his presence known only by the modest 'we' of the narrative. We find him here sharing the Roman captivity, and, in the second imprisonment, he was Paul’s only companion. All others had been sent away, or had fled; but Luke could not be spared, and would not desert him, and no doubt was by his side till the end, which soon came." Expositor's Bible Commentary

"As for Demas, we know no more about him except the melancholy record, 'Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world; and is departed unto Thessalonica.' Perhaps he was a Thessalonian, and so went home. His love of the world, then, was his reason for abandoning Paul. Probably it was on the side of danger that the world tempted him. He was a coward, and preferred a whole skin to a clear conscience. In immediate connection with the record of his desertion we read, 'At my first answer, no man stood with me, but all men forsook me.' As the same word is used, probably Demas may have been one of those timid friends, whose courage was not equal to standing by Paul when, to use his own metaphor, he thrust his head into the lion’s mouth. Let us not be too hard on the constancy that warped in so fierce a heat. All that Paul charges him with is, that he was a faithless friend, and too fond of the present world. Perhaps his crime did not reach the darker hue. He may not have been an apostate Christian, though he was a faithless friend. Perhaps, if there were departure from Christ as well as from Paul, he came back again, like Peter, whose sins against love and friendship were greater than his-and, like Peter, found pardon and a welcome. Perhaps, away in Thessalonica, he repented him of his evil, and perhaps Paul and Demas met again before the throne, and there clasped inseparable hands. Let us not judge a man of whom we know so little, but take to ourselves the lesson of humility and self-distrust!" Expositor's Bible Commentary

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Christ Preeminence is Detailed to the Colossians Volume 45

Paul's Final Greetings to the Colossian Believers Part 3

Colossians 4:12-13 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. KJV

Paul continues to list the individuals present with him in Rome in his farewell greeting to these believers in Colosse and up next is a man who perhaps was the most dearly beloved to him among those with him and that being Epaphras as he declares with these words, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." (Colossians 4:12) (KJV). It was this man that Paul met on one of his missionary journeys that engendered or generated his great care, carefulness, and concern about these believers in the Church @ Colosse even though he had never met them face to face, but because Epaphras was himself from that part of the world and Paul had grown so fond of him and admired his steadfastness for Christ Jesus our Lord that he spoke to the believers in Colosse through this letter as if he had known them personally for many years. Paul declared to them that their fellow native son had such fervent love for them during his absence away from them that it led him to 'labouring fervently' for them in prayer and this English phrase is translated by one Greek word agonizomai which is where we get our English word agony & agonize from it means to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or generally (to endeavor to accomplish something): - fight, labor fervently, strive. In other words, Epaphras entered into warfare on behalf of his fellow countrymen and women and brothers and sisters in Christ, for prayer is always and at all times warfare with the devil and his principalities and powers as we remember Paul declared to the Ephesian believers with these words, "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere." (Ephesians 6:12) (Amplified Bible). Epaphras' prayers for them were that they would 'stand' 'perfect' and 'complete' in all the will of God. The first English word 'stand' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word histemi meaning figuratively to continue or hold up. The second English word 'perfect' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word teleios meaning the conclusion of an act or state of condition, that is, complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.). The third English word 'complete' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word pleroo meaning (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue (spread or diffuse through), influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), accomplish, be complete, fill up, fulfil, or supply.

Therefore, putting them all together we find that Epaphras prayed for his fellow Colossians to continue on 'in Christ' striving for spiritual maturity and completeness as the prize and ultimate goal in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ which none of them or us will ever attain down here on the earth, but it is always to be the believers goal and aim as we remember also the Apostle Paul declaring to the Philippian believers with these words speaking of himself, "Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord {and} of progressively becoming more deeply {and} intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One), And that I may [actually] be found {and} known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith. [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body]. Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) {and} make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me {and} made me His own. I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured {and} made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. So, let those [of us] who are spiritually mature {and} full-grown have this mind {and} hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also. Only let us hold true to what we have already attained {and} walk {and} order our lives by that." (Philippians 3:8-16) (Amplified Bible).

The Apostle Paul wanted the members of the Church @ Colosse to know the sincerity and the seriousness of their brother Epaphras concerning them, so he writes to them these words speaking on his behalf, "For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis." (Colossians 4:13) (KJV). The English phrase 'I bear him record' is translated by one Greek word martureo meaning to be a witness, that is, testify (literally or figuratively): - charge, give [evidence], bear record, have good honest report, be well reported of. In other words, Paul is here vouching for Epaphras and his earnest desire for his brethren and sisteren in Colosse and his strong feelings for them always in a favorable sense, with no negativity at all. This was Epaphras desire towards and for those fellow believers in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Note: "Churches probably founded by Epaphras, as the Church in Colosse was. Laodicea, called from Laodice, queen of Antiochus II, on the river Lycus, was, according to the subscription to First Timothy, 'the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana' (1Timothy 6:21). All the three cities were destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 62 [Tacitus, Annals, 14.27]. Hierapolis was six Roman miles north of Laodicea." (JFB Commentary). 

"It was the desire of the Apostle Paul and of Brother Epaphras that these believers be fully and completely persuaded, that is, adopting the one and only position that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and at the same time God the Son and that there is no forgiveness of man's sin outside of Him and His Blood shed on the Cross of Calvary, which means there is no heaven for anyone who does not believe in Him alone for their salvation as spoken by the Apostle Peter when he declared the means by which the lame man at the gate of the Temple which is called Beautiful was healed and made whole (see the entire account in Acts Chapter 3), 'Let it be known {and} understood by all of you, and by the whole house of Israel, that in the name and through the power {and} authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified, [but] Whom God raised from the dead, in Him {and} by means of Him this man is standing here before you well {and} sound in body. This [Jesus] is the Stone which was despised {and} rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head of the corner [the Cornerstone]. And there is salvation in {and} through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by {and} in which we must be saved.' (Acts 4:10-12) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Christ Preeminence is Detailed to the Colossians Volume 44

Paul's Final Greetings to the Colossian Believers Part 2

Colossians 4:10-11 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. KJV

Paul now begins to send greetings to these brothers and sisters in Christ in the city of Colosse from individual Christians who were physically present with and serving with the Apostle Paul at the time of him writing this letter to them and first he declares these brethren, "Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)" (Colossians 4:10) (KJV). Aristarchus (whose name means 'best ruling') was also a 'fellowprisoner', that is, a co-captive with the Apostle Paul in Rome surely for propagating, promoting, and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ just as Paul was doing. Aristarchus had accompanied Paul into Asia as we find documented for us by Dr. Luke in the Book of Acts and he was no stranger to persecution for the sake of declaring the Gospel of Grace, for he was one of the brothers in Ephesus who were assaulted during an uprising or riot against the Apostle Paul and all who were with him preaching that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ was the One/Only and True God who had proven His Deity by His Resurrection form the dead.

So, this truth disturbed a certain man named Demetrius (a silversmith) and as we see from the account given to us by Dr. Luke, Aristarchus was one of the casualties of their hateful venom, "But as time went on, there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way [of the Lord]. For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of [the goddess] Artemis [Diana], brought no small income to his craftsmen. These he called together, along with the workmen of similar trades, and said, Men, you are acquainted with the facts {and} understand that from this business we derive our wealth {and} livelihood. Now you notice and hear that not only at Ephesus but almost all over [the province of] Asia this Paul has persuaded {and} induced people to believe his teaching and has alienated a considerable company of them, saying that gods that are made with human hands are not really gods at all. Now there is danger not merely that this trade of ours may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may come into disrepute {and} count for nothing, and that her glorious magnificence may be degraded and fall into contempt--she whom all [the province of] Asia and the wide world worship. As they listened to this, they were filled with rage and they continued to shout, Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Then the city was filled with confusion; and they rushed together into the amphitheater, dragging along with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were fellow travelers with Paul." (Acts 19:23-29) (Amplified Bible).

Therefore, we see form his history with Paul, it is no surprise that he is currently (at the time of the penning of this letter) imprisoned with Paul in Rome. Also, Paul declares greetings from a brother 'in Christ' named Marcus who we have heard little to nothing about any work he had done at the time, but Paul here declares him to be a 'fellowlaborer' in the Lord Jesus Christ (we know now that he is the author of the Gospel of Mark). Paul also reveals that this (Marcus) is the nephew of one of Paul's first missionary close co-workers or co-laborers for Christ Barnabas until their dispute, disagreement, and ultimate division over John Mark as again documented for us by Dr. Luke, "And after some time Paul said to Barnabas, Come, let us go back and again visit {and} help {and} minister to the brethren in every town where we made known the message of the Lord, and see how they are getting along. Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark [his near relative]. But Paul did not think it best to have along with them the one who had quit {and} deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. And there followed a sharp disagreement between them, so that they separated from each other, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul selected Silas and set out, being commended by the brethren to the grace (the favor and mercy) of the Lord. And he passed through Syria and Cilicia, establishing {and} strengthening the Churches." (Acts 15:36-41) (Amplified Bible). Paul sends them greetings from another of his 'fellow-workers' for Christ named 'Justus' which was a common surname among the Jews, who also happened to be a Jew just as the Apostle Paul was as he declares with these words, "And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me." (Colossians 4:11) (KJV).

All three of these men Paul list here in his final greetings to the believers in Colosse were Jews or as he declares 'of the circumcision' and Paul made it often to make a point in his closing farewells to spell out where the men and women who were supporting him and working with him for Jesus Christ were from or their nationality, being Jewish or Gentile. Paul declares here also to these believers in Colosse that these men have been 'a comfort' to him and this little English phrase 'a comfort' is translated by one Greek word paregoria used this one time only in the New Testament meaning to harangue an assembly, that is, address forcefully with strong emotion); an address alongside, that is, (specifically) consolation: - comfort. It is often (in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ) that those members of his Mystical Body that seem to be of little importance or relevance are the ones that are praying for, consoling, caring for, and comforting the man or woman of God who is visible and gets all of the visible attention or publicity as we find Paul also celebrating with joy over the comfort he felt from the Corinthian Church even after he had written them a scathing letter of reprimand with these words, "But God, Who comforts {and} encourages {and} refreshes {and} cheers the depressed {and} the sinking, comforted {and} encouraged {and} refreshed {and} cheered us by the arrival of Titus. [Yes] and not only by his coming but also by [his account of] the comfort with which he was encouraged {and} refreshed {and} cheered as to you, while he told us of your yearning affection, of how sorry you were [for me] and how eagerly you took my part, so that I rejoiced still more. For even though I did grieve you with my letter, I do not regret [it now], though I did regret it; for I see that that letter did pain you, though only for a little while; Yet I am glad now, not because you were pained, but because you were pained into repentance [and so turned back to God]; for you felt a grief such as God meant you to feel, so that in nothing you might suffer loss through us {or} harm for what we did." (2 Corinthians 7:6-9) (Amplified Bible).

"What a noble group had gathered round the Apostle in his enforced residence in Rome! That hired room of his must have been filled time after time with most interesting groups; and each friend was dear to the lion-heart, and intent on some act of loving devotion. Aristarchus had been with him in the Ephesian riot; Mark was endeavoring to make good his former lapse of courage." F. B. Meyer

"Let us never forget that in the early days of the birth of Christianity that the Apostle Paul was not the only Jew converted to Christ out of Judaism, but we are reminded by him here of these three men Aristarchus, Marcus, and Justus who also came to know Christ at the same time being vehemently, viciously, and violently persecuted by not only Gentiles, but more hurtfully for them their fellow Jews who were still spiritually blind of seeing Jesus Christ as their Messiah." Clifford D, Tate, Sr.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…