Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 13

Paul tells Timothy Stand Firm and be Steadfast in The Faith Part 3

2 Timothy 1:17-18 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. KJV

The Apostle Paul closes this Chapter of his letter to Brother Timothy by continuing his praise and adoration of Brother Onesiphorus and his entire family for what clemency, care, and compassion they showed to him during this his final captivity before his execution and death at the hands of the Roman thugs with these words first, "But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me." (2 Timothy 1:17) (KJV). It is apparent that not only did this Brother in Christ not abandon Paul, but he went into the lair or the den of the devil, that is, his two legged devils in Rome and found out where Paul was being held prisoner and ministered to him there. The English phrase 'he sought me out' is translated by the Greek word zēteō and it means exactly the same as our English dictionary defines it which is to seek out something or someone literally, that is, try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of someone. The English phrase 'very diligently' is translated by the Greek word spoudaioteron (used only one other time in the entire New Testament) it is an adverb meaning (as used here) more earnestly than others, that is, very promptly: - very diligently. Again we see that not only was this man unashamed of Paul's physical chains for preaching the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, but he was eager to find the Apostle and be of whatever service for him he could during Paul's captivity.

Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the diligence in which Onesiphorus sought out the Apostle Paul in Rome, "Onesiphorus was no doubt an Asiatic, (probably an Ephesian), who had frequent business at Rome; and when he came sought out the Apostle, who, it is supposed, had been confined in some close and private prison, so that it was with great difficulty he could find him out. This man had entertained the Apostle when he was at Ephesus, and now he sought him out at Rome. Pure love feels no loads. Here was a true friend, one that sticketh closer than a brother." Paul was facing execution at this time of his earthly life and ministry for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ being chained to a Roman Soldier (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), therefore, he had no means of money nor clothing nor other things that he could repay Onesiphorus with, yet he had in his person something far greater than all those visible things combined and that was the power of prayer, as he prays for this man and his family with these words recorded in his letter to Brother Timothy, "The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well." (2 Timothy 1:18) (KJV). The Apostle Paul beseeched our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on behalf of Brother Onesiphorus knowing that He would grant or give to this man what he had given unto the Apostle Paul because He is just, judicious, and merciful to His children when they expresss their love for Him and to Him by showing love and care for His other children born again into His eternal heavenly family.

Paul was and is a beloved son of Christ Jesus our Lord and it surely was our Lord Jesus' pleasure to show loving care to the man who showed the same to the Apostle Paul during his unlawful captivity by the Roman two-legged devils, just as declared so eloquently by the Psalmist with these words, "If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you." (Psalms 130:3-4) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning Paul's prayer for Brother Onesiphorus, "He prays for Onesiphorus himself, as well as for his house: That he may find mercy in that day, in the day of death and of judgment, when Christ will account all the good offices done to his poor members as done to himself. Observe, 1. The day of death and judgment is an awful day, and may be emphatically called that day. 2. We need desire no more to make us happy than to find mercy of the Lord in that day, when those that have shown no mercy will have judgment without mercy. 3. The best Christians will want mercy in that day; looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, Jude 1:21. 4. If you would have mercy then, you must seek for it now of the Lord. 5. It is of and from the Lord that we must have mercy; for, unless the Lord has mercy on us, in vain will be the pity and compassion of men or angels. 6. We are to seek and ask for mercy of the Lord, who is the giver and bestower of it; for the Lord Jesus Christ has satisfied justice, that mercy might be displayed. We are to come to a throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need. 7. The best thing we can seek, either for ourselves or our friends, is that the Lord will grant to them that they may find mercy of the Lord in that day, when they must pass out of time into eternity, and exchange this world for the other, and appear before the judgment-seat of Christ: the Lord then grant unto all of us that we may find mercy of the Lord in that day."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 12

Paul tells Timothy Stand Firm and be Steadfast in The Faith Part 2

2 Timothy 1:15-16 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: KJV

Paul had given Brother Timothy the reasons why he should stand fast and firm in 'The Faith' which he had taught him over the years and the means, manner, and method that he could only be successful in doing so and that is, yielding to the power of God the Holy Spirit who dwelt in him and dwells in all of us true believers who have been figuratively born again by Him, but now Paul needs to remind Timothy of the men who turned away from the truth by turning away from Paul who was a herald of the truth of the Gospel with these words, "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." (2 Timothy 1:15) (KJV). Paul had at one point in his missionary journeys attempted to go into Asia and preach the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ there, but as documented for us by Luke, this happened, "Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. So they went on through Mysia until they came to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of someone from Macedonia who was standing there and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us!' After Paul had seen the vision, we began looking for a way to go to Macedonia. We were sure that God had called us to preach the good news there." (Acts 16:6-10) (Contemporary English Version).

It seemed that Paul would not get the Gospel of Grace heard in Asia, however, we find out  (as documented by Luke again) that latter on in his missionary journey to Ephesus this happened, "For three months Paul went to the Jewish meeting place and talked bravely with the people about God's kingdom. He tried to win them over, but some of them were stubborn and refused to believe. In front of everyone they said terrible things about God's Way. Paul left and took the followers with him to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. He spoke there every day for two years, until every Jew and Gentile in Asia had heard the Lord's message." (Acts 19:8-10) (Contemporary English Version). Therefore, we see then that the message of the Gospel of Christ/Gospel of Grace reached the people of Asia and Paul had even formed bonds with some of those believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and even did ministry work with some of them. The little English phrase 'be turned away from' is translated by the Greek word apostrephō which means to turn away or back (literally or figuratively): - bring again, pervert, turn away (from).

In other words, Paul declared to Timothy that everyone that he knew of who had professed faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and loyalty to him turned their back on the truth of the Gospel and perverted, twisted, misrepresented, and altered it with a lie, giving themselves cause to turn their back on Paul as he was facing execution by the Roman Government during the time he is writing this letter, even these two men he mentions Phygellus and Hermogenes, even as the children of Israel did as documented for us by Moses with these words, "The people of Israel were very sad after Moses gave them the LORD's message. So they got up early the next morning and got ready to head toward the hill country of Canaan. They said, 'We were wrong to complain about the LORD. Let's go into the land that he promised us.' But Moses replied, 'You're disobeying the LORD! Your plan won't work, so don't even try it. The LORD refuses to help you, because you turned your backs on him. The Amalekites and the Canaanites are your enemies, and they will attack and defeat you.'" (Numbers 14:39-42) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning those in Asia who turned their backs on Paul, "Were ashamed of him, because of his chain, and despised him under his afflictions, and had him in abhorrence and contempt, and revolted from his doctrine; though the defection was very general, and the Apostle appeals to Timothy for the truth of it, as a fact well known to him: 'this thou knowest'; Timothy being at Ephesus, which was in Asia; and since there was so great an apostasy in the country where he was, the above exhortations were very seasonable, to hold fast the form of sound words, and keep the good thing committed to him; seeing so many were falling off from the truth of the Gospel:"

Paul now contrast his disdain, despisement, and disgust with those in Asia who had turned away from him during the hour of his greatest persecution to praising a household of believers who had been converted by God the Holy Spirit through Paul's declaration of the Gospel of Grace with these words written to Timothy, "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:" (2 Timothy 1:16) (KJV). It seems that Onesiphorus and his family were also from that region of the world Asia and they were not ashamed nor afraid nor absent from showing Paul mercy and kindness as he was in captivity of the Roman thugs who would soon execute him by way of beheading. Paul had ministered the Gospel of Grace to his household, so in turn he remembered Paul during this time of captivity (not for committing a crime), but for simply preaching the Gospel of Grace to others. The English word 'mercy' Paul uses here referring to Onesiphorus and his family is translated by the Greek word eleos meaning (as used here) compassion (divine, especially active): - (tender) mercy. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Paul's desire for the household of Onesiphorus, "Onesiphorus had acknowledged him, and continued to do so; he, and his house, or family, ministered to him in prison, and were not ashamed of their imprisoned pastor, nor of the cause for which he was in disgrace and suffering. As he showed mercy to the Apostle, the Apostle prays the Lord to show mercy to him."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 11

Paul tells Timothy Stand Firm and be Steadfast in The Faith Part 1

2 Timothy 1:13-14 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. KJV

Having declared to Brother Timothy the reason for his suffering, Paul now wants to exhort and encourage Timothy (despite what he has seen Paul endure) to stand firm and fast in 'The Faith' that is solid and is founded on 'The Rock' who is our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, so Paul writes these words now to Timothy, "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:13) (KJV). The little English phrase 'hold fast' at the very beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word  echō which is a primary verb (used in certain tenses only); to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition): The little English phrase 'the form' is translated by the Greek word hupotupōsis (used only one other place in the New Testament) which means typification under (after), that is, (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation: - form, pattern. The English word 'sound' is translated by the Greek word hugiainō which means (as used here) figuratively to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine): The English word 'words' is translated by the Greek word logos which means (as used here) something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive.

In other words, the Apostle Paul wants Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to hold uncorrupt and true doctrine as our possession or to take ownership of the truth of the Word of God as he and the other Apostles have given it out to the entire world, just as the Proverb proclaims with these words, "Invest in truth and wisdom, discipline and good sense, and don't part with them." (Proverbs 23:23) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning holding fast to sound doctrine, "The word hupotupōsis signifies the sketch, plan, or outline of a building, picture, etc.; and here refers to the plan of salvation which the Apostle had taught Timothy. No man was left to invent a religion for his own use, and after his own mind. God alone knows that with which God can be pleased. If God did not give a revelation of Himself, the inventions of man, in religious things, would be endless error, involving itself in contortions of unlimited confusion. God gives, in His mercy to man, a form of sound words or doctrines; a perfect plan and sketch of the original building; fair and well defined outlines of every thing which concerns the present and eternal welfare of man, and His own glory."

When Paul writes 'which thou hast heard of me', he means that this one and only Gospel of Grace is what he taught to Timothy and to every person who had ears to hear the message of grace, therefore, Paul wants Timothy to trust that the sound words that he spoke to him were by direct Revelation from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, just as Paul had declared to the Galatian believers with these words, "My friends, I want you to know that no one made up the message I preach. It wasn't given or taught to me by some mere human. My message came directly from Jesus Christ when He appeared to me." (Galatians 1:11-12) (Contemporary English Version), therefore, depend upon them and abide by them and hold firmly to them no matter what happens to you during your sojourn here on the earth. When Paul writes 'in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus', he means for Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to hold these truths with sincere faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and expressing that faith and testifying of it to others with the love of God which has been given to us by God the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

This very idea and desire of the Apostle Paul to Timothy he sums up with these words in the very next verse, "That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." (2 Timothy 1:14) (KJV). The little English phrase 'that good thing' is translated by the Greek word kalos which means (as used here) properly beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), that is, valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use). The little English phrase 'which was committed unto thee' is translated by the Greek word parakatathēkē (used only one other place in the New Testament) meaning (as used here) something put down alongside, that is, a deposit (sacred trust): The English word 'keep' is translated by the Greek word phulassō meaning (as used here) to watch, that is, be on guard (literally or figuratively); by implication to preserve. In other words, the wholesome and sound doctrine that had been taught to him by Paul the Apostle was to be guarded as the sacred trust it is because of its value and virtue, not only for Brother Timothy, but for all sinners in the entire world. This could not be successfully done by Brother Timothy or any of us who have trusted our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, but we must yield ourselves to God the Holy Spirit (who dwells in us) and allow His Power to work out through us in keeping and guarding the Gospel of Grace no matter our outward circumstances of persecution by the enemy of our souls and the human instruments he employs to do his bidding. Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to preserve God's Word to us, "The indwelling Spirit enables us to keep from the robbers of the soul the deposit of His word committed to us by God."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 10

Paul tells Timothy to Never be Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Part 5

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. KJV

The Apostle Paul now wants to have Brother Timothy to know and realize that because he was appointed to do the will of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as one of His Apostles, that this is why he has come under such fierce and violent attack from the devil through the two-legged devils used by him. Paul had learned from our Lord Jesus Christ over the years of his walking with Him how to be content in whatever condition, circumstance, or course that his earthly life would take all for the sake of getting the Gospel of Grace proclaimed in all the Gentile world, just as he wrote with these words to the Philippian Church, "Not that I speak according to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13) (Modern KJV). It is Paul's desire now to comfort Timothy and even more so strengthen him for what it is assuredly he will face from the human instruments of the devil as he navigates his way through this pilgrimage as an ambassador for our Lord Jesus Christ, so Paul tells Timothy that his current suffering is because of his stance for the Gospel of Christ as the only hope for sinful man on the earth but he will never be ashamed of this truth, but instead will shout it out loud for all the world to hear and know, therefore, Paul writes this, "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12) (KJV).

The little English word 'for' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word dia which is a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional). The little English word 'cause' is translated by the Greek word aitia which means a cause (as if asked for), that is, (logical) reason (motive, matter). The little English word with big meaning 'suffer' is translated by the Greek word penthō which is a primary verb meaning to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful): - feel, passion, suffer, vex. When Paul writes 'these things', he is referring to the beatings he took from the Jews and Gentiles and the imprisonments (including his current incarceration at the very time he is writing this letter to Timothy). In other words, Paul was making it clear to Timothy and we true believers today that the reason and cause of his sufferings were because he was an Apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ speaking the truth (in love) of the Word of God declaring Jesus Christ to be God and the only way of heaven and forgiveness of sins, just as he declared to the Colossian Church with these words, "I am glad that I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue the suffering of Christ for His body, the Church. God's plan was to make me a servant of His Church and to send me to preach His complete message to you." (Colossian 1:24-25) (Contemporary English Version).

When Paul writes 'nevertheless I am not ashamed', he means that despite his unfair treatment by sinners who have rejected Christ, he will not be moved from his confident belief and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Paul being unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, "Neither of the Gospel, and the truths and ordinances of it, for which he suffered; but he continued to own and confess it constantly, and to preach it boldly; none of these things moved him from it: nor of the sufferings he endured, for the sake of it; since they were not for murder, or theft, or sedition, or any enormity whatever, but in a good cause; wherefore he was so far from being ashamed of them, that he took pleasure in them, and gloried of them. Nor was he ashamed of Christ, whose Gospel he preached, and for whom he suffered; nor of his faith and hope in Him." The Apostle Peter wrote to those Christians back then and to we Christians today and to every Christian of every era and generation who were then and are now suffering just for their stance for the Gospel and their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ with these words of wisdom, "God will bless you, even if others treat you unfairly for being loyal to Him. You don't gain anything by being punished for some wrong you have done. But God will bless you, if you have to suffer for doing something good. After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you." (1 Peter 1:19-21) (Contemporary English Version).

When Paul writes 'for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day', he means he is assured that Christ Jesus is not only the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), but He (Jesus Christ) is God in human flesh and he is sure that He is the One True and Only God. Paul was sure that his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ was made evident by the Power of Christ and because of His Goodness and Mercy he could not trust in Him in vain. Paul's eternal soul was in safe, sure, and solid care in Christ Jesus our Lord and so is our soul today and every born again Christian of every era and generation. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul's words of  'that which I have committed unto Him against that day', "This is variously understood. Some think he means his life, which he had put, as it were, into the hands of Christ, in order that he might receive it again, in the resurrection, at the great day. Others think he means his soul. This he had also given into the hands of his faithful Creator, knowing that although wicked men might be permitted to take away his life, yet they could not destroy his soul, nor disturb its peace. Others think that he is speaking of the Gospel, which he knows will be carefully preserved by the great Head of the Church; for, though he shall be soon called to seal the truth with his blood, yet he knows that God will take care that the same truth shall be proclaimed to the world by others, whom God shall raise up for that very purpose."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 9

Paul tells Timothy to Never be Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Part 4

2 Timothy 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an Apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. KJV

Paul having spoke to Brother Timothy of this magnificent gift of the Gospel of Grace that gives eternal life in heaven to every human sinner who believes and trust our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ only and completely for forgiveness of sins and the way to heaven, now declares to him and to all who would read this letter that this is the reason our Lord Jesus Christ made him a preacher of this Gospel or good news as he declares with these words, "Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an Apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." (2 Timothy 1:11) (KJV). The English word 'whereunto' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word eis which is a primary preposition (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). The English word 'appointed' is translated by the Greek word tithēmi meaning literally to place in a position or place and figuratively to ordain, that is, to invest with ministerial or priestly authority. The little English phrase 'a preacher' is translated by the Greek word kērux which means a herald, that is, of divine truth (especially of the Gospel): - preacher.

The little English phrase 'an apostle' is translated by the Greek word apostolos meaning a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ('apostle'), (with miraculous powers): - Apostle, messenger, he that is sent. The little English phrase 'a teacher' is translated by the Greek word didaskalos meaning an instructor (generally or specifically). The word Gentiles simply means all other people on the earth who were not Jewish or Jews. In other words, Paul divulges, declares, and defines himself as a man placed in the position of an Apostle or sent one or messenger specifically charged with the ministerial duties of going into all the world and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the Gentile people, just as it was documented for us in the Acts of the Apostles with these words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ to another disciple speaking about the Apostle Paul, "A follower named Ananias lived in Damascus, and the Lord spoke to him in a vision. Ananias answered, 'Lord, here I am.' The Lord said to him, 'Get up and go to the house of Judas on Straight Street. When you get there, you will find a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. Saul is praying, and he has seen a vision. He saw a man named Ananias coming to him and putting his hands on him, so that he could see again.' Ananias replied, 'Lord, a lot of people have told me about the terrible things this man has done to your followers in Jerusalem. Now the chief priests have given him the power to come here and arrest anyone who worships in your name.' The Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! I have chosen him to tell foreigners, kings, and the people of Israel about me.'" (Acts 9:10-15) (Contemporary English Version).

Also as Paul wrote (speaking of himself) to the Church @ Ephesus concerning this bountiful grace given to him for such a task as he had of preaching, teaching, and declaring the Gospel of the Grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ with these words, "Of this Gospel I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of His power. This grace is given to me (who am less than the least of all saints) to preach the Gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ among the nations" (Ephesians 3:7-8) (Modern KJV). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about the preacher (Paul the Apostle), "And if ever there was a preacher of the Gospel, Paul was one; he preached purely, powerfully, publicly, constantly, boldly, and with all faithfulness and integrity:" Note: "In our modern era right now many men are groomed to be preachers from the time they were little boys (which there is nothing wrong with this approach), however, once the boy grows up to be a man it should be determined by him and those who have directed him down this path to get alone with God the Holy Spirit and know for sure if this is truly the will of God for his life, just as they did in the Church @ Antioch concerning what Paul and Barnabas were to do at that time for our Lord Jesus Christ as is written with these words, 'While they were worshiping the Lord and going without eating, the Holy Spirit told them, 'Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do the work for which I have chosen them.' (Acts 13:2) (Contemporary English Version)."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 8

Paul tells Timothy to Never be Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Part 3

2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel: KJV

This salvation is not just an abstract thing that those who are the elect get and those who are not the elect reject, but it is a person, that is, the 2nd person of the Trinity or the Godhead and He is our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as Paul writes as such with these words to Brother Timothy, "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel:" (2 Timothy 1:10) (KJV). When Paul writes here at the very beginning of this verse 'But is now made manifest', he means just what we stated above that salvation (for the souls of lost human beings) has now come to the earth just as it was announced by an angel of the Lord with these words on that day of His birth, "And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night. And {behold,} an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed {and} shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!" (Luke 2:8-11) (Amplified Bible) and this fact was also testified of by some Samaritan sinners who heard the Gospel of Grace directly from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ many years later after His earthly birth with these words, "Then many more believed in {and} adhered to {and} relied on Him because of His personal message [what He Himself said]. And they told the woman, Now we no longer believe (trust, have faith) just because of what you said; for we have heard Him ourselves [personally], and we know that He truly is the Savior of the world, {the Christ.}" (John 4:41-42) (Amplified Bible).

The little English phrase 'made manifest' used here by the Apostle Paul is translated by the Greek word phaneroō which means (as used here) to render apparent (literally or figuratively): - appear, shew self. The English word 'appearing' is translated by the Greek word epiphaneia which means (as used here) a manifestation, that is, (specifically) the advent of Christ (past or future): - appearing, brightness. In other words, salvation of the souls of human sinners is not now and was not ever meant as some theoretical thing consisting only in the mind of human beings, but salvation is a person Jesus Christ whose advent, that is, His long awaited momentous arrival has finally been rendered apparent or appeared or His manifestation in a human body to suffer, shed His Blood, and die to be the sacrifice for the sin of humanity just as declared by God the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John with these words, "And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from His father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth." (John 1:14) (Amplified Bible) and these words also through the Apostle John in this same Chapter, "The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, Look! There is the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the manifestation by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, "The grace according to which the elect of God are saved and called; though it was given to them in Christ, before the world was, yet lay hid in the heart of God; in His thoughts, council and covenant; and in Jesus Christ; and in the types, shadows, sacrifices, prophecies, and promises of the Old Testament; but is now made manifest in the clearness, freeness, and abundance of it by the appearance of Christ, as a Saviour in human nature; who is come full of grace and truth, and through whom there is a plentiful exhibition of it to the sons of men."

When Paul writes here 'who hath abolished death', he means eternal spiritual death that was and is the designation, doom, and destiny of every human being on the earth without a personal relationship and faith in Jesus Christ. The little English phrase 'who hath abolished' is translated by the Greek word katargeō which means (as used here) to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively: - abolish, destroy, do away, make of no effect, make void. There are three (3) types of death: Physical death of the physical body; Spiritual death, that is, every human being is born spiritually dead, that is, disconnected from God; Eternal death, that is, eternal seperation from God by virtue of resisting, rebuking, or rejecting Christ and the Gospel of Grace as the only means of salvation, just as this same Apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrew believers with these words, "Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought {and} make of no effect him who had the power of death--that is, the devil--And also that He might deliver {and} completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives." (Hebrews 2:14-15) (Ampliifed Bible).

The English phrase 'hath brought life and immortality to light' is translated by four Greek words phōtizō, zōē, kai, aphtharsia; it means to shed rays, that is, to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively): - enlighten, illuminate, make to see life that is immortal and incorruptible and unchangeable. When Paul writes here at the end of this verse 'through the Gospel', he means that the Gospel of Grace is the channel or the passage or the path way that the elect of God the Father receive this immortal, incorruptible, and unchangeable life through Jesus Christ. This is what the English word 'through' which is translated by the Greek word dia describes in clear detail, for it is a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning all of this being through the Gospel, "Christ was the first that rose again from the dead to an immortal life; the path of life was first shown to Him, and brought to light by Him; and though the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead was known by the Old Testament saints, yet not so clearly as it is now revealed in the Gospel; and in which is so fully attested the resurrection of Christ, and of many of the saints with Him, as well as the general resurrection at the last day: and besides, eternal life, which is the free gift of God, lay hid in His purpose, promise, and covenant, and in His Son Jesus Christ, into whose hands it was put; and which He has brought to light in a more clear manner than ever it was before; by His appearance in human nature, by His personal ministry, by His death and resurrection from the dead, and through the Gospel, as preached by His ministers; which gives an account of the nature of it, shows the way unto it, and points out and describes the persons that shall enjoy it."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 7

Paul tells Timothy to Never be Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Part 2

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,  KJV

The reality of Timothy's and our salvation should be enough, i.e. more than enough to remove all of the assaults and attacks from the devil to make us ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and of its sole/singular method or way of saving the souls of sinfully lost human beings. So, now Brother Paul reminds Timothy and us of this fact and of the nature of the Gospel that is received in the inner man and inner woman of every sinner who trust our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, first with these words, "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," (2 Timothy 1:9) (KJV). Paul wants Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to be always aware of the mighty power that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it can reach into the soul of any sinner (no matter the nature or the severity of the sin) and push aside that 'old nature' and transplant an entirely 'new nature' in the inner man or inner woman and create a new race of humanity (the Christian). The little English phrase at the very beginning of this verse 'who hath saved' is translated by the Greek word sozo which means to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): - heal, preserve, or make whole. In other words, salvation is attributed, ascribed, and has its sole/singular authority in the purpose and plan of God the Father.

When Paul writes 'and called us with an holy calling', he speaks of the effectual (that is, capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect) calling of God the Father through God the Holy Spirit to every true son and daughter of God. Here is what Dr, John Gill had to say concerning those of us who have been called by God to salvation, "There is a salvation previous to calling: there is a temporal salvation; a special providence attends the elect of God, as soon as born; God's visitation in a very special manner preserves their spirits; they are kept from many imminent dangers, and some of them from the grosser immoralities of life; and there is a chain of providences, as the fixing of their habitations, bringing to such a place, and under such a ministry, with various other things, ways and methods, which lead on to the effectual calling: and there is a preservation of them in Christ Jesus, antecedent to calling, Jude 1:1. God had a mind to save some; He pitched on His own Son to be the Saviour of them; He put those persons into His hands, where they are safely preserved; so as not to be damned, and everlastingly perish, notwithstanding their fall in Adam, their original corruption, and actual transgressions, until called by grace: yea, that spiritual and eternal salvation, which is by Jesus Christ, is before calling; this was resolved upon from eternity; a council of peace was formed; a covenant of grace was made; a promise of life given; persons were fixed upon to be saved; a Saviour was appointed, and blessings of grace were put into His hands; and all according to an eternal purpose."

When Paul writes 'not according to our works', he means that there is nothing any saved sinner did to earn his or her salvation in Jesus Christ through the Gospel of Grace. Works of righteouness which many sinful men and women are doing all over this globe (mistakenly thinking that they are earning favor with God or a higher power as some say) do not have any merit whatsoever in them before the Throne of God, I repeat no merit whatsoever. The so-called 'good person' (apart from Jesus Christ) does not exist on this planet now or ever, remember what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Rome speaking of all humanity, "As it is written, None is righteous, just {and} truthful {and} upright {and} conscientious, no, not one. No one understands [no one intelligently discerns {or} comprehends]; no one seeks out God. All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong {and} have become unprofitable {and} worthless; no one does right, not even one!" (Romans 3:10-12) (Amplified Bible). In other words, the elect of God are not the elect because they are a better group of human beings than all the rest, not at all, but they are the elect because God the Father knew every sinner who would turn to our Lord Jesus Christ before He ever laid the foundation of the world, He is Omniscient (dah!), its not complicated, for He did not choose some to be saved and then damned to hell the rest, that's not election. When Paul writes 'but according to His own purpose and grace', he means that God the Father does not receive counsel from the holy angels or have any of them vote on what He should or should not do in the running of His universe or in the saving of the souls of lost men and women on the earth.

The English word 'purpose' is translated by the Greek word prothesis meaning (as used here) a setting forth, that is, (figuratively) proposal (intention). The English word 'grace' is translated by the Greek word charis meaning (as used here) graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual. In other words, the intentions and plans of God the Father (that being the adoption of sons and daughters) moves Him to respond to a sinner who crys out for salvation/deliverance and His grace or graciousness (which He is abundantly rich in) is the power that springs forth from Him to cause every sinner who comes to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ to be changed or better yet transformed, that is, to be given a completely different form or appearance, as it is written, "See what [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named {and} called {and} counted the children of God! And so we are! The reason that the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him. Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes {and} is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble {and} be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is. And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless)." (1 John 3:1-3) (Amplified Bible). Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning the purpose and grace of God the Father given that makes each of us His adopted sons and daughters, "'The origination of salvation was of His own purpose, flowing from His own goodness, not for works of ours coming first, but wholly because of His own gratuitous, electing love [Theodoret and Calvin].' Grace given us in His everlasting purpose, regarded as the same as when actually accomplished in due time."

Finally, when Paul writes 'which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began', he means that this grace was already prepared, planned, and purposed for everyone of the elect of God before there was ever any world or any human beings in the world. Some will argue that this sounds like God the Father is playing favorites, but this is not true, if we just go back and re-read what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church @ Rome Romans 3:10-12, then we see that God shows mercy to those who believe Him and come to Him as He has prepared, the cross of Jesus Christ, just as Paul declared to the Church @ Ephesus with these words, "Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, {even} above reproach, before Him in love. For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]--[So that we might be] to the praise {and} the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:4-6) (Amplified Bible). Note: "God the Father because He is Eternal and Omniscient sees the past, present, and the future (which He made by the way) all at the same instant, therefore, before He ever made anything (Genesis 1:1), He knew everyone of us human sinners who would trust Christ Jesus our Lord and be born again into His eternal family as adopted sons and daughters, that is, when I was a forming embryo in my Mother's womb I was already God the Father's adopted son according to His eternal knowledge (Romans 4:17), even though for many years I ran as fast and as far away from God as I could, but He could run just a little faster than me (lol), just as He declared to the Prophet Jeremiah with these words spoken to him, 'Then the word of the Lord came to me [Jeremiah], saying, Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated {and} set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.' (Jeremiah 1:4-5) (Amplified Bible)."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 6

Paul tells Timothy to Never be Ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Part 1

2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God; KJV

The rejection of fear for Brother Timothy and for we true believers today and of every era and generation is a prelude, a prerequisite, and a preliminary fact or reality before the Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ can be declared in all its completeness and splendor. You see Timothy then and we true believers today and of every era and generation must be convinced of its singularity, that is, its one of kind nature to save the souls of sinful and lost human beings. Human beings have always had trouble with absolutes and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the ULTIMATE absolute, for it shatters and completely destroys the hope of sinful man to obtain a beautiful and peaceful life after death apart from Jesus Christ and His Gosepl, as He said with these words clearly, "Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." (John 14:6) (Amplified Bible). These words of truth make the practice of the Buddhist wasteful, wanting, and worthless. These words of truth make the writings and teachings of the prophet Muhammad useless lies and declares Islam to be counterfeit and Allah to actually be the devil. These words of truth make Hinduism likewise a counterfeit spiritual belief and the notion of reincarnation another lie from the devil. The Apostle Paul knew that in order for Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to be true to the truth, he/we had/have to surrender his/our fear to God the Holy Spirit and declare the singularity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the only hope for lost human beings, so he writes these words to him/us, "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God;" (2 Timothy 1:8) (KJV).

Paul is just reiterating, repeating, or restating the very words of our Lord Jesus Christ with the first part of this verse, for it was Christ Jesus our Lord who said this, "Because whoever is ashamed of Me and of My teachings, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in the [threefold] glory (the splendor and majesty) of Himself and of the Father and of the holy angels." (Luke 9:26) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'ashamed' is translated by the Greek word epaischunomai which means basically the same as our English dictionaries definition and that is, to feel shame for something: - be ashamed feeling guilt, embarrassment or remorse. Paul was concerned that Timothy might be open to compromise the singularity of the Gospel by what he had witnessed happen to others, although he deep down knew that Timothy was real, yet he wanted to stir him up and keep him vigilant and sober against our adversary the devils onslaught. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning Paul's exhortation to Timothy to be not ashamed, "Do not be ashamed to bear your testimony to the doctrines taught by the Lord Jesus. Paul seems to have apprehended that Timothy was in some danger of being ashamed of this Gospel, or of shrinking back from its open avowal (that is affirmation) in the trials and persecutions to which he now saw it exposed him."

When Paul writes 'nor of me His prisoner', he means this in a two-fold manner, first he was actually in a physical prison at the writing of this letter to Timothy for preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and being unashamed in so doing, just as he declared to the Roman believers when he wrote these words to them, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) {of Christ,} for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes {with} a personal trust {and} a confident surrender {and} firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just {and} upright shall live {and} shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17) (Amplified Bible). Secondly, Paul describes himself as a prisoner or captive of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to do His will here on the earth testifying of Him always and in all places he goes, just as he declared to the Ephesian believers with these words, "For this reason [because I preached that you are thus built up together], I, Paul, [am] the prisoner of Jesus the Christ for the sake {and} on behalf of you Gentiles--" (Ephesians 3:1) (Amplified Bible). Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning the prisoner Paul, "The cause of God’s servants is the cause of God Himself. Timothy might easily be tempted to be ashamed of one in prison, especially as not only worldly shame, but great risk, attended any recognition of Paul the prisoner."

Lastly, when Paul writes 'but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God', he means to encourage, embolden, and exhort Brother Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation to suffer or to be subjected to or to sustain attacks for standing for the truth of the singularity of the Gospel of Christ and for the unchallenged authority of the Word of God. The little English phrase 'partaker of the afflictions' is translated by the Greek word sugkakopatheō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) which means to suffer hardship in company with: - be partaker of afflictions. Paul will elaborate or go into more specific detailed instructions/exhortations to Brother Timothy concerning him being a partaker with him in the afflictions for Christ sake and for the sake of the Gospel in the very next Chapter of this letter (2 Timothy 2:1-13). This could only be done by Paul and by Timothy and by we true believers today and of every era and generation according to or by way of or by virtue of the power (dunamis) i.e. the miraculous power, the mighty power, the force, and the strength of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit who enables every believer to stand for the Gospel, even if it be all alone. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul's instrcuctions to Timothy to be a partaker of afflictions with him by the power of God, "No parent could love a child better than Paul loved Timothy; and, behold! he who could wish him nothing but what was great, honorable, and good, wishes him to be a partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel! Because, to suffer for Christ, and suffer with Christ, was the highest glory to which any human being in this state could arrive. The royal way to the crown of glory, is by the cross of Christ. While thou hast no more affliction than thou hast grace to sustain thee under, thou canst have no cause to complain. And God will take care that if a faithful discharge of thy duty shall expose thee to afflictions, His power manifested in thee shall be in proportion to thy necessities. His load cannot be oppressive, who is strengthened to bear it by the power of God."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 5

Paul Reminds Timothy of the Greatness of God the Holy Spirit

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV

The Apostle Paul tells Timothy now the very reason why he (and everyone of us who are true believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ) should stir up the gift of God in him and in us is, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) (KJV). The Holy Spirit is not just the gift from God to us, but He is God (the third member of the Trinity) in each and everyone of us who have been born again by Him. The little English phrase 'of fear' used here is translated by the Greek word deilia meaning (as used here this one time only in the entire New Testament)  timidity or better, of cowardice: - fear. The little English phrase  'of power' used here is translated by the Greek word dunamis (as used here) meaning force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power or even extreme boldness. The little English phrase 'of love' used here is translated by the Greek word agapē (as used here) meaning love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast: - (feast of) charity, dear, love. In other words, Timothy and each and everyone of us who are true believers 'in Christ' have been in dwelt and eternally sealed by God the Holy Spirit Himself as it is written by this same Apostle Paul with these words to the Corinthian Church, "But it is God Who confirms {and} makes us steadfast {and} establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and has consecrated {and} anointed us [enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit]; [He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit {and} guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise]." (2 Corinthians 1:21:22) (Amplified Bible).

Therefore, we know that God is All Powerful and Almighty. We just learned this past week of a fellow brother 'in Christ' who was moved by God the Holy Spirit to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a people living on a remote Island south of India. This man was warned about the reality of the danger of trying to go there and make contact with these people (who have in times past killed people who ventured onto the Island they occupy), however, this follower of Christ was compelled by his love for our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14) and his desire to be obedient to God the Holy Spirit (who surely led him to that place) with these words of our Lord Jesus also sounding in his heart and mind, "I tell you, My friends, do not dread {and} be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom you should fear: fear Him Who, after killing, has power to hurl into hell (Gehenna); yes, I say to you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And [yet] not one of them is forgotten {or} uncared for in the presence of God. But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear {or} seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows. And I tell you, Whoever declares openly [speaking out freely] {and} confesses that he is My worshiper {and} acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man also will declare {and} confess {and} acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns {and} denies {and} rejects {and} refuses to acknowledge Me before men will be disowned {and} denied {and} rejected {and} refused acknowledgement in the presence of the angels of God." (Luke 12:4-9) (Amplified Bible).

Note: "When we grieve God the Holy Spirit (who indwells all of us true Christians), then we cause Him to be inactive in our daily lives and we have no boldness or power from Him to witness for our Lord Jesus Christ, but instead we are operating in the flesh which is of no use or benefit to and for Christ Jesus our Lord and for the building up of His Body the Church." Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about not being given the spirit of fear but of power and of love, "A timorous and servile spirit. This is said in order to encourage Timothy, who was not improbably modest and diffident. Power to encounter foes and dangers; power to bear up under trials; power to triumph in persecutions. That is, it is the nature of the Gospel to inspire the mind with holy courage. Love to God and to the souls of men. The tendency of This, also, is to 'cast out fear' 1 John 4:18, and to make the mind bold and constant. Nothing will do more to inspire courage, to make a man fearless of danger, or ready to endure privation and persecution, than 'love.' The love of country, and wife, and children, and home, makes the most timid bold when they are assailed; and the love of Christ and of a dying world nerves the soul to great enterprises, and sustains it in the deepest sorrows."

The little English phrase 'of a sound mind' is translated by the Greek word sōphronismos meaning (as used here this one time only in the entire New Testament) discipline, that is, self control: - sound mind. Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say concerning the sound mind, "We have only to look at ourselves and see how there are in us a whole clamorous mob of desires, like nine-days kittens, with their eyes shut and their mouths open, yelping for their sustenance; and, further, to mark how in each man there is a voice that says, 'Thou shalt, thou shalt not; thou oughtest, thou oughtest not' - we need only, I say, look at ourselves to know that he is meant to coerce and keep well down under hatches all these blind propensions and desires, and to set sovereign above them a will that cannot be bribed, a reason that will not be deceived, and a conscience that will be true to God. Govern yourselves, or you will come all to pieces. Yes, and what is the use of saying that to men who cannot govern themselves, whose very disease is that they cannot; and who cry out often and often, sometimes before they have gone wrong and sometimes afterwards, 'Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?' It is no use to tell a discrowned and deposed monarch to rule his kingdom. The mischief is that it is in full revolt, and he has no soldiers behind him. As Bishop Butler says, 'If conscience had power, as it has authority, it would govern the world.' But authority without power is but a jest. So it is no good for conscience to give forth proclamations that are worth no more than the paper that they are written on, when my will has been talked over or enfeebled, and my desires and passions have got the bit between their teeth, and are tearing down the road to the inevitable collision. Brethren, there is only one thing that will give complete self-command. If you make trial, I will guarantee that it will not fail. Trust to Jesus Christ; ask Him to govern, and He will help you to control yourselves. That is the noblest conquest that any man can make. 'Every man is a king, and crowns himself when he puts on his own hat,' says our quaint moralist. Wherever you are master, be you master inside your own soul. And that you may, be the servant of Him who alone will make you master of yourself and of the world. In Christ the most timid may 'wax valiant in fight,' the weakest may be made strong, the most self-centred heart be opened for love which is peace and joy, and the wildest revolt in the little kingdom within may be subdued. If we will only go to Him, and trust Him with ourselves, and live in true communion with Him, and in patient exercise of the gifts that He bestows, then He will say to us as of old, 'Fear not! My strength is made perfect in weakness.' His love will kindle answering flames in us; and He who brought the raging maniac, whom no chains could bind, to sit quietly at His feet, will give us authority over the one city which we have to govern, and will make the flesh the servant of the emancipated and enfranchised spirit."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 4

Paul Inspires Timothy to Stir up His Gift from God

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. KJV

Therefore, because of Brother Timothy's rich heritage, Paul is now telling him that it should not be merely for his reflection, recollection, or remembrance, but it should primarily be a motivating influence in his daily walk with our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to energize him to do the will of God and to get out the Gospel of Christ in as many corners of this sinful world as possible by using these words to him, "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." (2 Timothy 1:6) (KJV). This English word 'Wherefore' the Apostle Paul uses at the very beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word aitia meaning (as used here) a cause (as if asked for), that is, (logical) reason (motive, matter), that is, to call for or to crave or to desire or to require something from someone. The lengthy English phrase 'I put thee in remembrance' is translated by one lenghthy Greek word anamimnēskō meaning (as used here) to remind; reflexively to recollect: - call to mind. The little English phrase 'that thou stir up' is translated by the Greek word anazōpureō meaning (as used here this one time only in the New Testament)  to re-enkindle: - stir up, that is, evoke or elicit again. The English word 'gift' is translated by the Greek word charisma meaning (as used here) a (divine) gratuity, that is, (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, that is, (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty: - (free) gift. In other words, the Apostle Paul is reminding and then desiring and craving and even requiring Brother Timothy to actively and purposefully stir up or revive (give new life and energy to) or rekindle the spiritual endowments/gifts given to him by God the Holy Spirit which are miraculous faculties not found in him naturally, but supernatural gifts given to him for the purpose of building up our Lord Jesus Christ Body.

Just as Paul declared to the Ephesian believers with these words, "And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the perfecting {and} the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the Church), [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ {and} the completeness found in Him. So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching {and} wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning {and} cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead. Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way {and} in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). For because of Him the whole body (the Church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints {and} ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:11-16) (Amplified Bible).

Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say concerning Paul's exhortation to Timothy to stir up God's gifts to him, "All God’s gifts are held on similar conditions. They may be neglected, and, if so, will cease as surely as an untended fire dies down into grey ashes. The highest and the lowest are alike in this. An unused muscle atrophies, an uncultivated capacity diminishes. The grace of God itself wanes if we are unfaithful stewards. The gift of the Spirit is not a substitute for our own activity, and the extent to which we possess it is determined by our rousing ourselves to tend the sacred flame." When Paul writes 'which is in thee by the putting on of my hands', he is not elevating himself to being God but he is simply reminding Timothy of himself as being the conduit by which God the Holy Spirit infused, impregnated, and inplanted the supernatural gifts Brother Timothy would need to carry out the will of God for his life. Note: "This laying on of hands by another Christian to another Christian has no power whatsoever in it, but is a symbol and symbolic of ordaining a person for a specific office of leadership in the Church, for it is certain and sure that God the Holy Spirit does not need any human hands to convey His supernatural gifts to willing believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. He can do it anytime and in any place all by Himself."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 3

Paul Recites Timothy's own Faith and Heritage to him

2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. KJV

Right after the Apostle Paul has completed telling Timothy how much he longed to see him again here on the earth and how often he prayed for him, Paul now recounts the faith of this man Timothy whom he had grown to trust greatly with these words, "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." (2 Timothy 1:5) (KJV). Perhaps Paul had a flash back of memory of the two of them serving our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ in the city of Ephesus or one of the other cities they went declaring the Gospel of Christ and in doing so God the Holy Spirit brought this to his mind. When Paul writes this first sentence at the beginning, 'When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee', he is using these words to encourage, embolden, and empower Timothy to carry on now even with more vigor, vibrance, and valiance than he had done when he and Paul were side by side teaching and preaching the Word of God. The little English phrase 'When I call' is translated by the Greek word lambanō which is a prolonged form of a primary verb meaning as used here to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively [probably objective or active, to get hold of. The little English phrase 'to remembrance' is translated by the Greek word hupomnēsis meaning a reminding or (reflexively) recollection: - remembrance. In other words, the Apostle Paul actively petitioned God the Holy Spirit to allow him to get hold of or recall or recollect or remind himself of Timothy serving God the Father together with him with such fervor and singleness of heart and mind.

The English word 'unfeigned' Paul uses here to speak of the 'faith' he witnessed in Brother Timothy is translated by the Greek word anupokritos used as a negative particle meaning undissembled, that is, sincere: - without dissimulation (hypocrisy), unfeigned. In other words, Brother Timothy was not a pretend Christian but a real Christian who loved our Lord Jesus Christ and wanted to please him with what he did and who he was, for Paul had seen the evidence and the proof of Timothy's conversion first hand over the years they were on the road as traveling missionaries together, for Timothy did not practice spiritual wickedness such as wizardry or witchcraft but instead he purposed to do exactly what the Apostle Paul had written to the believers in Rome when he wrote this, "[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good." (Romans 12:9) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes 'which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice', Paul is simply stating that Timothy grew up in a home where his GrandMother and Mother both loved God and worshipped Him above anything else and they taught Timothy to do the same. They did not teach him about magic or witchcraft (which is evil), but they taught him about the One True God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob 'Elohim'. Despite his GrandMother not seeing the Messiah come in person, she believed in and held hope in the coming Messiah our Lord Jesus Christ all her life and died in the faith of this belief and so her faith was of the same kind as her grandson Timothy. Timothy's Mother 'Eunice' was a Jewess (Acts 16:1) and a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ despite the fact that her husband (Timothy's Father a Greek was apparently a non-believer).

Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say concerning Timothy's heritage in the faith by way of his GrandMother and Mother, "It is always a memorable moment to a young beginner when a veteran lays his hand on his shoulder and acknowledges his devotion. Nor less fitted to warm Timothy’s heart was the praise of his grandmother and mother. It would not only do that, but would make him feel that his descent added force to the exhortation which followed. Whoever might become careless, one who had such blood in his veins was called on to be true to his ancestral faith. One can well understand how such a beginning prepared Timothy for the succeeding counsels. But this was not art or rhetorical advice on Paul’s part, but deep affection. The soil thus watered by love was ready for the seed." When Paul writes 'and I am persuaded that in thee also', he means that Timothy was truly converted to Christ and given the gift of faith by Christ just as his Mother was true to her faith in Christ, even though she lived with and raised Timothy with a Gentile/Greek unbelieving husband. The little English phrase 'I am persuaded' is translated by the Greek word peitho which is a primary verb; meaning (as used here) to rely (by inward certainty): to believe, have confidence in, and to trust. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the certainty of Timothy's faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, "Not only that faith was in him, and that that was unfeigned, but that it also dwelt, remained, and would continue with him to the end of life; for true faith is an abiding grace, it is a gift of God, that is irrevocable, and without repentance; Christ is the author and finisher of it, and prays that it fail not, whose prayers are always heard; it is begun, carried on, and performed by the power of God, and has salvation inseparably connected with it. Now when the same faith is said to dwell, first in his grandmother, and in his mother, and in him, this is not to be understood as if this grace was conveyed from one to another by natural generation; for grace comes not that way, only sin; men are not born of blood, but of God; but the sense is, that the same like precious faith was obtained by one, as by another. This was a rich family mercy, and deserved special notice, as being a thing uncommon, and required a particular thanksgiving; and is designed as a motive and encouragement to stir up Timothy to the exercise of that grace, and every other gift God had bestowed upon him, as in the following verse." 

"Salvation is such a personal thing that it cannot be inherited through Genetics or DNA as is proven in many cases such as with King David and his son Absalom who led a revolt against King David and tried to kill him. But instead Absalom was killed by Joab. This caused David to weep bitterly for his fallen son who had tried to kill him (2 Samuel 18:33), yet David never said of Absalom as he did of his baby son whom the Lord killed 'But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.' (2 Samuel 12:23) (Amplified Bible). King David never said these same words for Absalom because unlike his baby son, he knew that Absalom was not with the Lord. We see that Timothy grew up with an unbelieving Father, yet he became a true believer in our Lord Jesus Christ and it is simply because faith cannot be transferred from Parent to Child or from Child to Parent, but faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from Him to any and every soul who has ears to hear the Gospel of Grace. No person or circumstances or upbringing or ethnicity or anything at all can keep anyone from salvation in Jesus Christ. Remember these words from our Lord Jesus Christ lips, 'Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to part asunder a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a newly married wife from her mother-in-law--And a man's foes will be they of his own household. He who loves [and takes more pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].'" (Matthew 10:34-39) (Amplified Bible)." Mr. 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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 2

Paul thanks God for & Prays for & Longs to see Timothy

2 Timothy 1:3-4 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; KJV

The Apostle Paul had just completed his prophecy of grace, mercy, and peace being unto Brother Timothy and now he thanks God the Father for Timothy with these words written to him at the beginning of this second letter, "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;" (2 Timothy 1:3) (KJV). When Paul tells Timothy here at the begining of this verse 'I Thank God', he is using a phrase borrowed from Latin meaning literally 'I have thanks and gratitude to God the Father for you Timothy'. Brother Timothy perhaps became the most trusted and the most fellowship with Brother 'in Christ' that the Apostle Paul ministered with during his ministry on the earth after they met one another. Paul had ministered with many other Christians, including the faithful Dr. Luke who wrote the Book of Acts and the Gospel of Luke, yet Paul mentioned Timothy more in his letters to the Churches than any other person. When Paul writes 'whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience', he means that his service to God the Father then was the same YAWEH that Abraham, Iassic, and Jacob served hundreds of years before he was born, including his very own parents, grand parents, great grand parents and so on. The little English phrase 'my forefathers' is translated by the Greek word progonos meaning  an ancestor, (grand-) parent: - forefather, parent. Paul served God the Father in spirit and in truth and this is what he means here by a 'pure conscience', because he was not diluting, debasing, or destroying the Gospel, but instead standing for it in the Power of the Holy Spirit, which is what has landed him in prison as he now is writing this last letter to Timothy.

Remember this encounter Paul had with some of the non-believing Jews as documented for us by Dr. Luke, "Then Paul, gazing earnestly at the council (Sanhedrin), said, Brethren, I have lived before God, doing my duty with a perfectly good conscience until this very day [as a citizen, a true and loyal Jew]. At this the high priest Ananias ordered those who stood near him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, God is about to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit as a judge to try me in accordance with the Law, and yet in defiance of the Law you order me to be struck? Those who stood near exclaimed, Do you rail at {and} insult the high priest of God? And Paul said, I was not conscious, brethren, that he was a high priest; for the Scripture says, You shall not speak ill of a ruler of your people. But Paul, when he perceived that one part of them were Sadducees and the other part Pharisees, cried out to the council (Sanhedrin), Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; it is with regard to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am indicted {and} being judged." (Acts 23:1-6) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul serving the God of his forefathers with a pure conscience, "Being born a Jew, I was carefully educated in the knowledge of the True God, and the proper manner of worshipping Him. Ever aiming to please Him, even in the time when through ignorance I persecuted the Church."

When Paul writes 'that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day', he is telling Timothy how much he loved and cared for him and he showed said love by praying to God the Father for Timothy's precaution, preparedness, and protection during his daily walk and sojourn here on the earth with our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul had done many battles with the devil and his principalities and powers and he knew Timothy would face the same fierceness of attack from the enemy, so he prays for him day and night. These words written by Paul to the Ephesian Church were for the whole body of believers there, but it was an especially personal warning/message/reminder to Timothy who was in leadership there in Ephesus (because Paul had placed him there) (1 Timothy 1:3), "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]. Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies {and} the deceits of the devil. 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. Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist {and} stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]." (Ephesians 6:10-13) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say about Paul praying for Timothy night and day, "The language of love in absence is the same all the world over. It comes across all the intervening centuries like the speech of today: 'I never forget you.' But love should be sublimed by religion, and find its best expression in 'supplications.' Think of the prisoner in Rome, expecting a near death by violence, and yet telling his young friend that he was always thinking about him, Timothy, and wearying for him with a great yearning."

Paul expresses this yearning for Timothy and his well being with these words to him, "Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;" (2 Timothy 1:4) (KJV). The little English phrase 'Greatly desiring', that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word epipotheō meaning (to yearn); to dote upon, that is, intensely crave earnestly desire (greatly), greatly long after. Paul earnestly wanted more time to spend preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ and the Word of God to Christ Church with Brother Timothy. It was Paul's remembrance of how distraught, dispirited, and downcast Timothy was when he realized that he might have seen Paul for the last time when he left Ephesus to sail to Cos and on to Tyre as it is recorded for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "Having spoken thus, he knelt down with them all and prayed. And they all wept freely and threw their arms around Paul's neck and kissed him fervently {and} repeatedly, Being especially distressed {and} sorrowful because he had stated that they were about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship." (Acts 20:36-38) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say about this verse 2 Timothy 1:4, "How beautiful is that touch, too, that the remembrance of Timothy’s tears, when he had had to part from Paul, fed the Apostle’s desire to see him again! And how graceful, and evidently more than graceful, is the contrast between the tears of Timothy at parting and the hoped-for joy of Paul at meeting! No wonder that such a leader kindled passionate enthusiasm."

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 & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 1

Paul's Greeting to Timothy

2 Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. KJV

The Apostle Paul concluded his first letter to Brother Timothy urging him with deep, dire, but determined words to keep him walking in the truth of the Gospel of Christ and the Word of God. Paul due to his many imprisonments for preaching the Gospel of Christ probably did not know for certain if he would ever get another opportunity to instruct Timothy by way of letter, so he said all that he thought Timothy would need to hear from him to keep him grounded and rooted in 'the faith' once and for all handed down to the saints (Jude 1:3). Now in this second letter Paul is imprisoned for the last time before he will be executed by one of the devil's two-legged devils, so he wants to give Timothy some final encouragement as well as some final warnings to him of how his teachings will not be well received by all who are in the visible churches, however, Timothy (as well as we true believers today and of every era and generation)  must persist in staying true to Christ Gospel and His Word. Paul's greeting to Timothy in this second and last letter to him begins with these words, "Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus," (2 Timothy 1:1) (KJV). Paul was never one to boast or brag about his Apostleship, but when he knew that the letter would be read by others who had not met him face to face (like the believers in Rome) (Romans 1:10) he would assert and acknowledge himself as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, just as he does here in this second letter to Timothy knowing that many others whom he did not know on the earth would read it.

This little phrase 'an Apostle' (for those who don't know) is translated by the Greek word apostolos meaning a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (Apostle), (with miraculous powers): - Apostle, messenger, he that is sent. The little English word 'by' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word dia which is a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act. The little English phrase 'the will' is translated by the Greek word thelēma meaning a determination (properly the thing), that is, (actively) choice (specifically purpose, decree; abstractly volition) or (passively) inclination: - desire, pleasure, will. In other words, Paul (whose name was Saul before his conversion) was not seeking this office of Apostleship nor was he even seeking salvation, but he was made a Christian by our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 9:3-6) and then appointed as an Apostle or sent one/messenger of Jesus Christ by or through the determined purpose, decree, and desire of God the Father alone. Paul began his greeting in this manner in eight of his other letters including the first letter he wrote to Brother Timothy. Paul had the authority of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and worked miracles by the Power of the Holy Spirit which confirmed and proved his Apostleship to Timothy and to all the saints who were ever fortunate enough to be in his presence.

Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul asserting his Apostleship at the beginning of this his second and last letter to Timothy and all the saints then, "St. Paul at once shows his office, the authority on which he held it, and the end for which it was given him. He was an Apostle - an extraordinary ambassador from heaven. He had his Apostleship by the will of God - according to the counsel and design of God’s infinite wisdom and goodness. And he was appointed that he might proclaim that eternal life which God had in view for mankind by the incarnation of his Son Jesus Christ, and which was the end of all the promises He had made to men, and the commandments He had delivered to all His prophets since the world began. The mention of this life was peculiarly proper in the Apostle, who had now the sentence of death in himself, and who knew that he must shortly seal the truth with his blood. His life was hidden with Christ in God; and he knew that, as soon as he should be absent from the body, he should be present with the Lord. With these words he both comforted himself and his son Timothy."

Paul now shows how much he loved, cared for and regarded Timothy by these words, "To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." (2 Timothy 1:2) (KJV). These words prove how the bond between true Christians is even greater than that of blood relatives because this bond is 'in Christ' and energized by our love and affection for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ which is in the inner man and inner woman of every born again child of His as it is written by this same Apostle with these words, "Such hope never disappoints {or} deludes {or} shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us." (Romans 5:5) (Amplified Bible). The little English phrase 'my dearly beloved' is translated by the Greek word agapētos which means beloved: - (dearly, well) beloved, dear. Paul was not Timothy's earthly biological father, but to Paul Timothy was his spiritual son in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, for Paul considered himself to be Timothy's example in the faith and he regarded Timothy as a genuine (not fake or counterfeit) son, that is, a real born again Christian with real faith in Jesus Christ only. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Paul referring to Timothy as his beloved son, "Not in a natural, but in a spiritual sense; and not on account of his being an instrument of his conversion, but by reason of that instruction in the doctrines of the Gospel which he gave him, it being usual to call disciples children; and he calls him so, because as a son, he, being young in years, served with him, and under him, as a father, in the Gospel of Christ; for whom he had a very great affection, on account of his having been a companion with him in his travels, and very useful to him in the ministry, and because of his singular and eminent gifts, great grace, religion, and holiness."

Paul begins this greeting to Timothy of grace, mercy, and peace to him just as he had ended his first letter to him with these same words. Again this English word 'grace' is translated by the Greek word charis meaning (as used here) especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude). The English word 'mercy' is translated by the Greek word eleos meaning (as used here) Divine compassion. The English word 'peace' is translated by the Greek word eirēnē meaning (as used here) peace (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, and rest. The Apostle Paul wants God the Holy Spirit to influence Timothy's inner man making him at all times grateful to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ because of the great Divine compassion Timothy has been shown through regeneration (Titus 3:5) bringing about God's peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) giving Timothy and all we true believers today and of every era and generation rest in our souls. Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say concerning Paul's words of grace, mercy, and peace be to Timothy, "Christ’s Apostle pours his love and benediction over the young servant, and when such lips wish 'grace, mercy, and peace,' the wish is a prophecy as much as a prayer."

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…