Paul's Letter to Brother Philemon Volume 4

Paul makes a Humble Request to Philemon for Onesimus Part 1

Philemon 1:8-10 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: KJV Note: MKJV = Modern King JAmes Version

After completeing the opening of his letter to Brother Philemon, Paul now gets into the main reason for his writing to him and that being the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus was a slave who belonged to Brother Philemon and he had stolen from Philemon and escaped or runaway. Paul must have met Onesimus while they were both in captivity by the Romans and there led him to a saving faith in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, so now he begins his plea for Philemon to receive back Onesimus not only as his slave, but now also as his brother 'in Christ' with these words first, "Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient," (Philemon 1:8) (KJV). The English word 'wherefore' Paul uses to open this verse is translated by the Greek word dio which means through which thing, that is, consequently. In this case, he means to refer to the previous verse declaring, describing, and detailing his love for all the saints, of whom Onesimus is now also one, that is, a saint of God. When Paul writes after this these words, 'though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient', he means that he as an Apostle has the authority (given to him by Christ Jesus) to demand that he receive Onesimus back without question or argument. The little English phrase 'to enjoin' is translated by the Greek word epitassō meaning to arrange upon, that is, order: - charge, command, injoin.

Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say of this verse, "The Apostle’s confidence in his friend's character, and in his being amenable to the appeal of love, made Paul waive his Apostolic authority, and plea instead of commanding. There are people, like the horse and the mule, who understand only rough imperatives, backed by force; but they are fewer than we are apt to think, and perhaps gentleness is never wholly thrown away. No doubt, there must be adaptation of method to different characters, but we should try gentleness before we make up our minds that to try it is to throw pearls before swine." However, Paul declares immediately that he would prefer not to have to resort to using his authority 'in Christ' with these very next words written here, "Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ." (Philemon 1:9) (KJV). Paul is declaring that instead of ordering him to receive Onesimus back, he would rather see Philemon's love for the saints intreat him, invoke him, and inplore him to receive Onesimus back as a brother now and forgive him his transgressions. Here is what John Wesley had to say of this verse, "In how handsome a manner does the Apostle just hint, and immediately drop, the consideration of his power to command, and tenderly entreat Philemon to hearken to his friend, his aged friend, and now prisoner for Christ! With what endearment, in the next verse, does he call Onesimus his son, before he names his name! And as soon as he had mentioned it, with what fine address does he just touch on his former faults, and instantly pass on to the happy change that was now made upon him! So disposing Philemon to attend to his request, and the motives wherewith he was going to enforce it."

Paul for the very first time in this letter refers to the runaway slave by his name Onesimus and in so doing now calls him his son as we see as it is written here, "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:" (Philemon 1:10) (KJV). Paul as we stated above had led this man to a saving faith in Christ Jesus our Lord while they were both bound in chains by the Romans. These words of the Apostle Paul are reminiscent or bring to mind the words King David spoke to his soldiers regarding his son Absalom (his rebellious son who was trying to kill him and overthrow him), "And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, For my sake be gentle with the young man, with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the commanders charge concerning Absalom." (2 Samuel 18:5) (MKJV). This is what Paul is saying here to Philemon to be gentle to Onesimus but not just for his sake, but primarily for Christ sake. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say of this verse, "The address and tact of Paul here are worthy of particular observation. Any other mode of bringing the case before the mind of Philemon might have repelled him. If he had simply said, 'I beseech thee for Onesimus;' or, 'I beseech thee for thy servant Onesimus,' he would at once have reverted to his former conduct, and remembered all his ingratitude and disobedience. But the phrase 'my son,' makes the way easy for the mention of his name, for he had already found the way to his heart before his eye lighted on his name, by the mention of the relation which he sustained to himself. Who could refuse to such a man as Paul - a laborious servant of Christ - an aged man, exhausted with his many sufferings and toils - and a prisoner - a request which he made for one whom he regarded as his son? It may be added, that the delicate address of the Apostle in introducing the subject, is better seen in the original than in our translation. In the original, the name Onesimus is reserved to come in last in the sentence. The order of the Greek is this: 'I entreat thee concerning a son of mine, whom I have begotten in my bonds - Onesimus.' Here the name is not suggested, until he had mentioned that he sustained to him the relation of a son, and also until he had added that his conversion was the fruit of his labors while he was a prisoner. Then, when the name of Onesimus is mentioned, it would occur to Philemon not primarily as the name of an ungrateful and disobedient servant, but as the interesting case of one converted by the labors of his own friend in prison. Was there ever more delicacy evinced in preparing the way for disarming one of prejudice, and carrying an appeal to his heart?"

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 Letter to Brother Philemon Volume 3

Paul Prays for & Documents Brother Philemon's Love & Faith Part 2

Philemon 1:6-7 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. KJV Note: MKJV=Modern King James Version

After hearing of Brother Philemon's love for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and for all of those who belong to Him, Paul now continues acknowledging to him how he prays for him with these next words, "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." (Philemon 1:6) (KJV). Paul's prayer for Philemon is that he is able to actively communicate, carry, and convey his faith in Christ Jesus our Lord to others in order that they might receive the greatest blessing any sinful human being can receive and that being their sins blotted out permanently as the Apostle Peter declared when he spoked these words recorded for us by Dr. Luke, "And you killed the Prince of Life, whom God has raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, this one whom you see and know, His name made firm. And the faith which came through Him has given him this perfect soundness before you. And now, brothers, I know that you did it through ignorance, as also your rulers did. But those things which God before had shown by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He fulfilled in this manner. Therefore repent and convert so that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:15-19) (MKJV). The English word 'effectual' is translated by the Greek word energēs meaning active, operative: - effectual, powerful. In other words, Paul's prayer is that Philemon's faith in Christ Jesus would be energized by God the Holy Spirit through him that its conveying to others would be powerful. When Paul writes, 'by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus', he means the graces that flow from our Lord Jesus Christ as He sits upon His Throne of Grace right now at the Right Hand of God the Father (Hebrews 10:12 & Hebrews 12:2).

One of these graces Paul wants to see fully being expressed in the life of Brother Philemon is that of forgiveness, for Paul wants Philemon to now forgive former sinner and runaway slave of his Onesimus (who stole from Philemon), but who is now a fellow saint in Christ Jesus our Lord. This is why Paul made a special point earlier to acknowledge his love for Jesus and all the saints. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning this verse, "The grace of faith itself cannot be communicated from one to another; a believing parent cannot communicate it to his children, nor a master to his servants, nor a minister to his hearers; but an account of it, of its actings and exercises, of the joy of it, and of the peace a soul is filled with through believing, may be given to the mutual comfort and edification of saints; and it may be shown forth to others by the fruits of it, works of righteousness: but here it seems to design acts of beneficence, communicating to the necessities of others, as flowing from faith; and these words are to be connected with Philemon 1:4 as a part of the Apostle's prayers, as what is contained in the preceding verse is the matter of his thanksgiving. And his prayer is, that such a communication of good things, which springs from faith, that it 'may be evident'; that it 'may be fruitful in works'; or show itself in fruits of righteousness, in works of mercy and kindness; and the Apostle's sense is, that it might be more and more so: by the acknowledging of every good thing that is in you in Christ Jesus; the meaning is, that every good thing that is in the saints, or among them, should be acknowledged to come to them in and through Christ Jesus, in Whom all fulness of grace dwells, and from Whom all is imparted; and that every good thing that is communicated, or done in faith, which is effectual to any good purpose, should be owned as done by the grace and strength of Christ, and be done to His saints, as if done to Himself, and be directed to His glory."

Paul finishes his prayer and praise for Brother Philemon by acknowledging once again all the benefits to the saints that flow from or come from the worship of God in his home with these words, "For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother." (Philemon 1:7) (KJV). Paul, ever the expositor, expounder, and explainer of the Word of God gets even more joy when he hears of others who are doing the same thing among the saints and in the world at large. Philemon had turned his home into a shelter, a shrine, a sanctuary for the saints to meet and worship Christ Jesus our Lord and in so doing he would teach them (by the Holy Spirits Power) the Scripture refreshing their 'bowels' and this English word is translated by the Greek word splagchnon meaning their inner man or inner woman or their inward affections. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concernig this verse, "In the expressions and acts of it to the poor saints; for which reason the Apostle gives thanks for it before; and it is a pleasure and comfort to an ingenuous mind, though it is not in his power to do good to the poor saints himself, to see that others have both abilities, and a heart to relieve them: because the bowels of the saints are, refreshed by thee, brother; meaning, not only that their bellies were filled with food, for the phrase is used in Philemon 1:20 where that cannot be intended; but their hearts were filled with gladness, the load upon their spirits, the pressures upon their minds were removed, and they had an inward pleasure in their souls, and rest, refreshment, and comfort, through the liberal communications of Philemon to them; who did what he did cheerfully, that so it did their souls good, as well as their bodies; and in doing which, he acted the part of a brother in Christ."

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 Letter to Brother Philemon Volume 2

Paul Prays for & Documents Brother Philemon's Love & Faith Part 1

Philemon 1:4-5 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; KJV Note:CEV=Contemporary English Version

The Apostle Paul next tells Brother Philemon how often he lifts his name up to our Father in Heaven when he is praying. All of us who have been redeemed and who are sojourning down here as twice born human beings, know the striving, stressing, and struggling each of us endure within on a daily basis in our inner man or inner woman with the new nature vs the old nature as to which will be in control, and also the furious fights we always encounter from without that come from the devil through his invisible devils and his visible two-legged devils as he continously attacks us physically and spiritually, so it must be a comfort for Brother Philemon to know that this great man of God (Paul the Apostle) makes mention of him in his prayers as Paul so writes with these words, "I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers," (Philemon 1:4) (KJV). Paul was one of the greatest prayer warriors in the army of God and for Philemon to read these words, surely brought comfort to his soul. Paul wrote very similiar words in the very beginning of his letter to the believers in the Church @ Colosse acknowledging their love for all the saints of God when he said, "We have not stopped praying for you since the first day we heard about you. In fact, we always pray that God will show you everything He wants you to do and that you may have all the wisdom and understanding that His Spirit gives. Then you will live a life that honors the Lord, and you will always please Him by doing good deeds. You will come to know God even better. His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy. I pray that you will be grateful to God for letting you have part in what He has promised His people in the kingdom of light. God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of His dear Son, who forgives our sins and sets us free." (Colossians 1:9-14) (CEV).

Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say of this verse, "Paul was one of those regal natures to which things are possible that other men dare not do. No suspicion of weakness attaches to him when he pours out his heart in love, nor any of insincerity when he speaks of his continual prayers for his friends, or when he runs over in praise of his converts. Few men have been able to talk so much of their love without betraying its shallowness and self-consciousness, or of their prayers without exciting a doubt of their manly sincerity. But the Apostle could venture to do these things without being thought either feeble or false, and could unveil his deepest affections and his most secret devotions without provoking either a smile or a shrug. He has the habit of beginning all his letters with thankful commendations and assurances of a place in his prayers. The exceptions are 2 Corinthians, where he writes under strong and painful emotion, and Galatians, where a vehement accusation of fickleness takes the place of the usual greeting. But these exceptions make the habit more conspicuous. Though this is a habit, it is not a form, but the perfectly simple and natural expression of the moment’s feelings. He begins his letters so, not in order to please, and to say smooth things, but because he feels lovingly, and his heart fills with a pure joy which speaks most fitly in prayer. To recognize good is the way to make good better. Teachers must love if their teaching is to help. The best way to secure the doing of any single act of Christian generosity, such as Paul wished of Philemon, is to show absolute confidence that it will be done, because it is in accordance with what we know of the doer's character. 'It's a shame to tell Arnold a lie: he always trusts us,' the Rugby boys used to say. Nothing could so powerfully have swayed Philemon to grant Paul's request, as Paul's graceful mention of his beneficence, which mention is yet by no means conscious diplomacy, but instinctive kindliness."

Paul now declares to him in this letter that he has heard of how strong his faith and love for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ was and how much he loved all of those who belonged to our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul perhaps was given this incite from the runaway slave Onesimus who was now with Paul, so Paul now writes these words, "Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;" (Philemon 1:5) (KJV). It was always Paul's practice to send those brothers who were with him whereever he was at the time back to places where Churches were formed and founded because of the grace of God after those heard the Gospel of Grace and were converted by God the Holy Spirit into Christ's mystical Body. Philemon was a resident of Colosse, but Paul had never visited the Church established their, but he did know brother Epaphras who was a minister in the Church of Colosse as documented for us by Paul's own letter written to that Church with these words, "We have heard of your faith in Christ and of your love for all of God's people, because what you hope for is kept safe for you in heaven. You first heard about this hope when you believed the true message, which is the good news. The good news is spreading all over the world with great success. It has spread in that same way among you, ever since the first day you learned the truth about God's wonderful kindness from our good friend Epaphras. He works together with us for Christ and is a faithful worker for you. He is also the one who told us about the love that God's Spirit has given you." (Colossians 1:4-8) (CEV). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say of this verse, "Either by Onesimus, who, after his conversion, would be disposed to state all that he knew that was favorable of Philemon, or hearing it by some other persons who had come from Colosse to Rome. The faith which is mentioned here refers to the Lord Jesus; the love, to the saints. The order in the Greek is indeed the same as in our version, but it is not unusual by synthesis, or uniting two or more things together, to arrange words in that manner. The meaning is, that he had strong faith in the Lord Jesus, and ardent/fervent/warm love toward all who were Christians."

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 Letter to Brother Philemon Volume 1

Paul's Greeting to Brother Philemon

Philemon 1:1-3 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. KJV

Paul the Apostle had met a man named Onesimus (who was a runaway slave) at some point on his missionary travels and the Gospel of the Grace of God had penetrated his inner man and he was converted, conformed, and captivated by said grace and became a follower of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul (who knew that Philemon was his owner) now rights to him to prepare, promote, and persuade him to receive Onesimus back as no longer his slave, but now as his brother 'in Christ', so Paul greets Brother Philemon in this brief letter with these words first, "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer," (Philemon 1:1) (KJV). Paul undoubtedly wanted to first remind Brother Philemon how much he means to him and to also remind him that he (Paul) and he (Philemon) are themselves prisoners, but prisoners of a Good Master, a Kind Master, a Loving Master, that being Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul was the captive, the prisoner, the slave of Jesus Christ and so was brother Philemon. The English phrase 'our dearly beloved' is translated by the Greek word agapētos which means beloved: - (dearly, well) beloved, dear. The English word 'fellowlabourer' is translated by the Greek word sunergos which means a co-laborer, that is, coadjutor: - companion in labour, (fellow-) helper (-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow. Paul's words of love and affection to this man Philemon signifies that he is someone Paul has known for some time and has labored in the preaching of the Gospel of Christ with on many occassions despite the fact that he is not mentioned by Paul anywhere else in the entire New Testament, therefore, he is writing to someone who cares about him and someone he surely can get through to on this matter of his runaway slave.

However, it also could be argued that Paul only knew him as a brother 'in Christ' and this is reason why Paul speaks so kindly to him, knowing that since he loves our Lord Jesus Christ just as Paul does, then surely he will forgive Onesimus for the wrong which he has done to him now that he too is a brother 'in Christ'. Here is what Vincent's Word Study had to say concerning this first verse, "A prisoner for Christ's sake. This is the only salutation in which Paul so styles himself. The word is appropriate to his confinement at Rome. Apostle would not have suited a private letter, and one in which Paul takes the ground of personal friendship and not of apostolic authority. A similar omission of the official title occurs in the Epistles to the Thessalonians and Philippians, and is accounted for on the similar ground of his affectionate relations with the Macedonian Churches. Contrast the salutation to the Galatians. Timothy could not be called an apostle. He is distinctly excluded from this office in 2 Corinthians 1:1; Colossians 1:1. In Philippians and Philemon, after the mention of Timothy the plural is dropped. In Colossians it is maintained throughout the thanksgiving only. The title brother is used of Quartus, Romans 16:23; Sosthenes, 1 Corinthians 1:1; Apollos, 1 Corinthians 16:12. Philemon an inhabitant, and possibly a native of Colossae in Phrygia. The name figured in the beautiful Phrygian legend of Baucis. He was one of Paul's converts, and his labors in the Gospel at Colossae are attested by the title fellow-laborer, and illustrated by his placing his house at the disposal of the Colossian Christians for their meetings. The statements that he subsequently became bishop of Colossae and suffered martyrdom are legendary."

Next Paul makes sure to Greet Philemon's wife along with another brother 'in Christ' perhaps their son with these words, "And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the Church in thy house:" (Philemon 1:2) (KJV). Apphia is likely Philemon's wife and Archippus another brother 'in Christ' who was perhaps their son. How wonderful, and entire family or household saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Paul acknowledges their fellowship in Philemon's home where they gathered together to read and study the Word of God and worship our Lord Jesus Christ. In those days of the early Church, there were no building funds being collected to build some large and elaborate buildings to worship Christ, the true brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus then met whereever they could to honor the Name of Christ who had resuced them from their sin and from eternal destruction in hell and the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). Finally, Paul's customary greeting of grace be given to the recipients of his letter as shown with these words, "Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philemon 1:3) (KJV). It is always Paul's desire that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ would grant 'grace' and 'peace' to all of His adopted son's and daughters, that grace being the divine influence upon the heart or inner man and inner woman that gives power to live down here on this wicked earth and that peace of God which brings about quietness and rest to the soul or inner man and inner woman despite what wicked acts are being plotted, planned, and prepared by the devil through his invisible devils and his visible two-legged devils against any of us son's and daughter's of God. Amen to this!

Here is what Alexander MacLaren had to say concerning this third verse, "The ground of the certainty lies in the source from which the grace and peace come. They flow 'from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.' The placing of both names under the government of one preposition implies the mysterious unity of the Father with the Son; while conversely St. John, in the parallel passage just mentioned, by employing two prepositions, brings out the distinction between the Father, who is the fontal, that is the fountain or origin, source, and the Son, who is the flowing stream. But both forms of the expression demand for their honest explanation the recognition of the divinity of Jesus Christ. How dare a man, who thought of Him as other than Divine, put His name thus by the side of God’s, as associated with the Father in the bestowal of grace? Surely such words, spoken without any thought of a doctrine of the Trinity, and which are the spontaneous utterance of Christian devotion, are demonstration, not to be gainsaid, that to Paul, at all events, Jesus Christ was, in the fullest sense. Divine. The double source is one source, for in the Son is the whole fullness of the Godhead; and the grace of God, bringing with it the peace of God, is poured into that spirit which bows humbly before Jesus Christ, and trusts Him when He says, with love in His eyes and comfort in His tones, 'My grace is sufficient for thee'; 'My peace give I unto you.'"

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 Titus Volume 27

Paul's Final Instructions to Titus and Farewell

Titus 3:12-15 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. KJV

The aging Apostle has now come to the end of this one and only recorded letter written to Titus ordained the first Bishop of the Church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia, and in so doing he gives him some final instructions that are practical and spiritual with these words first, "When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter." (Titus 3:12) (KJV). Paul wanted Titus to be diligent or to make haste to come to him in Nicopolis (which was the home town of Brother Titus) perhaps because of this fact is why Paul has decided to spend the winter there. At the time of Paul writing this letter to Titus, he had not yet arrived in Nicopolis. Some Bible Commentators think that this is not the same Nicopolis where Titus was born and raised, but this is not a point of significance which city it was or was not, for Paul wanted to have Brother Titus with him in person so that he could make sure he was understanding all that had been written to him and perhaps to impart some spiritual gift to him (Romans 1:11). Paul had likewise closed his letter to Brother Timothy with the same request to come to him quickly (2 Timothy 4:21). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "Why Paul designed to spend the winter there, or what he purposed to do there, are questions on which no light can now be thrown. There is no evidence that he organized a Church there, though it may be presumed that he preached the Gospel, and that he did not do it without success. His requesting Titus to leave his important post and to come to him, looks as if his aid were needed in the work of the ministry there, and as if Paul supposed there was a promising field of labor there."

Immediately after instructing Titus to come to him, Paul tells him to bring with him two other men and notice how there is no language of this sort, 'If your schedule and their schedule will permit?' Here is what he wrote, "Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them." (Titus 3:13) (KJV). When Paul the Apostle instructed someone to do something or to go somewhere, it was never questioned, but immediately obeyed. Here is what the JFB Commentary wrote concerning this verse, "Enable them to proceed forward by supplying necessaries for their journey. Zenas the contracted form of Zenodorus, a Jewish 'scribe,' who, when converted, still retained the title from his former occupation. A civil lawyer. Apollos with Zenas, probably the bearers of this Epistle. In 1 Corinthians 16:12, Apollos is mentioned as purposing to visit Corinth; his now being at Corinth (on the theory of Paul being at Corinth when he wrote) accords with this purpose. Crete would be on his way either to Palestine or his native place, Alexandria. Paul and Apollos thus appear in beautiful harmony in that very city where their names had been formerly the watchword of unchristian party work. It was to avoid this party rivalry that Apollos formerly was unwilling to visit Corinth though Paul desired him. Hippolytus mentions Zenas as one of the Seventy, and afterwards bishop of Diospolis."

Paul was very quick to point out things that were not right between brethren and perhaps this is why he emphasizes in the previous verse to make sure that they provided all that Zenas and Apollos would need to make the journey, so now he writes these last words as a final reminder, "And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful." (Titus 3:14) (KJV). Maybe Titus had not done so with Zenas and Apollos in the past as he should have, so Paul wants this to be another reminder for him that will always be there for him to refer to in the future. Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say about this verse, "But ... also. Not only thou, but let others also of 'our' fellow believers (or 'whom we have gained over at Crete') with thee, for necessary uses — to supply the necessary wants of Christian missionaries and brethren, according as they stand in need in their journeys for the Lord's cause." Lastly, Paul bids his farewell to Brother Titus at the end of this letter sending greetings to him (before he arrives) from all those there with Paul with these words, "All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen." (Titus 3:15) (KJV). Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning Paul's final farewell words in this letter to Titus, "Salute them that love us in the faith. All at Crete had not this love rooted in faith, the true bond of fellowship. A salutation peculiar to this Epistle, such as no forger, that is, counterfeiter would have used. 'The grace,' namely, of God be with you all — not that the Epistle is addressed to all the Cretan Christians, but Titus would naturally impart it to his flock."

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 Titus Volume 26

Paul Instructs Titus on how the Grace of God should enable him to deal with Biblical Heritics that rise up in the Church of Jesus Christ

Titus 3:10-11 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. KJV

Paul wants Brother Titus and every true believer in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to always and at all times be ready and able to take a stand for the truth of the Word of God. Before Paul wrote this letter to Titus, he had already warned the believers in Ephesus to be on the look out for men who would rise up even within their fellowship who were not truly men who were reborn by our Lord Jesus Christ, here is what Paul said to them, "For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also men shall arise from your own selves, speaking perverse things in order to draw disciples away after them. Therefore watch and remember that for the time of three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears." (Acts 20:29-31) (KJV). Paul was always a watchman or a guardian of the truth of the Word of God and would defend it at all cost, even the ultimate cost, which was his beheading at the hands of the Romans incited by the Jews. King David prayed for our Lord God to defend him as he stood for and in the truth of God with these words, "Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me." (Psalm 59:1) (KJV). So it is no strange thing that Paul would make one of his final instructions to Brother Titus to be such the same type of guardian of the truth as he instructs him with these words here, "A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;" (Titus 3:10) (KJV). This English word 'heretic' is translated by the Greek word aihretikos (used this one time only in the entire Bible) meaning a schismatic. ('heretic' is the Greek word itself.), that is, one who causes schism or Division of a group into opposing factions, that is, the formal separation of a Church into two Churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences or error. The English word 'admonition' is translated by the Greek word nouthesia meaning calling attention to, that is, (by implication) mild rebuke or warning: - admonition. The English word 'reject' is translated by the Greek word paraiteomai meaning to beg off, that is, deprecate, decline, shun: - avoid, (make) excuse, intreat, refuse, reject.

In other words, a heritic is in actuality an unbeliever or someone who has taken the truth of the Word of God and twisted it or perverted it by virtue of their taking heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). You see the devil cannot refute the Word of God because as it is written, "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in Heaven." (Psalm 119:89) (KJV), therefore, instead he works hard to pervert and twist the truth of the Word of God in the hearts and minds of people in order to prevent or keep them in their lost state or condition, that is, to keep them from the forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ. The people (men or women) must be warned and rebuked even, but after doing so twice, if they persist in their believing and teaching of lies, then they must be completely avoided and rejected, just as this same Apostle Paul instructed the believers in Rome to do with these words, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:17-18) (KJV). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the heritic, "An heretic, according to the notation of the word, is either one that makes choice of an opinion upon his own judgment, contrary to the generally received sense of the Churches of Christ, and prefers it to theirs, and obstinately persists in it; separates from them, forms a party, and sets himself at the head of them, whom he has drawn into the same way of thinking with himself: or he is one that removes and takes away a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, which affects particularly the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity, and personality of Father, Son, and Spirit, and especially the doctrines relating to the person, office, and grace of Christ; one that brings in, or receives damnable doctrines; speaks or professes perverse things, and draws away disciples after him; or is among such disciples: for though schism and heresy do differ, and every schismatic may not be an heretic, yet every heretic is a schismatic; he makes a rent in the doctrine of Christ, and makes parties and divisions in his Church; and such are not always to be contended and disputed with, but to be avoided and rejected: Have nothing to do with him; have no society with him; admit him not to private conversation; and eject him from Church communion, after he has been publicly admonished twice by the order of the Church; for this is not to be understood of private admonition, by a particular person or persons; as in the case of private offences, Matthew 18:15, but of public admonition, in the name of the Church."

Paul declares to Brother Titus that this man knows deep down that what he embraces or follows after is wrong, "Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself." (Titus 3:11) (KJV). The English word 'subverted' is translated by the Greek word ekstrephō (used this one time only in the entire Bible) meaning to pervert. The man or woman that is a heritic will at some point know (within themselves) that what they espouse is a lie, yet many, if not most will go on persisting in that lie having been fooled or duped by the devil's appearence as an angel of light, as it is written, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) (KJV), also it is because of what Paul wrote to the Thessalonian beleivers to beware of with these words, "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) (KJV).

Here is what the Expositor's Bible Commentary had to say concerning this matter, "In all such cases there are three sets of persons to be considered:-the heretic himself, those who have to deal with him, and the Church at large. What conduct on the part of those who have to deal with him will be least prejudicial to themselves and to the Church and most beneficial to the man himself? The supreme law of charity/love must be the guiding principle. But that is no true charity/love which shows tenderness to one person in such a way as to do grievous harm to others, or to do more harm than good to the person who receives it. Love of what is good is not only consistent with hatred of what is evil; it cannot exist without such hatred. What we have to consider, therefore, is this. Will friendliness confirm him in his error? Would he be more impressed by severity? Is intercourse with him likely to lead to our being led astray? Will it increase his influence and his opportunities of doing harm? Is severity likely to excite sympathy in other people, first for him, and then for his teaching? It is impossible to lay down a hard-and-fast rule that would cover all cases; and while we remember the stern instructions which St. Paul gives to Titus, and St. John to the 'elect lady,' let us not forget the way in which Jesus Christ treated publicans and sinners. In our own day there is danger of mistaking lazy or weak indifferentism for Christian charity/love. It is a convenient doctrine that the beliefs of our fellow-Christians are no concern of ours, even when they try to propagate what contradicts the creed. And, while emphasis is laid upon the responsibility of accepting articles of faith, it is assumed that there is little or no responsibility in refusing to accept, or in teaching others to refuse also. To plead for tenderness, where severity is needed, is not charity/love, but Laodicaean lukewarmness; and mistaken tenderness may easily end in making us 'partakers in evil works.' To be severe, when severity is imperatively called for, is not only charity/love to the offenders, it is also charity/love towards all men besides. It is charity/love towards the ignorant as carrying instruction along with it; charity/love towards the unwary, as giving them warning to stand off from infection; charity/love towards the confirmed Christians, as encouraging them still more, and preserving them from insults; charity/love towards the whole Church, as supporting both their unity and purity; charity/love towards all mankind, towards them that are without, as it is recommending pure religion to them in the most advantageous light, obviating their most plausible calumnies, and giving them less occasion to blaspheme."

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…