Paul's Greeting to Brother Titus Part 3
Titus 1:4-5 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: KJV
The Apostle Paul looked upon himself as being a spiritual father to many who had heard his preaching of the Gospel of Christ/Gospel of Grace and had then believed and been baptized by God the Holy Spirit into the Spiritual Body of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, he refers to Brother Titus as such with these next words of his greeting to him in this letter, "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Titus 1:4) (KJV). The English phrase 'mine own' is translated by the Greek word gnēsios which means legitimate (of birth), that is, genuine: - own, sincerity, true. When Paul writes 'after the common faith', he simply means that like himself Titus had believed the true Gospel of Christ and was born again by God the Holy Spirit and he was a true son of God the Father through faith given to him by our Lord Jesus Christ as he did with Paul and every one of us today and of every era and generation the Gospel of Grace has been preached. Paul prays for grace, mercy, and peace to be upon and with Brother Titus, that is, that grace, mercy, and peace that comes directly from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace here being God's Divine influence upon the heart of Titus and it reflecting itself in Titus's life right where he was living and serving at the time. Mercy to Titus being God's tenderness to him and in His daily dealing with Titus constantly showing and giving to him Divine compassion. Peace being the quietness of his soul and the state of rest in his soul being assured of his redemption, rebirth, and resurrection from spiritual death, that is, that peace which passes all human understanding as Paul wrote to the Philippian believers with these words, "And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) (MKJV).
Here is what Matthew Henry said about this verse, "My own (or my genuine) son, not by natural generation, but by supernatural regeneration. I have begotten you through the Gospel, said he to the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 4:15. Ministers are spiritual fathers to those whom they are the means of converting, and will tenderly affect and care for them, and must be answerably regarded by them. 'My own son after the common faith, that faith which is common to all the regenerate, and which thou hast in truth, and expressest to the life.' This might be said to distinguish Titus from hypocrites and false teachers, and to recommend him to the regard of the Cretans, as being among them a lively image of the Apostle himself, in faith, and life, and heavenly doctrine. To this Titus, deservedly so dear to the Apostle, is, the salutation and prayer, wishing all blessings to him: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. Here are, 1. The blessings wished: Grace, mercy, and peace. Grace, the free favour of God, and acceptance with Him. Mercy, the fruits of that favour, in pardon of sins, and freedom from all miseries by it, both here and hereafter. And peace, the positive effect and fruit of mercy. Peace with God through Christ who is our peace, and with the creatures and ourselves; outward and inward peace, comprehending all good whatsoever, that makes for our happiness in time and to eternity. Observe, Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and peace, and all good, spring out of this. Get into God's favour, and all must be well; for, 2. These are the persons from whom blessings are wished: From God the Father, the fountain of all good. Every blessing, every comfort, comes to us from God as a Father; He is the Father of all by creation, but of the good by adoption and regeneration. And the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, as the way and means of procurement and conveyance. All is from the Father by the Son, who is Lord by nature, Heir of all things, and our Lord, Redeemer, and Head, ordering and ruling His members. All are put under Him; we hold of Him, and owe subjection and obedience to Him, who is also Jesus and Christ, the anointed Saviour, and especially our Saviour, who believe in Him, delivering us from sin and hell, and bringing us to heaven and happiness."
Paul now tells him directly what he wants him to do where he had commanded him to be with these words, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:" (Titus 1:5) (KJV). The little English phrase 'for this cause' is translated by the Greek word charin meaning through favor of, that is, on account of this thing. The little English phrase 'thou shouldest set in order' is translated by the Greek word epidiorthoō (used this one time only in ther New Testament) meaning to straighten further, that is, (figuratively) arrange additionally: - set in order. The little English phrase 'the things that are wanting' is translated by the Greek word leipō a primary verb meaning to leave, that is, (intransitive, that is, a verb that does not require a direct object or passive, that is, expressing that the subject of the sentence is the patient of the action denoted by the verb) to fail or be absent: - be destitute (wanting), lack. The English word 'ordain' is translated by the Greek word kathistēmi meaning to place down permanently or to designate or to appoint. The English word 'elders' is translated by the Greek word presbuteros meaning men of approved Christian reputation, certain ones to be overseers of the Churches in the several cities. In other words, Paul had left Titus in the city of Crete in order that he would straighten out what was in disorder in the Church there and set it in order by designating or appointing men in the Church there and in other cities to be overseers making sure the doctrine and teaching remained pure to the truth of God and the Word of God and that these men should have a good testimony or reputation in the Churches before they are given these permanent and very important positions of office. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "It appears from this that the Apostle did not spend much time in Crete, and that he was obliged to leave it before he had got the Church properly organized. The supplying of this defect, he tells Titus, he had confided to him as one whose spiritual views coincided entirely with his own. That thou mightest appoint, elders - persons well instructed in Divine things, who should be able to instruct others, and observe and enforce the discipline of the Church. It appears that those who are called elders in this place are the same as those termed bishops in Titus 1:7. We have many proofs that bishops and elders were of the same order in the apostolic Church, though afterwards they became distinct. In every city, this seems to intimate that the Apostle had gone over the whole of the hundred cities for which this island was celebrated. Indeed it is not likely that he would leave one in which he had not preached Christ crucified."
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…
I am a Christian Writer of non-fiction primarily and a little fiction. My purpose for forming this site is to Edify Christians with my writing and reach the lost with the uncompromising Gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 2
Paul's Greeting to Brother Titus Part 2
Titus 1:2-3 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; KJV
Paul continues in his greeting to Brother Titus declaring the grand end or goal of every servant of God the Father and that is every man, woman, boy, and girl who trust our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ are given a 'hope' that is all together different than what the non-believer has on this earth, so Paul writes now these words, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;" (Titus 1:2) (KJV). The English word 'hope' is translated by the Greek word elpis which means (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: - that is, confident expectation or certain expectation. In other words, this entire verse declares the faithfulness and the truthfulness of God the Father, for He 'promised' that He would grant everlasting life in peace, comfort, joy, and bliss in heaven with Him for every sinful human being who trusted our Lord Jesus Christ ONLY for forgiveness of their sin. The English word 'promised' is translated by the Greek word epaggellō which means to announce upon, that is, (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself: - profess, (make) promise.
Paul declares in this verse that God cannot lie which simply means that it is a part of His nature to always declare the truth, for He can never say or speak that which is false or a lie. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "The fact that God cannot lie; that it is His nature always to speak the truth; and that no circumstances can ever occur in which He will depart from it, is the foundation of all our hopes of salvation. The only hope of salvation is in the promise of God. It is only as we can have evidence that He has assured us that we may be saved, that we are authorized to cherish any hope of salvation. That promise is not made to us as individuals, or by name, but it becomes ours: (1) Because He has made a general promise that they who repent and believe shall be saved; and, (2) Because, we may have evidence that we have repented, and do believe the Gospel. If this is so, we fairly come under the promise of salvation, and may apply it to ourselves."
Paul declares to Titus and to us that this eternal hope that he purposed to grant to sinful man before the world began, also shows that He knew man/Adam would sin in the Garden of Eden and his doing so did not require God the Father to enact a Plan B, but instead He knew what He would do all along and Paul now further declares this knowledge of God with these next words, "But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;" (Titus 1:3) (KJV). The English phrase 'hath in due' is translated by the Greek word idios which means pertaining to self, that is, one's own; by implication private or separate: The English word 'times' is translated by the Greek word kairos which means an occasion, that is, set or proper time: The English word 'manifested' is translated by the Greek word phaneroō which means to render apparent or declare. The English word 'preaching' is translated by the Greek word kērugma which means a proclamation (especially of the Gospel; by implication the Gospel itself).
So, in other words, God the Father (who knew man would fall into sin and rebellion) has at His own season of human history, that is, at a time which was according to His own eternal plans has declared salvation for sinful and rebellious humanity by proclamation or the preaching of the Gospel of Christ that declares His death and buriel (for sin), His resurrection from the grave (for the justification of the sinner) and His ascension back to heaven (declaring the eternal hope of heaven for the sinner). Paul declares to Titus and to us that this very precious honor was bestowed to him by God the Father and God the Son through and by the Power of God the Holy Spirit granting and enabling him to declare this message of eternal hope to the entire world. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "God caused the Gospel to be published in that time in which it could be published with the greatest effect. It is impossible that God should prematurely hasten, or causelessly delay, the accomplishment of any of His works. Jesus was manifested precisely at the time in which that manifestation could best promote the glory of God and the salvation of man."
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…
Titus 1:2-3 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; KJV
Paul continues in his greeting to Brother Titus declaring the grand end or goal of every servant of God the Father and that is every man, woman, boy, and girl who trust our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ are given a 'hope' that is all together different than what the non-believer has on this earth, so Paul writes now these words, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;" (Titus 1:2) (KJV). The English word 'hope' is translated by the Greek word elpis which means (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: - that is, confident expectation or certain expectation. In other words, this entire verse declares the faithfulness and the truthfulness of God the Father, for He 'promised' that He would grant everlasting life in peace, comfort, joy, and bliss in heaven with Him for every sinful human being who trusted our Lord Jesus Christ ONLY for forgiveness of their sin. The English word 'promised' is translated by the Greek word epaggellō which means to announce upon, that is, (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself: - profess, (make) promise.
Paul declares in this verse that God cannot lie which simply means that it is a part of His nature to always declare the truth, for He can never say or speak that which is false or a lie. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "The fact that God cannot lie; that it is His nature always to speak the truth; and that no circumstances can ever occur in which He will depart from it, is the foundation of all our hopes of salvation. The only hope of salvation is in the promise of God. It is only as we can have evidence that He has assured us that we may be saved, that we are authorized to cherish any hope of salvation. That promise is not made to us as individuals, or by name, but it becomes ours: (1) Because He has made a general promise that they who repent and believe shall be saved; and, (2) Because, we may have evidence that we have repented, and do believe the Gospel. If this is so, we fairly come under the promise of salvation, and may apply it to ourselves."
Paul declares to Titus and to us that this eternal hope that he purposed to grant to sinful man before the world began, also shows that He knew man/Adam would sin in the Garden of Eden and his doing so did not require God the Father to enact a Plan B, but instead He knew what He would do all along and Paul now further declares this knowledge of God with these next words, "But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;" (Titus 1:3) (KJV). The English phrase 'hath in due' is translated by the Greek word idios which means pertaining to self, that is, one's own; by implication private or separate: The English word 'times' is translated by the Greek word kairos which means an occasion, that is, set or proper time: The English word 'manifested' is translated by the Greek word phaneroō which means to render apparent or declare. The English word 'preaching' is translated by the Greek word kērugma which means a proclamation (especially of the Gospel; by implication the Gospel itself).
So, in other words, God the Father (who knew man would fall into sin and rebellion) has at His own season of human history, that is, at a time which was according to His own eternal plans has declared salvation for sinful and rebellious humanity by proclamation or the preaching of the Gospel of Christ that declares His death and buriel (for sin), His resurrection from the grave (for the justification of the sinner) and His ascension back to heaven (declaring the eternal hope of heaven for the sinner). Paul declares to Titus and to us that this very precious honor was bestowed to him by God the Father and God the Son through and by the Power of God the Holy Spirit granting and enabling him to declare this message of eternal hope to the entire world. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "God caused the Gospel to be published in that time in which it could be published with the greatest effect. It is impossible that God should prematurely hasten, or causelessly delay, the accomplishment of any of His works. Jesus was manifested precisely at the time in which that manifestation could best promote the glory of God and the salvation of man."
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…
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 1
Paul's Greeting to Brother Titus Part 1
Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; KJV
The Apostle Paul greets Brother Titus (in this one and only recorded letter we have written to him) in his most common and standard manner by stating who he was by virtue of being made so by God the Father and our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ through the Power of the Holy Spirit beginning with these words, "Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;" (Titus 1:1) (KJV). When Paul here describes, designates, and declares himself to be (a servant of God), the little English phrase 'a servant' is translated by the Greek word doulos which means (as used here) a slave (literally or figuratively, voluntarily; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): - bondservant. In other words, Paul considered himself to be the property of our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, Christ Jesus our Lord owned Paul's entire being his physical body and the real him (his soul) that lived inside his physical tent or body.
Unlike the African slaves brought over from Africa involuntarily or against their will, Paul and every other one of us true born again believers in Jesus Christ our Lord is a voluntary slave of His, for He never saves any soul against their will. This again is where I believe 'free will' and 'election' meet at the very moment of every person's regeneration, resurrection, and redemption. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Paul referring here to himself being 'a servant of God', "In several places of his other epistles St. Paul styles himself the servant of Jesus Christ, but this is the only place where he calls himself the servant of God. Some think that he did this to vindicate himself against the Jews, who supposed he had renounced God when he admitted the Gentiles into His Church. But if thus to vindicate himself was at all necessary, why was it not done in his Epistle to the Romans, the grand object of which was to prove that the Gentiles came legally into the Church on believing in Christ, with out submitting to circumcision, or being laid under obligation to observe the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish law? This reason seems too fanciful. It is very likely that in the use of the phrase the Apostle had no particular design; for, according to him, he who is the servant of Christ is the servant of God, and he who is God’s servant is also the servant of Christ."
When Paul writes next these words, 'according to the faith of God's elect', he means that he is a servant of God and an Apostle, that is, a sent one for the one specific purpose of declaring the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the Gospel of Grace to the hearing of every soul in order that the 'elect' of God, that is, those who were known by God the Father, God the Son, & God the Holy Spirit before the foundation or the forming of the world. God knows the past, present, and the future of all time because it is He who created or made time, therefore, it should be no surprise or shock to any man or woman that He knows every soul who will truly trust Jesus Christ alone for their salvation through out time that He made. This is what is meant by the 'elect', for our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of His elect while on the earth before His death, buriel, and resurrection from the dead, here are a few of His statements concerning His 'elect', "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders; so much so that, if it were possible, they would deceive even the elect." (Matthew 24:24) (MKJV); "And then He shall send His angels and shall gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven." (Mark 13:27) (MKJV); "And shall not God avenge His own elect who cry day and night to Him, though He has been long-suffering over them?" (Luke 18:7) (MKJV).
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about Paul's reference of 'according to the faith of God's elect', "The meaning of the word rendered here, 'according to' - kata - is, probably, with reference to; that is, he was appointed to be an Apostle with respect to the faith of those whom God had chosen, or, in order that they might be led to believe the Gospel. God had chosen them to salvation, but He intended that it should be in connection with their believing, and, in order to that, He had appointed Paul to be an Apostle that he might go and make known to them the Gospel. It is the purpose of God to save His people, but He does not mean to save them as infidels, or unbelievers. He intends that they shall be believers first - and hence He sends His ministers that they may become such." When Paul writes, 'the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness', he means that his Apostleship is also for the purpose of opposing all the false systems of belief that are man made that don't give humanity the truth that will lead them to everlasting salvation in heaven with God and those systems of belief that promote and even celebrate wicked ways of living on the earth that hurt other people physically, emotionally, and spiritually and even cause children to be led down a path that will end in eternal destruction in hell and the lake of fire, remember what our Lord Jesus Christ said about those people who would cause little children to sin, "And He said to the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come. But woe to him through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." (Luke 17:1-2) (MKJV).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about Paul's words 'the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness', "The Gospel is truth; the great, sure, and saving truth (Colossians 1:5), the Word of the Truth of the Gospel. Divine faith rests not on fallible reasonings and probable opinions, but on the infallible word, the truth itself, which is after godliness, of a godly nature and tendency, pure, and purifying the heart of the believer. By this mark judge of doctrines and of spirits - whether they be of God or not; what is impure, and prejudicial to true piety and practical religion, cannot be of divine origin. All Gospel truth is after godliness, teaching and nourishing reverence and fear of God, and obedience to Him; it is truth not only to be known, but acknowledged; it must be held forth in word and practice, Philippians 2:15-16. With the heart man believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, (Romans 10:10). Such as retain the truth in unrighteousness neither know nor believe as they ought. To bring to this knowledge and faith, and to the acknowledging and professing of the truth which is after godliness, is the great end of the Gospel ministry, even of the highest degree and order in it; their teachings should have this chief aim, to beget faith and confirm in 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…
Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; KJV
The Apostle Paul greets Brother Titus (in this one and only recorded letter we have written to him) in his most common and standard manner by stating who he was by virtue of being made so by God the Father and our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ through the Power of the Holy Spirit beginning with these words, "Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;" (Titus 1:1) (KJV). When Paul here describes, designates, and declares himself to be (a servant of God), the little English phrase 'a servant' is translated by the Greek word doulos which means (as used here) a slave (literally or figuratively, voluntarily; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): - bondservant. In other words, Paul considered himself to be the property of our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, Christ Jesus our Lord owned Paul's entire being his physical body and the real him (his soul) that lived inside his physical tent or body.
Unlike the African slaves brought over from Africa involuntarily or against their will, Paul and every other one of us true born again believers in Jesus Christ our Lord is a voluntary slave of His, for He never saves any soul against their will. This again is where I believe 'free will' and 'election' meet at the very moment of every person's regeneration, resurrection, and redemption. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Paul referring here to himself being 'a servant of God', "In several places of his other epistles St. Paul styles himself the servant of Jesus Christ, but this is the only place where he calls himself the servant of God. Some think that he did this to vindicate himself against the Jews, who supposed he had renounced God when he admitted the Gentiles into His Church. But if thus to vindicate himself was at all necessary, why was it not done in his Epistle to the Romans, the grand object of which was to prove that the Gentiles came legally into the Church on believing in Christ, with out submitting to circumcision, or being laid under obligation to observe the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish law? This reason seems too fanciful. It is very likely that in the use of the phrase the Apostle had no particular design; for, according to him, he who is the servant of Christ is the servant of God, and he who is God’s servant is also the servant of Christ."
When Paul writes next these words, 'according to the faith of God's elect', he means that he is a servant of God and an Apostle, that is, a sent one for the one specific purpose of declaring the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the Gospel of Grace to the hearing of every soul in order that the 'elect' of God, that is, those who were known by God the Father, God the Son, & God the Holy Spirit before the foundation or the forming of the world. God knows the past, present, and the future of all time because it is He who created or made time, therefore, it should be no surprise or shock to any man or woman that He knows every soul who will truly trust Jesus Christ alone for their salvation through out time that He made. This is what is meant by the 'elect', for our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of His elect while on the earth before His death, buriel, and resurrection from the dead, here are a few of His statements concerning His 'elect', "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders; so much so that, if it were possible, they would deceive even the elect." (Matthew 24:24) (MKJV); "And then He shall send His angels and shall gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven." (Mark 13:27) (MKJV); "And shall not God avenge His own elect who cry day and night to Him, though He has been long-suffering over them?" (Luke 18:7) (MKJV).
Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about Paul's reference of 'according to the faith of God's elect', "The meaning of the word rendered here, 'according to' - kata - is, probably, with reference to; that is, he was appointed to be an Apostle with respect to the faith of those whom God had chosen, or, in order that they might be led to believe the Gospel. God had chosen them to salvation, but He intended that it should be in connection with their believing, and, in order to that, He had appointed Paul to be an Apostle that he might go and make known to them the Gospel. It is the purpose of God to save His people, but He does not mean to save them as infidels, or unbelievers. He intends that they shall be believers first - and hence He sends His ministers that they may become such." When Paul writes, 'the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness', he means that his Apostleship is also for the purpose of opposing all the false systems of belief that are man made that don't give humanity the truth that will lead them to everlasting salvation in heaven with God and those systems of belief that promote and even celebrate wicked ways of living on the earth that hurt other people physically, emotionally, and spiritually and even cause children to be led down a path that will end in eternal destruction in hell and the lake of fire, remember what our Lord Jesus Christ said about those people who would cause little children to sin, "And He said to the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come. But woe to him through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." (Luke 17:1-2) (MKJV).
Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about Paul's words 'the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness', "The Gospel is truth; the great, sure, and saving truth (Colossians 1:5), the Word of the Truth of the Gospel. Divine faith rests not on fallible reasonings and probable opinions, but on the infallible word, the truth itself, which is after godliness, of a godly nature and tendency, pure, and purifying the heart of the believer. By this mark judge of doctrines and of spirits - whether they be of God or not; what is impure, and prejudicial to true piety and practical religion, cannot be of divine origin. All Gospel truth is after godliness, teaching and nourishing reverence and fear of God, and obedience to Him; it is truth not only to be known, but acknowledged; it must be held forth in word and practice, Philippians 2:15-16. With the heart man believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, (Romans 10:10). Such as retain the truth in unrighteousness neither know nor believe as they ought. To bring to this knowledge and faith, and to the acknowledging and professing of the truth which is after godliness, is the great end of the Gospel ministry, even of the highest degree and order in it; their teachings should have this chief aim, to beget faith and confirm in 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…
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 56
Paul's Final Instructions and Prayer for Brother Timothy
2 Timothy 4:21-22 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. KJV
As the Apostle Paul prepares to write the final words to Timothy in this his second letter written to him, he cannot but proceed in exhorting him to come to him hurriedly in Rome, for Paul (as was the tone of this entire second letter) knew within his inner man that he would not leave his captivity this time in Rome alive, therefore, he writes this to Timothy, "Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren." (2 Timothy 4:21) (KJV). Paul was not concerned more about his creature comfort during the winter season, but that because sailing was the only means of making the Journey from Ephesus (which was most likely where Timothy was at this time). During the winter months the voyage would be even more dangerous, so Paul urged Timothy to get his affairs or business in order and set sail before winter because Paul wanted to see him one last time and more importantly Paul did not want Timothy to be hurt on his journey. Paul had recent bad experience with sailing into Rome when he was taken their as a prisoner (which he then was) and sailed into a violent storm that caused them to be shipwrecked, see Acts 27:13-44.
The little English phrase 'do thy diligence' is translated by the Greek word spoudazō meaning to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest. Although, we have these words of Paul in Scripture for our study and examination, we still don't have confirmation elsewhere in the Scripture if Timothy actually had the opportunity to make it to Rome before the Apostle Paul's execution. More than his cloke or coat, Paul wanted to see Timothy before he was executed, yet knowing that this might not happen, Paul wanted to leave nothing out of his final way of communicating to him in this second letter, he said it all here for Timothy to read, review, and recall for years to come he would always have the Apostle's council ever before him whenever he needed it. Paul again sends him greetings from other Christians there with Paul, they were perhaps Roman citizens who had been born again in Rome and were then discovered by the Roman Government to be Christian converts and were then imprisoned there in Rome where Paul had been brought also, for these Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia are no where else mentioned in the Scripture except for here in this verse by Paul the Apostle.
Paul (as was his normal and regular custom) concludes his words to Brother Timothy in the most useful way for Paul and for Timothy and that was with this brief but mighty prayer for Brother Timothy, "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:22) (KJV). Paul uses 'Lord' to signify Christ singular authority over all things He has made, for this word is translated by the Greek word kurios meaning (supremacy); supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller: - God or Master. When Paul writes, 'be with thy spirit', he means to be with him in the inner man strengthening him for every Christian work and every spiritual battle with our enemy the devil as he wrote such to the Ephesian believers with these words, "For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21) (Modern King James Version). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "This is a prayer addressed to Christ by one of the most eminent of His Apostles; another proof of the untruth of the assertion, that prayer is never offered to Christ in the New Testament. He prays that Christ may be with his spirit, enlightening, strengthening, and confirming it to the end."
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…
2 Timothy 4:21-22 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. KJV
As the Apostle Paul prepares to write the final words to Timothy in this his second letter written to him, he cannot but proceed in exhorting him to come to him hurriedly in Rome, for Paul (as was the tone of this entire second letter) knew within his inner man that he would not leave his captivity this time in Rome alive, therefore, he writes this to Timothy, "Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren." (2 Timothy 4:21) (KJV). Paul was not concerned more about his creature comfort during the winter season, but that because sailing was the only means of making the Journey from Ephesus (which was most likely where Timothy was at this time). During the winter months the voyage would be even more dangerous, so Paul urged Timothy to get his affairs or business in order and set sail before winter because Paul wanted to see him one last time and more importantly Paul did not want Timothy to be hurt on his journey. Paul had recent bad experience with sailing into Rome when he was taken their as a prisoner (which he then was) and sailed into a violent storm that caused them to be shipwrecked, see Acts 27:13-44.
The little English phrase 'do thy diligence' is translated by the Greek word spoudazō meaning to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest. Although, we have these words of Paul in Scripture for our study and examination, we still don't have confirmation elsewhere in the Scripture if Timothy actually had the opportunity to make it to Rome before the Apostle Paul's execution. More than his cloke or coat, Paul wanted to see Timothy before he was executed, yet knowing that this might not happen, Paul wanted to leave nothing out of his final way of communicating to him in this second letter, he said it all here for Timothy to read, review, and recall for years to come he would always have the Apostle's council ever before him whenever he needed it. Paul again sends him greetings from other Christians there with Paul, they were perhaps Roman citizens who had been born again in Rome and were then discovered by the Roman Government to be Christian converts and were then imprisoned there in Rome where Paul had been brought also, for these Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia are no where else mentioned in the Scripture except for here in this verse by Paul the Apostle.
Paul (as was his normal and regular custom) concludes his words to Brother Timothy in the most useful way for Paul and for Timothy and that was with this brief but mighty prayer for Brother Timothy, "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:22) (KJV). Paul uses 'Lord' to signify Christ singular authority over all things He has made, for this word is translated by the Greek word kurios meaning (supremacy); supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller: - God or Master. When Paul writes, 'be with thy spirit', he means to be with him in the inner man strengthening him for every Christian work and every spiritual battle with our enemy the devil as he wrote such to the Ephesian believers with these words, "For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21) (Modern King James Version). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "This is a prayer addressed to Christ by one of the most eminent of His Apostles; another proof of the untruth of the assertion, that prayer is never offered to Christ in the New Testament. He prays that Christ may be with his spirit, enlightening, strengthening, and confirming it to the end."
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…
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 55
Paul's Final Greetings to Brother Timothy
2 Timothy 4:19-20 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. KJV
Paul the Apostle had known that this letter to Brother Timothy was perhaps his last chance at communication with him, so he wanted to exhort, and encourage him to do all that he could to get to Rome soon, but despite his personal desires, Paul wanted to still instruct the younger Timothy and to inform him with as much of his wisdom as he could on the parchment pages of this final letter. Therefore, here in the home stretch, it is all common place that we find Paul informing Timothy of believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ that he should receive and welcome openly into his fellowship, for Paul knew that they were loyal and faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ and so he writes these words, "Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus." (2 Timothy 4:19) (KJV). Prisca or Priscilla was the wife of Aquila and Paul met them when he had left Athens and went to Corinth, for Aquila was also a tentmaker by trade just as the Apostle Paul was (Acts 18:1-3) and he spent about a year and a half there in Corinth (Acts 18:11) and Priscilla and Aquila remained there with him for that entire time until they all sailed into Syria (Acts 18:18), so Paul knew from experience with them that they were indeed trustworthy and faithful believers. Not anything is known about Brother Onesiphorus except this one thing Paul had to say about him to Timothy earlier in this very same letter with these words, "May the Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain. But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently and found me. May the Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day. And in what things he ministered to me at Ephesus, you know very well." (2 Timothy 1:16-18) (Modern King James Version).
Paul mentions two more of the brethren that he counted to be faithful and loyal to our Lord Jesus Christ as he writes with these words, "Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick." (2 Timothy 4:20) (KJV). Erastus was with Timothy and Paul when the riots broke out in Ephesus, so Paul sent both Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia (Acts 19:22). Trophimus was an Ephesian Gentile who was converted to Christ and then ministered with Paul on many of his missionary journeys and was the Gentile that the Jews supposed Paul had brought into the Jewish Temple, thereby (according to the then Mosaic Law) defiled the Temple of God as it is written and documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And when the seven days were about to be completed, the Jews who were from Asia, having seen him in the temple, stirred up all the crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, Men, Israelites, help! This is the man who teaches all everywhere against the people and the Law and this place. And even he brought Greeks into the temple and has polluted this holy place. (For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city before, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) And all the city was moved, and the people ran together. And laying hands on Paul, they drew him outside of the temple. And immediately the doors were shut. And as they were seeking to kill him, the news came to the chiliarch of the cohort, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And seeing the chiliarch and the soldiers, they quit beating Paul. Then going near, the chiliarch laid hold on him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains. And he demanded who he was and what he had done. And others cried something else in the crowd, and not being able to know the certainty on account of the uproar, he commanded him to be carried into the fortress. And when he came on the stairs, it happened that he was carried by the soldiers, because of the violence of the crowd. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him!" (Acts 21:27-36) (Modern King James Version).
Note: "The fact that the Apostle Paul (who had layed hands on people and they were raised from the dead (Acts 20:7-16)) left Trophimus 'sick' in Miletum is proof positive that Paul did not have the power to heal from sickness or disease within himself to be used at his will and desire, but it is proof positive that it was God the Holy Spirit doing the healing and raising from death through Paul as only God willed it to be done, for we can be sure that Paul wanted Trophimus healed and healthy enough to be with him at Rome, but that was not God's will for Brother Trophimus at that time." Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Trophimus being left sick by Paul, "Even the apostles could not work miracles when they pleased; that power was but rarely given, and that for very special purposes. Trophimus was an Ephesian." Here is what John Wesley had to say about Trophimus being left sick by Paul, "Not having power (as neither had any of the Apostles) to work miracles when he pleased, but only when God pleased."
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…
2 Timothy 4:19-20 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. KJV
Paul the Apostle had known that this letter to Brother Timothy was perhaps his last chance at communication with him, so he wanted to exhort, and encourage him to do all that he could to get to Rome soon, but despite his personal desires, Paul wanted to still instruct the younger Timothy and to inform him with as much of his wisdom as he could on the parchment pages of this final letter. Therefore, here in the home stretch, it is all common place that we find Paul informing Timothy of believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ that he should receive and welcome openly into his fellowship, for Paul knew that they were loyal and faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ and so he writes these words, "Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus." (2 Timothy 4:19) (KJV). Prisca or Priscilla was the wife of Aquila and Paul met them when he had left Athens and went to Corinth, for Aquila was also a tentmaker by trade just as the Apostle Paul was (Acts 18:1-3) and he spent about a year and a half there in Corinth (Acts 18:11) and Priscilla and Aquila remained there with him for that entire time until they all sailed into Syria (Acts 18:18), so Paul knew from experience with them that they were indeed trustworthy and faithful believers. Not anything is known about Brother Onesiphorus except this one thing Paul had to say about him to Timothy earlier in this very same letter with these words, "May the Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain. But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently and found me. May the Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day. And in what things he ministered to me at Ephesus, you know very well." (2 Timothy 1:16-18) (Modern King James Version).
Paul mentions two more of the brethren that he counted to be faithful and loyal to our Lord Jesus Christ as he writes with these words, "Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick." (2 Timothy 4:20) (KJV). Erastus was with Timothy and Paul when the riots broke out in Ephesus, so Paul sent both Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia (Acts 19:22). Trophimus was an Ephesian Gentile who was converted to Christ and then ministered with Paul on many of his missionary journeys and was the Gentile that the Jews supposed Paul had brought into the Jewish Temple, thereby (according to the then Mosaic Law) defiled the Temple of God as it is written and documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "And when the seven days were about to be completed, the Jews who were from Asia, having seen him in the temple, stirred up all the crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, Men, Israelites, help! This is the man who teaches all everywhere against the people and the Law and this place. And even he brought Greeks into the temple and has polluted this holy place. (For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city before, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) And all the city was moved, and the people ran together. And laying hands on Paul, they drew him outside of the temple. And immediately the doors were shut. And as they were seeking to kill him, the news came to the chiliarch of the cohort, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And seeing the chiliarch and the soldiers, they quit beating Paul. Then going near, the chiliarch laid hold on him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains. And he demanded who he was and what he had done. And others cried something else in the crowd, and not being able to know the certainty on account of the uproar, he commanded him to be carried into the fortress. And when he came on the stairs, it happened that he was carried by the soldiers, because of the violence of the crowd. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him!" (Acts 21:27-36) (Modern King James Version).
Note: "The fact that the Apostle Paul (who had layed hands on people and they were raised from the dead (Acts 20:7-16)) left Trophimus 'sick' in Miletum is proof positive that Paul did not have the power to heal from sickness or disease within himself to be used at his will and desire, but it is proof positive that it was God the Holy Spirit doing the healing and raising from death through Paul as only God willed it to be done, for we can be sure that Paul wanted Trophimus healed and healthy enough to be with him at Rome, but that was not God's will for Brother Trophimus at that time." Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about Trophimus being left sick by Paul, "Even the apostles could not work miracles when they pleased; that power was but rarely given, and that for very special purposes. Trophimus was an Ephesian." Here is what John Wesley had to say about Trophimus being left sick by Paul, "Not having power (as neither had any of the Apostles) to work miracles when he pleased, but only when God pleased."
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…
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 54
Paul Declares the Faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ Act 2
2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. KJV
The Apostle Paul we saw in our last study/commentary was left at his first defence against the cruel and vile Roman Government alone to stand before their unjust body, yet he declares that he was never in actuality alone, for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ was with him then and always during his earthly walk and now he testifies even more of the faithfulness of Christ Jesus our Lord to him and to every one of His redeemed, resurrected, and reborn children with these words speaking of himself at that time and place, "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:18) (KJV). Paul did not avoid suffering while he sojourned down here on the earth, but he was saved, sustained, and supplied with every earthly need by our Lord Jesus Christ, so that he would accomplish the entire will of God that had been mapped out or ordained for him. The English word 'deliver' is translated by the Greek word rhuomai which is the middle voice of an obselete verb that means (as used here) to rescue or deliver from some bad act or acts. The English word 'from' is translated by the Greek word apo which is a primary particle; meaning 'off', that is, away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literally or figuratively). The English word 'evil' is translated by the Greek word ponēros meaning (as used here) hurtful, that is, evil or malicious or wicked (properly in effect or influence). The English word 'work' used here is translated by the Greek word ergon meaning (as used here) by implication an act or deed.
So, in other words, Paul declares that our Lord Jesus Christ delivered or rescued him away from the evil and wicked influence or act or deed proffered to him by the devil, that is, presented to him for acceptance. Paul is not saying that our Lord Jesus Christ rescued him from every evil and wicked thing the devil did to him through evil men or two-legged devils, for we only have to remember these words written by him to the Corinthian believers speaking of what he had endured for the sake of the Gospel, "Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the deep. I have been in travels often; in dangers from waters; in dangers from robbers; in dangers from my race; in dangers from the heathen; in dangers in the city; in dangers in the wilderness; in dangers on the sea; in dangers among false brothers. I have been in hardship and toil; often in watchings; in hunger and thirst; often in fastings; in cold and nakedness." (2 Corinthians 11:24-27) (Modern King James Version), no these evil and wicked things happened to him literally, but he was delivered always from the evil influence from the devil to get him to turn away from the truth and water down his message of the Cross and take the easy way as did some others who apostatized, that is, abandoned true faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let us not forget that the devil tried to persuade even our Lord Jesus Christ to avoid the Cross and come into His Kingdom without suffering for the sin of the world, "And the Devil, leading Him up into a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the Devil said to Him, All this power I will give you, and the glory of them; for it has been delivered to me. And I give it to whomever I will. Therefore if you will worship me, all shall be yours. And Jesus answered and said to him, Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.'" (Luke 4:5-8) (Modern King James Version). So we see that Paul declares that he too was protected by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself from every evil work of the devil against him and he writes that our Lord Jesus 'will preserve' him into His heavenly kingdom and this little English phrase 'will preserve' is translated by the Greek word sōzō which means 'safe'; to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): Therefore, after declaring this, Paul just begins to praise our Lord Jesus Christ for His Mighty Power, Love, and Faithfulness to him. The little English phrase 'be glory' is translated by the Greek word doxa which means dignity, glorious, honor, praise, worship.
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "None of the evil designs formed against me to make me unfaithful or unsteady, to cause me to save my life at the expense of faith and a good conscience, shall succeed; my life may go, but He will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom. A continuance on earth the Apostle expects not; but he has glory full in view, and therefore he gives God glory for what He had done, and for what He had promised to do." Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about this verse, "From wicked and unreasonable men, and all their attempts upon him, and from all afflictions by them; not but that he expected afflictions as long as he was in the world, but he knew that God would support him under them; and in His own time and way deliver out of them; and at last entirely by death, when he should be no more attended with them; and from all the temptations of Satan, and his evil designs upon him, and from sin and iniquity; not that he expected to live free of Satan's temptations, or without sin, but he believed that he should be kept from sinking under the former, and from being under the dominion of the latter; and should not be left to deny his Lord, desert his cause, blaspheme His name, and apostatize from 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…
2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. KJV
The Apostle Paul we saw in our last study/commentary was left at his first defence against the cruel and vile Roman Government alone to stand before their unjust body, yet he declares that he was never in actuality alone, for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ was with him then and always during his earthly walk and now he testifies even more of the faithfulness of Christ Jesus our Lord to him and to every one of His redeemed, resurrected, and reborn children with these words speaking of himself at that time and place, "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:18) (KJV). Paul did not avoid suffering while he sojourned down here on the earth, but he was saved, sustained, and supplied with every earthly need by our Lord Jesus Christ, so that he would accomplish the entire will of God that had been mapped out or ordained for him. The English word 'deliver' is translated by the Greek word rhuomai which is the middle voice of an obselete verb that means (as used here) to rescue or deliver from some bad act or acts. The English word 'from' is translated by the Greek word apo which is a primary particle; meaning 'off', that is, away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literally or figuratively). The English word 'evil' is translated by the Greek word ponēros meaning (as used here) hurtful, that is, evil or malicious or wicked (properly in effect or influence). The English word 'work' used here is translated by the Greek word ergon meaning (as used here) by implication an act or deed.
So, in other words, Paul declares that our Lord Jesus Christ delivered or rescued him away from the evil and wicked influence or act or deed proffered to him by the devil, that is, presented to him for acceptance. Paul is not saying that our Lord Jesus Christ rescued him from every evil and wicked thing the devil did to him through evil men or two-legged devils, for we only have to remember these words written by him to the Corinthian believers speaking of what he had endured for the sake of the Gospel, "Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the deep. I have been in travels often; in dangers from waters; in dangers from robbers; in dangers from my race; in dangers from the heathen; in dangers in the city; in dangers in the wilderness; in dangers on the sea; in dangers among false brothers. I have been in hardship and toil; often in watchings; in hunger and thirst; often in fastings; in cold and nakedness." (2 Corinthians 11:24-27) (Modern King James Version), no these evil and wicked things happened to him literally, but he was delivered always from the evil influence from the devil to get him to turn away from the truth and water down his message of the Cross and take the easy way as did some others who apostatized, that is, abandoned true faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let us not forget that the devil tried to persuade even our Lord Jesus Christ to avoid the Cross and come into His Kingdom without suffering for the sin of the world, "And the Devil, leading Him up into a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the Devil said to Him, All this power I will give you, and the glory of them; for it has been delivered to me. And I give it to whomever I will. Therefore if you will worship me, all shall be yours. And Jesus answered and said to him, Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.'" (Luke 4:5-8) (Modern King James Version). So we see that Paul declares that he too was protected by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself from every evil work of the devil against him and he writes that our Lord Jesus 'will preserve' him into His heavenly kingdom and this little English phrase 'will preserve' is translated by the Greek word sōzō which means 'safe'; to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): Therefore, after declaring this, Paul just begins to praise our Lord Jesus Christ for His Mighty Power, Love, and Faithfulness to him. The little English phrase 'be glory' is translated by the Greek word doxa which means dignity, glorious, honor, praise, worship.
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "None of the evil designs formed against me to make me unfaithful or unsteady, to cause me to save my life at the expense of faith and a good conscience, shall succeed; my life may go, but He will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom. A continuance on earth the Apostle expects not; but he has glory full in view, and therefore he gives God glory for what He had done, and for what He had promised to do." Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about this verse, "From wicked and unreasonable men, and all their attempts upon him, and from all afflictions by them; not but that he expected afflictions as long as he was in the world, but he knew that God would support him under them; and in His own time and way deliver out of them; and at last entirely by death, when he should be no more attended with them; and from all the temptations of Satan, and his evil designs upon him, and from sin and iniquity; not that he expected to live free of Satan's temptations, or without sin, but he believed that he should be kept from sinking under the former, and from being under the dominion of the latter; and should not be left to deny his Lord, desert his cause, blaspheme His name, and apostatize from 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…
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 53
Paul Declares the Faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ Act 1
2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. KJV
Although Paul found himself alone at his first defence against the evil Roman Government, yet he was never alone, because our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ was with him at every twist and turn of his earthly sojourn since He knocked him off his horse or donkey on the Demascus Road (Acts 9:3-6); so Paul declares with these words first the faithfulness of Christ Jesus our Lord, "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion." (2 Timothy 4:17) (KJV). The little English phrase 'stood with' is translated by the Greek words paristēmi paristanō meaning (as used here) to stand beside, that is, (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specifically) recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; aid and assist. The English word 'strengthened' is translated by the Greek word endunamoō meaning to empower: - enable, increase in strength, make strong. The English phrase 'might be fully known' is translated by the Greek word plērophoreō meaning to carry out fully (in evidence), that is, completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish: - make full proof of.
In other words, the Apostle Paul (though alone and absent of any human company) was aided and assisted by our Lord Jesus Christ who stood beside him the whole time of his ordeal at Rome and not only did He stand by Paul, but He empowered Paul and made him strong to endure the evil treatment he was enduring at the hand of the devil through the Emperor Nero. Let us remember that it was our Lord Jesus Christ who told Paul that He must go to Rome at this very time in his earthly pilgrimage, as it is written with these words, "And dissension arising, the chiliarch, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and to take him from among them by force, and to bring him into the fortress. And the following night the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good cheer, Paul, for as you have testified of Me in Jerusalem, so you also must bear witness at Rome." (Acts 23:10-11) ( Modern King James Version). We see from this encounter with the Jews that Paul was then almost killed by these men, yet he was rescued and delivered by our Lord Jesus Christ because it was His will for Paul to get to Rome to bear witness of Him there. So we see that when the will of God is obeyed, the grace of God will be supplied in order that whatever evil is encountered, the child of God will be able to endure and carry out the will of God to completion.
Our Lord Jesus wanted the Gentiles of Rome to hear the Gospel and so did Paul declare it there for two (2) whole years being at first under house arrest, but able to receive visitors as it is written for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "Therefore be it known to you that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will hear. And he having said these words, the Jews departed, having much discussion amongst themselves. And Paul remained two years in his own hired house. And he welcomed all who came in to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching those things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom, and without hindrance." (Acts 28:28-31) (Modern King James Version). When Paul says that he was, 'delivered out of the mouth of the lion', it is a metaphor, that is, A figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity, and in this case the lion represents Satan working through the misguided Jews in Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41) (Acts 23:12-22) and the evil Emperor Nero in Rome all trying and even plotting to kill Paul, yet our Lord Jesus Christ was with Paul and no system, scheme, or strategy of the devil ever worked until Paul had finished his course and done the will of God on this earth. Our Lord Jesus is the one who holds every breath of every lung in every chest and determines if another will be taken, not the devil or any of his invisible devils or two-legged devils on the earth.
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "When all human help failed, God, in a more remarkable manner, interposed; and thus the excellency plainly appeared to be of God, and not of man. When called on to make his defense he took occasion to preach the Gospel, and to show that the great God of heaven and earth had designed to illuminate the Gentile world with the rays of His light and glory. This must have endeared him to some, while others might consider him an opposer of their gods, and be the more incensed against him. I escaped the imminent danger at that time. Probably he was seized in a tumultuous manner, and expected to be torn to pieces. The words to be rescued from the mouth or jaws of the lion, are a proverbial form of speech for deliverance from the most imminent danger. Several writers think Nero to be intended by the lion, because of his rage and oppressive cruelty. But Helius Caesarinus was at this time prefect of the city; Nero being in Greece. He was a bloody tyrant, and Nero had given him the power of life and death in his absence. The Apostle may mean him, if the words be not proverbial."
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…
2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. KJV
Although Paul found himself alone at his first defence against the evil Roman Government, yet he was never alone, because our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ was with him at every twist and turn of his earthly sojourn since He knocked him off his horse or donkey on the Demascus Road (Acts 9:3-6); so Paul declares with these words first the faithfulness of Christ Jesus our Lord, "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion." (2 Timothy 4:17) (KJV). The little English phrase 'stood with' is translated by the Greek words paristēmi paristanō meaning (as used here) to stand beside, that is, (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specifically) recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; aid and assist. The English word 'strengthened' is translated by the Greek word endunamoō meaning to empower: - enable, increase in strength, make strong. The English phrase 'might be fully known' is translated by the Greek word plērophoreō meaning to carry out fully (in evidence), that is, completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish: - make full proof of.
In other words, the Apostle Paul (though alone and absent of any human company) was aided and assisted by our Lord Jesus Christ who stood beside him the whole time of his ordeal at Rome and not only did He stand by Paul, but He empowered Paul and made him strong to endure the evil treatment he was enduring at the hand of the devil through the Emperor Nero. Let us remember that it was our Lord Jesus Christ who told Paul that He must go to Rome at this very time in his earthly pilgrimage, as it is written with these words, "And dissension arising, the chiliarch, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and to take him from among them by force, and to bring him into the fortress. And the following night the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good cheer, Paul, for as you have testified of Me in Jerusalem, so you also must bear witness at Rome." (Acts 23:10-11) ( Modern King James Version). We see from this encounter with the Jews that Paul was then almost killed by these men, yet he was rescued and delivered by our Lord Jesus Christ because it was His will for Paul to get to Rome to bear witness of Him there. So we see that when the will of God is obeyed, the grace of God will be supplied in order that whatever evil is encountered, the child of God will be able to endure and carry out the will of God to completion.
Our Lord Jesus wanted the Gentiles of Rome to hear the Gospel and so did Paul declare it there for two (2) whole years being at first under house arrest, but able to receive visitors as it is written for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "Therefore be it known to you that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will hear. And he having said these words, the Jews departed, having much discussion amongst themselves. And Paul remained two years in his own hired house. And he welcomed all who came in to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching those things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom, and without hindrance." (Acts 28:28-31) (Modern King James Version). When Paul says that he was, 'delivered out of the mouth of the lion', it is a metaphor, that is, A figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity, and in this case the lion represents Satan working through the misguided Jews in Ephesus (Acts 19:21-41) (Acts 23:12-22) and the evil Emperor Nero in Rome all trying and even plotting to kill Paul, yet our Lord Jesus Christ was with Paul and no system, scheme, or strategy of the devil ever worked until Paul had finished his course and done the will of God on this earth. Our Lord Jesus is the one who holds every breath of every lung in every chest and determines if another will be taken, not the devil or any of his invisible devils or two-legged devils on the earth.
Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "When all human help failed, God, in a more remarkable manner, interposed; and thus the excellency plainly appeared to be of God, and not of man. When called on to make his defense he took occasion to preach the Gospel, and to show that the great God of heaven and earth had designed to illuminate the Gentile world with the rays of His light and glory. This must have endeared him to some, while others might consider him an opposer of their gods, and be the more incensed against him. I escaped the imminent danger at that time. Probably he was seized in a tumultuous manner, and expected to be torn to pieces. The words to be rescued from the mouth or jaws of the lion, are a proverbial form of speech for deliverance from the most imminent danger. Several writers think Nero to be intended by the lion, because of his rage and oppressive cruelty. But Helius Caesarinus was at this time prefect of the city; Nero being in Greece. He was a bloody tyrant, and Nero had given him the power of life and death in his absence. The Apostle may mean him, if the words be not proverbial."
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…
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