#The Epistle of Second Timothy

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

All Scripture is God-Breathed

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 | New Century Version (NCV) The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Cross References: Deuteronomy 29:29; Zephaniah 3:2; Romans 4:23; Romans 15:4; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:21; Titus 1:16; Hebrews 13:21; 2 Peter 1:20-21

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God-Breathed Scripture

[shammah8]

"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, 'All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.'"

1 Peter 1:23-25

SATAN'S ATTACK ON THE BIBLE

Brother Andrew continues his teaching on Satan’s strategic attacks:

The second prong of Satan’s attack is on the written word of God. He has historically tried to prevent Christians from having access to the Bible.

Satan understands the power of the Word of God. At the temptation of Jesus, he even made a sly attempt to use Scripture (actually misapplying it) to deflect Jesus from His true mission (Luke 4:1-3). Twisting Scripture is still a favourite tactic of Satan, and we believers need to know the Word so we can respond, just as Jesus did, with a well-applied “It is written…”

Peter recognised the significant role the Word has in our salvation. In his epistle to Christians passing through “fiery trials” he gives the words of encouragement in today’s scripture above.

Now you can understand my life’s passion to distribute the Bible, even in places where its importation or distribution is prohibited. Because I’ve gone around the world preaching that message, many people assume that I must have been the first “God’s smuggler.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

I personally believe that the first Bible smuggler probably was Timothy, the man Paul looked upon as his son in the gospel. This young man of delicate health, but of great spirituality and loyalty, was converted in Paul’s first campaign at Lystra.

At the end of his life, when Paul was in prison in Rome, he looked to Timothy for comfort. In a letter to him, Paul asked his friend to bring his books to the prison the next time he visited.

In 2 Timothy 4:13 it becomes clear Paul was requesting that scrolls of Old Testament Scriptures be brought to him for further study. But how could Timothy get them into Rome and into the jail when, by that time, Christians has already become an outlawed sect? The only possible way would have been to smuggle them in with other items.

Billy Graham, in his book Hoofbeats, suggests that John the apostle had to write his Revelation secretly, while closely guarded by the Romans. The parchment manuscript pages would have been smuggled off the island of Patmos and Christian volunteers copy them for the churches…

This world is an enemy-occupied territory filled with souls to whom Christ holds rightful claim. Under Christ’s command, we invade countries by any means that will help us to get in with the Word of God…

Today I want others to have what makes me grow spiritually — the Bible.

Response

Today I will make every effort to ensure that the Bible is available to everyone to read and practice.

Prayer

Pray for many believers around the world still waiting for their first personal Bible.

© 2013 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

[anumberofhobbies]

THE RAPTURE--ACCORDING TO JESUS

Feb 2, 2024 Jesus taught such a comforting, hope-filled message of His return to rescue His Church before the Tribulation, that His disciples went everywhere teaching this same truth.

When Paul had only a month in a pagan city where he planted a church, the Rapture was central to their doctrine.

The Rapture was First Taught by Jesus

The Rapture is a doctrine started and taught by Jesus, continued and spread by His disciples, and believed and passionately lived out by His Church.

The early church heard and understood this doctrine of Christ’s any-moment return, and radiantly lived, looking for ways to please Him when He came to rescue them.

James in the first NT letter said that Christ was standing at the door (5:7).

The second NT book was I Thessalonians and every chapter shines with Rapture-induced hope-filled expectancy (1:9-10; 2:19-20; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23).

Paul’s epistles start to finish, are seasoned with the flavor of a focused life awaiting Christ as in Philippians 3:20 where we as citizens of Heaven await Jesus eagerly, as Paul confesses in his last words of II Timothy 4 where he talks about His crown “at that day” when Jesus comes.

Peter says the same, going so far as asking what kind of lives should we live because we know the future (II Peter 3:11 ).

John’s Epistles are the same, in I John 3:2-3 he says that this “hope” causes us to purify our daily life looking for Christ’s coming.

In Revelation 3:7, Jesus Christ identifies Himself to the Church at Philadelphia as the One who is True, Holy, and has the unstoppable Messianic Key of David. When Jesus speaks He tells the Truth. When we listen to Him and hear what He says we can have confident assurance that He knows what He is talking about.

Jesus Christ taught repeatedly (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) that His 2nd Coming is to Judge the ungodly.

That was the content of every sermon on the future that He ever preached.

Each sermon was taught in the context of Israel, was focused upon the Jews, and involved the city of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel.

The Rapture is Not The 2nd Coming

But, when Jesus spoke to believers His emphasis was different.

Jesus taught His own born-again children of the faith, three bedrock truths about the Rapture or His coming for His Church.

These truths are that: the Rapture will be a source of comfort; the Rapture will be similar to the Ascension; and that the Rapture will be an intentional rescue.

Those truths, taught by Jesus Christ Himself, constitute the Biblical, doctrinal basis for all that the early church was later taught by the Apostles and which extends to us throughout all the centuries since Christ’s ministry.

[enlargemycoast3]

Signs of a New Testament church:

1. Preaching & Teaching in the name of Jesus (Book of Acts)

2. Spiritual gifts are in operation ((Acts Ch. 2-5)

3. Healings, signs & wonders, miracles are following (Acts Ch. 2-5)

4. Giving to one another, making sure the needs of the church family are taken care of first, then others (outside of the church, second). (Acts Ch. 2-5)

5. Taking care of orphans and widows in the church. (James 1:27, 1 Timothy 5:3-16)

6. Missions-Supporting those who take the gospel to the world. (3 John 7-8, Galatians 6:6 and throughout Epistles)

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Sunday, Feruary 5, 2023

feruary 5_january 23

Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

This parabole marks the beginning of the pre-lenten period,  It’s the first day of the reading and chanting of the Lenten Triodion. And the beginning of a free-fast week. 

Today is the second of the preparatory Sundays leading us toward the holy season of Great Lent. On this Sunday we read the Gospel parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Our Lord tells us that two men went into the temple to pray – one was a Pharisee who was diligent in keeping the fasts and all the rules of the Jewish law and the other was a Publican, a lowly and despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood in the temple with great confidence and pride, thanking God that he was not like other men. The Publican stood in the back of the temple and could hardly raise his eyes to heaven, only crying out ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ Our Lord Jesus Christ makes the point that it was the prayer of the Publican that was pleasing in God’s sight – “for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

It is very interesting and instructive and appropriate that on this day we read the Epistle from Apostle Paul to his spiritual child Timothy. In today’s Epistle we are exhorted to follow Orthodox ‘doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions.’ We are warned to beware evil men and imposters who might lead us astray from the true path. The Apostle advises us that we ‘must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Apostle Paul is urging us to hold fast to the faith, to the traditions and teachings that have been handed down to us. We are forewarned of evil men and imposters who might lead us astray from the true path. We must know our faith and our traditions and we must adhere to them with all fidelity.

Isn’t this an interesting pair of readings assigned for this Sunday? In the Gospel lesson for today we are told very clearly that preoccupation with the letter of the law and an over-emphasis on the rules of tradition will not pave our way into the kingdom of heaven and can be a cause for spiritual arrogance and pride. However, in the Epistle lesson for today we are warned to carefully hold on to the traditions which have been handed down to us, that we must beware of straying from the true path, that these things ‘are able to make us wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus’.

Our Holy Mother Church is so wise in presenting these two teachings to us now, as we prepare ourselves for the Great Fast.

How are we to understand these seeming contradictions? Are strict adherence to the traditions of our faith on the one hand and simple-hearted humility on the other hand contradictory to each other? The answer, of course, is a resounding ‘no!’… these things are not contradictory. In fact, if we approach and pursue them in the right way, they can and should serve to complement and even fuel zeal for one another. The key to both of these things is in the correct disposition of our heart and mind.

The Pharisee of today’s Gospel is a man who held to the traditions of his fathers in the faith. He prayed daily, he fasted twice a week, he donated to the church, he was honest in his dealings with men. This is not a bad man… but he was missing something critically important! The disposition of his heart and mind was completely off track… he exalted himself through his careful observance of the Law and looked down upon the simple Publican saying ‘I thank God I’m not like this man.’ All of his fasting, all of his standing in the temple, all of his donations – these good things had not penetrated the coldness and arrogance of his heart.

The Publican recognized his unworthiness and could not even raise his eyes to heaven. He stood in the back of the temple, beating his breast and crying ‘Have mercy on me a sinner!’ The disposition of his heart and mind were right… his heart was breaking with sorrow and love for God. This was the contrite heart that God will not despise.

Listen to the words of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk who states very clearly: ‘If someone should say that true faith is the correct holding and confession of correct dogmas, he would be telling the truth, for a believer absolutely needs the Orthodox holding and confession of dogmas. But this knowledge and confession by itself does not make a man a faithful and true Christian. The keeping and confession of Orthodox dogmas is always to be found in true faith in Christ, but the true faith of Christ is not always to be found in the confession of Orthodoxy…. The knowledge of correct dogmas is in the mind, and it is often fruitless, arrogant, and proud…. The true faith in Christ is in the heart, and it is fruitful, humble, patient, loving, merciful, compassionate, hungering and thirsting for righteousness; it withdraws from worldly lusts and clings to God alone, strives and seeks always for what is heavenly and eternal, struggles against every sin, and constantly seeks and begs help from God for this.’

Brothers and sisters in Christ - our approach and our attitude to standing firm in the traditions and disciplines of the Church must be humble and must be motivated and activated first and foremost by love for God.

What greater example may we have than those holy ones whom we commemorate today – the holy new martyrs of Russia? Through their sufferings they demonstrated that harmony of bold and courageous fidelity to Christ along with deep repentance and extreme humility.

May God grant us this integrated and holistic approach to our prayer and fasting. First of all, granting us a contrite and broken heart like the Publican, which cries out to God: ‘Be merciful to me a sinner!’ And may that love and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ then inspire and strengthen us to heed His words: ‘If you love me, you will keep My commandments.’ Letting our Lenten efforts of fasting, of prayer, of disciplining our lives to be in accordance with Christ’s commandments – to be an expression of our deep love and gratitude to God. And may that cycle of ‘love inspiring effort’ and ‘effort inspiring love’ cascade like a snowball, so that our love increases our efforts and our efforts increase our love.

By, Archpriest Fr.Martin person

THE MONK GENNADIUS OF KOSTROMA AND LIUBIMOGRAD ( 1565)

Saint Gennadius of Kostroma and Liubimograd, in the world Gregory, was born in the city of Mogilev into a rich family. He early displayed love for the church, and his frequent visits to monasteries evoked the dismay of his parents. Gregory, however, was firmly resolved to devote himself to God, and changing into tattered clothing, he secretly left his parental home and journeyed to Moscow.

He visited the holy places in Moscow, but he did not find it suitable in spirit and so set out to the Novgorod region. The destiny of the future ascetic was decided by an encounter with Saint Alexander of Svir (August 30). With his blessing, Gregory went to the Vologda forest to Saint Cornelius of Komel (May 19), and was tonsured by him with the name Gennadius. Together with Saint Cornelius, Gennadius moved on to the Kostroma forest. Here, on the shores of Lake Sura, in about the year 1529, there emerged the monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord, afterwards called “the Gennadiev monastery”. Having become igumen, Saint Gennadius did not slacken his monastic efforts, and together with the brethren he went out to the monastery tasks: he chopped wood, carried firewood, made candles and baked prosphora. He also wore heavy chains. One of his favorite tasks was the painting of icons, with which he adorned his new monastery.

For his holy life Saint Gennadius received from the Lord the gift of clairvoyance and wonderworking. Journeying to Moscow on monastic affairs, at the house of the nobleman Roman Zakharin, the saint predicted to his daughter Anastasia that she would become Tsaritsa. Indeed, Tsar Ivan the Terrible chose her as his wife.

The Life of Saint Gennadius was written by his disciple, Iguman Alexis, between the years 1584-1587. In it was inserted his spiritual testament, dictated by Saint Gennadius himself. In it he commands the monks to observe the monastery Rule, to toil constantly, to be at peace with everyone, and to preserve the books collected at the monastery, while striving to understand their meaning. He said, “Strive towards the light, and shun the darkness.”

Saint Gennadius died on January 23, 1565, and was glorified by the Church on August 19, 1646.

Source; Orthodox Church in America

MATTHEW 28:16-20 

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.

2 TIMOTHY 3:10-15

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love perseverance,11persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra-what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

[rainingpouringetc]

ok someone help me out here because this little "the power of forgiveness in 2 timothy" line from this week's episode is driving me insane

2 timothy is pretty fresh in my mind bc i've literally been studying it through my campus ministry this semester and. they could have picked any book in the bible to throw in there and they chose 2 timothy, which barely touches on the concept of forgiveness, which is one of the main themes of the bible.

my first thought was: how the fuck are you this bad at this. you are literally just throwing together words now. like, you could throw a stone and hit a book of the bible that has a lengthy passage on forgiveness, and yet they managed to choose one of the lesser known books that really doesn't go in depth on the topic. they could've chosen matthew, or psalms, or something more well known and longer that people would know of and actually talks about forgiveness, but no.

my second thought was: there's no way they mean for this to be as meta as it can be.

2 timothy is a letter written by the apostle paul (believed to be his last epistle before he died) to a young missionary named timothy, in which paul encourages timothy to never stop following jesus, no matter the personal sacrifice or hardships it may cost him, because in the end he will be granted eternal salvation.

now, if this was thrown in there on purpose in order to hint at something about tommy and trevor's situation—or even tommy and melody—it could actually be pretty relevant.

in the episode, we see tommy start to lose herself to the pettiness of this back and forth she has with melody. she only returns to the kind, loving woman we know when she becomes willing to sacrifice her relationship with trevor ("hardship") in order to put what she believes is the good of their kids first ("following jesus"), and it's when this happens that she is finally able to convince melody that she and trevor dating won't be the end of the world ("eternal salvation," if you will). plus, one of the more famous verses from 2 timothy is 1:7 "for god gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control," all of which are displayed by tommy throughout the episode.

what this means in the long run, if it even fucking means anything at all, is a bit unclear, but hey. eternal salvation could translate pretty easily to tommy having found a loving, long-lasting relationship.

or it could mean fuck all and i need to stop overthinking these things after 11pm. who's to say. anyway feel free to add on/tell me i'm wrong/etc, i'm going to sleep before i keep overanalyzing

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINTS OF THE DAY (December 26)

On January 26, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, close companions of the Apostle Paul and bishops of the Catholic Church in its earliest days.

Both men received letters from St. Paul, which are included in the New Testament.

Pope Benedict XVI discussed these early bishops during a general audience on 13 December 2006, noting “their readiness to take on various offices in far from easy circumstances."

The Pope said:

“Both saints teach us to serve the Gospel with generosity, realizing that this also entails a service to the Church herself.”

The son of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father, Timothy came from Lystra in present-day Turkey.

His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, are known to have joined the Church. Timothy himself is described as a student of Sacred Scripture from his youth.

After St. Paul’s visit to Timothy’s home region of Lycaonia, around the year 51, the young man joined the apostle and accompanied him in his travels.

After religious strife forced Paul to leave the city of Berea, Timothy remained to help the local church. Paul later sent him to Thessalonica to help the Church during a period of persecution.

The two met up again in Corinth and Timothy eventually journeyed to Macedonia on Paul’s behalf.

Problems in the Corinthian Church brought Timothy back for a time, after which he joined Paul and accompanied the apostle in subsequent travels.

Like Paul, Timothy endured a period of imprisonment in the course of his missionary work. His release is mentioned in the New Testament Epistle to the Hebrews.

Around the year 64, Timothy became the first bishop of the Church of Ephesus.

During that same year, he received the first of two surviving letters from St. Paul.

The second, written the next year, urges Timothy to visit St. Paul in Rome, where he was imprisoned before his martyrdom.

Ancient sources state that St. Timothy followed his mentor in dying as a martyr for the faith.

In the year 93, during his leadership of the Church in Ephesus, he took a stand against the worship of idols and was consequently killed by a mob.

The pagan festival he was protesting was held on January 22, and this date was preserved as St. Timothy’s memorial in the Christian East.

In contrast with Timothy’s partial Jewish descent and early Biblical studies, St. Titus – who was born into a pagan family – is said to have studied Greek philosophy and poetry in his early years.

But he pursued a life of virtue and purportedly had a prophetic dream that caused him to begin reading the Hebrew Scriptures.

According to tradition, Titus journeyed to Jerusalem and witnessed the preaching of Christ during the Lord’s ministry on earth.

Only later, however – after the conversion of St. Paul and the beginning of his ministry – did Titus receive baptism from the apostle, who called the pagan convert his “true child in our common faith.”

St. Paul was not only Titus’ spiritual father but also depended on his convert as an assistant and interpreter.

Titus accompanied Paul to the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem during the year 51 and was later sent to the Corinthian Church on two occasions.

After the end of Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, the apostle ordained Titus as the Bishop of Crete.

Paul sent his only surviving letter to Titus around the year 64, giving instructions in pastoral ministry to his disciple as he prepared to meet up with him in the Greek city of Nicopolis.

Titus evangelized the region of Dalmatia in modern Croatia before returning to Crete.

Titus is credited with leading the Church of Crete well into his 90s, overturning paganism and promoting the faith through his prayers and preaching.

Unlike St. Timothy, St. Titus was not martyred but died peacefully in old age.

[bibleversegarden]

A Truly Liberated and Fruitful Life Brings Glory to God

The one, true and living God, the everlasting King, made the heavens and the earth and everything in them, by His great wisdom and power. Not the gods that are a lie and shall perish.

All God's works are done in truth; He is the truth. In Him, there is no falsehood or margins of error.

Being enticed by the devil, the first man and woman sinned and sin led to death, physically and spiritually. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, the second Adam from above, to reconcile us to God.

Jesus declares in John 14 verse 6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

To follow Christ, is to walk in truth and be set free. For whom the Son sets free is free indeed. (See John 8:31-59)

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." (John 15:7 & 8)

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regards to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:20-23)

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (The Third Epistle of John, Chapter 1:3 & 4)

A truly liberated and fruitful life, brings glory to God. Abide in Him and eat His words.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings:

John 1:14 & 17; John 4:23 & 24; John 7:14-29; John 8:31-59; John 14:6 and John 14:15-17; John Chapter 15 in its entirety; John 16:12-15; John 17:3 & 17; John 18:37; First Epistle of  John in its entirety; 1 Corinthians 13:6; 1 Corinthians 5:8; Galatians Chapter 5; Ephesians 6:10-24; 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2; 1 Timothy Chapter 4; 1 Timothy 6:3-6; 2 Timothy 2:15-19; Hebrews 10:26 & 27; James 5:19 & 20; Second Epistle of Peter in its entirety; Epistle of Jude; Genesis Chapter 3; Psalm 25:4, 5, 10; Psalm 33:4; Psalm 43:3; Psalm 85:10-13; Psalm 86:11; Psalm 89:14-18; Proverbs 3:3 & 4; Proverbs 23:23; Isaiah 42:8; Isaiah Chapter 44; Isaiah Chapter 61; Jeremiah 10:1-16

[bernardo1969]

The apostle Paul in his Second Epistle to Timothy highlighted the mystery of grace in the preaching of the Kingdom of God, the empire or dominion of the divine perfections, to pagans and Gentiles. The tradition of the Church holds that the apostle Paul was imprisoned on his arrival in the city of Rome to be tried by the emperor before his martyrdom, and it is probable from the expressions made by the apostle in the epistle to his beloved disciple that this text was written during this time. Despite the difficulties that the early Church faced due to persecution, Paul wanted to reaffirm Timothy's faith and for this reason he wrote these words to him: "I ask you to make full use of the gift God gave you when I placed my hands to you" 2 Timothy 1:6. Because for Paul, grace, that free choice that God makes of men to fulfill his plan from eternity, is a transforming spirit of the world: "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline" 2 Timothy 1:7. Paul continued in the epistle with his teaching and called Timothy to persevere with determination in the face of difficulties, because Timothy as well as the apostle, with his conversion on the road to the city of Damascus, had been called to a mission and he expressed this truth in this way: "He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace" 2 Timothy 1:9. Like Timothy in the epistle, every Christian is called by grace to a freedom, a freedom that is contrary to the worldly desires, but which makes men brothers and children of God.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

As One Approved

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. — 2 Timothy 2:15 | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide. Cross References: Romans 6:13; Ephesians 1:13; James 1:12; James 1:18

[freebiblestudyhub]

Who Wrote The Book Of Thessalonians？

The New Testament is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering insights into the teachings, life, and ministry of Jesus Christ and the early Church. Among its epistles, the letters to the Thessalonians stand out for their deep pastoral care and doctrinal clarity. But who exactly authored the Book Of Thessalonians?

The Context of Thessalonians

The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians are among the earliest writings of the New Testament, dating back to the middle of the first century AD. These letters were addressed to the Christian community in Thessalonica, a significant city in the Roman province of Macedonia. Thessalonica was a bustling metropolis, known for its strategic location along the Via Egnatia, a major Roman road that connected the eastern and western parts of the Roman Empire.

The church in Thessalonica was established by the Apostle Paul during his second missionary journey, around AD 50-51. Paul, along with his companions Silas (also known as Silvanus) and Timothy, preached the Gospel in the city, leading to the conversion of many Thessalonians. However, Paul’s time in Thessalonica was cut short due to opposition from local Jewish leaders, forcing him to leave the city abruptly.

Despite his departure, Paul’s concern for the fledgling Christian community remained strong. In response to this concern, he wrote the letters to the Thessalonians to encourage, instruct, and strengthen them in their faith. These letters address various issues, including the persecution the Thessalonians were facing, questions about the return of Christ, and ethical teachings on how to live a life pleasing to God.

Paul as the Primary Author

The Apostle Paul is universally recognized as the primary author of both 1 and 2 Thessalonians. The opening verses of both letters explicitly state that they are from Paul, along with Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy:

1 Thessalonians 1:1: “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.”

2 Thessalonians 1:1: “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul’s authorship is further supported by the internal evidence found within the letters. The style, vocabulary, and theological themes of the letters are consistent with Paul’s other epistles. For example, the emphasis on faith, hope, and love in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 mirrors similar themes in Paul’s other writings, such as in 1 Corinthians 13.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Paul writes, “But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” Such expressions of pastoral care are characteristic of Paul’s other letters.

See also: The Oldest Book of the New Testament

The Purpose and Themes of the Letters

Understanding the purpose and themes of the Thessalonian letters is crucial to grasping why Paul wrote them and how they fit within his broader theological framework.

Encouragement Amid Persecution

One of the primary reasons Paul wrote these letters was to encourage the Thessalonian believers in the face of persecution. Paul himself had experienced hostility in Thessalonica, and it is clear from the letters that the church continued to face opposition after his departure. In 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4, Paul reminds them that persecution is part of the Christian experience: “that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.” Paul’s words were meant to strengthen their resolve and to reassure them that their suffering was not in vain.

Instruction on Christian Living

Both letters contain extensive teachings on how the Thessalonians should live in a way that honors God. Paul addresses various aspects of Christian conduct, including sexual morality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8), brotherly love (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10), and work ethic (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). These instructions were not only meant to guide the Thessalonians in their personal lives but also to ensure that their behavior would reflect well on the Gospel and attract others to the faith.

In 2 Thessalonians, Paul addresses another eschatological issue—namely, that some within the community were claiming that the day of the Lord had already arrived. Paul corrects this misunderstanding by explaining that certain events must precede Christ’s return, including the rebellion and the revelation of the “man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Paul’s eschatological teachings were intended to comfort the Thessalonians and to prevent them from being led astray by false teachings.

Authorship Controversies

While the traditional view holds that Paul authored both 1 and 2 Thessalonians, some scholars have questioned the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians. These doubts stem from perceived differences in style, vocabulary, and theological emphasis between the two letters.

Stylistic Differences: Some scholars argue that the style of 2 Thessalonians is more formal and less personal than that of 1 Thessalonians. They also point to differences in the way eschatological themes are presented, with 2 Thessalonians being more detailed and structured in its description of the events preceding Christ’s return.

Counterarguments: However, many scholars defend the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians by pointing out that differences in style and emphasis can be explained by the different circumstances in which the letters were written. It is possible that 2 Thessalonians was written shortly after 1 Thessalonians in response to new developments in the Thessalonian church, necessitating a more formal tone and a more detailed discussion of eschatology. Furthermore, the theological themes in both letters are consistent with Paul’s broader teachings, making it unlikely that 2 Thessalonians was written by someone else.

In conclusion, the letters to the Thessalonians are rich in theological and pastoral content, offering valuable insights into the early Christian community and the teachings of the Apostle Paul. While the authorship of 1 Thessalonians is undisputed, the question of whether Paul also wrote 2 Thessalonians has been debated among scholars.

The Thessalonian letters continue to speak to believers today, offering encouragement in the face of trials, guidance for living a life that honors God, and hope for the future return of Christ. Paul’s legacy as the author of these letters is a testament to his enduring influence on the Christian faith.

[shammah8]

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

Sunday 11 June 2023

CUSTODIANS OF TRUTH

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in (Isaiah 26:2).

I’ll like you to observe two things that qualify a nation to come into the gates of God. The first is righteousness. The second is that the nation must have and walk in the truth. What nation is this custodian and observer of the truth?

God’s Word is Truth, and His truth was given to us in Christ Jesus. Thus, the Church of Christ is this nation that keeps the truth. Paul, writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:15 called the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. We belong in the Church which is the custodian of the truth. The Church is a righteous nation. We’re God-like in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24).

The Bible says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Everyone who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour has been made righteous!

In Ephesians 4:24 (AMPC), Paul highlights that we were created in true righteousness and holiness: “And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.” If you walk with sin consciousness, you wouldn’t know that you’re righteous. But His gate is opened to the righteous ones—the Church! What a blessing!

Peter corroborates this in his first epistle when he called us a holy nation: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 AMPC).

We’re a peculiar nation, born in righteousness, producing fruits of righteousness, and proclaiming His truth in righteousness.

              PRAYER

Righteous Father, your peace and prosperity reign in the nations of the world, as we, your Church, proclaim your truth and righteousness around the world. We overturn the structures, systems and schemes of satanic propagation of deception and fear across the nations, and we declare that your will be done in all the earth, as it is in heaven, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

3 John 1:3-4;

1 Timothy 3:15

[bills-bible-basics]

APOSTLE PAUL IN ROME -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List #Scriptures #BibleStudy #BibleVerses Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. As a matter of clarification, allow me to inform you that it is commonly believed that the Apostle Paul did not personally write all of his Epistles. Due to his poor eyesight -- which may have possibly been a result of the incident on the road to Damascus where the Lord struck down Paul, and left him blind for three days -- Paul was forced to dictate a number of his Epistles to his traveling companions. "After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome." Acts 19:21, KJV "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." Acts 23:11, KJV "And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him." Acts 28:13-16, KJV "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ . . . So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." Romans 1:7, 15, KJV "Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. [To the Galatians written from Rome.]" Galatians 6:18, KJV "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. [To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.]" Ephesians 6:24, KJV "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.]" Philippians 4:23, KJV "The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. [Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.]" Colossians 4:18, KJV "But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me." 2 Timothy 1:17, KJV "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. [The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.]" 2 Timothy 4:22, KJV "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. [Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.]" Philemon 1:25, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/apostle-paul-in-rome-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=199220&APOSTLE%20PAUL%20IN%20ROME%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[noeticprayer]

Moses the Black of Scete

Reading from the Synaxarion:

Saint Moses, who is also called Moses the Black, was a slave, but because of his evil life, his master cast him out, and he became a ruthless thief, dissolute in all his ways. Later, however, coming to repentance, he converted, and took up the monastic life under Saint Isidore of Scete. He gave himself over to prayer and the mortification of the carnal mind with such diligence that he later became a priest of exemplary virtue. He was revered by all for his lofty ascetical life and for his great humility. Once the Fathers in Scete asked Moses to come to an assembly to judge the fault of a certain brother, but he refused. When they insisted, he took a basket which had a hole in it, filled it with sand, and carried it on his shoulders. When the Fathers saw him coming they asked him what the basket might mean. He answered, "My sins run out behind me, and I do not see them, and I am come this day to judge failings which are not mine." When a barbarian tribe was coming to Scete, Moses, conscious that he himself had slain other men when he was a thief, awaited them and was willingly slain by them with six other monks, at the end of the fourth century. He was a contemporary of Saint Arsenius the Great (see May 8).

Apolytikion of Moses the Ethiopian in the First Tone

Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Moses, our God-bearing Father. By fasting, vigil, and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of them that have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him that hath given thee strength. Glory to Him that hath crowned thee. Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee.

Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 16:4-12

Brethren, if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may speed me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now just in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay in Ephesos until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Speed him on his way in peace, that he may return to me; for I am expecting him with the brethren. As for our brother Apollos, I strongly urge him to visit you with the other brethren, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity.

Gospel Reading

The Reading is from the Gospel According to Matthew 21:28-32

The Lord said this parable, "A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' And he answered, 'I will not'; but afterward he repented and went. And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him."

[a-godman]

Have a Rich Deposit of the Lord's Healthy Words to Shepherd and Teach the Saints

 In 2 Timothy we see that in these last days before the Lord’s coming we need to be empowered in the grace which is in Christ Jesus to be faithful men who have a deposit of the Lord’s healthy words, and we should train the faithful ones that they may have a good deposit and be competent to teach others also. Amen! The subject of the second epistle of Paul to Timothy is inoculation against the…

[generouspersonamano]

Knowledge of the Truth

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

The phrase “the truth,” referring to a certain vital body of doctrine, is found often in the New Testament, and the text quoted above is one of the most important, indicating as it does that fully understanding “the truth” is contingent on being saved.

The theme of “the truth” is especially emphasized in Paul’s two letters to Timothy, the first reference being in our text. He next points out that, in his capacity as an apostle, he must “speak the truth in Christ,” teaching “in faith and verity” (same word as “truth” —1 Timothy 2:7).

The church is called “the pillar and ground of the truth” (3:15). An attitude of thanksgiving is proper for those who “believe and know the truth” (4:3). On the other hand, those false teachers who teach with selfish motives are “destitute of the truth” (6:5).

In the second epistle, Paul urges believers to be diligent in studying the Scriptures, because they constitute “the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Then he warns of teachers “who concerning the truth have erred,” teaching false doctrine and destroying the faith of some (v. 18). Those who are faithful teachers, however, are exhorted to help the unsaved come to “repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (v. 25).

Then, in his prophetic description of the humanist teachers of the last days, Paul says they will be “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (3:7). This is because they “resist the truth” and “turn away their ears from the truth” (3:8; 4:4). Thus, “the truth” always emphasizes its vital importance in salvation and the Christian life. Most of all, the Lord Jesus said: “I am...the truth” (John 14:6).