A GOOD MINISTER’S DISCIPLINE

1 Timothy 4:⁶ In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following. ⁷ But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; ⁸ for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. ¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.”

Timothy was an evangelist, not a full time located paid preacher! 2 Timothy 4:⁵ But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist (euaggelistés: Evangelist: a missionary, bearer of good tidings.), fulfill your ministry.” The word ‘evangelist’ is found three times in the N.T. It is an anglicized form of a Greek word which has the same root as the word translated ‘gospel’ or ‘good news.’ Thus, an evangelist is ‘one who tells good news’ or ‘a proclaimer of the gospel.’ The Greek word for gospel is euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), which translates to “good news”. The word is a compound of eu, meaning “good”, and angelion, meaning “announcement”. The primary work of an evangelist was to proclaim, preach, or announce the gospel, the good news that Jesus saves. . If was one of the 5 miraculously gifted leadership positions in the early church. Ephesians 4:¹¹ And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers”. Evangelists were not full time located paid preachers. They traveled around preaching the gospel although they might be sent to a church to give them further instructions or rebuke false teachers. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to do just that. 1 Timothy 1:³ Just as I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, to remain on at Ephesus so that you would instruct certain people not to teach strange doctrines.” The church there would have had elders to shepherd the flock, but Paul felt that they needed Timothy for at least a while. Timothy was familiar with the church at Ephesus, having spent 3 years at Ephesus with Paul, probably spreading the gospel to surrounding areas.

Paul told Timothy to “point (hupotithémi: To lay down, to suggest, to propose, to set before)out these things to the church”. What things? Paul had just stated the creed of the church in 3:16 and warned about the falling away that was inevitable. So that would be “these things”. He was to be constantly nourished (entrephó: To bring up, to nurture, to train) on the words of “the faith” and good doctrine. Sounds a little misogynistic, but he was to “stay away from worthless stories typical of old women”! Paul had already talked about such myths. 1 Timothy 1:³ Just as I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, to remain on at Ephesus so that you would instruct certain people not to teach strange doctrines, ⁴ nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation rather than advance the plan of God, which is by faith, so I urge you now.” “‘ Coupled here with ‘ endless genealogies ,’ Paul may be referring to legends about well-known figures in the Old Testament found in many non-canonical Jewish writings of the Second Temple period. He may also be referencing ‘genealogies’ and ‘stories’ about the Greek gods propagated by the Temple of Artemis.” Paul may have been referring to speculative genealogies about spiritual beings that were developed by Gnosticism.” I think he is saying that these myths were no better than some “old wives’s tales” there were pure speculation not based on facts. Such as: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Don’t go out with wet hair or you’ll get sick. Putting onions in your socks to cure a cold. Eat carrots for better eyesight. White spots on your nails are caused by calcium deficiency. Your baby’s heart rate can predict its sex. Just to name a few. A great example of such a “worthless story” (4:7) would be the Mormon legends found in the Book of Mormon. “Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon to be a record of God’s dealings principally with another group of Israelites he brought to the Western Hemisphere from Jerusalem about 600 b.c. They anticipated the birth and coming of Jesus Christ and believed in his Atonement and gospel.” The book is about as long as the New Testament. (AI) “According to the Book of Mormon, an angel named Moroni visited Joseph Smith and told him about the book, which was buried in a hill near Joseph’s home. Moroni revealed that the book was written on gold plates in an ancient language and contained the history of early Americans and teachings from Jesus Christ. The book was written by prophets, with Moroni being the last to contribute. Joseph Smith translated the book into English using special stones called “interpreters” that were buried with the plates. Smith claimed that he did not write the book, but instead translated it under divine guidance.” “The Book of Mormon is considered the “keystone” of Mormon religion, as it serves as a second witness to Jesus Christ, confirming the Bible’s teachings while providing additional details about his life and ministry, particularly his appearance to the ancient inhabitants of the Americas, which is seen as a restoration of lost truths about the gospel and a validation of Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling as the instrument through which it was revealed; essentially, it is a central pillar of their faith, proving the divinity of Jesus Christ and the legitimacy of their church.” So, this unproven myth is the cornerstone of Mormonoism, proving that Joseph Smith was a prophet and confirmin the legitimacy of their church. So millions of Mormons spend time studying the book of Mormon. Mormon “elders” are trained to spread and teach the book of Mormon all over the world. Sounds exactly what Paul was telling Timothy to stay away from. I know some devout Mormons who bear the. fruit of the Spirit as much as I do, but I feel sorry for them that they are so indoctrinated with the Mormon mythology. They have been grounded and nourished with the teachings of Joseph Smith and the book of Mormon.

“Rather discipline (gumnazó: To train, exercise, discipline: Derived from γυμνός (gumnos), meaning “naked” or “bare,” which relates to the practice of exercising unclothed in ancient Greek culture. The word we get “gymnasium” from) yourself for the purpose of godliness (eusebeia: Godliness, piety, devotion)”.   (AI) “ In ancient Greek culture, physical training was highly valued, and gymnasiums were central to education and social life. The Greeks believed in the harmony of body and mind, and physical exercise was seen as essential for developing both. This cultural backdrop provides a vivid metaphor for spiritual discipline in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to pursue godliness with the same dedication as an athlete.” (AI) “In the New Testament, “eusebeia” refers to a reverent and devout attitude towards God, characterized by a life that reflects His holiness and commands. It encompasses both an inner piety and outward conduct that aligns with God’s will. This term is often associated with living a life that is pleasing to God, marked by moral integrity and spiritual devotion.”

Then Paul gives one of his 5 “trustworthy sayings”. 4:⁸ for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance”.

Christ Came to Save Sinners – 1 Timothy 1:12-17 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

A Noble Task – 1 Timothy 3:1-7 “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.”

The Value of Godliness – 1 Timothy 4:8-10 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.”

He Remains Faithful – 2 Timothy 2:11-13 “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”

Saved by Grace. Now What? – Titus 3:1-8 “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.”

“Bodily exercise (gumnasia: Exercise, training, discipline) is only slightly beneficial but godliness is beneficial for all things in this life and in eternal life”. Certainly bodily exercise is valuable for good health in this life, but that’s it. It won’t help you in eternity when you lose your physical body. (AI) “Today, there is a significant emphasis on exercise as a crucial component of overall health, with a growing awareness of its benefits for physical and mental well-being, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mood, enhancing cognitive function, and promoting better sleep, leading to widespread encouragement to incorporate regular physical activity into daily life; health professionals often consider exercise as important as medication for maintaining good health.” Athletes push their bodies with constant exercise, weight lifting, running, etc. to compete. Even health conscious people workout regularly, even have personal trainers. Many of them practice godliness with the same diligence, but many ignore their spiritual discipline. So what are the “spiritual disciplines” or training techniques? In Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster, he has divided twelve prominent Christian Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit: inward (meditation, prayer, fasting, and study), outward (simplicity, solitude, submission, and service) and corporate (confession, worship, guidance, and celebration). Dallas Willard divides the disciplines into two classes: disciplines of abstinence (solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy, and sacrifice) and disciplines of engagement (study, worship, celebration, service, prayer, fellowship, confession, and submission). These will help you have a mature, joyful faith in this life and prepare you for eternal life. So enjoy your workout but then go home and practice these spiritual disciplines! 4:¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.” Our God-man Jesus is the Savior of all mankind, i.e. 2:⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. But “especially of believers”. Paul was not a universalist (i.e. all people will be saved). He told the Jews they would be lost if they did not believe in Jesus. Paul said in Romans 10:1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved (after saying all but the remnant were “vessels prepared for destruction”. Romans 9:²² What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction.” So Jesus died for all men and God’s desire is that all men might be saved. 1 Timothy 2:³ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” But it is only the believers who will be saved, so his death is “especially” (malista: Especially, chiefly, most of all) for believers as they are the only ones who will benefit from his death.

1 Timothy 4:¹¹ Prescribe and teach these things. ¹² Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. ¹³ Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. ¹⁵ Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. If Timothy was in his early 20’s when he joined Paul on his 2nd missionary journey, then he is in his middle 30’s when Paul wrote this, still a young man by Jewish standards. It was important for Timothy to not do or say anything that would hurt his teaching of the word. Notice the 5 areas that all Christians should be an example to unbelievers: speech, conduct (everything you do), love, faith, and purity. Believers did not have personal copies of the old testament or of the gospels and letters being circulated and copied among all the churches. So it was important to have “public” reading of whatever scriptures they had. I often hear a philosophical sermon and think, “why don’t we just have the reading of the Scriptures” and let the Holy Spirit speak to us through the written word. Timothy had a “spiritual gift”, i.e. a miraculous gift of teaching, no doubt given to him by the laying on of Paul’s hands. The apostles and Paul were the only ones who could impart spiritual gifts to baptized believers (Acts 8:¹⁴ Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, ¹⁵ who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, ¹⁶ for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.) Acts 19:⁴ And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” ⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. ⁷ There were about twelve men in all.” Some group (council) of elders had laid hands on Timothy, commissioning him to be an evangelist. Even Paul and Barnabas had been “set apart” for mission work by the laying on of hands of teachers and prophets at Antioch. Acts 13: Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger,^[a] Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. ² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” “Take pains” is meletaó: To meditate, to care for, to practice, to study: from which we get “meditate”. His progress should be evident to all: prokopé: Progress, advancement, furtherance. prokopḗ (from 4253 /pró, “in front of” and 2875 /kóptō, “cut, chop down”) properly, advance (progress) literally, “advancement by chopping down whatever impedes progress”; furtherance.” (AI) “The idea of moral and spiritual progress was significant in early Christian teachings, emphasizing the transformation and growth of individuals and communities in their faith journey.” When someone has a difficult task, we might ask him “are you making any progress”. Or we might observe his work and say “you’ve made a lot of progress on that”. We should not be satisfied with complacency in our spiritual growth. We should always be advancing to a deeper relationship with God and Jesus and more faith and good works. Such that an observer might say, “wow, you have really grown spiritually”. Pay attention (epechó: To hold upon, to hold fast, to pay attention to, to give heed to.) to both yourself and others. Often an evangelist is to bent on saving souls (which is good) but he ignores his own spiritual growth and falls into sin. (AI) “In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of focusing one’s mind or attention was significant in both philosophical and practical contexts. Philosophers often emphasized the importance of contemplation and reflection as means to attain wisdom and virtue. In a biblical context, this idea is extended to spiritual matters, encouraging believers to focus their minds and hearts on the teachings and person of Christ.”

Thanks for reading.

1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will ^[a]fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,  ² by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, ³ who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; ⁵ for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.”

Notice these verses begin with “But” which ties them back to 3:15-17 where he gave the fundamental creed of the church in vs 16. “But” some will not be the “pillar and ground of that core truth”. Some will fall away from “the faith”. What is meant by “the faith”? The adding of “the” indicates that this phrase is more than just the usual word for faith. 2 Corinthians 13:⁵ Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! ⁶ I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.” 1 Corinthians 16:¹³ Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” “The faith” in these verses seems to be the whole system of salvation by grace through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (as stated in the creed in 1 Timothy 3:16). This next verse in Jude makes that even clearer: Jude ³ Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” The core gospel truth was revealed by the Holy Spirit to the apostles “once for all tiime”. John 16:¹³ But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”

When would this “”falling away from the faith” be? When are the “later times“? Most think this is the “end times”. I believe that refers, like the phrase “the last days”, to the end times of the Jewish Age and of the Jewish nation in 70 AD. Paul spoke of these “last days” in 2 Timothy 3:1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.” Jesus predicted such a falling away in Matthew 24:¹⁰ And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. ¹¹ And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. ¹² And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold.” Jesus added 24:³⁴ Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” So this falling away had to occur before the temple fell in 70 AD. Apparently a lot of Jewish Christians fell away in the days of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans in the years before 70 AD. The Hebrew letter is all about Jewish Christians being tempted to return to trusting in the Law. Hebrews 6:⁴ For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, ⁶ and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. ⁷ For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and produces vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; ⁸ but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.”  Notice those who had “fallen away” already at the time of writing in about 60 AD. Notice the imminent threat of them being “burned”, which could be 70 AD. All this is why the phrase “he who endures to the end (i.e. the end of the age in 70 AD)” is used. Matthew 24:¹³ But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. ¹⁴ This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” “The end” had to occur within that generation (24:34) so it must refer to the end of the Jewish Age in 70 AD. Hebrews 3 warns: ¹² Take care, brothers and sisters, that there will not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away (aphistémi: To depart, withdraw, remove, desert, fall away) from the living God.” (AI) “ In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of departure or withdrawal could apply to various contexts, including military, political, and religious settings. The term carries significant weight in the New Testament, where it often describes a turning away from God or the truth of the Gospel. This reflects the early Christian community’s concern with maintaining doctrinal purity and faithfulness amidst external pressures and internal challenges.” Hebrews 10:³² But remember the former days, ^[j]when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, ³³ partly by being made a public spectacle through insults and distress, and partly by becoming ^[k]companions with those who were so treated. ³⁴ For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession. ³⁵ Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. ³⁶ For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ³⁷ For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. ³⁸ But My righteous one will live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. ³⁹ But we are not among those who shrink (hupostelló: To draw back, to withdraw, to shrink from declaring.) back to destruction, but of those who have faith for the safekeeping of the soul.” Jesus’ 2nd coming was in “a very little while” (that has to be 70 AD) and thus the admonition to endure and not “shrink back to destruction”. The phrase “shrink” back” In the early Christian context, this term takes on a significant meaning as it relates to the boldness required to proclaim the Gospel amidst persecution and opposition.” Paul spoke of an apostasy in 2 Thessalonians 2:Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, ² that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit, or a message, or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. ³ No one is to deceive you in any way! For it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” Here the Greek word for apostasy is apostasia: Apostasy, rebellion, defection, falling away; not the aphistemi word in Hebrews 3:12. It is the word we get “apostasy” from. This AI comment is interesting: “In the Greco-Roman world, “apostasia” could refer to political rebellion or a military defection. Within the Jewish context, it was often associated with a turning away from the covenant with God. In the early Christian church, apostasy was a significant concern as believers faced persecution and the temptation to revert to pagan practices or Jewish legalism. The term underscores the gravity of abandoning one’s faith in Christ, which was seen as a serious breach of loyalty to God.” That sounds exactly what many Jewish Christians did in the last days before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, just as Jesus predicted and the book of Hebrews talks about. BTW in Paul went on in 2 Thessalonians 2 to say that this falling away was already at work:⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is removed.” The “man of lawlessness” would sit in the temple, the “son of destruction” (of the temple). It had to be someone living at the time Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians. That could only be Titus who entered the temple when he burned it down in 70 AD. This apostasy, a different word apostasia that can refer to a political revolt, could actually refer to the rebellion of the non-believing Jews in the years prior to 70 AD. Not a falling away of Jewish believers as in Hebrews 6:6 and Matthew 24:8.

Back to 1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” This falling away was due to Christians paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons”. Jesus predicted this to happen within that generation: Matthew 24:²³ Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘He is over here,’ do not believe him. ²⁴ For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” Notice that many of the elect, i.e. Jewish Christians, might be mislead by these demonic false prophets, which did happen. Paul spoke of those false Satanic signs and wonders the deluded many Jewish Christians: 2 Thessalonians 2:⁸ Then that lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will eliminate with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; ⁹ that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and false signs and wonders, ¹⁰ and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not accept the love of the truth so as to be saved. ¹¹ For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, ¹² in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”

The specific doctrines that the demonic false prophets were teaching is given: 2 Timothy 4:³ who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; ⁵ for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.” Who was teaching this? “Gnostics believe that all physical matter is evil; therefore, the human body, all forms of sexuality, and pleasant food were labelled as evil. As a result, the Gnostics rejected marriage and taught people not to eat certain foods. A heresy that flourished in the first three centuries AD, Gnostics believed that physical matter was evil, including the human body, sexuality, and pleasant food.” I don’t think that gnosticism had developed by 70 AD as a movement, but Colossians 2 indicates that the gnostic principles were already at work in the church before 70 AD. 2:⁸ See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. ¹⁶ Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food and drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon, or a Sabbath day— ¹⁷ things which are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.²⁰ If you have died with Christ ^[y]to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, ²¹ “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” ²² (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of man? ²³ These are matters which do have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” The Jews were not allowed to eat unclean meats (Leviticus 11) under the old covenant, but Christians (Jew or Gentile) could eat anything they want as long as they give thanks for it. The Jewish Christians probably still followed the unclean meat laws till 70 AD. Acts 10:¹³ A voice came to him, “Get up, Peter, kill and eat (i.e. eat the unclean meats in the sheet)!” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” ¹⁵ Again a voice came to him a second time, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into the sky.” That proves that Peter, a Jewish Christian continued to follow the unclean meats prohibition. After the temple was destroyed, it was impossible even for Jewish Christians to continue keeping the Law and the old covenant was officially done away with. Hebrews 8:¹³ When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is about to disappear.” So Gentile Christians can eat anything, but I would think Jewish Christians could eat anything also after 70 AD. They probably still don’t eat unclean meats to keep from offending their non believing Jewish brethren. I am told that many Messianic Jews do eat unclean meats. It is amazing how many Christian denominations fobid even Gentile Christians from the eating of unclean meats like pork: the Seventh Day Adventists being perhaps the main one.

Wow, this long for 5 verses but I hope it is hellpful.

Here is the David Guzik commentary on 1 Timothy 2. I encourage you to read this:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/1-timothy/1-timothy-2.cfm

A Call to Prayer 2:1-7

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, ² for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. ³ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. ⁷ For this I was appointed as a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”

Our prayers tend to focus on ourselves, our friends, our fellow church members, and our families. But we must remember to pray for “all people” around the world, especially for rulers all over the world that have the power to create war or peace. Peace is good since the gospel can spread better and can fulfill God’s plan for “all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth”. I don’t know how God works to answer our prayers for all people and for rulers, but providentially He does work. My prayers each day should include the people in the Ukraine/Russian war zones, the oppressed people in Communist North Korea, the people in Communist China, the people in Lebanon, Gaza strip, and Israel caught up in the Middle East Crisis facing the terrorists group that create constant war among them, the people in Venezuela due to Venezuela due to the high risk of wrongful detentions, terrorism, kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, the people facing militant Islamist violence in Africa, the people in Iran most of whom would probably like to do away with their Shia Muslim leadership that is determined to destroy Israel as they await the return of the Imam Mahdi to establish worldwide Islamic rule, the people in India as Hinduism is so predominate that it is hard to search for the truth of Jesus, the people in Muslim controlled countries who are persecuted if they become Christians, the people in the U.S as our country is spiralling into moral and doctrinal decline, the people in Africa who don’t have clean water for good health, the people in refugee camps caught up in the middle of war torn regions, etc.

We should pray for rulers all over the world, even for evil dictators, atheistic regimes, or radical Islamist leaders.  Guzik said this: “The early church leader Tertullian explained: “We pray for all the emperors, that God may grant them long life, a secure government, a prosperous family, vigorous troops, a faithful senate, an obedient people; that the whole world may be in peace; and that God may grant, both to Caesar and to every man, the accomplishment of their just desires.” (Clarke)

We should pray for the people all over the world, even in peaceful regions, that they may come to be saved by Jesus who “gave Himself as a ransom (antilutron: Ransom, Redemption Price: used only here in the New Testament. (AI) “ In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a ransom was well understood. It was a price paid to free a slave or a prisoner of war. The idea of a ransom also appears in the Old Testament, where it is associated with the redemption of individuals or property. In the New Testament, this concept is applied to the spiritual realm, where Christ’s death is seen as the ultimate ransom that liberates believers from the bondage of sin and death.” The Greek word for “redemption” in the New Testament is “apolutrosis” (ἀπολύτρωσις).  “Aplutrosis” essentially means “deliverance” or “being set free by the payment of a ransom,” which aligns with the Christian concept of redemption through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. It is used in Romans 3:24, Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 2:14 of our redemption through the blood of Jesus (which was the “antilutron” redemption price paid to God Himself to satisfy His wrath against our sins and to free us from the captivity of sin and death. Ephesians 1:⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸ which he lavished upon us.” I have a little prayer pad, but my prayer requests are for friends, family, and church members. I am not praying for all people as Paul told Timothy to do. I plan to include all people in future prayers, including those I just mentioned above. Again, I don’t know how the providence of God can answer those prayers, but I believe He will. One way such prayers work is to get us aware of the spiritual and physical needs of people all over the world. That might get us to be directly involved in mission trips or humanitarian trips around the world. Or it might get us to use our vast monetary resources to help people all over the world, often through agencies like Healing Hands International. Or agencies like Eastern European Missions who print the Bible in the major world languages so people can learn about Jesus dying for their sins. Don’t forget to pray for missionaries who are preaching the gospel all over the world, even in Muslim countries.

There is one mediator between God and man, i.e. Jesus Christ. The term “mesités” refers to a mediator, one who intervenes between two parties to restore peace, make a covenant, or ratify an agreement. In the New Testament, it is primarily used to describe Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and humanity, highlighting His role in reconciling sinful humans to a holy God through His sacrificial death and resurrection. The Greek word for “reconciliation” in the New Testament is “katallage” (καταλλαγή). Meaning:“Katallage” literally means “exchange” or “adjustment of a difference,” and in the context of the Bible, it refers to the act of restoring a broken relationship, particularly between God and humanity through Jesus Christ. It is used in 2 Corinthians 5:¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ¹⁸ All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹ that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. ²¹ For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

I decided to split 1 Timothy 2 into 2 articles. I just want this first part, the call to prayer for all people and rulers all over the world, to be something that we all need to do more of. I plan to try to answer that call better in the future.

How about you?

The Messianic prophecies in this last part of the book of Isiah are discussed separately in the blog article “isaiah Messianic Prophet, but here are some other neat passages in this section.

COMFORT FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

40:1Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. ² Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A lot of this chapter has Messianic overtones, especially since it starts with the prediction o the coming of John the Baptist (40:3).

THE WORD OF GOD STANDS FOREVER

40:6 “A voice says, “Cry!” And I said^,] “What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. ⁷ The grass withers, the flower fade when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. ⁸ The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” This great verse is quoted in 1 Peter 1:²² Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, ²³ since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; ²⁴ for“All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, ²⁵ but the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” The primary meaning is probably that God’s predictions will always come true, but it is amazing that the word of God has stood all these centuries when many have tried to destroy it. From AI: 1) “Antiochus (in the 2nd century BC) also destroyed copies of the Torah and sentenced to death anyone who was found to possess a copy of the Torah or observed its teachings. Antiochus ordered the total suppression of Temple sacrifices, Sabbath observance, and the practice of circumcision.” 2)According to the Book of Jeremiah, King Jehoiakim (one of the last kings of Judah) attempted to destroy the written word of God (which included Jeremiah’s predictions of the fall of Jerusalem to happen in 586 BC) by cutting up and burning a scroll containing Jeremiah’s prophecies. From AI: 3) “In 303 AD, the Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered that the Christian Scriptures be confiscated and burned. When Christians were found, they would give them copies of deuterocanonical books or other Christian literature, and the pagans, unsuspecting, burned them.”

THE GREATNESS OF GOD

40:9-26. Vs 9 Go tell the world “Behold your God who is coming”. A series of questions beginning with “who” showing how great God is:

1) 40:12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Imagine a God so big that he can scoop up all the waters from the rivers, lakes, and seas in his hands. You can only scoop us maybe a cup of water in your hands. A span is about 9 inches in the Bible, the length of an outstretched hand. Can you imagine trying to measure the distance from Huntsville to Mobile using a ruler (which is 12 inches)? But God’s hands are so big that he can use His span to measure all the heavens in the universe, maybe just a few of his spans. Can you imagine weighing the Rocky Mountains on a bathroom scale? Or on a small balance in the lab that weighs grams of chemicals? But God is so big that His bathroom scales can weigh all the mountains and hills on earth. There is a neat song: Our God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing our God cannot do.”

2) 40:13 Who has measured (takan: To measure, weigh, regulate, estimate, balance)the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? How big would you estimate that the Spirit of the Lord is? Psalm 139:7Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! ⁹ If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. ¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” ¹² even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” God is spirit (John 4:24) and His spirit fills the universe. The Spirit of God tells us the mind, thoughts, and plans of God. 1 Corinthians 2:¹⁰ these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. ¹¹ For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

3) Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? We are always trying to learn wisdom at the feet of great men like Socrates and Plato, but God doesn’t have to consult anyone about wisdom. He is the scource of all wisdom for salvation and all things.

40:15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. ¹⁶ Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. ¹⁷ All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.” The United Nations recognizes 241 countries and territories when dependent territories are included with a total of 8 billion people. According to estimations, a gallon bucket can hold roughly 1 million drops of water. All the nations in the world are like one drop of water in God’s bucket.

Then to show the greatness of God, Isaiah has two “to whom will you liken or compare God to”?

1. 40:18 To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? ¹⁹ An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. ²⁰ He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman
   to set up an idol that will not move.” To an idol that a goldsmith forms, that a poor man has made to stand in his house so he can worship it for a long time since he can’t afford to go offer sacrifices on a regular basis?? God is big that: 40:²² It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; ²³ who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. ²⁴ Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble.” You might could sit on top of a small plastic globe of the earth but God is so big than he can sit on top of the earth sphere. I might stretch out the 6 feet of curtains in my bathtub before I take a shower. God stretches out the endless heavens like I stretch out those curtains. I might set up a little tent to dwell in and spend the night in outside. God sets up His tent with all the heavens of the universe so he can dwell in it. You can blow dust off a countertop to move it. God can blow on the nations and move them wherever He wants. Daniel 12:21 “He removes kings and sets up kings”. This verse also says that God changes times and seasons, gives wisdom to the wise, and reveals deep and secret things.”
2. 40:25 To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. ²⁶ Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing.” Psalm 19:The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. ² Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. ³ There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.” From AI: The observable universe has ~ 2 trillion galaxies. Each galaxy has ~ 100 billion stars. Each star has about 1.6 planets. Multiplying these gives 3.2 x 10^23 planets in the observable universe.” From AI: “A few hundred stars have proper names, while the International Astronomical Union (IAU) recognizes proper names for 152 planets. There are 88 officially recognized constellations, as defined by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) (like Orion, Pleiades, and Arcturas mentioned in Job 9:8-9: did God name those when he book of Job was written or were they already named that by people?).” But has named each of the 200 billion, trillion stars or planets. How long would it take us to do that? God is a spirit who fills the universe, so that would not be difficult for Him since His spirit is right there everywhere in the universe. There is a “fixed order” of stars and planets in the universe, all on pre-set patterns of movement. 1 Chronicles 16:30 – “He has fixed the earth firm, immovable.” Psalm 93:1 – “Thou hast fixed the earth immovable and firm.” Psalm 96:10 – “He has fixed the earth firm, immovable.”Psalm 104:5 -“Thou didst fix the earth on its foundation so that it never can be shaken.” This fixed order of movement is so precise and dependable that we can safely send men into space and return them from orbit around the moon.

THE NEVER TIRING GOD, THE GOD OF UNLIMITED STRENGTH AND POWER

40:²⁷ Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?
²⁸ Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
³⁰ Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
³¹ Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.”

The remnant often end up asking why God does not avenge their suffering. The souls under the altar in Revelation 6 asked, “How long, God, before You avenge our blood”? Is God asleep? Does He not see what is going on, how we are being persecuted? God even told the souls under the altar that He was going to wait until some more saints were martyred. That sounds like He doesn’t care. Or maybe He is powerless to stop it. Not so. He is the Creator of the universe so He has all power. He knows all that is going on. He is not tired or asleep. He has a plan and we must trust Him. He will give us the strength during those tough times to keep on keeping on. He will give us wings to fly above our trials and problems. He doesn’t always remove the problems, but He will give us the strength to handle them, to overcome them. As Paul said, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” God is all powerful, and the amazing thing is that He gives us enough of His power to handle everything we face or do. Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” It’s like when you are sinking in the water and can’t swim, or sinking in quicksand, and someone reaches down to give you their strong hand and pull up to safety, giving you strength that you can’t possibly have on your own.” From AI” In the Bible, God asks Moses if His power is limited in Numbers 11:23. This occurs when Moses expresses doubt about God’s ability to provide meat for the Israelites for a whole month, and God responds by saying, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened?” The LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.”