67 AD (4 years later)

• Paul is in prison in Roman
  
  

FULFILL YOUR MINISTRY
2 TIMOTHY 4
1 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of his appearing and his kingdom:

• “Before God and Jesus Christ” – they are watching you
• Judge the living – Judgment Seat of Christ
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.[1]
• “good” = righteousness or “evil” = self righteousness
• Judge the dead – Great White Throne Judgment
• Revelation 20:11-15 - Then I saw a great white throne and one seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. 12 I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books. 13 Then the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them; each one was judged according to their works. 14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.[2]
• “his appearing” – Everything had to be prepared to perfection.

2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.

• “preach” – aloud, publicly in all seasons
• “correct” (point out) those in error (an appeal to the emotions).
• “rebuke” those in sin (an appeal to the mind).
• “encourage” those living in harmony with God's will (an appeal to the will).
• Christian reproof without the grace of long-suffering has often led to a harsh attitude intensely harmful to the cause of Christ.

3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. 4 They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.

• Who are “they” – those following his teaching now? (believers)
• In the future, “they” would only listen to speakers who told them what they wanted to hear (false doctrine, entertainment, etc.).
• They would choose to believe myths rather than the truth (e.g., evolution, humanism, reincarnation, legalism, etc.)

5 But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

• JOB OR MINISTRY?
• A job is one you choose;
• A ministry is one Christ chooses for you.
• A job depends on your abilities;
• A ministry depends on your availability to God.
• In a job you expect to receive;
• In a ministry, you expect to give.
• A job done well brings you self-esteem;
• A ministry done well brings honor to Jesus Christ.
• In a job, you give something to get something;
• In a ministry, you return something already given to you.
• A job well done has temporal pay for service.
• A ministry well done brings eternal rewards.

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close.

• Paul believed that he would die very soon.
• "poured out" - like the daily drink offerings in Judaism
• After the Jewish priest offered the lamb, ram, or bull in this ritual, he poured wine beside the altar.
• Symbolized the dedication of the believer to God in worship.
• The apostle believed that Nero would not release him from prison but would execute him.
• Christian tradition confirms that Paul died as a martyr in Rome.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

• Paul probably meant that he had run in the noblest race of all, namely, the ministry of the gospel.
• NOT that he had done his best in the contest.

8 There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing.

• This reward will go to all Christians like Paul who, by the way, they lived, demonstrated a longing for the Lord's return.
• Not all Christians are anxious for the Lord to return since some know they need to change their way of living.

BELIEVERS' CROWNS
Title                      Reason         Reference

• An Imperishable Crown         For leading a disciplined life                        1 Cor. 9:25
• A Crown of Rejoicing             For evangelism and discipleship                 1 Thess. 2:19
• A Crown of Righteousness    For loving the Lord's appearing                   2 Tim. 4:8
• A Crown of Life                      For enduring trials                                       James 1:12; Rev. 2:10
• A Crown of Glory                   For shepherding God's flock faithfully         1 Pet. 5:4

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS
9 Make every effort to come to me soon,

• Paul evidently had reason to believe that his execution was imminent.[3]

10 because Demas (Dee-moss) has deserted me, since he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens (Creese-kees)) has gone to Galatia (Gala-tia), Titus to Dalmatia (Dalma-tia).

• The constitutional method of inflicting capital punishment on a Roman citizen was by the lictor's (emperor’s bodyguard) axe.
• The criminal was tied to a stake; cruelly scourged with the rods, and then beheaded.
• Demas loved this present world. He gone!

11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments.

• Luke is most likely transcribing for Paul
• Mark had just previously left Paul & Barnabas.
• Mark had caused division between Paul & Barnabas.
• This is a statement of encouragement & affirmation after the incident.
• Tychicus was sent to relieve Timothy, whom Paul was requesting, and his cloak… winter was coming… he was frail… looking for comfort.
• Parchments – OT, or even his own writings… still wanted to study.

 
14 Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works. 15 Watch out for him yourself because he strongly opposed our words.

• Possible reference to 1 Timothy 1:20 – Turned him over to satan.
• Not a salvation issue.

16 At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.

• Customarily, under Roman law, accused prisoners underwent a preliminary hearing before their trial.
• At this hearing, witnesses could speak on behalf of the accused.
• In Paul's case, no one came to his defense.
• This was probably because when Rome burned in July of 64 AD
• Nero blamed the Christians.
• From then on, it was dangerous to be a known Christian in Rome.
• Neither local Christians nor Paul's fellow workers were willing to stand with the apostle.
• Paul hoped the Lord would not hold their failure against them.

17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.

• Evidently, Paul could give a word of witness at his hearing that furthered his mission to the Gentiles.
• He had so far escaped death, though he was ready to die as a martyr.
• The "lion's mouth" may refer to the lions in the Roman Coliseum that were devouring Christians at the time.
• However, the Romans would have beheaded Paul rather than thrown him to the lions since he was a Roman citizen.
• More a general allusion to Satan's instruments of evil that have always sought to destroy God's faithful servants.

18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

• Paul knew he would die a martyr's death (vv. 6-8), but he saw death as God's vehicle to deliver him from an evil deed (his execution) and to bring him into his Lord's presence.
• For this prospect, he glorified God.

 
BENEDICTION
19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

• Greetings to his old friends Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila, who then lived in Ephesus.
• He also greeted the loyal family of Onesiphorus, whom he had written about earlier (1:16).

20 Erastus has remained at Corinth; I left Trophimus (trophy-mose) sick at Miletus (Mee-Le-toes).

• Erastus and Trophimus were old associates of Timothy

21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as do Pudens (Poo-dees), Linus (Lean-ose), Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.

• Winter severely restricted travel in some parts of the Roman world.
• Timothy needed to leave Ephesus soon to reach Rome without difficulty.
• Paul relayed the greetings of four other brethren, probably local, whom Timothy evidently knew, as well as the greetings of all the local Christians.

22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.[4]

• Paul first wished the Lord's ministry of grace on Timothy's spirit, perhaps encouraging him to remain faithful.
• Paul’s last recorded written words.
• Then he wished God's grace for all this epistle's readers (plural "you" in the Greek text).
• Paul avoided indulging his disappointments.
• Paul could rejoice in the victory won in the life of Mark.
• Paul found no room for vindictiveness toward those who hurt or opposed him."

______________________________________________
“Understanding the Spirit's role, how would you communicate this message if your eighteen-year-old son had made up his mind to walk away from everything you have taught him, morally, ethically, and theologically, unless he had a compelling reason not to?”

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Co 5:9–10.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Re 20:11–15.
[3] A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 759.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Ti 4:1–22.

67 AD (4 years later)

• Paul is in prison in Roman
  
  

DIFFICULT TIMES AHEAD
2 TIMOTHY 3
1 But know this: Hard times will come in the last days.

• Last days = Season before the Lord Returns (Tribulation, etc.)?
• Today, we live in the last days, that period between Christ’s exaltation and his return.[1]
• So why worry about how bad things are?

 

• When an individual's center of gravity shifts from God to self, a plethora of sins can spring up.[2]

2 For people will be lovers of self (self-centered, narcissistic, self-absorbed)1, lovers of money (money hungry), boastful (of their own importance, self-promoting), proud (in attitude, arrogant, stuck up), demeaning (abusive to others, scoffing at God, profane), disobedient to parents (unresponsive to parental discipline, contemptuous), ungrateful (unthankful, unappreciative, crude), unholy (impure, nothing is sacred, coarse), 3 unloving (heartless, callous, hateful, dog eat dog), irreconcilable (unforgiving, unbending), slanderers (of others, speaking with malicious gossip), without self-control (impulsively wild), brutal (uncivilized, cruel, savage), without love for what is good (antagonistic, haters of good, no interest of good, cynical), 4 traitors (betrayal of friends, treacherous), reckless (headstrong, rash, ruthless), conceited (puffed up with pride, wrapped in a mist of self-delusion, bloated windbags), lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (devoted to personal pleasure, addicted to lust and allergic to God), 5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power (religious). Avoid these people!

• This last characteristic clarifies that those individuals described in verses 2-4 would even claim to be Christians (i.e., false teachers and their followers).
• Timothy was to avoid association with people who demonstrated these characteristics except, of course, for purposes of evangelism and instruction.
• Who influences who?

6 For among them are those who worm their way into households and deceive gullible women overwhelmed by sins and led astray by a variety of passions, 7 always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

• These false religious leaders take advantage of the problems people have and promise them quick and easy solutions.[3]
• TV evangelists are a great example for today.
• They were listening to the false teachers and Judaizers.
• They had an insatiable curiosity about religion but little discernment to distinguish truth from error.[4]
• Today we have Google doctors, tik tok scientists and Facebook selective knowledge.

8 Just as Jannes (yawn-ees) and Jambres (yawm-brees) resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth. They are men who are corrupt in mind and worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress, for their foolishness will be clear to all, as was the foolishness of Jannes and Jambres.

• Paul used the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in the plagues (Exod. 7:11; 9:11) to illustrate the fate of these false teachers.
• 1,400 years earlier… they are still mentioned by name.
• They turned staffs into snakes but couldn’t compete with Moses in boils.
• Jewish oral or written tradition preserved their names even though the Old Testament did not.
• As these magicians, the false teachers opposed God's revealed truth, possessed corrupt minds, and were outside the fold of the faithful.
• They would proceed only so far, as their Egyptian predecessors did.
• Their foolishness would become common knowledge when their power proved inadequate.

 
STRUGGLES IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
10 But you have followed my teaching (ministry), conduct (ministry), purpose (ministry), faith (life), patience (life), love (life), and endurance (life), 11 along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured—and yet the Lord rescued me from them all.

• The fact that Paul was delivered from his persecutions was to be an encouragement to Timothy.

Romans 8:38—39 -- For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.[5]
12 In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

• Some “prosperity” messages will not filter here.
• This course is in opposition to the world system.
• Confrontation and conflict are inevitable.

13 Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived.

• This statement does not contradict what Paul said in verse 9.
• In verse 13 he meant that evil becomes more intensive as time passes.
• In verse 9, he meant that teaching evil does not necessarily become more extensive and captures a wider audience as evil worsens.

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, 15 and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

• Jewish parents were expected to teach their children the Law from age five onwards.
              - Bate Safair (Torah – First 5 books)
              - Bate Talmude (Law & Prophets)
              - Bate Midrash (rabbi disciple)
• 1:5 - I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.[6]
• What you know is reliable and powerful.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.[7]

• It is God's Word, the expression of His person (heart, mind, will, etc.).
• This was the view of the Old Testament that Jews in the first century commonly held.
• 2 Peter 3:15-16 (67 AD, same year as 2 Timothy) - 15 Also, regard the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our dear brother Paul has written to you according to the wisdom given to him. 16 He speaks about these things in all his letters. There are some things that are hard to understand in them. The untaught and unstable will twist them to their own destruction, as they do with the rest of the Scriptures. [8]
• They are profitable for doctrine (what is right),
• for reproof (what is not right),
• for correction (how to get right),
• and for instruction in righteousness (how to be right)."

 

• “man of God” – direct reference to Timothy
• Also to those who commit themselves to God
• What completes you for every good work?
              - The Helper
              - The Scripture
• “good work” is not the goal… it is the byproduct of what we have been given.

[1] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 223). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[2] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 224). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 250). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 228). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ro 8:38–39.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Ti 1:5.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Ti 3:1–17.
[8] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Pe 3:15–16.

67 AD (4 years later)

• Paul is in prison in Roman
• Nero has been persecuting the believers in Rome.
• Believers are staying clear of Paul.
• No one came to support Paul in his preliminary hearing.
• Luke visits Paul and pens the letter for Paul.
• Paul knows his time is near.
• Paul warns Timothy about those who will fall away from the faith.
• Needs to encourage Timothy to keep discipling.

 
BE STRONG IN GRACE
2 TIMOTHY 2
1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
 -   Be

• strong (dunamus = power) – empowered with grace
• To be enabled
• We are empowered by Jesus… not our own strength.
• Continuous active cooperation & dependence with Jesus

2 What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
 -   Thankful to be gone occasionally.

• Keith, Matt, Doug, Phil, Shannon, Luke, Scott and others are incredible at teaching.
• We had 16 people at our Logos class on Tuesday.
• “Faithful”… not ordained.
• We do not test modern teachers by popularity, education, or skill.
• We test them by the Word of God, particularly the doctrines of grace given by Paul.[1]
• You are encouraged to do ministry here.
• Hand off… Figure this thing out… Go… Go…

3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

• We are in a spiritual battle.
• It is all around us.

4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer.

• Stay focused… don’t be distracted with nonsense.
• Our time can be consumed with “good things”…
• Bump that up to “excellent things”.
• Choose the right priorities.

5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

• Romans were enthusiastic about their sports.
• Fishers Basketball won Sectionals – Rob Bell
• An Olympic athlete swore an oath to a statue of Zeus that they had physically trained for at least ten months.

6 The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.

• Planting and nurturing leads to a harvest.
• All three illustrations teach us that faithfulness is a huge portion of the formula that leads to reward.

7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

• Caught vs Taught
     - Avitar –
              Neytiri: Why save you? 
              Jake Sully: Yeah, why save me? 
              Neytiri: You have a strong heart. No fear. But stupid! Ignorant like a child! 
              Jake Sully: Well, if I'm like a child, then maybe you should teach me. 
              Neytiri: Sky People cannot learn, you do not see. 
              Jake Sully: Then teach me how to see. 
              Neytiri: No one can teach you to see

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel,

• The mention that Christ 'descended from David' shows that Christ has messianic qualifications and is the heir to the glorious promises of God for David.
• 2 Samuel 7:11-14 - “ ‘The Lord declares to you: The Lord himself will make a house for you. 12 When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son.”[2]
• “my gospel” – This message had been entrusted to Paul.
• The Truth is being distorted… among the Church… Facebook

9 for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound.

• Paul had been the chief suppressor & oppressor of Christianity.
• Now he has suffered the most due to his gospel.

10 This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy:
For if we died with him, (positive)
we will also live with him; (positive)
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; (positive)
if we deny him, he will also deny us; (negative)

• Great White Throne Judgment (nonbelievers) of the Judgment Seat (believers).

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself. (negative)

• Jesus will fulfill His Word either way.
• No matter what your choice may be.

 
AN APPROVED WORKER
14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen.

• What are subjects that are causing Christians to “split hairs”?
• Reformed Theology; Evolutionism, End times/
• What about Law & Grace?

15 Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

• Just as a construction worker can point out “bad work”… so can a teacher.

16 Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness, 17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus (Hi-ma-knee-us) and Philetus (fill-eat-us) are among them.

• Paul had already turned Hymenaeus over to satan in 1 Timothy 1:20.
• Get to a point where you can distinguish “religious talk” vs truth.
• Gangrene is described as a sore that eats at the flesh.
• There is a difference between “getting into the weeds” of the Word vs the Word being active in nourishing others.
• How are we helping people (each other) if we just sit here on Sunday morning and study the Word?
• Spiritual constipation.

18 They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are ruining the faith of some.

• Certain carryovers from their pagan religions.
• Spiritual resurrection – sinless perfection?

19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, (Numbers 16:5) and let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.

• We still have to make choices.
• Repentance – change your mind about your behavior.
• Who leads us to repentance? Romans 2:4 – “Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”[3]

20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable. 21 So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

• Those who become students of the Truth vs.
• Those who have a lack of commitment to study & even proclaim false truths.
• There will be a separation here on earth… not a salvation issue.

22 Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

• Youth movements: Veganism, peace, etc. Passion, reformed theology…
• 18-34 years old are more agenda driven
• Typically, in relation to the media/social networks
• They determine what is cool, what is right/wrong and what we tend to focus on in the world.

23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels.

• These questions are going to be brought before you…
• Calvinism vs Arminianism
• Predestined vs Free Will
• Preterist vs Futurist
• Law vs Grace

24 The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. 26 Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.[4]

• Who grants repentance? God does…

Through His kindness…

• Should I defriend blatant sinners on Facebook?
• There is a difference between acceptance & teaching with gentleness.
• How will those who have a sinful nature or are walking in their flesh ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
• How will the addicted ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
• How will a left-wing liberal tree-hugging hippie ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
• How will the staunch right-wing, good doing, 10 commandment card carrier ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
• It certainly will not be because of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas City.
• Why would the younger generation want to have anything to do with that type of religious condemnation?
• How do I engage them in conversation enough to intrigue them?
• The focus has to remain on Jesus alone.

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 245). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Sa 7:11–14.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ro 2:4.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Ti 2:1–26.

64 A.D.

• Rome was burned, and the blame was placed on the Christians.
• Therefore, being a public Christian or follower of Paul became dangerous.

War in Jerusalem - Spring 66 A.D.

• The Jewish revolt against Rome begins.
• For the next four years, war will rage between Jewish revolutionaries and Roman soldiers, beginning in Judea and spreading throughout Israel.
• There is great unrest and discord in the city of Jerusalem.
• The Christians leave the city and disperse into the Gentile churches outside of Israel.

67 A.D.

• Paul is still imprisoned in Rome.
• Priscilla and Aquila are still in Ephesus, trying to save the church from the constant threat of heresy.
• The false teachers are winning out, and there is a wholesale departure from Paul’s ministry in Asia Minor.
• Further, because Paul is imprisoned, the Christians no longer wish to associate with him out of fear that they, too, will be imprisoned.
• Two brothers in Christ that Paul trusted Phygelus (fe-jealous) and Hermogenes (Hermo-je-knees) turn away from him.
• Demas forsakes Paul because of his love for the world and returns to Thessalonica.
• Paul sends a man named Crescens to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia (Illyricum) to work with the churches there.
• He sends Tychicus and Onesiphorus back to Ephesus to help Priscilla and Aquila.
• Paul’s preliminary hearing (primo actio) occurs, but no one is present to support him. (2 Timothy 4:16)
• Due to Paul's lack of support, the trial goes forward.
• Upon hearing this, Luke immediately visits Paul in prison.
• Some survivors from Nero’s persecution of the Roman church also visit Paul to check on him occasionally.
• Among them are Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia.
• Paul is burdened for the future of the churches.
• He knows that his time of departure is near.
• Paul longs to see Timothy and prays for him day and night.
• He wishes to encourage Timothy in his calling, to exhort him to be optimistic and strong in the face of his opposers, to warn him of the coming apostasy (falling away), and to remind him of those intangible things that he (Paul) has deposited in him over the years.
• Nero committed suicide in June 68 A.D.

 
Date: Fall of 67 A.D.

• (4:21 - Make every effort to come before winter.)

 
Author: Paul (Prison in Rome)

• (2:9 - For this, I suffer, to the point of being bound like a criminal)
• Knew he was going to die soon (4:6 - For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close.)

Recipient: Timothy (Ephesus – Several references)

• 2 Timothy was written as a personal letter to Timothy to encourage him and ask him to come see him in Rome.
• Written to a friend who understood his theology.
• Not Titus: a church that didn’t understand.
• Not 1 Timothy: a church understood but chose to ignore.

GREETING
2 TIMOTHY 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the sake of the promise of life in Christ Jesus:

•  When friends desert us, and opposition becomes intense, nothing gives Christians confidence like the assurance that we are doing God's will.

2 To Timothy, my dearly loved son.

•  This description emphasized Paul's affection for Timothy and his relationship with him as a spiritual son and protégé whom he had nurtured in the faith.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.


THANKSGIVING
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. 4 Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.

•  Paul voiced in his first epistle to Timothy thanks for his own salvation and ministry (1 Tim. 1:12 - I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry[1]).
•  In this second epistle, he began with thanks for Timothy's salvation and ministry.
•  His tears – Due to the separation in 1 Timothy 1:3 - As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach false doctrine 4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies.[2]
•  How do your family members influence your faith?
•  What is it about Moms?

6 Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.

•  Timothy received divine enablement to do the work God was leading him into.
•   It was not Paul that gave Timothy the Spirit… It was purely symbolic.
•   March 26, 1989 – I was “ordained” and had hands laid upon me.

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power,, love, and sound judgment.

•   7 God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. (The Message)
•   7  For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (NAS)
•   7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (NIV & NLT)
•   “us” – Encouragement to Timothy but included himself so as not to call out.
•   What did they have to be “fearful/timid” of? Nero & the Romans!
  
  

NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
8 So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.

•   Nothing for you to be ashamed of… I’m in prison because I have been spreading the Gospel.
•   What if the same thing happens to you!?!
•   It would be worth it!
•   Just trust the Lord.
  

9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

•   God has delivered us from the penalty and power of sin.
•   He has called us to a special purpose, not because of us but by His free choice.
•   Not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace.
•   He enables us to achieve this purpose by His sufficient grace that comes to us in Christ.
•   Which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
•   Our calling took place before the creation of the universe (cf. Eph. 1:4; Rom.16:25; Titus 1:2)

10 This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

•   But God has revealed its full dignity only since Christ has come.
•   Jesus Christ destroyed the effects of death and made it possible for us to live with God eternally.

11 For this gospel I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher,

•   The gospel is the revelation of this plan, but Timothy appears to have felt ashamed of it!
•   Paul proudly acknowledged that God had appointed him, of all people, a herald (announcer), an apostle (establisher), and a teacher (perpetrator) of this good news.
•   What an honor and privilege it is to communicate the gospel

12 and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me, until that day.

•   Paul suffered imprisonment and the discomforts associated with it because he preached the gospel.
•   Nevertheless, he was not ashamed of the gospel or himself.
•   His confidence lay in the person of God.
•   He believed that God is faithful.
•   God would protect something that Paul had placed with God for His protection and preserve that until the day he would see Christ face to face.
  
  

BE LOYAL TO THE FAITH
13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

•   Timothy felt the temptation to modify his message and stop preaching it.
•   Paul urged him, therefore, to continue preaching the same message he had heard from Paul and to do so with trust in God and love for people, which Jesus Christ would supply.
•   "With his usual skillful way with words, Paul is saying in effect that as God has guarded the deposit of his life (and will guard Timothy's) so also Timothy must guard the deposit of the faithful account.

14 Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
 

•   He should guard God's revelation that God had entrusted to him as a minister of the gospel (cf. 1 Tim. 6:20).
•   The indwelling Holy Spirit (as well as the Son, v. 13) would enable him to do so.
•   "The appeal has come full circle.
•   It began with God's Spirit and his power and ended with the Spirit's enabling power."

15 You know that all those in the province of Asia have deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

•   The Christians in Ephesus and in the province of Asia where Ephesus stood had so thoroughly abandoned Paul that he could say all had turned from him.
•   Paul may have meant all the leaders or his former colleagues who had left him by himself in prison in Rome.
•   Probably not all these people had turned from the gospel; the statement is probably exaggerated.
•   Timothy was the last to maintain his loyalty to and support of Paul in that group, and he was now feeling tempted to abandon him.
•   Phygelus and Hermogenes' names occur nowhere else in Scripture.
•   They had been strong supporters of the apostle in the past but had eventually turned away from him as the rest.

16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy from him on that day. You know very well how much he ministered at Ephesus.[3]

•   Onesiphorus (lit. help-bringer) may have been dead when Paul wrote this epistle (cf. v. 18; 4:19).
•   "In the Apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thecla, Onesiphorus is spoken of as a convert of Paul's who gave him hospitality on his first visit to Iconium."
•   Onesiphorus' remaining household was an exception to the "all" above (v. 15), or perhaps they had felt differently and had later reaffirmed their loyalty to Paul.
•   In any case his family had diligently and unashamedly sought out Paul and had ministered to him during his current imprisonment.
•   For this Paul wished the Lord would show Onesiphorus "mercy" at the judgment seat of Christ (cf. "that day" in v. 12).
•   Because Onesiphorus had "found" Paul, Paul hoped that Onesiphorus would "find" mercy from the Lord.
•   Paul seems to have envisioned a scene in which all his unfaithful brethren would stand before the Lord, Onesiphorus among them, namely, Christ's judgment seat.
•   God would express displeasure with the failure of the others, but Onesiphorus would escape that shame (cf. 1 John 2:28).
•   Timothy knew about Onesiphorus' earlier faithful ministry in Ephesus.
•   Paul also referred to this to encourage Timothy to throw in his lot with Onesiphorus and his family rather than with those who had turned against the chained apostle.
•   "Moral behavior is best learned by observing such commitment in others.
•   Children learn this behavior from parents.
•   Young Christians learn it from older Christians.
•   Ultimately moral behavior cannot be taught merely by character-building courses in public schools.
•   Christians must see moral commitment as a sterling example in others.
•   "Paul was not ashamed to present himself as the initial example he gave to Timothy.
•   He did not doubt that his behavior was worth imitating.

  Christian leaders today need to have such a commitment to Christ that they are unashamed to say in humility, 'If you want an example to follow, look at me!'"

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 1 Ti 1:12.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 1 Ti 1:3–4.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 2 Ti 1:1–18.

63 AD

• Some historians have estimated that half of the population of the Roman Empire was composed of slaves.
• Many of these people were educated and cultured, but legally they were not considered persons at all.
• The Gospel message of salvation and freedom in Christ appealed to the slaves, and many of them became believers.
• When slaves were able to get away from their household duties, they would fellowship in local assemblies where being a slave was not a handicap (Gal. 3:28).
• But there was a problem: Some slaves used their newfound freedom in Christ as an excuse to disobey, if not defy, their masters.
• They needed to learn that their spiritual freedom in Christ did not alter their social position, even though they were accepted graciously into the fellowship of the church.[1]

 
HONORING MASTERS
1 TIMOTHY 6
1 All who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and his teaching will not be blasphemed.

• Paul is encouraging Christian slaves to be role models for the unbelieving masters.
• God’s kindness leads to repentance.

2 Let those who have believing masters not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but serve them even better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.

• Sometimes we believe because we are working for a Christian boss that we don’t have to work as hard.
• We have the same rights that they do because we are both believers.
• We should have the desire to serve believing masters even more than others.

 
FALSE DOCTRINE AND HUMAN GREED
Teach and encourage these things. 3 If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness,

• 1) They must teach the Bible.
• Isaiah 8:20 -  Go to God’s instruction and testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them. [2]
• They are totally in the dark.
• Everything must filter through the 66 books.
• Don’t believe what I am saying.
• Filter my notes, interpretation, and opinions.

4 he is conceited and understands nothing but has an unhealthy interest in disputes and arguments over words.

• 2) There is an attitude that is conveyed.
• Proud vs humble
• Brain vs heart
• Argumentative vs listening and instructing.
• Conceited, ignorant and desired confrontation over the little things.
• This attitude destroys any sense of community.

From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.

• The heretics viewed religion as a means of making a quick dollar.
• In character they were greedy and materialistic.
• Paul’s strong words described false teachers who exploited the church for their own ends without caring about the havoc they created[3]
• Do you not think Satan uses the same tactic today?
• One of the top reasons men don’t come to church.
• The church is always needing their next dollar.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

• Financial guys in the room.
• They have much more to offer than growing your account.
• There is a spirit about them.
• Even Cory…
• Ecclesiastes 1:18 - 18 For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases.[4]

7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.

• Job, David & Solomon all said this.

8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

• What is our level of contentment?
• “What do you want for Christmas?” “I’m good”
• Too many of us know the “price of everything and the value of nothing.”
• We are so glutted with luxuries that we have forgotten how to enjoy our necessities.[5]
• We have moved into a throw away society.
• If it’s broke… get a new one… even cars.

9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

• Money is not evil… it is the love of money that is evil.
• It is a dangerous thing to use religion as a cover-up for acquiring wealth.
• God’s laborer is certainly worthy of his hire (1 Tim. 5:17–18), but his motive for laboring must not be money.[6]
• “A” root… my trees have multiple roots.
• Where does that craving come from?...

 
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
11 But you (Timothy - utter contrast), man of God (identity), flee from these things,

1. The word “flee” that Paul used here did not refer to literal running, but to Timothy’s separating himself from the sins of the false teachers.[7]

and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

1. Separation without positive growth becomes isolation.[8]

• Character and conduct
• Gentleness… it is through kindness…

12 Fight the good fight of the faith.

• Present tense… continuous struggle.
• Who is this fight with?
• Ask this question every time you get in an argument?
• Who is real struggle against?
• The evil one

Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

• Paul was encouraging Timothy to fight through his timidity.

13 In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you 14 to keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Like a commander in the military giving orders.

15 God will bring this about in his own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal (not subject to death) and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

• Exodus 33:18-23 - 18 Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.”
• He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” 20 But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.” 21 The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but my face will not be seen.” [9]
• Colossians 1:27 – 27 God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.[10]

 
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE RICH
17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, 19 storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.
 

• Paul closes his letter to Timothy with this…

GUARD THE HERITAGE
20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent and empty speech and contradictions from what is falsely called knowledge. 21 By professing it, some people have departed from the faith.

• This is a great week for us to be reminded of our conversations and in who we put our trust.

 
Grace be with you all.[11]

• It is with us.
• Receive it and share it.

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 233–234). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Is 8:20). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 167). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Ec 1:18). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 235). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 235). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 235–236). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 236). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Christian Standard Bible (Ex 33:18–23). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] Christian Standard Bible (Col 1:27). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 6:1–21). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

63 AD

• Timothy sends word to Paul in Colosse that the Ephesian church is being ravaged by false teachers.
• “There is also a problem with respect to how the widows are being cared for in the church.
• Some of the widows have adopted the heresy, and others have family members who are able to care for them. Still worse, some of the younger widows who decided not to remarry are acting promiscuously.

 
1 TIMOTHY 5
1 Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters with all purity.

• Much of what Paul advised here involved action based on sensible maturity.[1]
• Timothy was obviously much younger than many in the church at that time.
• Don’t be afraid to have a bold conversation with older men. Be honest and sensitive to them.
• Be kind in your conversations.
• Speak with respect to others.
• Speak without emotion.
• Even a child is wise in how they speak to their parents. When and how...

 
THE SUPPORT OF WIDOWS
3 Support widows who are genuinely in need.

• A woman whose husband has died and who has no male relative (e.g., a father, brother or son) to support her.[2]
• The other qualifier is one who displayed fruit of the Spirit rather than selfish pleasures.
• God’s special care for the widows is a recurring theme in Scripture (Deut., Ps., Is., & Mal.).
• It was only right that the local church show compassion to these women who were in need.[3]

4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God.

1. This is a Spirit-led act
2. This is repayment for your own raising
3. This pleases God
4. This has more to do with leaving a legacy

5 The widow who is truly in need and left all alone has put her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers; 6 however, she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.

• It is not so much about specific disciplines as much as it is living out of their true identity.
• Those living by the Spirit vs those living by their flesh.
• This puts the believer/leader in judgment over people.
• Self-indulgent = spiritually dead.

7 Command this also, so that they will be above reproach.

• A good public reputation

8 But if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

• The sense of urgent importance in Paul’s words suggests that widows were causing some of the problems in Ephesus.[4]
• Is there anything worse than an unbeliever?
• Yes! Those who refuse to provide for their family.
• Even unbelievers support their family members.
• This is still within the guidelines of walking by the Spirit or walking in the flesh.
• There is both spiritual provision as well as financial provision.

9 No widow is to be enrolled on the list for support unless she is at least sixty years old, has been the wife of one husband, 10 and is well known for good works—that is, if she has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the saints’ feet, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work.

• These are a result of the fruit of the Spirit.
• Older women that probably would not remarry and were recognized as serving in the church.
• Marriage statement was the same one associated with elders and deacons in chapter 3.

11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when they are drawn away from Christ by desire, they want to marry 12 and will therefore receive condemnation because they have renounced their original pledge.

• Original pledge – First love being Jesus.
• They are pursuing sensual desires more than spiritual desires. (flesh vs spirit).

13 At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house; they are not only idle, but are also gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn’t say.

• Idleness vs serving in the church.
• Entitlement – expectations of the church.

14 Therefore, I want younger women to marry, have children, manage their households, and give the adversary no opportunity to accuse us. 15 For some have already turned away to follow Satan. 16 If any believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it can help widows in genuine need.

• Some who had pledged a commitment to widowhood were not living as the true widow of vv. 5, 9–10.
• They had abandoned their trust in God.[5]
• “accuse us” – The church will be judged by society.
• Judgement many times comes falsely.
• Most the time out of guilt.
• Make the other person look just as bad or worse than you.

 

• Speak with Kim Schilling, Meg Patton & Wanda Pontious.

 
HONORING THE ELDERS
17 The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

• Elders were a permanent feature of Jewish synagogues. It would have been natural for churches to adopt this office into their congregational government.[6]
• Paul’s practice was to use elders in organizing the churches he founded, not only in Jewish regions but also in Gentile territory (e.g., Acts 14:23).
• Jews would easily have understood this system of organization.
• Gentiles, who knew that local governments were controlled by officials who resembled elders, would not find Paul’s system strange or totally unacceptable.[7]

18 For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, and, The worker is worthy of his wages.

• Matthew 10:10 – ”Don’t take a traveling bag for the road, or an extra shirt, sandals, or a staff, for the worker is worthy of his food.”[8]

19 Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.

• Hearsay… not good…
• Facebook… not good…
• One person’s testimony may be skewed by a bad experience.
• Know what is actually being taught

20 Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will be afraid.

• This is still in reference to “elders” and especially if they are in a teaching role.
• Those who continue to sin… a chance for correction and repentance?

21 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism.

• You put the Gospel in jeopardy with society if you waiver on the Truth.

22 Don’t be too quick to appoint, anyone as an elder, and don’t share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23 Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

• Medicinal purposes

24 Some people’s sins are obvious, preceding them to judgment, but the sins of others surface later. 25 Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden. [9]

• Genuine character, like cream, always rises to the top.
• These words represent a warning against hasty rejection.[10]

 
Paul giving clarity to Timothy in organization, leadership, procedures and house cleaning.

[1] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 145). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[2] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Ti 5:3). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 229). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 148). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[5] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, pp. 152–153). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[6] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, pp. 154–155). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[7] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 155). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[8] Christian Standard Bible (Mt 10:10). (2020). Holman Bible Publisers.
[9] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 5). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 159). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

63 AD
- Timothy sends word to Paul in Colosse that the Ephesian church is being ravaged by false teachers.
 
The “Boomer” generation has a hard time filtering truth from false.

• We grew up trusting everything we read, saw and heard.
• Now are world is saturated with deception.

 
DEMONIC INFLUENCE
1 TIMOTHY 4
1 Now the Spirit explicitly says (a prophecy that Paul had previously received) that in later times (this was in reference to the “end times” but Paul and Timothy thought they were already living in the end times) some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.

• “Depart from the faith” – apostasy
• Let’s look at that section of people who “depart from the faith.”
• Based upon filtering all 66 books, I believe one cannot lose their salvation.
• If that is the case, a mere profession of faith does not guarantee the actual possession of eternal life.[1]
• If they are believers, then they have a season of walking by their flesh.
• Many times you will see believers going in and out living by the Spirit or walking by their flesh.
• Is there a line? Where is the line? I’m not the judge.
• Wiersbe says: “A true church seeks to win converts to Jesus Christ and to build them spiritually; conversely, a cult proselytizes, steals converts from others, and makes them servants (even slaves!) of the leaders of the cult. However, not all apostates are in cults; some of them are in churches and pulpits, teaching false doctrine and leading people astray.”[2]
• The evil ones scheme is to water down the church.
• The evil one loves when we “play church”.
• Because there is definitely no freedom in that.
• I absolutely believed people are getting “saved”
• But at a miniscule rate.
• Imagine if they heard the Good News… and that was it.
• Then we add on all the “ministry teams”, “meetings”, titles (don’t get caught up in titles).
• It’s not about titles or responsibilities. Paul just finished talking about that in Chapter 3.
• We’ve become professional church planters, with good intentions but the wrong purpose.
• The evil one loves this…
• Mediocrity…
• Let’s be honest here… Leavener is not getting much bigger than this group right here.
• I didn’t expect it to be this big.
• When crisis comes, you typically turn your head to me or others in the room with wisdom and trust.
• On Thursday, at 4:40 PM, Stacy Christiansen called me…
• “I didn’t come for your future… I cam for your salvation.”
• “Rescued”
• Video of rescue
• I appreciate the vote of confidence, but the truth is I am not going to meet your needs and I am going to point you back to Jesus every time.
• I get you need your hand held… I need my hand held.
• I have 2 hands… the body of Christ has many.
• You have the same Spirit that I have. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.
• If we continue to “play church”, we consciously play into the devil’s hand.

3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth.

• They were demanding celibacy and for young widows to not remarry.
• They were sticking to laws of food that were “clean” and “unclean”

4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
 
A GOOD SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed.

• St. Patrick’s Day – Friday Night
• Michelle spent the evening trying to figure out what the Spirit is leading the women to study next.

7 But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. 8 For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

• We have to filter everything that is a resource because we are not looking for water-downed truth or false teaching that is weaved into truth.

9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 10 For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

• He doesn’t say we are going to sit still and do nothing.
• He doesn’t say we are going to do programs either.

 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINISTRY
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love,, in faith, and in purity. 13 Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.[3]

• Every Thursday Night for the last 10 years, my friend Joe would greet every person for dinner at 6:30 PM
• We’d pray and eat together as a family (15-40 people)
• At 7:25 he began to pass out questions that had been e-mailed over specific passage of Scripture we were studying.
• At 7:30 we circled around “Father Joe” and he greeted us… “Greetings from the WalMart parking lot.”
• Then he would tell a joke.
• Then we would read the Bible.
• Then we would process what it said by using the questions he prepared in advance.
• Then we would pray for each other.
• My brother modeled 1 Timothy 4.
• I can’t wait to hear, “Greetings from heaven…”

[1] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 129). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 224). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 4:1–16). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

63 AD
- Timothy sends word to Paul in Colosse that the Ephesian church is being ravaged by false teachers.

Crisis in Ephesus
Provocation: In this letter, Paul reminds Timothy how the believers ought to behave themselves in the community (3:15).

• He encourages Timothy to be faithful to his ministry, and exhorts him to combat the proto-gnostic heresy that is spreading like a cancer in Ephesus.
• Paul gives Timothy practical instructions on how to do it.
  • Paul calls for the need to select new overseers (3:1ff) and exhorts the church to give respect to those overseers who are serving well (5:17ff).

 
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OVERSEERS AND DEACONS
1 TIMOTHY 3
1 This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.”

• “aspires” – sets their hearts to
• “Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
• “Elder” is the translation of the Greek word presbutes, which means “an old man.”[1]
• Probably the overseer served over a single house-church with the group of overseers from within a city constituting “the overseers.”[2]
• This is not a position that one tries to qualify himself for or applies to.
• It is one that comes natural because of character and situation.
• Paul did not take this lightly. He gave 15 qualifications for the role of Pastor/Elder

2 An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. 4 He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.

1. Blameless – “Above reproach” - This word literally means “nothing to take hold upon”

- No man living is sinless, but we must strive to be blameless, or “above reproach
- Criticized publicly.
- Reputation is important
- Protect yourself from criticism

1. The husband of one wife – Paul could be referring to polygamy even though that was a given even to be included in the church.
   • Paul could be talking about being divorced and remarried. But he could have also used the term for divorce.
   • It is better to see Paul having demanded that the church leader be faithful to his one wife.[3]
2. Self-controlled/vigilant – Keep your head in all situations.

- Sensible judgment in all things.
- Cool and collectible

1. Prudent/sober – Serious attitude about certain things.
   • Do not cheapen the Gospel message with a foolish behavior.
   • Trustworthy and sensible
   • Balanced in judgment
2. Respectable – Demands dignity and orderliness in behavior.
   • Orderly outward life is a reflection of inward stability.
3. Hospitable – Necessary as Christians traveled and spread the Gospel message.
   • The task for caring for missionaries and strangers was respectable in both the Christian and Greek cultures.
4. Able teacher – demands competence and skill in communicating Christian truth.
   • One who can teach others needs also a willingness to accept teaching.
   • An overseer needed the ability both to explain Christian doctrine and to refute or oppose error.
5. Not addicted to wine – The word describes a person who sits long with the cup and thus drinks to excess.
   • The fact that Paul advised Timothy to use wine for medicinal purposes (1 Tim. 5:23) indicates that total abstinence was not demanded of believers.
   • Sad to say, some of the members of the Corinthian church got drunk, even at the love feast that accompanied the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:21).
6. Not a bully but gentle – Paul was actually referring to a physical displays.
   • Do not punch people.
   • Gentle is in reference to compassionate in how you communicate.
7. Not Quarrelsome – Peaceful attitude
   • This was important to combat false teaching
8. Not Greedy – It is possible to use the ministry as an easy way to make money, if a man has no conscience or integrity.
   • Covetous pastors always have “deals” going on outside their churches, and these activities erode their character and hinder their ministry. One who manages his own household completely
9.  Having children under control with all dignity - The verb for “manage” carries the idea of governing, leading, and giving direction to the family.
   • The term demands an effective exercise of authority bolstered by a character of integrity and sensitive compassion.
   • Its use in v. 5 with the verb “take care of” defines the quality of leadership as related more to showing mercy than to delivering ultimatums.
   • It demands primarily a character and manner of discipline that develop a natural respect.
10. Manage the church – A pastor will manage the church just as he does his own family.
11. Not a new convert - it would be important to select leaders with enough maturity to avoid the pitfalls of pride.
    • The danger of appointing a recent convert to a place of leadership is that he may become a victim of conceit that comes with his important new position.
    • To be “conceited” (typhoō) means to be blinded.
    • The pride in a prominent position produces a blindness that blunts spiritual alertness.[4]
12. Good reputation - The “good reputation” is literally a “good witness.”
    • This is an appeal that the church leader have a good name and standing in the wider community.
    • The mention of the leader’s name should not cause flare ups among the opponents of the gospel.

The behavior of the leader should provide an example of integrity and commitment to the gospel he professes.[5]
8 Deacons,

• The English word deacon is a transliteration of the Greek word diakonos, which simply means “servant.”
• It is likely that the origin of the deacons is recorded in Acts 6.
• The first deacons were appointed to be assistants to the Apostles.
• In a local church today deacons relieve the pastors/elders of other tasks so that they may concentrate on the ministry of the Word, prayer, and spiritual oversight.[6]

likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical (no gossip), not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. 12 Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

• I do not refer to our people as deacons (other than Luke Dunnuck).
• But I do refer to our people as though they are deacons/servants.
  
  

THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS
14 I write these things to you, hoping to come to you soon. 15 But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the Spirit, (empowered)
seen by angels, (messengers)
preached among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.[7]

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 219). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 109). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 109). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 113). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[5] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 114). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 221). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 3:1–16). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

Man – Woman Forms
 - Quickly write down a characteristic, trait or role that you associate with each word.
 
Timothy had no doubt heard Paul’s testimony before, but Paul apparently never tired of telling the story of the power of God’s grace in his life.

• No matter where you came from or what you did, if you trust in Jesus as your substitutionary sacrifice, you too have a testimony of grace to proclaim.[1]

PAUL’S TESTIMONY
1 Timothy 1
12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry--13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man.

• Persecutor – hunted down Christians like wild animals. Violent man – bully.
• Paul was describing his life before his conversion.
• “I am the worst of all sinners.”

But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

• Paul received grace first, then faith and love was established in Paul through Jesus’ presence in him.

15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them.

• The only time Paul refers to himself as a sinner.

16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.

• Quote from Augustine: “God does not choose a person who is worthy, but by the act of choosing him he makes him worthy [translation mine].”[2]

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
 
ENGAGE IN BATTLE
18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you,

• Most likely Paul is referring to an experience in Timothy’s early days whereby he was recognized to have received the gift of the Spirit for ministry, a recognition that was made clear through some prophecies.[3]

so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and have shipwrecked their faith.

• There is always going to be distractions and distortions in teaching Scripture.
• Biblical worldview – so many interpretations.

20 Among them are Hymenaeus (him-men-nay-us) and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme. [4]

• They will not repent, so Paul has no other choice but to put them out of the church because they are damaging the faith of some of the believers. (2 Tim 2:17-18)
• Delivered to Satan – handed over.
• There was nothing Paul could do because they weren’t even listening to Paul.
• Sounds evil, but I’ve heard it said, “I am here to feed sheep, not coral goats.”
• Paul was encouraging Timothy to make the best of his time and energy.

 
INSTRUCTIONS ON PRAYER
2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,

• “Then” – In reference to the 2 men who had been turned over to Satan because of their lack or repentance.
• He was not outlining church organization, but he was confronting errors and heresies already underway[5]
• “First of all” – Pray
• “everyone” – For God so loved the world!

2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

• Godless Emperor Nero was on the throne at that time, and yet the believers were supposed to pray for him!
• We are on the verge of WWIII. We need to be praying for Putin and Zelensky.
• Even when we cannot respect men or women in authority, we must respect their offices and pray for them.[6]
• Praying for them is for our own good – to live in peace with ourselves.

3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,

• Because our lives would be based upon love and respect.
• “I can’t respect…” still focused on you.
• You miss this and you live in torment… not peace.

4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

• The term “all/everyone” in v. 4 must refer to the same group as the reference to “everyone” in v. 1.
• The petitions of v. 1 are to include all human beings, and the objects of Christ’s death must include the same group.
• It would certainly include all persons without distinctions of race or social standing, but it also refers to all persons individually[7]

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,

• “Mediator” necessary
• “mankind” – identifies with us

6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.

• John 3:16 – “that He gave His only Son…”

7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

• If God did this for Paul, then certainly there is hope for everyone.

 
INSTRUCTIONS TO MEN AND WOMEN
8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

• Morally pure hands
• Not in dispute with others.
• Sometimes this is a posture in prayer.
• Our traditional posture of bowing the head, folding the hands, and closing the eyes is nowhere found or commanded in Scripture.
• Actually, there are many prayer postures found in the Bible: standing with outstretched hands (1 Kings 8:22); kneeling (Dan. 6:10); standing (Luke 18:11); sitting (2 Sam. 7:18); bowing the head (Gen. 24:26); lifting the eyes (John 17:1); falling on the ground (Gen. 17:3).
• The important thing is not the posture of the body but the posture of the heart.[8]

9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

• Acceptable standards of modesty will vary with place and generation.
• Most people can even see through “classy”.
• Paul’s point is that genuine faith in God should display itself in holiness.[9]
• He did not forbid the use of nice clothing or ornaments.
• He urged balance and propriety, with the emphasis on modesty and holy character.[10]
• Women will pursue other women.
• Do you want to be pursued because of your style or behavior?
• Do you want to be pursued because of your maturity and wisdom?
• We must never underestimate the important place that godly women played in the ministry of the church.
• The Gospel message had a tremendous impact on them because it affirmed their value before God and their equality in the body of Christ (Gal. 3:28).
• Women had a low place in the Roman world, but the Gospel changed that.
• There were devoted women who ministered to Jesus in the days of His earthly ministry (Luke 8:1–3).
• They were present at His crucifixion and burial, and it was a woman who first heralded the glorious news of His resurrection.
• In the Book of Acts we meet Dorcas (Acts 9:36ff), Lydia (Acts 16:14ff), Priscilla (Acts 18:1–3), and godly women in the Berean and Thessalonian churches (Acts 17:4, 12).
• Paul greeted at least eight women in Romans 16; and Phebe, who carried the Roman epistle to its destination, was a deaconess in a local church (Rom. 16:1).
• Many believing women won their husbands to the Lord and then opened their homes for Christian ministry.[11]

11 A woman is to learn quietly with full submission.

• “Silence” is an unfortunate translation because it gives the impression that believing women were never to open their mouths in the assembly.
• This is the same word that is translated “peaceable”[12]
• Paul was not demanding physical silence but a teachable spirit.[13]
• “Submission” – We have made this such a negative term in relation to women. I get it.
• But we have also distorted the idea of “submission”
• It is about the rank of the “role”… not the rank of value or ability.
• You submit every day… if you don’t… you can look at the news and see what happens.
• Submit to what? Those who were in Biblical authority.
• They were being taught freedom with the Gospel but they interpreted that as “freedom with their flesh” rather than “freedom with their spirit”.

12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet.

• It’s not a rule. Paul says he does not allow.
• What is his reasoning?
• Women are permitted to teach.
• Older women should teach the younger women (Titus 2:3–4).
• Timothy was taught at home by his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15).
• But in their teaching ministry, they must not “lord it over” men.
• There is nothing wrong with a godly woman instructing a man. (Acts 18:24–26 - 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was competent in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only John’s baptism. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.[14])
• But the women never assumed authority in the church and try to take the place of a man.
• She should exercise “quietness” and help keep order in the church.[15]
• This would be referring to the gossip of the church.

13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. 15 But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.[16]

• She will receive fulfillment through her role as a parent in the household.

How I led my youth ministry for years has influenced how I lead Leavener currently.
 
How I lead my family will influence my family to come.

• Cory

1.      How would you describe how your Mom and I manage our family?
•   When things hit the fan, Dad usually steps up to the crisis.
•   Mom handles on the day to day basis that fits her skills.
•   Kids pick and choose who they go to during emotional crisis… depending on situation.
•   To Mom when health issues and stressful… Dad when he has relationship problems or need to fix something.
•   Day to day roles are divided
2. Who is the teacher?
•   Both are teachers… it was hard to learn from you when I was kid.
•   Mom helped me school stuff more… Mom taught Bible stories… Dad taught more spiritual stuff
•   Mom taught me how to do daily essentials… laundry, cooking, etc… Dad was more technical.
3. What is the one thing that defines our marriage?
•   Never gave up on each other… focused on importance on being one… always being on the same page… one flesh.
4. What is the one thing I could work on in our marriage?
•   What Mom would want… words of affirmation. You are never ooey gooey with Mom.
5. What would it look like if Mom was the leader?
•   It would shut you down which would be problematic and make it uneasy in the house. It wouldn’t be natural… awkward situations.
6. What is the one thing that has been modeled that you want to carry on to your family?
•   You guys had times when you didn’t get along but you never did that in front of us. You created a sense of stability and peace. You have to be evenly yoked.
7. What is the one thing that has been modeled that you don’t want to carry on to your family?
•   Can’t think of anything…Involved al ot at church because of job… extracurricular activities
8. Would you say your mom submits to me?

• Yah

9. Is it a bad thing? Why?
•   No… I think you submit to each other… but at the same, when you have a family or a group of people, you have to have a person who makes decisions.

[1] Evans, T. (2019). The Tony Evans Study Bible (p. 1432). Holman Bible.
[2] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 73). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Fee, G. D. (2011). 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus (pp. 57–58). Baker Books.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 1:12–20). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, pp. 84–86). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 215). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 89). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 216). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Ti 2:10). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[10] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[11] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[12] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[13] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 98). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[14] Christian Standard Bible (Ac 18:24–26). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[15] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 218). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[16] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 2:1–2:15). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

Where we left off in Acts…

• Paul had completed his first missionary journey
• First Missionary Journey Map
• Cypress (Paphos), Perga, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra & Derbe w/ Barnabas.
• Once they had landed in the Galatia area John Mark bailed on them.
• Judaizers followed them and discredited all their teachings.
• They ended up back in Antioch where they were confronted by the traditional Jews from Jerusalem.
• Paul went to Jerusalem to meet with the council and ended up with a letter that affirmed his teachings and ministry.

 
PAUL AND BARNABAS PART COMPANY
Acts 15:36-41
Around 50 AD
36 After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company,

• They had just spent months unifying the Church through the message of Jesus and now they have an argument and become divided.

and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.

• Barnabas was not giving up on his family. We discover in Colossians 4:10 that John Mark & Barnabas are cousins.
• Barnabas didn’t give up on others. The early Church named him Barnabas because it means “son of encouragement”. (Acts 4:36)

40 But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord.

• Paul selected a new partner, Silas, a chief man in the church, a prophet (Acts 15:22, 32), and one chosen to take the Jerusalem Conference decrees to the churches (Acts 15:27).
• “Silas” is probably a Greek version of the name Saul.
• He was coauthor with Paul of the Thessalonian epistles, and he was the secretary for Peter’s first epistle (1 Peter 5:12).
• Like Paul, he was a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37).[1]

41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

• Even though we see this parting of ways between Paul & Barnabas as a division, the Lord used it as multiplication by making two strong teams.

 
PAUL SELECTS TIMOTHY
Acts 16
1 Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. 2 The brothers and sisters at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to go with him;

• Timothy was probably converted through Paul’s ministry when the apostle first visited Lystra, for Paul called him “my beloved son” (1 Cor. 4:17) and “my own son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2).
• Timothy’s mother and grandmother had prepared the way for his decision by being the first in the family to trust Christ (2 Tim. 1:5).
• Young Timothy undoubtedly witnessed Paul’s sufferings in Lystra (Acts 14:19–20; 2 Tim. 3:10–11) and was drawn by the Lord to the apostle.
• Timothy was Paul’s favorite companion and coworker (Phil. 2:19–23), perhaps the son Paul never had but always wanted.[2]

so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek.

• Gentiles would not be required to become Jews in order to be Christians.
• Paul did not allow Titus to be circumcised lest the enemy think he was promoting their cause (Gal. 2:1–5).[3]
• The converse was also true: Jews would not be required to abandon their Jewishness in order to become Christians.
• There is absolutely no evidence that Paul ever asked Jews to abandon circumcision as their mark of membership in God’s covenant people.
• According to later rabbinic law, a child born of a Jewish mother and a Greek father was considered to be Jewish.
• The marriage of a Jewish woman to a non-Jew was considered a nonlegal marriage; and in all instances of nonlegal marriages, the lineage of the child was reckoned through the mother.
• According to this understanding, Timothy would have been considered a Jew. His father, however, being a Greek, would not have had his son circumcised; and the local Jews were aware of this (v. 3). Thus Paul had Timothy circumcised.[4]
• I’d say Timothy was committed at this point.

4 As they traveled through the towns (most likely Iconium & Antioch in Pisidia), they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem for the people to observe. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
 
EVANGELIZATION OF EUROPE
6 They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia; they had been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.

• Map of 1st & 2nd Missionary Journey
• Map of 1st & 2nd Missionary Journey on Google Maps
• We are supposed to go to Israel in October with a group of 35 people… but I don’t know if we are going to be able to with the pandemic.
• I want to go really bad!
• The geographical scheme is certainly not the dominant motif in this section: the divine leading is.
• We have no idea what the “medium” of revelation is to Paul and his team.
• Father (v. 10), Son (v. 7), and Spirit (v. 6) together led Paul to the decisive new breakthrough—the mission to Macedonia, the witness on European soil[5]

8 Passing by Mysia they went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision in which a Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!”

• Macedonia was where Alexander the Great was from.
• Alexander had a vision of one world.
• Paul was making it come true with the Gospel.

10 After he had seen the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

• All of a sudden it changed to “first-person” speech with the usage of “we”.
• Is this where Luke joined Paul’s party?

 
LYDIA’S CONVERSION
11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, the next day to Neapolis,

• The weather must have been good and the winds favorable because their ship sighted Samothrace the first day.
• Samothrace was a mountainous island with a peak rising 5,000 feet above sea level.
• It lay off the Thracian coast on a direct line between Troas and Neapolis, the port of Philippi.
• The next day they arrived at Neapolis.
• In Acts 20:6 the voyage from Philippi to Troas took considerably longer—five days in all.[6]

12 and from there to Philippi, a Roman colony and a leading city of the district of Macedonia. We stayed in that city for several days. 13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate by the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer.

• The Jewish population in Philippi must have been very small since there was no synagogue there, only a place of prayer by the river outside the city.
• (It required ten men for the founding of a synagogue.)[7]

We sat down and spoke to the women gathered there.

• “It is better that the words of the Law be burned than be delivered to a woman!” said the rabbis; but that was no longer Paul’s philosophy.[8]

14 A God-fearing woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, was listening.

• She was “a worshiper of God,” a Gentile who was not a full Jewish proselyte but who openly worshiped with the Jews. She was seeking truth.[9]

The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying.

• The Lord opened her heart does not indicate that Lydia was passive in this decision.
• Lydia was a God-fearing woman already.
• A Gentile who was pursuing the Jews God.
• Lydia was listening.
• Lydia had to respond.
• Her response was a choice of “yes” or “no”.

15 After she and her household were baptized,

• Lydia was an influencer
• She was a business woman.

she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

• She obviously influenced Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke to stay with her.

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 466). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 466). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 466). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, p. 343). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[5] Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, p. 345). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[6] Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, p. 347). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[7] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 467). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 467). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 467–468). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.