AN EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL

             The Epistles are an exposition of the Gospel of Christ, which is the exclusive “power of God unto salvation.” That exposition opens up the implications of the Gospel – the logical relationships that are inherent in the Gospel itself, and how they are brought to bear upon life in this world.

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

             The Gospel is more than appears to the casual mind. It is not like a flat map, with no depth or varied perspectives. It is rather like a series of profoundly deep “wells,” out of which refreshing water is drawn. Thus Isaiah prophesied, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation” (Isa 12:3).

The Love of God

             The love of God and Christ, proclaimed by the Gospel and delineated by the Apostles, is noted for its extensiveness. That is why we read of the desire that we “May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Eph 3:18-19). The marvelous copiousness of Divine love cannot be contained in a statement, or fully comprehended in a word. It must be opened to us through Divinely appointed means. Thus we are strengthened with might by God’s Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ can, in fact, dwell in our hearts by faith. Then, and only then, will we be able to be “rooted and grounded in love,” and thus enabled to begin to grasp the scope of Divine beneficence (Eph 5:16-17).

The Grace of God

             The grace of God, wonderfully proclaimed in the Gospel, is noted for being exceedingly rich: “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph 1:7). “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:7). The grace of God and of Christ is noted for its rich and essential resources. There are no liabilities in grace, no deficiencies, or weaknesses. For this reason, it is not possible to place too much stress upon the grace of God. Only things and personalities that are not of themselves sufficient can be over-emphasized. Like other Divine qualities, grace can be misrepresented, misunderstood, or misapplied – but it is not possible to speak about it correctly, and yet say too much about grace itself.

The Glory of God

             The glory of God, most fully declared in the Gospel, is also noted for its richness: “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph 3:16). This is an aspect of the Lord that He is on the initiative to make known. As it is written, “And that he might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory” (Rom 9:23). God’s glory is the outworking and revelation of His Person, and it is central to Apostolic proclamation.

Christ Himself

             When speaking of the benefits flowing from the Person of Christ, riches are again the appropriate description. “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph 3:8). Christ Himself is adequate for all things. There is no need to combine Him with something or someone else to obtain Divine benefits. He who has Christ has everything, for all riches are resident in, and obtainable through, Him alone.

The Holy Spirit

             In regeneration, men receive the Holy Spirit of God. That reception is spoken of in remarkable words: “according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:5-6). As is characteristic of every aspect of salvation, what men need is given in rich and copious supply!

Riches of His Goodness

             The goodness of the Lord is also loaded with staggering benefits. How appropriately the Spirit speaks of them. “Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Rom 2:4). There is an abundance to be realized when the “goodness” of the Lord is comprehended and received by faith.

Wisdom and Knowledge of God

             The wisdom and knowledge of God, particularly as they are made known in His great salvation, are also noted for their plentitude and abundant provision. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom 11:33).

Full Assurance and Understanding

             Even the assurance and understanding that proceed from the belief of the Gospel, are characterized by richness. “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ” (Col 2:2).

The Reproaches of Christ

             There is such a fulness in Christ Jesus, that even bearing His reproach is laden with benefits and advantages. It is therefore said of Moses, “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward” (Heb 11:24-26).

THE UNIQUENESS OF THE GOSPEL

             Nowhere is such magnificent abundance used to describe human experience or accomplishments. The church, which is the body of Christ, is never spoken of as, of itself, having such magnificent abundance. The perceived mission of the church has no such copiousness. The family, home, or government is never spoken of as having such abundant provision.

             With unwavering consistency, the Epistles hold forth the Gospel itself as the central message, and Jesus Christ as the fundamental and pivotal Person. In Apostolic doctrine, nothing is ever allowed to upstage the substance of the Gospel or the centrality of the Son of God. There is no Apostolic writing that leaves the hearers or readers looking at something or someone other than the Lord Jesus.

             Much, if not all, of the deficiencies of the church are owing to a misplaced emphasis. Most of the Epistles were written to re-establish the preeminence of the Person of Christ and the message of the Gospel. The following is a sampling of this fact, and is by no means exhaustive.

✙     ROMANS. The centrality of Christ (1:1,3,6,7,8,16; 2:16; 3:22,24; 5:1,6, 8,11,,15,17,21; 6:3,4,8,,8,11,23; 7:4, 25; 8:1,2,9,10,11, 17,34,35,39; 9:1, 3, 5; 10:4,6,7; 12:5; 13:14; 14:9,10,15, 18; 15:3,5,6,7,8,16-20; 16:20,24,25). The priority of the Gospel. (1:19,15,16; 2:16; 10:14-17; 11:28; 15:16,19,20,29; 16:25).

✙     FIRST CORINTHIANS. The centrality of Christ. (1:1-13,17; 2:2,16; 3:11,23; 4:1,10,15; 5:4,7; 6:15; 8:6,11-12; 9:1; 10:4,9,16; 11:1,3; 12:12,27; 15:3,12-23; 15:57; 16:22-24). The priority of the Gospel (1:17; 4:15; 9:12,14,16,18; 15:1) .

✙     SECOND CORINTHIANS. The centrality of Christ. (1:1-5,19-21; 2:10,12,14, 15-17; 3:3,4,14; 4:4-6; 5:10,14,16-20; 6:15; 8:9,20; 9:13; 10:1,5,14; 11:2,3, 10,31; 12:9,19; 13:5,14). The priority of the Gospel (2:12; 4:3,4; 8:18; 9:3; 10:14,16; 11:4,7).

✙     GALATIANS. The centrality of Christ (1:1,3,6-7,10,12,22; 2:4,16-17,20-21; 3:113-14,16-17,22,24,26-28; 4:7,14,19; 5:1-2,4,6; 6:2,12,14-15,18). The priority of the Gospel (Gal 1:6-11; 2:2,5,7,14; 3:8; 4:13).

✙     EPHESIANS. The centrality of Christ (1:1-5,10,12,17,20; 2:5-7,10,12-13,20; 3:1, 4,6,8-9,11,14,17, 19,21; 4:12-13,15,20, 32; 5:2,5,14,20, 23-25,32; 6:5-6,23-24). The priority of the Gospel (1:13; 3:6; 6:15, 19).

✙     PHILIPPIANS. The centrality of Christ (1:1,2,6,8,10,11,13,15-16,18-21,23,26-27,29; 2:5-8,11,16,21,30; 3:3,7-9,12, 14,18,20; 4:7,13,19,21,23). The priority of the Gospel (1:5,7,12, 17,27; 2:22; 4:3, 15).

✙     FIRST AND SECOND THESSALONIANS. The centrality of Christ (1 Thess 1:1,3,6; 2:6,14,19; 3:2,11,13,16; 5:9,18,23,28; 2 Thess 1:1,2,8,122:1,2,14,16; 3:5,6,12,18). The priority of the Gospel (1 Thess 1:5; 2:2, 4,8,9; 3:2; 2 Thess 1:8; 2:14).

✙     FIRST AND SECOND TIMOTHY. The centrality of Christ (1 Tim 1:1,2,12, 14-16; 2:5,7; 3:13; 4:6; 5:11,21; 6:3, 13; 2 Tim 1:1,2,9,10,13; 2:1,3,8,10,19; 3:12,15; 4:1,22). The priority of the Gospel (1 Tim 1:11; 2 Tim 1:8,10; 2:8).

✙     TITUS. The centrality of Christ (1:1,4; 2:13; 3:6). The priority of the Gospel (1:3).

✙     HEBREWS. The centrality of Christ (1:2,5,8; 2:6; 3:1,6,14; 4:14; 5:5,8; 6:1,6; 7:3,28; 9:11,14,24,26,28; 10:10, 29; 11:26; 13:8,21). The priority of the Gospel (4:2).

✙     JAMES. The centrality of Christ (1:1; 2:1). The priority of the Gospel (1:18,21).

✙     FIRST AND SECOND PETER. The centrality of Christ (1 Pet 1:1-3,7,11,13,19; 2:5,21; 3:16,18,21; 4:1, 11,14; 5:1,10,14; 2 Pet 1:1,2,8,11,14, 16; 2:20; 3:18). The priority of the Gospel (1:12,23,25; 2:2,8; 3:1; 4:6,17; 2 Pet 1:19; 3:5,7).

✙     FIRST, SECOND, THIRD JOHN. The centrality of Christ (1 John 1:3,7; 2:22-24; 3:8,23; 4:9-10,14,15; 5:5,9-13,20; 2 John 1:3,9). The priority of the Gospel (1 John 1:10; 2:5,7,14; 3:18; 5:7, 10,11).

✙     JUDE. The centrality of Christ (1:1,4,17,21). The priority of the Gospel (1:4,17).

✙     REVELATION. The centrality of Christ (1:8-18; 2:23; 3:17; 5:6,8, 12, 13,6:1,16; 7:9,10,14,17; 12:11; 13:8; 14:1,4,10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7,9,10; 21:6,7,14,22, 23; 22:1,3,9,13,16). The priority of the Gospel (1:2,9; 3:8,10; 6:9; 11:7; 12:11,17; 14:6; 15:5; 19:10; 20:4).

WHAT WE WILL SEE IN COLOSSIANS

             The book of Colossians is rich with Apostolic emphasis. It shines the light of heavenly riches upon areas of human difficulty and challenge, showing they are not as significant as they appear. In doing this, the Spirit elevates our vision to behold the richness of Divine provision. Here are some of the central points that will be made.

✙     Grace and peace are conferred upon the saints(1:2).

✙     The affirmation of the hope laid up in heaven for the saints (1:5).

✙     The Gospel is said to be bringing forth fruit in the saints (1:6).

✙     A prayer for the saints to be filled all knowledge and spiritual understanding (1:9-11).

✙     Deliverance from the power or darkness and translation into Christ’s kingdom proclaimed (1:13).

✙     Redemption and forgiveness are affirmed(1:14).

✙     An extended declaration of Christ superiority is given (1:15-19).

✙     The accomplishments of Christ’s atoning death are affirmed (1:20-22).

✙     The mystery hidden from the ages and generations is said to now be made known to the saints (1:26-28).

✙     Things hidden in Christ are declared to belong to the saints, and to be apprehended by them (2:1-3).

✙     It is powerfully affirmed that we are complete in Christ (2:10-15).

✙     The implications of being risen with Christ are delineated, and the saints urged to enter into them (3:1-4).

✙     In Christ the “new man,” or new creation has been put on (3:10-11).

✙     The Word of Christ can dwell richly and productively in saints (3:16-17).

✙     The saints will receive the reward of the inheritance, and are to live in view of that reality (3:24).

       In some form, these affirmations are found in all of the Epistles. The perception of these things draws the saints into productive involvement in the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. If they are not ascertained to some extent, living by faith and walking in the Spirit are rendered virtually impossible.

             These affirmations are pillars of sound reasoning. They represent a foundational way of thinking that reflects God’s “eternal purpose.” Everything that is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Phil 4:8), intersect with these realities.

             When these are clear in our hearts and minds duty makes sense and refreshment is realized. When they are not perceived, a diversion to lesser and unprofitable things is inevitable.

SATAN’S INITIATIVE

             These are also the realities that are most vigorously attacked by the prince of the power of the air. His diabolical aim is not simply to disrupt churches, families, and governments. That is not at the heart of his dark agenda. All of his efforts are focused on two things. First, to obscure the Lord Jesus and the Gospel. Second, to oppose those who show forth the life of Christ and proclaim His Gospel. Thus the Spirit encapsulates Satan’s initiative in these words: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev 12:17).

             Throughout history, the church has been tempted with distraction and diversion. Satan has offered it another Savior, another Christ, another answer to the human dilemma. In this effort, he transforms himself into an angel of light, and his ministers come disguised as ministers of righteousness (2 Cor 11:14). Some of the results of this initiative are addressed in the book of Colossians. They include men imposing Old Covenant distinctions upon men (meats, drinks, holy days, new moons, and Sabbaths. These efforts also included the imposition of certain human disciplines upon believers (self abasement and the worship of angels) – 2:16-17.

The Seriousness of Such Things

             The serious of these activities is seen in what is said of those perpetrating them. Such teachers are not said to be honest, simply ignorant, or fundamentally good. Rather, it is affirmed that they are “not holding the Head,” from whom spiritual nourishment is ministered. The sustenance that is realized by holding to the Head results in believers being “knit together,” and increasing “with the increase of God” (2:19). However, the teachers of reference aborted that process, introduced division, and nullified the increase of God.

             Although the devil seeks to get the church to change its emphasis, he himself has never changed his thrust.

APOSTOLIC WRITINGS

             The Apostolic writings carefully address these two matters: (1) The glorious realities, accomplishments, and benefits of Christ and, (2) The Gospel, its nature and content, and its impact upon Satan’s initiative. Much of this will be confirmed in teaching of this brief but pungent book.

  THE CITY OF COLOSSAE, AND THE EPISTLE

             This Epistle is written to “the saints and faithful brethren which are at Colossae” (1:2). This city was located in Phrygia, but was politically in the province of Asia. It was around 500 miles from Jerusalem, across the Mediterranean Sea (called “the Great Sea” in Scripture, Num 34:6). By way of land, it was around 800-900 miles from the holy city. Located on Lycus river, Colossae was about twelve miles above Laodicea, and near the great road from Ephesus to the Euphrates. ^{EASTON BIBLE DICTIONARY} It was considered a significant city.

TIME OF WRITING

             The Epistle was probably written around A.D. 57, during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:16). Although this is incidental, we conclude it from several facts.

✙     Timothy was with Paul at the time of writing (1:1 w/Philippians 2:19).

✙     Epaphroditus had recently come from Asia Minor, and was now with Paul in prison (1:7; 4:12 w/Phil 2:25; Phile 1:23).

✙     Paul was in prison, and had been preaching during his detention (4:3,18 w/Acts 28:30-31).

✙     Tychichus and Onesimus were with him, and carried the letter to Colossae, and another letter to Philemon as well (4:7 and Philemon 1:12 w/Ephesians 6:21).

             It appears this Epistle was written later in Paul’s imprisonment, as indicated in his letter to Philemon, written about the same time. In that letter, Paul seemed to suggest he expected to be released very soon. For this reason, he told Philemon to prepare a place for him (1:22).

THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH

             It appears as though the church was founded by Epaphras (1:7). Because Paul affirms the brethren there, and in Laodicea, had never seen his face (2:1), it is assumed it was founded after Paul had gone throughout that particular area, “strengthening all the disciples” (Acts 18:23).

The Spreading of the Word

             If this assumption is correct, here is another church, like Rome, that was not founded by the Apostles. This confirms the zeal that characterized the spread of the Gospel in those early years.

             The energetic promulgation of the Gospel following the scattering of the disciples (Acts 8:4) is a remarkable circumstance to consider, particularly in view of our present circumstances. Because of the persecution that provoked the dispersion of the disciples, their activities were not directed by the kind of organization and systemization that characterizes modern day efforts. Yet, those early advances were significantly more successful than most of the ones succeeding generations have been able to achieve.

THE OCCASION OF THE WRITING

             Although Paul had not been to Colossae, he had learned of their state through Epaphras, their faithful servant (1:6-7; 4:12).

             Both the tone and content of the Epistle suggest that among the Colossian brethren, there had been a shift of emphasis away from Christ. The influence of Judaistic teachers was found among them (2:16-17). There was also a philosophical accentuation that tended to upstage the Son of God (2:8). Additionally, some among them were pressing the idea of achieving spirituality through various disciplines and regimens of life (2:20-23).

             The result of these diversions was that the Lord Jesus Christ was thrust into the background of theological thought. Although God Almighty had given Him “preeminence” in “all things” (1:18), the Colossians were being subjected to teaching that did not bring them to this perception. In fulfillment of his Apostleship to the Gentiles, Paul writes to correct this condition. He did not found the church in Colossae, and he had not seen them face to face. Another person, Epaphras, was a faithful servant among them (4:12). Yet, upon hearing of the condition of the church, the faithful Apostle at once steps into the circumstance.

Summation

             In summary, this Epistle will expound the worthiness and dignity of the Lord Jesus together with His sole sufficiency and thorough adequacy. In matters pertaining to life and godliness, nothing more is needed than Jesus! We are “complete in Him” (Col 2:10).

The Nature of Kingdom Work

             The Apostle did not recognize sectarian boundaries. To dignify such boundaries is not the manner of the Kingdom. Truth is to be freely declared wherever it is needed. Although there are good reasons to support the idea of congregational autonomy, where groups of believers are not under the dictatorial authority of an absent leader, that idea must not be taken too far. No body of believers is free to disregard the truth of God, or venture into theological deserts that lead people away from Jesus. Such departures are sinful and bring great reproach upon the Lord Jesus Christ.

             In our very area, there are a significant number of Christian congregations who are conducting their affairs just as though Jesus Christ had not been “highly exalted” (Phil 2:9). All manner of teachings are being perpetrated among believers that are nothing more than tributaries of human wisdom. Yet, certain denominational walls and sectarian authorities not only allow such practices, but protect their continuance. Thus no small number of believers are being starved to death, while made to wander in spiritually arid wastelands.

             Paul did not allow this to happen at Colossae. Note, he did not ask the elders for permission to send a letter to the church. He did not recognize any earthly head of the congregation through which all teaching was to be directed. The condition of the church demanded that a word be delivered from the Lord, and Paul was faithful to do it. Truth needs no earthly permission to be proclaimed!

SIMILARITIES WITH EPHESIANS

             There are a number of similarities between Colossians and Ephesians. They were in general proximity to one another, and were both written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome.

✙     Ephesians 1:15-19 with Colossians 1:9-11

✙     Ephesians 1:20-23 with Colossians 1:15-19

✙     Ephesians 1:10 with Colossians 1:20

✙     Ephesians 2:1-10 with Colossians 1:21-23

✙     Ephesians 3:7 with Colossians 1:25

✙     Ephesians 3:9,10 with Colossians 1:26,27

✙     Ephesians 3:17 with Colossians 2:7

✙     Ephesians 2:11-22 with Colossians 2:11-15

✙     Ephesians 4:14 with Colossians 2:8

✙     Ephesians 4:15,16 with Colossians 2:19

✙     Ephesians 4:25 with Colossians 3:9

✙     Ephesians 4:22-24 with Colossians 3:9,10

✙     Ephesians 4:32 with Colossians 3:12

✙     Ephesians 5:19,20 with Colossians 3:16,17

✙     Ephesians 5:21 with Colossians 3:18-22

✙     Ephesians 6:6-9 with Colossians 4:1

✙     Ephesians 6:19 with Colossians 4:3

✙     Ephesians 5:16 with Colossians 4:5

✙     Ephesians 6:21 with Colossians 4:7

             Apparently both of these churches had been subjected to similar assaults of philosophy and corrupted Judaism. We will find that our own times are characterized by remarkable similarities.

THE RELEVANCE OF THE BOOK

             The fact that Colossians is truth makes it relevant, for truth, because of its very nature, cannot be irrelevant.

✙     If knowing the truth makes “free” (John 8:32), then a failure to proclaim it contributes to bondage.

✙     If Satan was noted for abiding not “in the truth” (John 8:44), then a failure to declare the truth is only possible while one is under his influence.

✙     If we are “sanctified through the truth” (John 17:19), then Divine rejection is inevitable where truth is not being affirmed.

✙     If “every one who is of the truth” hears the voice of Christ, then there is no way of determining who is of God, and who is not, where the truth is not being made known.

✙     If “speaking the truth in love” is the means of facilitating growth in Christ (Eph 4:15), then spiritual growth is not possible where truth is not heard.

             Spiritual growth, recovery, and stability depend upon the proclamation of “the truth of the Gospel” (Gal 2:5). For that reason alone, the book of Colossians is important to us.

Yet Another Reason

             There is yet another reason for the importance of this book. We are living in times when, within the professed church, Jesus has been upstaged. Other things have become the central proclamation. Such things as the church, the family, the mission of the church, the name of the church, youth ministry, the relief of the poor, and even the Holy Spirit, are given a place of prominence and honor that God has given to Jesus alone. The day of promoting various disciplines of life did not end during the time of this Epistle. The church is still plagued with such teachings. It is not that these things are wrong or sinful of themselves. However, when they become the main thing, they become wrong.

             The essentiality of knowing we are “complete in Him,” is as necessary today as when this Epistle was written. There is nothing required to prepare us for the day of judgment that is not realized in Jesus Christ. We are complete in Him! There is no result of sin that is not fully and effectively addressed by Jesus Christ. We are complete in Him! There is no Divine benefit that does not come to us through Him. We are complete in Him! There is no spiritual or true advantage that is not accomplished in Him. We are complete in Him! Everything that is required for fulfillment, joy, peace, and satisfaction is found in Christ alone. We are complete in Him!

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

             We therefore come to this Epistle for nourishment, enlightenment, and encouragement. Here we will find food for the soul and strength for the heart. We will “live” by this word (Luke 4:4), and become “thoroughly furnished” by it (2 Tim 3:17). Our faith will be impacted by this word (Rom 10:17), and we will be “sanctified and cleansed” through it (Eph 5:26). When this message is comprehended, it will become the Spirit’s sword in our hand to wage war against the devil’s devices (Eph 6:17).

             Let us receive the word to the Colossians in the same manner as the Thessalonians received the Words of Paul to them. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thess 2:13). We will find these words, their tone, their meaning, and their implication profitable for eternity. This is undoubtedly a word from God, and, like all of His words, it is for us today!

  PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST

             “ ¹ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ . . . ”

PAUL

             “Paul” means “small or little.” However, the man with whom this name is most commonly linked is by no means associated with smallness. He may have been small in bodily stature, but he was a giant in the faith. He was humble, or “little” in his own eyes, like king Saul was in his beginning (1 Sam 15:17). He considered himself “less than the least of all saints” (Eph 3:8), and “the least of the Apostles,” and “not meet to be called an Apostle” (1 Cor 15:9). Because he “humbled” himself “under the mighty hand of God,” the Lord has exalted his name and his work (1 Pet 5:6). That is why the words “the Apostle Paul” evoke such respect among believers. God has exalted this faithful servant in this world, and will do so to even a greater degree in “the world to come.”

Saul of Tarsus

             Prior to being an Apostle, Paul was known as “Saul of Tarsus.” Our first exposure to him is in the book of Acts. The time during which this exposure takes place was approximately A.D. 35, or about five years after Christ’s ascension to the right hand of God.

The Stoning of Stephen

             The occasion was the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr for Jesus. When a mob of angry Jews stoned Stephen, “the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul” (Acts 7:58). These were the “witnesses” who were “set up” to speak against Stephen before the Jewish council (Acts 6:13). The eighth chapter of Acts begins by referring to this incident – when witnesses laid down their garments at Saul’s feet: “And Saul was consenting unto his death” (Acts 8:1). Twenty-two years later, Paul stood before a group of angry Jews and told them how he had confronted the Lord after his conversion, while he was praying in the Temple. Jesus told him to leave Jerusalem at that time, “for they will not receive thy testimony concerning Me.” Saul then referred to the incident of Stephen’s stoning. “And when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him” (Acts 22:20).

The Persecution of the Church

             Our next exposure to Saul of Tarsus came during the period following the stoning of Stephen. He led an unparalleled assault against the church. It is written, “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). At least twenty-three years later, Paul stood before Agrippa and confessed, “And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women” (Acts 22:4).

             The aggressiveness with which he persecuted the church is also duly noted. “Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:11).

             Paul spoke to the saved of his aggression against the church. “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Cor 15:9). “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it” (Gal 1:13). “Concerning zeal, persecuting the church” (Phil 3:6). “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Tim 1:13).

Advanced in the Jew’s Religion

             Prior to his conversion, as Saul of Tarsus, Paul was advanced in the Jew’s religion, excelling his peers in both knowledge and zeal. Of this time Paul wrote to the Galatians, “And [I] profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers” (Gal 1:14).

Under the Tutelage of Gamaliel

             Saul of Tarsus was a protege of Gamaliel, who was a “doctor of the Law, had in reputation among the people” (Acts 5:34). Paul was “thoroughly trained in the Law of our fathers,” and was “zealous for God” (Acts 22:3). His education was not secular, but was in “the Jews religion.” He was an expert in Moses and the Prophets.

Among the Hebrews

             Among the chosen people, Saul excelled. He referred to himself as “a Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Phil 3:5).

A Pharisee

             In his relationship to the Law, Saul was a Pharisee: “as touching the Law, a Pharisee” (Phil 3:5). Pharisees led separated lives – that is, their entire life was given to Judaism. In this regard, he followed Gamaliel, who was also a Pharisee (Acts 5:34). Years after his conversion, when speaking to a group of angry Jews, Paul still referred to himself as a Pharisee, whose father also was a Pharisee. “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee” (Acts 23:6). This manner of life, he confessed, was after the strictest and most rigid manner: “ . . . after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee” (Acts 26:5).

He Lived An Impeccable Life

             Prior to being called into the Apostleship, Paul lived an impeccably holy life. Of this he confessed, “touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Phil 3:6). Again, when standing before a group of Jews that was seeking his life, he said, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1).

             In his persecution of the church, Paul was not motivated by a mere prejudicial hatred of Christians. He persecuted them, conscientiously thinking he was doing God service. Of this he said, “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). Paul confessed that he was forgiven these monstrous sins because he was ignorant of what he was doing, and did not believe. “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Tim 1:13).

His Commitment to Christ

             Paul’s commitment to Christ was unequaled. Although he did not speak of this commitment often, he was able to share it with the brethren at Philippi. Their solid consistency in the faith (Phil 1:5) enabled them to receive his testimony without being unduly distracted by it. In his only elaboration on this subject Paul provided the following details of his commitment to the Lord.

✙     The religious profitability he had attained in the Jews religion was willingly forfeited – “counted loss for Christ” (Phil 3:7).

✙     He counted all competing interests “but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” his Lord, considering them “but dung,” in order that he might “win Christ” (2:8).

✙     He determined to be found in Christ “not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith” (Phil 3:9).

✙     Concerning Christ Jesus, Paul’s unwavering determination was to “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead” (Phil 3:11).

✙     Realizing he had not yet reached the goal appointed for him, he followed hard after Jesus, that he might “apprehend that for which also” he was “apprehended of (by) Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:12).

✙     His awareness that he had not yet taken hold of the fulness of the inheritance moved him to confess, “this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:13-14).

             Paul confessed these attitudes to be the kingdom norm, urging fellow believers, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Phil 3:15).

             Just as Paul had been a “Hebrew of the Hebrews,” so he excelled among those who are in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s Labors

             When comparing his labors with the other Apostles he humbly confessed, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Cor 15:10).

             Wherever the name of Jesus is embraced, Paul the Apostle is known. In him, we find a notable example of what God can do in a submitted person. Paul himself makes a point of this when he writes, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting” (1 Tim 1:15-16).

             We are not speaking, therefore, of any ordinary person. Paul’s words are adorned by his own consistent and unwavering life.

APOSTLE

             The word “apostle” means a delegate, an ambassador of the Gospel, one who is commissioned, or sent forth, with orders. An “apostle” is one who is sent out to deliver the message of another.

             In all of Scripture, only Paul and Peter refer to themselves as “an Apostle” (Col 1:1; 1 Pet 1:1; 2 Pet 1:1). This is most fitting, for these two men headed up the Gospel initiative to the entire world – Peter to the Jews, and Paul to the Gentiles. As it is written, “But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles)” (Gal 2:8).

Called to the Apostleship

             As with all Divinely appointed offices, those who fill them must be called into them by God. Therefore Paul twice wrote he was “called to be an Apostle” (Rom 1:1; 1 Cor 1:1). That call involved being “separated unto the Gospel of God” (Rom 1:1) – that is, his commission was to preach the Gospel.

Out of Due Time

             The uniqueness of Paul’s Apostleship is seen in the fact that he was “born out of due time” (1 Cor 15:8). In this expression, Paul is comparing himself with the other Apostles. The birth to which he refers is his spiritual birth, not his birth in the flesh. When Stephen was stoned, which was roughly five years after Pentecost, Saul of Tarsus was a “young man” (Acts 7:58). Therefore, according to the flesh, he had been born in time to be called to the Apostleship in the same manner as the original twelve.

             The change in Paul’s character took place more suddenly than that of the other Apostles. His call was not at all like that of the others. He was suddenly wrested from his aggression against the saints on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6). It was at that time that Jesus told him, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

              Immediately Paul “showed” what he had seen to “them in Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea” (Acts 26:20).

             The ordinary qualifications of an Apostle were stated in the first chapter of Acts, when, under the direction of the Lord, one was chosen to take fill the “bishopric” vacated by Judas. Of the candidate, Peter affirmed, “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” ^NIV (Acts 1:21-22). Paul did not meet those qualifications: he was “born out of due time.”

             For this reason, special tutelage was given to Paul by Jesus Himself. Paul did not confer with the Apostles to obtain his understanding, as the rest of the world would have to do. Speaking of his activity following Christ’s appearance to him, Paul wrote that it pleased God “To reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days” (Gal 1:16-18).

             The teaching he received directly from the risen Christ was so thorough, that after meeting with the James, Peter, and John, he confessed, “those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me” ^NASB (Gal 2:6).

The Lord’s Table

             There was one particularly important event that involved only Jesus and the Apostles, following the exit of Judas. It was the institution of the Lord’s table. No one was there except Jesus and the “the eleven. ” Anyone who learned of this event, and of its place in the church, would have to learn about it from the Apostles. Yet, this is not how Paul learned of it. In a telling testimony, he told the Corinthians of the personal instruction he received from Jesus on this matter. “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:25).

             Paul is the only one who wrote of this table, and he did so with an understanding that is not declared by anyone else.

✙     As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we show forth, or declare the Lord’s death until He comes (11:26).

✙     Whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (11:27).

✙     A person is to examine himself before eating this bread and drinking this cup (11:28).

✙     The person who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself (11:29).

✙     Those who conduct themselves inappropriately at this table can be judged with sickness, and even death (11:30).

Not A Mere Formality

             Paul’s Apostleship, therefore, was not a mere formality. He was “chosen” and “set apart” for this Apostleship from his “mother’s womb.” Although he was unaware of this prior to his calling, he became aware of it later and confessed, “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood” (Gal 1:16). This kind of separation was also vouchsafed to Jeremiah. God said to him, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jer 1:5). John the Baptist was also characterized by this kind of calling. “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb” ^NKJV (Luke 1:15).

             If great grace and an unusual calling mandates an unusual ministry (and this is the case), we will surely find it fulfilled in Paul. And, indeed, we do. He was a prodigious laborer, thus confirming his perception that God’s grace had made him what he was. Let Paul’s critics see if they can measure up to him in calling, insight, or labors. And, if they cannot, let them place their hands over their mouths. As for me, I give honor to the Apostle Paul who saw more and declared more among the Gentiles than any other man.

OF JESUS CHRIST

             Like “the twelve,” (Matt 10:8; Acts 6:2; 1 Cor 15:5; Rev 21:14), Paul was an “apostle of Jesus Christ.” That is, he was commissioned and sent directly by the Lord Jesus. Peter referred to “the Apostles of the Lord and Savior” (2 Pet 3:2). Jude called them “the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:17). John the revelator was told of “the Apostles of the Lamb” (Rev 21:14).

             In this case, the emphasis is not on “apostle,” but on the One who sent the Apostle. Although an Apostle of Christ has authority (2 Cor 10:8), it is not political authority, or the right to take control over other people. The authority lies in the One who sent the Apostles, and not in the Apostles themselves.

             Paul is careful to make this point in all of his writings.

✙     “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God” (Rom 1:1).

✙     “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God” (1 Cor 1:1; 2 Cor 2:1).

✙     “Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead” (Gal 1:1).

✙     “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God” (Eph 1:1; Col 1:1).

✙     “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope” (1 Tim 1:1).

✙     “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 1:1).

✙     “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles” (2 Tim 1:11).

✙     “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness” (Titus 1:1).

             The Apostles are first in rank within the household of faith. As it is written, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles” (1 Cor 12:28). If those of first rank were humble, not imposing themselves upon the members of Christ’s body, what must those of lesser rank do? If they came in the name of Jesus, only binding upon men what He had bound, what must be said of those who occupy lower and less authoritative positions?

             As an Apostle, Paul did not come as one who had academic expertise about Jesus and His words – although He displayed such knowledge. His separation and appointment were confirmed in his insight and faithfulness to proclaim it. He was acutely aware of the fact that he as a steward, and it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful (1 Cor 4:2). That is, in the end, when the books are opened, the faithful custodian of the goods given to him will be the only one who is accepted and honored.

             Paul could not speak of his Apostleship without bringing Jesus into the limelight. When he spoke of the church, he shined the light upon Jesus. When he spoke of proper living, the emphasis was upon Jesus. If he spoke about last things, Jesus was prominent. He was an “Apostle of Jesus Christ.” Whatever he said or whatever he wrote constrained him to lift up the Lord Jesus, speaking primarily of Him.

  BY THE WILL OF GOD

             “ . . . by the will of God . . . ”

             Paul affirms he is an Apostle “by the will of God,” or according to God’s purpose and determination. He did not seek the Apostolic office, or volunteer to be used in that capacity. God separated him to the Apostolic office before he was born, as affirmed in Galatians 1:15: “But when He who had set me apart, even from my mother's womb, and called me through His grace, was pleased . . . ” ^NASB (Gal 1:15).

THE DECIDING ISSUE

             When it comes to things pertaining to life and godliness, the deciding issue is not the will of man, but the will of God. The new birth itself is “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13). The words spoken by holy men “never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet 1:21).

THE FACTS

             Speaking academically, the words “the will ” are mentioned thirty-six times in the New Covenant Scriptures. The emphasis reflected in these references is unquestionably clear.

✙     “The will of My Father” (Matt 7:21; 12:50).

✙     “The will of your Father which is in heaven” (Matt 18:14).

✙     “The will of his father” (parable of two sons, Matt 21:31).

✙     “The will of God” (Mk 3:35; Acts 13:36; Rom 1:10; 8:27; 15:32; 1 Cor 1:1; 2 Cor 1:1; 8:5; Gal 1:4; Eph 1:1; 6:6; Col 1:1; 4:12; 1 Thess 4:3; 5:182 Tim 1:1; Heb 10:36; 1 Pet 2:15; 3:17; 4:2,19; 1 John 2:17).

✙     “The will of the flesh” (the new birth is not by this means, John 1:13).

✙     “The will of Him that sent Me” (John 4:34; 6:38,40).

✙     “The will of the Father”(John 5:30).

✙     “The will of the Lord” (Acts 21:14; Eph 5:17).

✙     “The will of the Gentiles” (something now repudiated, 1 Pet 4:3).

✙     “The will of man” (Prophecy did not come by this means, 2 Pet 1:21).

             The following expressions are not found in the New Covenant Scriptures: “man’s will,” “our will” “your will,” and “free will.” The words “Thy will,” referring to God, occur five times (Matt 6:10; 26:42; Luke 11:2; Heb 10:7,9).

             The word “will,” as used in our text, is a noun, coming from the Greek word qelh,matoj (thel-ama-tos). It means design, purpose, or what is determined to be done. In this precise form, it is used fourteen times in Scripture.

✙     The new birth is not accomplished through “the will of the flesh” or the “will of man” (John 1:13).

✙     Paul’s desire to come to the Romans by “the will of God” (Rom 15:32).

✙     Paul was an Apostle by “the will of God” (1 Cor 1:1; 2 Cor 1:1; Eph 1:1; Col 1:11; 2 Tim 1:1).

✙     A person having “power over their own will,” determining his daughter to remain a virgin during the time of crisis (1 Cor 7:37).

✙     Believers giving themselves to the work of God “by the will of God” (2 Cor 8:5).

✙     God predestined believers to the adoption of children “according to the good pleasure of His will” (Eph 1:5).

✙     God has made known “the mystery of His will” (Eph 1:9).

✙     God works all things “after the counsel of His own will” (Eph 1:11).

✙     A prayer for believers to be “filled with the knowledge of His will” (Col 1:9).

             Care must be taken to avoid using these texts to formulate a rigid theology, or move beyond the Spirit’s use of them.

PURPOSE AND DETERMINATION

             The word “will” is often equated with mere desire – something that may or may not take place. In such a view, a thing that is “willed” is actually determined by circumstances other than the will itself. From a human point of view, Paul expressed this when he said, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Rom 7:18).

The word used in the above passage, however, is not the one used in our text. This word comes from qe,lein (thel-ein), which means to desire, consent to, or be ready to. This is a “will” that actually reflects the purpose of someone else. Specifically, it has to do with consenting to the will of God, and being desirous to do it.

             The “will” of our text, however, does not reflect a mere wish on the part of God. Rather, it is a Divine determination, or decision – made in strict accord with His character and His eternal purpose. God does not have the difficulty expressed by Paul: i.e., “how to perform that which is good I find not.”

             The Lord DOES what He wills – what He purposes. As it is written, “He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Dan 4:35). What He purposes, He brings to pass (Isa 46:11). A God who cannot implement His own purpose is no god at all! This is a point made concerning idols, who “cannot profit or deliver,” and “cannot save” (1 Sam 12:21; Isa 45:20).

What About Not Willing That Any Should Perish?

             The sophist may remonstrate, saying that God is not willing that any should perish, as stated in Second Peter 3:9. Does this mean something God willed was actually frustrated, or that what He did not will actually came to pass?

             The word used in this text is not the same as the one used in Colossians 1:1. Here the word used comes from boulo,meno,j (boo-lom-enos), which means wishing, or preferring – not determining. The idea is that God finds no delight in people perishing, nor do they do so because God has determined they will perish. This is not something toward which He works, but is the consequence of opposing what He has determined.

             That being said, it is not wise to base teaching upon original words. The Scriptures confirm in their doctrine that there is a Divine will, or purpose, that cannot be contradicted or successfully resisted. This is expressed in the phrase, “worketh all things after the counsel of His own will” (Eph 1:11), and “According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph 3:11), and “Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself” (Eph 1:9).

PAUL’S APOSTLESHIP

             Paul’s Apostleship, therefore, was an outworking of God’s “eternal purpose.” In his travels, preaching, and writing, he was not simply doing what God wanted men to do. Rather, he was doing what God had determined he himself should do.

             God chose Paul to unfold His eternal purpose to men – to open to their understanding something of the involvements of His great salvation. The commission given to Paul confirms this, and is most remarkable. “ . . . for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee . . . I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:16-18).

             Paul also reflected this in several expressions.

✙     “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Eph 3:2-5).

✙     “Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Eph 3:7-9).

             Paul was “THE Apostle of the Gentiles” (Rom 11:13), and exercised his office faithfully. In fact, Paul confessed Christ Jesus “considered me faithful, appointing me to His service” ^NIV (1 Tim 1:12).

             Elsewhere he also said he had “obtained mercy to be faithful” (1 Tim 1:12). Later, he will say in this Epistle, “I have become its (Christ’s body, the church) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness” ^NIV (Col 1:25).

WHEN PAUL WRITES

             When Paul writes, therefore, he is not doing so as a talented counselor, or one whose opinions excel those of his peers. He writes as one through whom God is speaking. He writes as one who is faithful to communicate what the Lord wants His people to know. He communicates things relating to God’s eternal purpose in Christ Jesus.

             Paul was not raised up to comment on the customs of the times, or to deal with Roman and Grecian manners. He is not applying well trained human wisdom to life situations, and teaching people how to live successful lives in this world. Every word he delivers intersects with the Gospel of Christ. All of his teaching has directly to do with God’s “great salvation.” The words and teaching to which we will be exposed in this Epistle are immediately associated with God’s “eternal purpose.”

             Because of this circumstance, the doctrine will help us understand what the Lord is doing through Christ Jesus. When it is believed and embraced, it will tend to orient us for “the world to come,” and prepare us to stand before “the judgment seat of Christ.” Hearing or reading the words of an Apostle of Jesus Christ is nothing less than being exposed to the mind of Christ and the purpose of God.

THE AUTHENTICITY OF SCRIPTURE

             Because we are living in a time when academia and human reasoning have been assigned unwarranted value, there is considerable dialog concerning the authenticity of the Scriptures. Some teach that it has, over the years, been corrupted. Others say it contains human opinion. Such postulates are extremely dangerous, and are not to be heeded. If the words given to Paul came from Jesus, and if they reflect the nature of God’s eternal purpose, ponder the consequences of their perversion.

             If these words have, in fact, not been protected and preserved by God:

✙     Salvation has been pushed away from us.

✙     Fellowship with God may no longer be possible, and walking in the light may very well be impossible.

✙     Our perception of God, His Son, His Spirit, His salvation, and His purpose can be distorted, and even totally erroneous.

✙     Critical matters like the atonement, justification, grace, and faith may be completely misapprehended.

✙     Matters such as our approach to God, our posture in the world, and our role in the body of Christ may very well be out of reach.

             It is not possible to live with such conditions. Confidence and assurance, indispensable to the good fight of faith, cannot survive in a climate of doubt, where the integrity of the Word of God is questioned.

             All believers must determine in their hearts that they are unwilling to live with such doubts – if, indeed, such a life is even possible. Until that decision is made, the Word of God will exercise little power in the individual. It will not dwell within a person “richly” until it is perceived as it is “in truth, the Word of God” (1 Thess 2:13).

             The lack of this decision is confirmed by the general disinterest in the Word that exists in the modern American church. It simply is not being given the priority God has given to it, and thus God has sent a famine of hearing it.

  TIMOTHEUS OUR BROTHER

             “ . . . and Timotheus our brother.”

TIMOTHEUS

             The name “Timotheus” is a transliteration of the Greek Timo,qeoj (Ti -moth-e-us) – a letter for letter transposition of the word into English. The translation of the word is “Timothy,” and is so rendered in most versions of Scripture. The name means “honoring God,” ^STRONG’S and the Scriptural record of him confirms this is precisely what he did – honor God.

Identified with Paul

             Timotheus, or Timothy, is included in the opening of several Epistles.

✙     “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia” (2 Cor 1:1)

✙     “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” (Phil 1:1)

✙     “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother” (Col 1:1)

✙     “Paul . . . Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess 1:1)

✙     “Paul . . . Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess 1:1)

✙     “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlaborer” (Philemon 1:1).

             It is assumed from the reference in Philemon, written around the same time as Colossians, that Timothy was in prison with Paul at the time of writing. We know from the book of Hebrews that Timothy was once in prison: “Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released . . . ” ^NASB (Heb 13:23).

Our Introduction to Timothy

             We are introduced to Timothy in the book of Acts. This occurred immediately after the separation of Paul and Barnabas. Paul had chosen Silas, and they departed “being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God” (Acts 13:40).

             As they were going throughout Syria and Cilicia confirming the churches, they came into contact with Timothy. This is the record.

             “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.” (Acts 16:1-3).

             From this we learn several preliminary facts.

✙     Timothy was already in Christ when Paul met him (“a certain disciple.”)

✙     He came from a divided home. His mother “believed,” but his father was “a Greek.”

✙     He had a good reputation among the brethren at Lystra and Iconium.

✙     Paul selected him to go with them as they continued on their tour to strengthen the churches.

✙     Timothy was circumcised because of the Jews, so there would be no question about his loyalty to the Lord.

✙     He was from the same general area as Colossae, Lystra being to the East of Colossae, and Iconium to the Northeast.

             Although flesh might have found good reason for Timothy not to serve the Lord, he determined to do so anyway. He was held in reputation among mature believers – something that is not at all common for young believers in our time.

His Early Life

             We know from the Scriptural record that Timothy had a noble beginning in the Lord. Paul alludes to this in his second letter to Timothy.

✙     He was taught by his mother and grandmother, in whom the faith first dwelt. “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Tim 1:5).

✙     From the time he was a child, he knew the Holy Scriptures. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 3:15).

✙     He made a profession of faith before many witnesses. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Tim 6:12).