Timothy is reminded of the purpose for which he was left at Ephesus. Verses 12-17 are a digression in which Paul breaks out into thanksgiving for God’s grace towards him.
What is the nature of the false teaching which Paul attacks? From verses 3, 11, 12, 18, and Gal 1:8, 9, 12 consider why Paul would not allow any deviation from the gospel. Answer: I am not sure how to answer the first part of this question. Is the nature of the false teaching one of arrogance, pride, manipulation for personal gains, and “meaningless talk?” The second part of this question I think kind of goes back to the fact that there is only one way to God and that is through the holy blood of Christ to atone for our sins. The false teachings encouraged worship of the law not Christ.
The spurious doctrine evidently exaggerated the law as a means of righteousness. How does Paul indicate in verses 8-15 the limitations of the law and the superiority of the gospel? Answer: Paul points out that the law is there to show sinners that their deeds are evil in the eyes of the Lord. Only the blood of Christ can satisfy our sins to a Holy and Righteous God, making it truly superior to any other teaching.
Compare your own experience of the gospel with that described in verses 12-17. What outstanding features does Paul emphasize? Answer: I may not have been a murderer as Paul was, but I was far from Christ before I was saved. I can totally sympathize with Paul on the whole not being truly worthy of God’s Grace.
Notes
V4. ‘Myths and endless genealogies’: rabbinical fables (cf Titus 1:14), and attempts to find hidden meaning in the names of the genealogies of the Old Testament.
V20. ‘Hymenaeus and Alexander’: cf. 2 Tim 2;17; 4:14. Nothing else is known of these men. ‘Whom I have handed over to satan’: a form of apostolic discipline with a view to spiritual benefit. Cf. 1 Cor 5:5; 2 Cor 12:7.
No comments:
Post a Comment