DOCSLIB.ORG

Small Groups

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Small Groups SMALL GROUPS Session #1 – Introduction OVERVIEW • The Epistle to the Colossians is a powerful exposition of Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords, pre-eminent and ________________ over all things, and sufficient for all things. It is probably Paul’s clearest and most magnificent statement of the ultimate ______________ of Jesus, while at the same time declaring His full ________________ . He is shown as eternal Head over all, and the only means of salvation for us. • The ESV Study Bible says, “As one of the most thoroughly Christ-centered books in the Bible, Colossians finds its essential unity in the divine and exalted person of the preeminent Christ.” HISTORY • The City of Colossae • Colossae was a relatively small city on the Lycus river in what is now __________ . In the New Testament, the area is called Asia or Asia Minor, a Roman province. It was close to Laodicea, and was an important commercial centre, known for its excellent ______________ industry. Eventually, Laodicea became the main political and financial centre of the area as seen in the book of Revelation, where Jesus wrote in His letter to Laodicea: "For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing." (Rev 3:17). This ______________________ and status led to Colossae's diminishing importance. • The letter was written close to the end of Colossae's existence, as the entire Lycus Valley was devastated by an __________________ from which the city never fully recovered. • The region (and probably the church) included a mixture of people native to the area, Greeks, ____________ , and transplanted Jews. • About 250 years before this, Antiochus the Great (A Greek king) had moved about 2,000 ______________ families from Babylonia and Mesopotamia to this area. Some historians estimate that the Jewish population had risen to about 50,000 by the time the letter was written. • The Church at Colossae • As far as we know, Paul never ________________ Colossae, and so the church was likely started by Epaphras (1:7, 4:12) who was converted while Paul ministered in nearby ________________ (Acts 19:9-10). • Like other early churches, the Colossians met in a ________ , most likely that of Philemon, because we know that he lived in Colossae, and Philemon 1-2, reads, “To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home.” Apphia was probably Philemon’s wife and Archippus their ______ . Either Archippus or Epaphras likely served as the ____________ . • The Letter to the Colossians • Colossians was written around the same time as Philippians, Ephesians and Philemon; around 60-62 AD, while Paul was in ___________ , likely in Rome. He was under a form of ____________ arrest, as we see in Acts 28:30-31, but was very active in spreading the ______________ through his preaching, teaching and writing. • To put this epistle in an historical context, we need to know something about Philemon who was a __________ -owner in Colossae. One of his slaves, Onesimus, had run away and eventually made it to __________ and met with Paul. Paul led him to the Lord, and Onesimus wanted to make things right with his old __________ . So Paul wrote to Philemon, urging him to accept the slave back, but as a _____________ . Epaphras was - Session 1, page 2 in Rome at the same time, wanting help in combatting the ____________ teaching that was circulating within the church. • Both letters were ____________________ by Tychicus and Onesimus. (Col 4:7-9). Epaphras stayed with Paul in Rome to assist him there. • This letter, like many other epistles, was to be read in the ___________ churches (4:16). CONTENT • Colossians was written specifically to address some false teaching that was being spread in the area. • It seems to have been a mixture of ______________ law, paganism and Gnosticism. Those promoting this false teaching were careful not to contradict Christian doctrine directly; rather they attempted to ________ to it. “They are not denying Christ, but they are dethroning Him and robbing Him of His rightful place of pre-eminence” (Warren Wiersbe). The false teachers taught that philosophy, ________________ and the worshipping of various spiritual beings were all necessary in our pursuit of God. • This is a classic example of syncretism, which is an attempt to ____________ several beliefs into one. This is contrary to orthodox Christianity, which holds that Jesus and His work is ____________ . • The ______________ component is seen where Paul speaks against the necessity of observing “a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths” along with dietary restrictions (3:16), which are particularly Jewish customs. • The influence of ______________ is seen in the references to “worship of angels” (3:18) and asceticism (harsh treatment of the body) and “self-imposed religion” (3:23). • One of the key teachings of Gnosticism is that the material world is inherently _______ , and is therefore untouchable by ______ . • The Gnostics taught that __________________ was the key to salvation (“Gnostic” comes from the Greek work “gnosis,” which means knowledge). So for them, philosophic knowledge was the _________ in life, believing that for people to get to God, they had to move up a spiritual “____________ ,” and this was done through knowledge. - Session 1, page 3 • But God, in Colossians, makes it abundantly clear that none of these things will get us ______________ to Him. Rather, Christ is sufficient and pre-eminent; we do not need to ________ to His finished work. Only Christ can ___________ us with God through His death and resurrection. We receive this work of __________ (1:6) by faith (2:12), and then we are to order our lives accordingly (chs 3-4). • This book is important for us to study because of the ________ in which we live, where syncretism and pluralism (belief in multiple, contrary spiritual realities) are the norm. While this sounds noble and ___________ , it is contrary to biblical Christianity. “Usually hailed as an advance beyond apostolic Christianity, this blend promises self-fulfillment and freedom without surrender to Christ” (ESVSB). • As with many other New Testament books, Colossians teaches us about our position “in Christ,” including these following truths: • 1:14 we have redemption in Him • 1:16 in Him all things were ______________ • 1:19 in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell • 1:22 we are ______________________ in the body of His flesh • 2:3 in Him are hidden all the treasures of ______________ and knowledge • 2:6 we are to walk in Him • 2:7 we are to be ______________ and built up in Him • 2:12 we were ______________ up in Him • Colossians is very similar in structure and content to __________________ . The main differences are due to the fact that where Ephesians is a statement of doctrine, Colossians was written primarily to correct ____________ doctrine. Another difference is that where Ephesians focuses on the ____________ , Colossians is concerned more with the __________ of the church. In this study, we will be referencing Ephesians to help make Colossians clearer. • Like many of the New Testament epistles, it can be divided into ________ main sections, the first dealing with doctrine (chs 1-2), and the second dealing with ______________ the doctrine (chs 3-4). - Session 1, page 4 • While there are many ways to describe the structure or outline of the book, this one from Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM.org) is clear: 1. Jesus as the All-Sufficient Savior is the Object of the Believer’s faith (Chapters 1-2) a. Belief in Jesus results in faith, hope, and love (1:1-1:12) i. Greetings (1:1-2) ii. Reasons for thanksgiving (1:3-8) iii. Paul’s Prayer for the Colossians (1:9-12) b. Christ’s pre-eminence (1:13-23) i. In Creation (1:13-20) ii. In Redemption (1:21-23) iii. In His Church (1:24-2:3) c. Our Freedom in Christ (2:4-23) i. Freedom from false teachings (2:4-7) ii. Freedom from false philosophy (2:8-10) iii. Freedom from false judgments of Men (2:11-17) iv. Freedom from false worship (2:18-19) v. Freedom from the false doctrines of Men (2:20-23) 2. The Submission of the Christian to Christ and His Church (Chapters 3-4) a. Our life in Christ (3:1-17) i. Raised with Christ (3:1-4) ii. Put off the old man (3:5-11) iii. Put on the new man (3:12-17) b. Teachings about holiness (3:18-4:6) i. In the family (3:18-21) ii. At work (3:22-4:1) iii. In prayer (4:2-4) iv. With unbelievers (4:5-6) c. Conclusion (4:7-18) i. Commendation of Tychicus (4:7-9) ii. Greetings from Paul’s Friends (4:10-14) iii. Paul’s Personal Farewell (4:15-18) - Session 1, page 5 Read through the entire book (preferably in the NLT) – it should take 15-20 minutes Discussion Questions 1) Have you ever read an entire epistle in one sitting? How does it affect your understanding of the content? 2) What are some of the most striking aspects of Colossians? 3) Do you find the structure helps you understand the importance of our lifestyle? Why or why not? 4) What do you think it means to be “in Christ?” 5) What different types of relationships does Paul address in chapters 3 and 4? What guidelines does he offer in those relationships? 6) What are you most looking forward to learning about Colossians in the next few weeks? For next week, please read through chapter 1.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Bulletin for November 22, 2015
    WELCOME!: We warmly welcome all of our visitors! It’s good to have you with us! Please know that Holy Apostles Orthodox Church we are glad that you are here praying with us and invite you to join us after the service for a meal and to meet everyone in our community. 347 Ridge Rd Lansing NY DDB: As the chilly winds of fall and winter arrive, 2015 will soon come to an end. It has been a HolyApostlesLansing.org fruitful year of supporting seminarians, mission parishes, and providing support to revitalize older parishes. This is a reality thanks to the sacrificial financial contributions of our Distinguished Fr James Worthington, Rector 315-706-6185 Diocesan Benefactors. To date there are 174 individual and organizational DDBs. An invitation is Rdr Bob West, Sr Warden [email protected] extended for our parish to join them this year. OCF NEWS: Until December 6th, the OCF will be collecting items for the IOCC (International NOVEMBER 22, 2015 Orthodox Christian Charities) to distribute to victims of various crises throughout the world. Please 25th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST — Tone 8. Afterfeast of the Entry Into the Temple. Apostles of bring the following items to the church: hand towels, washcloths, combs, metal nail files/clippers, the Seventy Philemon and Archippus, Martyr Apphia, wife of Philemon and Equal-to-the-Apostles, bath size bars of soap wrapped in original packaging, toothbrushes (individually packaged) and and Onesimus, disciple of St. Paul (1st c.). Martyrdom of St. Michael, Prince of Tver’ (1318). Rt. Blv. band-aids. Thank you! Yaropolk, in Baptism Peter, Prince of Vladimir in Volyn’ (1086).
    [Show full text]
  • THE EVANGELIST: a Biblical Study
    Gareth L. Reese has been teaching the Word of God to students at Central Christian College of the Bible since 1957. As an author, Professor Reese THE has written extensive course materials in a verse-by-verse commentary on twenty-fve books of the New Testament EVANGELIST: and a syllabus of 400 pages of supplementary notes for use in Greek classes. A Biblical Study His frst book, New Testament History: Acts, has been used as a textbook at many Bible colleges. It has been translated into Russian and Portuguese. In addition to the syllabi, he has also published nine commentaries. Those commentaries contain various special studies on scripture that are relevant to the passage. This booklet is one of those special studies, taken from his commentary on Romans. His wife and partner in ministry and publication is Kathleen by Beerbower Reese. The Reeses were blessed with two sons, Timothy (Kim) and Jonathan (Kathy). They also have three Gareth L. Reese grandchildren, Abby, Courtney, and Ian. This special study examines the different evangelists of the New Testament church, the qualifcations of evangelists in the New Testament, and the duties of evangelists for today’s church. Additional copies of this booklet are available at the CCCB bookstore. To order, call 888-291-3909. 911 East Urbandale Drive Moberly, Missouri 65270 660-263-3900 www.CCCB.edu Special Studies in Scripture THE EVANGELIST: A Biblical Study by Gareth L. Reese Special Studies in Scripture God’s Providence: A Biblical Study © 1999 by Scripture Exposition Books All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the author.
    [Show full text]
  • Phm 1:1-12 Paul, a Prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy Our Brother, To
    Phm 1:1-12 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy __________________________________________ our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow __________________________________________ worker 2 and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow __________________________________________ soldier, and the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and __________________________________________ peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I __________________________________________ thank my God always when I remember you in my __________________________________________ prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith __________________________________________ that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the __________________________________________ saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may __________________________________________ become effective for the full knowledge of every good __________________________________________ thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have __________________________________________ derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, __________________________________________ because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed __________________________________________ through you. 8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in __________________________________________ Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for __________________________________________ love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man __________________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • Saint Mary Orthodox Church
    Saint Mary Orthodox Church Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America 6330 W. 127th St., Palos Heights, IL 60463 Phone (708) 239-0004 | Fax (708) 221-6449 | www.stmaryoc.org | [email protected] Church Office Hours : Monday - Friday 10:00am-3:00pm Sunday, October 18th, 2020 The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke Martyr Marinos the Elder at Anazarbos; Venerable Theodore, Simeon and Euphrosyne; New-martyrs Gabriel and Kyrmidoles of Egypt; Venerable Peter of Cetinje Entrance Hymn O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ. Save us, O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, who sing to Thee: Alleluia! هلُم لنسجد ونركع للمسيح ملكنا والهنا، خلصنا يا ابن هللا يا من قام من بين اﻻموات، لنرتل لك هللويا! Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone Two) When Thou didst submit Thyself unto death, O Thou deathless and immortal One, then Thou didst destroy hell with Thy Godly power. And when Thou didst raise the dead from beneath the earth, all the powers of Heaven did cry aloud unto Thee: O Christ, Thou giver of life, glory to Thee. ِ ِ ٍِ َّ ِ ِق ِ ِ عْنَدما اْن َحَدْرَت إلى الَمْوت أُّيها ال َحياةُ الذي ﻻ َيموت، حيَنئذ أََمت ال َجحيَم بَبْر ﻻهوتك. وعْنَدما أَق ْم َت ِ ِ َّ ِ ِ ِ اﻷ ْموا َت م ْن تَ ْحت الثرى، َصَرَخ َن ْحو َك َجمي ُع الُقّوات ال َّسماويين: أُّيها الَمسي ُح اﻹلهُ، ُمْعطي ال َحياة، اْلَم ْج ُد َل َك. Troparion of St. Luke the Evangelist (Tone Three) O holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede with the merciful God, to grant our souls for- giveness of sins.
    [Show full text]
  • PAUL's LIFE and TEACHINGS Lesson 33 Paul's Letter to Philemon
    PAUL’S LIFE AND TEACHINGS Lesson 33 Paul’s Letter to Philemon Have you ever felt the need to try and convince someone to do something you thought important? Think through the times you have been either the persuader or the one that another has tried to persuade. What was the technique used for persuasion? Was it cold, clear logic? Was it an emotional appeal? Did someone try to frighten you into agreement? Was there some threat involved or the use of some emotional manipulation? As a trial lawyer, I live a professional life of persuasion. I have seen trials where each of the above approaches were used in varying degrees and with varying success. It is always interesting to see how lawyers try to convince a jury to follow the attorney’s lead and give a sought after decision. One of my favorite efforts came in a trial in a small Texas town where I was the principal trial lawyer for a fellow who had been hurt in a boat rescue operation. I was convinced that the defendants in the case had not been honest with the jury, but had riddled their testimony with inaccurate stories. On the jury sat the small town Baptist preacher. I knew he was a preacher. The judge knew he was a preacher; and the jury knew he was a preacher. I believe several of the jurors attended his church! Since we all knew the preacher was likely the foreperson of the jury, I directed some of my closing argument to him, thinking if I persuaded him, I could more easily persuade the rest of the jury.
    [Show full text]
  • The Book of Colossians the Christian’S Experience – Putting On: Sanctified Fellowship (4:7­18) Sanctified Fellowship (4:14­18) – Demas, Nympha, Archippus and Paul
    Coming in First Place – the preeminence of Jesus Christ “… so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything”(Colossians 1:18). Coming in First Place – The Book of Colossians The Christian’s Experience – Putting On: Sanctified Fellowship (4:7­18) Sanctified Fellowship (4:14­18) – Demas, Nympha, Archippus and Paul 14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. 17 Say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. If you could read my notes, you would see that the persons I intend to speak to you about this morning include everyone found in verses 14­18 with the exception of the very first person named, which is Luke. There is a reasonable explanation for this. Most of you know that beginning in February we are starting a new series on Sunday mornings from the book of Acts. Most of you are also aware that Luke, the very Luke mentioned in Colossians 4:14, is the author of that book. Therefore, on the advice and insight of one of the men in the church, we will look at what the lives of the remaining people of our text teach us of church life, sanctification and Christlikeness and leave Luke for next week to serve as our transition from Colossians to the book of Acts.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus & Philemon
    Notes & Outlines 1 TIMOTHY 2 TIMOTHY TITUS PHILEMON Dr. J. Vernon McGee PASTORAL EPISTLES The two letters to Timothy and the one to Titus are labeled Pastoral Epistles. The contents of the letters reveal the obvious reason for this. They were written by Paul to two of his young converts (1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4) who had followed him on many of his missionary jour- neys and whom he had established as pastors of churches at the time of the writing of these epistles. Although they were addressed by Paul to his young friends in the ministry, the message is for churches. He gave instructions for the orderly procedure of local and visible churches. These letters have a particular message to young pastors, and they have pertinent instructions for the present-day church. 1 TIMOTHY WRITER: Paul DATE: About A.D. 64 Probably Paul was released from prison at Rome between A.D. 64 and 67. If this is accurate, it was during this interval that he wrote this first letter to Timothy. He wrote to Titus at this same time. Some authorities think that Paul wrote from Macedonia. Apparently he had left Timothy in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), and he wrote this letter to encourage and assist him (1 Timothy 6:20). THEME: Government and order in the local church. This is in contrast to the Epistle to the Ephesians where the church is the body of Christ, the invisible church. Here it is a local assembly of believers organized for a common purpose. KEY VERSES: As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine.
    [Show full text]
  • And Say to Archippus, “Take Heed to the Ministry Which You Have Received in the Lord, That You May Fulfill It.” Colossians 4:17 Colossians Colossians 4:16
    And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17 Colossians Colossians 4:16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. Colossians 4:16 Now when this epistle (epistolḗ - letter) is read among you (those in Colossae), see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read (what) the epistle (epistolḗ - letter) from Laodicea. Colossians 4:16 Now when this epistle (epistolḗ - letter) is read among you (those in Colossae), see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read (what) the epistle (epistolḗ - letter) from Laodicea. Colossians 4:16 Now when this epistle (epistolḗ - letter) is read among you (those in Colossae), see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read (what) the epistle (epistolḗ - letter) from Laodicea. Colossians 4:16 Now when this epistle (epistolḗ - letter) is read among you (those in Colossae), see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read (what) the epistle (epistolḗ - letter) from Laodicea. Colossians 4:16 Now when this epistle (epistolḗ - letter) is read among you (those in Colossae), see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read (what) the epistle (epistolḗ - letter) from Laodicea. Colossians 4:16 Now when this epistle (epistolḗ - letter) is read among you (those in Colossae), see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read (what) the epistle (epistolḗ - letter) from Laodicea.
    [Show full text]
  • The New Testament the Book of Philemon
    WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY A PILGRIM’S WALK THROUGH THE NEW TESTAMENT THE BOOK OF PHILEMON Reading: Philemon 1:8-18 Introduction • From the inspired hand of Paul. • Philemon is the 18th of 27 New Testament books. • Just one chapter of 25 verses. 1 Background To The Book • Philemon is one of Paul’s ‘Prison Letters.’ • Written initially to an individual rather than a church. • Philemon meaning ‘friendly’ - a wealthy believer in the Colossian church. • An owner of slaves. • Apphia - His wife. • Archippus - his son. (See Colossians 4:17). • Onesimus - meaning ‘profitable’ - a slave. 2 The Runaway Slave • Onesimus was one of Philemon’s slaves. • He stole something of Philemon’s before going on the run. • He journeys to Rome and is led to the Lord by Paul. • He becomes an assistant to the imprisoned apostle. • He comes clean about his past to Paul. • Paul knows he has to return to his master. • [Vs. 10] Paul calls him ‘my son.’ • [Vs. 11] Paul defends him calling him ‘profitable.’ • [Vs. 12] Paul is sending him back as ‘a brother’ now to Philemon. • [Vs. 17] Appeals to Philemon to receive him as he would receive Paul. • [Vs. 18] Asks Philemon to put Onesimus’s debt on Paul’s account. 3 The Return Of Onesimus • Onesimus is the postman of Paul’s letter to Philemon. • Their meeting must have been initially awkward. • However, it is Philemon, not Onesimus who is on trial. • Would Philemon do the ‘Christian’ thing? 4 Who Is Your Onesimus? • Who do you perceive has trespassed against you? • Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.” • Christianity is doing what Jesus said.
    [Show full text]
  • Finding Onesimus: Recovering the Story of a First-Century Fugitive Slave
    University of Denver Digital Commons @ DU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 1-1-2015 Finding Onesimus: Recovering the Story of a First-Century Fugitive Slave Ryan Lokkesmoe University of Denver Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Lokkesmoe, Ryan, "Finding Onesimus: Recovering the Story of a First-Century Fugitive Slave" (2015). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1039. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1039 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at Digital Commons @ DU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ DU. For more information, please contact [email protected],[email protected]. FINDING ONESIMUS RECOVERING THE STORY OF A FIRST-CENTURY FUGITIVE SLAVE ____________________________ A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology Joint PhD Program University of Denver ____________________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy ____________________________ by Ryan Lokkesmoe August 2015 Advisor: Pamela Eisenbaum © Copyright by Ryan Lokkesmoe 2015 All Rights Reserved Author: Ryan Lokkesmoe Title: Finding Onesimus: Recovering the Story of a First-Century Fugitive Slave Advisor: Pamela Eisenbaum Degree Date: August 2015 ABSTRACT This dissertation is an investigation into the experience of a first-century fugitive slave named Onesimus, who is known to us primarily through Paul’s letter to Philemon (Phlm) in the New Testament. Within this broader purpose, this project challenges a popular historical theory for Onesimus’ flight, the so-called Amicus Domini theory.
    [Show full text]
  • The Letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon
    The Letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon THE LETTERS TO TIMOTHY, TITUS AND PHILEMON An Explanation of these Four Letters Especially for You Rock Solid #8 Ger de Koning The original Dutch version is available at Webshop: www.uitgeverijdaniel.nl Orders: [email protected] Translation: Ursula Moestapa Cover design: Jan Paul Spoor / Sjon Heijenga Layout: Piet Versteeg © 2016 by Ger de Koning. All rights preserved. No part of this publication may be – other than for personal use – reproduced in any form without written permission of the author. New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. 4 Contents Foreword 9 Abbreviations of the Names of the Books of the Bible 11 Old Testament 11 New Testament 12 Explanation of general format 13 The First Letter to Timothy 15 Introduction 15 1 Timothy 1 19 Blessing and Exhortation | verses 1-4 19 The Purpose of the Commandment | verses 5-7 24 The Law and the Gospel | verses 8-11 28 The Past and Now | verses 12-14 33 Honor and Glory To God | verses 15-17 37 Prophecies and the Good Fight | verses 18-20 42 1 Timothy 2 47 A House of Prayer | verses 1-4 47 The Mediator – The Praying of Men | verses 5-8 52 Women | verses 9-15 56 1 Timothy 3 61 The Overseer | verses 1-5 61 Overseers (continuation) and Deacons | verses 6-11 67 The House of God | verses 12-16 71 1 Timothy 4 76 Apostasy In Later Times | verses 1-5 76 Discipline
    [Show full text]
  • Introducing the New Testament
    Box 19.8 Published by Baker Academic Archippus the Procrastinator? © 2018 Mark Allan Powell It has become a bit of a puzzle and source for jokes in New Testament studies: What was Archip- pus’s unfinished task? Archippus appears to have been a family member of Philemon who lived in or near Colossae. Paul calls him a “fellow soldier” in his personal letter to Philemon (v. 2). In Colossians, he is the only member of the community to be mentioned by name, and this is only because he is to receive a private message from Paul: “Say to Archippus, ‘See that you complete the task you received in the Lord’” (4:17). Is this simple encouragement or a discreet rebuke? Has Archippus been slow to fulfill some duty? This was, and remains, a private matter, but interpreters throughout the ages have taken the word to Archippus as a directive for all procrastinators. Ecology The Letter to the Colossians gives ample consideration to the place of human mystics: practitio- beings in the universe and to the relationship of people to their environment. ners of mysticism, a Christian tradition Whatever the specific concerns of the original author might have been, modern in which believers interpreters have found the book to be a pivotal text for consideration of eco- seek union with God through prayer and logical issues. Theologians and scientists have found its “cosmic Christology” contemplation in a provocative for an era in which we know infinitely more about the vastness of manner that tran- scends intellectual space and time than anyone knew when this letter was composed.
    [Show full text]