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James, the Lord Jesus’s half-brother, writes a pastoral letter to the Jewish Christians scattered to various places due to persecution. My translation and notes on James 1:1 with introductory notes. James Introduction B1 Author—Holy Spirit B2 Writer—James the Lord’s half-brother and leader of Jerusalem church. C1 It is questioned by some as pseudepigrapha (The…
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Paul finishes his final letter before martyrdom. He has finished his ministry. He is longing for his heavenly home. May we all be as faithful and steadfast in our faith, and we can with God’s grace. Some of his assistants left him, but most remained. Luke is present with Paul, yet Paul requests Timothy’s…
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Paul, in his last letter before his martyrdom, encourages Timothy to preach even if people oppose him, his message, and Jesus. Paul reminds Timothy that believers must give an accounting of their life and will be judged at the Bema Seat Judgment (not for salvation but for rewards). Timothy is then informed that the…
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Pastoral teaching on Christian suffering, persecution, deception, faithful in doctrine, and importance of the inspiration of the Bible (inspiration, infallibility, and sufficiency). My translation and notes on 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Christians Suffer 10 In contrast, yous have firsthand knowledge of my doctrine, lifestyle, [my] purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 Persecutions, hardships which happened…
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Paul continues to give practical advice to Timothy. He emphasizes holiness and dealing with various types of people. My translation and notes on 2 Timothy 2:20-26 Be God’s Servant 20 Now in a mansion there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earth, some for honorable uses and…
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Paul reminds Timothy about false teachers–don’t argue about words. Interpret the Bible correctly (the plain, normal sense). Avoid stupid conversations with trolls, narcissists, argumentative people, liars, slanders, etc. Having a conversation with such people is destroying, not faith building. We must tell the truth and correct them but not much else. The Resurrection of…
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Paul continues with his teaching to Timothy and by application pastors, church workers, and teachers. He encourages Timothy to persevere, reminding him of his dedication to the ministry. New leaders must be chosen and taught. They must be trustworthy, which sometimes may be difficult to assess in today’s evil, narcissistic culture. The Christian life…
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Paul continues his instructions to Timothy yet applicable to all church workers—especially pastors—and to all believers. We learn from these true-life examples what pleases our Lord Jesus, and what doesn’t. We learn to remain loyal to fellow believers. We learn to pray for those who desert us or remain loyal. Our friendships must be…
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Paul again writes to Timothy with more instructions and encouragements. It is a personal letter rather than a formal letter. Paul discusses his situation and discouragements. He is grateful for the personal teaching of Timothy when he was young from his grandmother and mother. He encourages Timothy to not be timid, and how God’s…
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Paul’s gives us instructions concerning employers and employees, false teachers, and material wealth. 1 Timothy Chapter 6 Employers and Employees 1 Let all servants, who are under a yoke, consider their own masters worthy of full honor, so that the name of God and his doctrine be not spoken evil of. [Slavery is never…