This is the sixteenth in a series of twenty-one summaries of the New Testament letters. The sixteenth is 1 Peter, and the outline comes from John Paul Heil:
a Peace in Attaining the Salvation to be Revealed by God, 1:1-13
b Through Christ You are Faithful for God with Purified Souls, 1:14-25
c Offer Up Spiritual Sacrifices Acceptable to God Through Jesus Christ, 2:1-17
d Endure Unjust Suffering on Account of a Conscience Toward God, 2:18-21a
e Christ Did No Sin or Deceit so that to Righteousness We Might Live, 2:21b-25
f The Inner Human Being of the Heart is of Great Value Before God, 3:1-7
e' Do Not Speak Deceit or Do Evil but Do Good on Account of
Righteousness, 3:8-17
d' The Saving Water of Baptism is a Pledge of a Good Conscience for God, 3:18-22
c' In All Things God May be Glorified for Eternity Through Jesus Christ, 4:1-11
b' The Suffering Entrust Their Souls to the Faithful Creator in Doing Good, 4:12-19
a' Peace in Attaining the Eternal Glory to be Revealed by God, 5:1-14
The 'a' pattern speaks of what God's people will attain. The first section speaks of salvation. The second section speaks of glory. Both sections speak of enduring trials. (1:6, 5:10) Both caution the believers to be alert and sober (1:13, 5:8)
The 'b' pattern links Christ in the first section to his faithful people in the second section. In the first section, the precious blood of Christ redeems people from an empty way of life. (1:18-19) In the second section, the believers participate in the sufferings of Christ. (4:13) As Christ is a lamb without blemish or defect (1:19), so Christ's people suffer not as lawbreakers but as Christians, because of the name of Christ. (4:14-16)
The 'c' pattern conveys a church rooted in Christ and living godly lives in a pagan society. In the first section, the church is described as stones built upon the Living Stone of Christ. (2:4-5) They are a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him..." (2:9). In the second section, people should use their gifts, words, and service "so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." (4:11). In the first section, God's people are to do good, causing pagans to either glorify God (2:12) or be silenced from their foolish and ignorant talk. (2:15) In the second section, the wicked will have to "give account" when they are surprised the righteous don't join them and then "heap abuse" on them. (4:3-5)
The 'd' pattern conveys comfort in the midst of suffering. In the first section, Peter shows how Christ's suffering can encourage slaves suffering under harsh masters. (2:18-21) In the second section, Peter shows how Christ's suffering encourages imprisoned spirits who were disobedient in the time of Noah. (3:20)
The 'e' pattern links Christ's blamelessness with that to which believers should aspire. In the first section, Jesus did not retaliate or make threats when he suffered or received insults. (2:23) In the second section, believers are not to fear threats or be frightened but should be prepared to give a reason for the hope within. (3:15)
The central 'f'' section focuses upon winning over those who don't believe the "word" by winning them over without "words." (3:1) Pointing to women in marriage, Peter emphasizes the purity and reverence of their lives, (3:2) and the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, "which is of great worth in God's sight." (3:4)
Monday, December 31, 2018
Sunday, December 30, 2018
James
This is the fifteenth in a series of twenty-one summaries of the New Testament letters. The fifteenth is James, and the outline comes from John Paul Heil:
a Do Not Be Led Astray By Sin That Brings Forth Death, 1:1-16
b Be Slow to Speak not Deceiving the Heart For Useless Worship, 1:17-27
c A Rich One Enters for Worship but the Poor who Enters is Rich in Faith, 2:1-13
d You Want to Know that Faith Without Works Is Useless For Life, 2:14-26
e The Tongue is Constituted a World of Unrighteousness
Within Our Members, 3:1-10
f Worship in the Humility of Wisdom that is From Above, 3:11-18
e' Passions Battle Within Your Members and an Enemy of God is
Constituted, 4:1-10
d' If the Lord Wants It Then We Will Live to Do What is Praiseworthy, 4:11-17
c' The Cries Caused by the Rich Have Entered into the Ears of the Lord of Hosts, 5:1-6
b' Strengthen Your Hearts Like Prophets Who Spoke in the Name of the Lord, 5:7-11
a' Whoever Brings Back One Led Astray will Save Him From Death, 5:12-20
The 'a' pattern is linked by sections about prayer and standing firm in the Lord. In the first section, James writes: "...each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (1:14-15) In the second section, James writes: "My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." (5:19-20). In the first section, James says people should "ask God." (1:5) He also says people should not be doubting and double-minded when they pray and "that person shouldn't expect to receive anything from the Lord." (1:7-8) In the second section, James says people in trouble should pray, and that "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (5:16) Both sections also have illustrations from creation: the first section with wild flowers, and the second section with crops.
The 'b' pattern is linked by sections about speaking. The first section cautions the reader to be slow to speak and slow to anger. (1:19). The second section says, "Be patient," describes a patient farmer, and says, "You too, be patient." Again, as the first section cautions about being slow to anger, the second section says, "Don't grumble against one another." (5:9). The first section beseeches the reader to "humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." (1:21) The second section mentions "prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." (5:10)
The 'c' pattern is focused upon the rich. The first section depicts a rich man who comes into the meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes. The rich man is shown favoritism, but it is the poor who is rich in faith. (2:5) In the second section, the gold of the rich has "corroded." (5:3) The cries of the poor against the rich have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. (5:4)
The 'd' pattern links doing what is right to speaking what is right. In the first section, while pointing out the uselessness of faith without works, James asks, "do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" In the second section, James exhorts people to do their good deeds while they have time, saying people should say, "If the Lord wants it, we will live and do this or that." (4:16) In the second section, James writes, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." (4:17)
The 'e' pattern describes how small, simple things cause great damage. In the first section, the tongue is a small part of the body which makes great boasts. (3:5). It is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body. (3:6) In the second section, fights and quarrels among people come from "our desires that battle within..."
The 'f' section is central, focusing on true wisdom. Selfishness is not wisdom: "Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." (4:16-18)
a Do Not Be Led Astray By Sin That Brings Forth Death, 1:1-16
b Be Slow to Speak not Deceiving the Heart For Useless Worship, 1:17-27
c A Rich One Enters for Worship but the Poor who Enters is Rich in Faith, 2:1-13
d You Want to Know that Faith Without Works Is Useless For Life, 2:14-26
e The Tongue is Constituted a World of Unrighteousness
Within Our Members, 3:1-10
f Worship in the Humility of Wisdom that is From Above, 3:11-18
e' Passions Battle Within Your Members and an Enemy of God is
Constituted, 4:1-10
d' If the Lord Wants It Then We Will Live to Do What is Praiseworthy, 4:11-17
c' The Cries Caused by the Rich Have Entered into the Ears of the Lord of Hosts, 5:1-6
b' Strengthen Your Hearts Like Prophets Who Spoke in the Name of the Lord, 5:7-11
a' Whoever Brings Back One Led Astray will Save Him From Death, 5:12-20
The 'a' pattern is linked by sections about prayer and standing firm in the Lord. In the first section, James writes: "...each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (1:14-15) In the second section, James writes: "My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." (5:19-20). In the first section, James says people should "ask God." (1:5) He also says people should not be doubting and double-minded when they pray and "that person shouldn't expect to receive anything from the Lord." (1:7-8) In the second section, James says people in trouble should pray, and that "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (5:16) Both sections also have illustrations from creation: the first section with wild flowers, and the second section with crops.
The 'b' pattern is linked by sections about speaking. The first section cautions the reader to be slow to speak and slow to anger. (1:19). The second section says, "Be patient," describes a patient farmer, and says, "You too, be patient." Again, as the first section cautions about being slow to anger, the second section says, "Don't grumble against one another." (5:9). The first section beseeches the reader to "humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." (1:21) The second section mentions "prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." (5:10)
The 'c' pattern is focused upon the rich. The first section depicts a rich man who comes into the meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes. The rich man is shown favoritism, but it is the poor who is rich in faith. (2:5) In the second section, the gold of the rich has "corroded." (5:3) The cries of the poor against the rich have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. (5:4)
The 'd' pattern links doing what is right to speaking what is right. In the first section, while pointing out the uselessness of faith without works, James asks, "do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" In the second section, James exhorts people to do their good deeds while they have time, saying people should say, "If the Lord wants it, we will live and do this or that." (4:16) In the second section, James writes, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." (4:17)
The 'e' pattern describes how small, simple things cause great damage. In the first section, the tongue is a small part of the body which makes great boasts. (3:5). It is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body. (3:6) In the second section, fights and quarrels among people come from "our desires that battle within..."
The 'f' section is central, focusing on true wisdom. Selfishness is not wisdom: "Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." (4:16-18)
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Hebrews
This is the fourteenth in a series of twenty-one summaries of the New Testament letters. The fourteenth is Hebrews, and the outline comes from Albert Vanhoye:
a The Name Superior to the Angels, 1:5-2:18 (Eschatology)
b Jesus Faithful and Compassionate, 3:1-5:10 (Ecclesiology)
c Central Exposition, 5:11-10:39 (Sacrifice)
b' Faith and Endurance, 11:1-12:13 (Ecclesiological Paraenesis)
a' The Peaceful Fruit of Justice, 12:14-13:19 (Eschatology)
The 'a' pattern is linked by an emphasis on eschatology, or the study of the last things. In the first section, we see examples of this: After the Son provided purification for sins, "he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." (1:3) The psalmist is quoted, saying, "Your throne O God, will last for ever and ever..." (1:8) Another psalmist is quoted, saying, "In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment." (1:11) The author speaks of "the world to come." (2:5) And he writes that "we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor..." (2:9). In the second section, we also see examples of this: the author writes: "But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem." (12:22) He writes that God has promised: "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." (12:26) He writes: "For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." (13:14) He speaks of pastors having to "give an account." All this suggests the author's focus on judgment and the character of the world to come.
The 'b' pattern is linked by an emphasis on ecclesiology, or the study of the church. In the first section, we see examples of this: In 3:5, Moses is described as a servant in God's house. In 3:6, Jesus is described as Son over God's house, and "we are his house." He writes that God's people are to "encourage one another daily." (3:13). He writes that "there remains a sabbath rest for the people of God." (4:9) Because Jesus is like us in every way except for sin, God's people can "approach God's throne of grace with confidence." (4:16) In the second section, we also see examples of this, with an emphasis on moral instruction, or paraenesis, for building up the church. The readers of the letter are to emulate the figures listed: Noah acted a certain way when warned about things not yet seen. (11:7). Abraham was called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance. (11:8) All the people who are described "were longing for a better country - a heavenly one." (11:16) Moses "chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin." (11:25) The author has emphasized all along that none of these people received what they were looking for in their lifetime. In 11:40, he tells us why: "...none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." (11:40) When we see the vast "cloud of witnesses," we are exhorted to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (12:2) In 12:8, we are told about what it means to be true sons and daughters. All this suggests the author's focus on how God is building a beautiful house through the church whose full glory is yet to be seen. This is section one. Section two exhorts us to be like the great saints and live in expectation of something we haven't truly seen yet.
The 'c' section is central, focusing on Jesus as sacrifice. 10:19-25 sums it up well: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (10:19-25)
a The Name Superior to the Angels, 1:5-2:18 (Eschatology)
b Jesus Faithful and Compassionate, 3:1-5:10 (Ecclesiology)
c Central Exposition, 5:11-10:39 (Sacrifice)
b' Faith and Endurance, 11:1-12:13 (Ecclesiological Paraenesis)
a' The Peaceful Fruit of Justice, 12:14-13:19 (Eschatology)
The 'a' pattern is linked by an emphasis on eschatology, or the study of the last things. In the first section, we see examples of this: After the Son provided purification for sins, "he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." (1:3) The psalmist is quoted, saying, "Your throne O God, will last for ever and ever..." (1:8) Another psalmist is quoted, saying, "In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment." (1:11) The author speaks of "the world to come." (2:5) And he writes that "we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor..." (2:9). In the second section, we also see examples of this: the author writes: "But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem." (12:22) He writes that God has promised: "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." (12:26) He writes: "For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." (13:14) He speaks of pastors having to "give an account." All this suggests the author's focus on judgment and the character of the world to come.
The 'b' pattern is linked by an emphasis on ecclesiology, or the study of the church. In the first section, we see examples of this: In 3:5, Moses is described as a servant in God's house. In 3:6, Jesus is described as Son over God's house, and "we are his house." He writes that God's people are to "encourage one another daily." (3:13). He writes that "there remains a sabbath rest for the people of God." (4:9) Because Jesus is like us in every way except for sin, God's people can "approach God's throne of grace with confidence." (4:16) In the second section, we also see examples of this, with an emphasis on moral instruction, or paraenesis, for building up the church. The readers of the letter are to emulate the figures listed: Noah acted a certain way when warned about things not yet seen. (11:7). Abraham was called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance. (11:8) All the people who are described "were longing for a better country - a heavenly one." (11:16) Moses "chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin." (11:25) The author has emphasized all along that none of these people received what they were looking for in their lifetime. In 11:40, he tells us why: "...none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." (11:40) When we see the vast "cloud of witnesses," we are exhorted to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (12:2) In 12:8, we are told about what it means to be true sons and daughters. All this suggests the author's focus on how God is building a beautiful house through the church whose full glory is yet to be seen. This is section one. Section two exhorts us to be like the great saints and live in expectation of something we haven't truly seen yet.
The 'c' section is central, focusing on Jesus as sacrifice. 10:19-25 sums it up well: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (10:19-25)
Friday, December 28, 2018
Philemon
This is the thirteenth in a series of twenty-one summaries of the New Testament letters. The thirteenth is Philemon, and the outline comes from Nils Lund:
a Salutation, 1-3
b Philemon's Conduct, 4-6
c Paul Experienced Much Joy, 7
d Paul Refrains from Pressing Claims, 8-11
e Paul and Onesimus - He is Beloved by Paul, 12-15
e' Paul and Onesimus - Philemon Should Love Him Also, 16-17
d' Paul Offers to Reimburse Philemon, 18-19
c' Paul Expects Much Joy, 20
b' Philemon's Conduct Toward Paul, 21-22
a' Salutation, 23-25
The 'a' pattern links the introduction to the conclusion.
The 'b' pattern has to do with Philemon's conduct. The first section focuses on Philemon's love toward the church and his faith in Christ. In the second section, Paul writes to Philemon of a new expression of love and obedience in response to Paul's request.
The 'c' pattern expresses the joy Paul has experienced from Philemon, and in the second section, the joy Paul expects to experience. In the first section, Paul speaks of the joy that Philemon's love has given him. In the second section, Paul asks Philemon to "refresh my heart in Christ" in response to his request.
The 'd' pattern links Paul's appeal to have Onesimus sent to him to Paul's offer to reimburse Philemon. In the first section, Paul says he prefers to appeal to Philemon on the basis of love, although, he says, "I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do." (8). In the second section, Paul says to charge him if Onesimus has done anything wrong, and he will pay it back, and, he says, "not to mention that you owe me your very self." (19)
The 'e' pattern centers on Onesimus. In the first section, Paul would like Onesimus to take Philemon's place "in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel." (13). In the second section, Paul says, "welcome him as you would welcome me." (17). In other words, in the first section, Onesimus would be a subsitute for Philemon in Paul's ministry. In the second section, Philemon is being asked to see Onesimus as a substitute for Paul.
a Salutation, 1-3
b Philemon's Conduct, 4-6
c Paul Experienced Much Joy, 7
d Paul Refrains from Pressing Claims, 8-11
e Paul and Onesimus - He is Beloved by Paul, 12-15
e' Paul and Onesimus - Philemon Should Love Him Also, 16-17
d' Paul Offers to Reimburse Philemon, 18-19
c' Paul Expects Much Joy, 20
b' Philemon's Conduct Toward Paul, 21-22
a' Salutation, 23-25
The 'a' pattern links the introduction to the conclusion.
The 'b' pattern has to do with Philemon's conduct. The first section focuses on Philemon's love toward the church and his faith in Christ. In the second section, Paul writes to Philemon of a new expression of love and obedience in response to Paul's request.
The 'c' pattern expresses the joy Paul has experienced from Philemon, and in the second section, the joy Paul expects to experience. In the first section, Paul speaks of the joy that Philemon's love has given him. In the second section, Paul asks Philemon to "refresh my heart in Christ" in response to his request.
The 'd' pattern links Paul's appeal to have Onesimus sent to him to Paul's offer to reimburse Philemon. In the first section, Paul says he prefers to appeal to Philemon on the basis of love, although, he says, "I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do." (8). In the second section, Paul says to charge him if Onesimus has done anything wrong, and he will pay it back, and, he says, "not to mention that you owe me your very self." (19)
The 'e' pattern centers on Onesimus. In the first section, Paul would like Onesimus to take Philemon's place "in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel." (13). In the second section, Paul says, "welcome him as you would welcome me." (17). In other words, in the first section, Onesimus would be a subsitute for Philemon in Paul's ministry. In the second section, Philemon is being asked to see Onesimus as a substitute for Paul.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Titus
This is the twelfth in a series of twenty-one summaries of the New Testament letters. The twelfth is Titus, and the outline comes from Robert Arthur Bailey:
a Address and Blessing, 1:1-4
b Code for Elders/Overseers, 1:5-16
c Household Code, 2:1-10
b' Pastoral Care of Church Members, 2:11-3:11
a' Instructions, Greetings, and Blessing, 3:12-15
The 'a' pattern links the introductions to the conclusion.
The 'b' pattern emphasizes the character of the church, with the first section focusing on the character of its leadership, and the second section focusing more generally on the whole church. In the first section, elders must be blameless, trustworthy, and firm in the faith. In the second section, all believers are to live "self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age..." (2:11)
The 'c' section presents the kind of life that is "appropriate to sound doctrine." (2:1) This section presents practical counsel for men, women, and slaves.
a Address and Blessing, 1:1-4
b Code for Elders/Overseers, 1:5-16
c Household Code, 2:1-10
b' Pastoral Care of Church Members, 2:11-3:11
a' Instructions, Greetings, and Blessing, 3:12-15
The 'a' pattern links the introductions to the conclusion.
The 'b' pattern emphasizes the character of the church, with the first section focusing on the character of its leadership, and the second section focusing more generally on the whole church. In the first section, elders must be blameless, trustworthy, and firm in the faith. In the second section, all believers are to live "self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age..." (2:11)
The 'c' section presents the kind of life that is "appropriate to sound doctrine." (2:1) This section presents practical counsel for men, women, and slaves.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
2 Timothy
This is the eleventh in a series of twenty-one summaries of the New Testament letters. The eleventh is 2 Timothy, and the outline comes from Robert Arthur Bailey:
a Address to Timothy and Blessing, 1:1-2
b Paul's Imprisonment in Rome, 1:3-18
c Persevere as a Good Soldier of Anointed (Christ), 2:1-26
c' Turn Away from Ungodly, Proclaim the Word, Fulfill Your Ministry, 3:1-4:5
b' Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry, 4:6-18a
a' Doxology, greetings, blessing, 4:18b-22
The 'a' pattern links the introduction and conclusion.
The 'b' pattern is linked by Paul's reflections on his ministry in light of his imprisonment in Rome. In both sections, he speaks of those who have abandoned him, but that Timothy should not be ashamed. (1:8, 1:15, 4:16-18) In the first section, he talks about his suffering. In the second section, he looks forward to the suffering being over. (4:7-8)
The 'c' pattern provides Paul's central charge to Timothy. The first section enjoins Timothy to be faithful in his duties and clinging to Christ despite the obstacles of false teachers. The second section enjoins Timothy to be faithful in his duties despite the faithlessness of those who are "lovers of themselves" and despite persecution that will come.
a Address to Timothy and Blessing, 1:1-2
b Paul's Imprisonment in Rome, 1:3-18
c Persevere as a Good Soldier of Anointed (Christ), 2:1-26
c' Turn Away from Ungodly, Proclaim the Word, Fulfill Your Ministry, 3:1-4:5
b' Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry, 4:6-18a
a' Doxology, greetings, blessing, 4:18b-22
The 'a' pattern links the introduction and conclusion.
The 'b' pattern is linked by Paul's reflections on his ministry in light of his imprisonment in Rome. In both sections, he speaks of those who have abandoned him, but that Timothy should not be ashamed. (1:8, 1:15, 4:16-18) In the first section, he talks about his suffering. In the second section, he looks forward to the suffering being over. (4:7-8)
The 'c' pattern provides Paul's central charge to Timothy. The first section enjoins Timothy to be faithful in his duties and clinging to Christ despite the obstacles of false teachers. The second section enjoins Timothy to be faithful in his duties despite the faithlessness of those who are "lovers of themselves" and despite persecution that will come.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
1 Timothy
This is the tenth in a series of twenty-one summaries of the New Testament letters. The tenth is 1 Timothy, and the outline comes from Robert Arthur Bailey:
a Address to Timothy and Blessing, 1:1-2
b Pastoral Charges to Timothy, Paul's Example, 1:3-20
c How Pastor Should Behave in God's Household, 2:1-3:16
d Pastoral Charges on Godliness, 4:1-16
c' How Pastor Should Behave in God's Household, 5:1-6:2a
b' Pastoral Charges, Anointed's (Christ's) Example, 6:2b-19
a' Closing Charge to Timothy and Blessing, 6:20-21
The 'a' pattern connects the introduction to the conclusion of the letter.
The 'b' pattern connects two sections of pastoral charges to Timothy. In the first, Paul warns Timothy about people teaching false doctrines, and devoting themselves to "myths and endless genealogies," which promote "controversial speculations." People have turned to "meaningless talk." In the second section, Paul warns Timothy about people who have "an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." (6:4-5) In the first section, Paul gives an example of himself as a sinner who Christ has saved. In the second section, Paul gives Jesus as an example of finishing the race of life well and making the "good confession."
The 'c' pattern connects two sections on how Timothy and others ought to conduct themselves in God's household. The first section focuses on worship and qualifications for elders and deacons. The second section focuses on wise use of resources with regard to caring for the needy and compensating teachers and preachers.
The 'd' section emphasizes being a good minister of Christ Jesus, "nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed." If Timothy watches his "life and doctrine closely" and perseveres, he "will save both (himself) and (his) hearers." (4:16)
a Address to Timothy and Blessing, 1:1-2
b Pastoral Charges to Timothy, Paul's Example, 1:3-20
c How Pastor Should Behave in God's Household, 2:1-3:16
d Pastoral Charges on Godliness, 4:1-16
c' How Pastor Should Behave in God's Household, 5:1-6:2a
b' Pastoral Charges, Anointed's (Christ's) Example, 6:2b-19
a' Closing Charge to Timothy and Blessing, 6:20-21
The 'a' pattern connects the introduction to the conclusion of the letter.
The 'b' pattern connects two sections of pastoral charges to Timothy. In the first, Paul warns Timothy about people teaching false doctrines, and devoting themselves to "myths and endless genealogies," which promote "controversial speculations." People have turned to "meaningless talk." In the second section, Paul warns Timothy about people who have "an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." (6:4-5) In the first section, Paul gives an example of himself as a sinner who Christ has saved. In the second section, Paul gives Jesus as an example of finishing the race of life well and making the "good confession."
The 'c' pattern connects two sections on how Timothy and others ought to conduct themselves in God's household. The first section focuses on worship and qualifications for elders and deacons. The second section focuses on wise use of resources with regard to caring for the needy and compensating teachers and preachers.
The 'd' section emphasizes being a good minister of Christ Jesus, "nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed." If Timothy watches his "life and doctrine closely" and perseveres, he "will save both (himself) and (his) hearers." (4:16)
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