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==PAUL THE APOSTLE 9==
2 Thessalonians. The purpose of this second epistle to the Thessalonians was to assure them that the day of the Lord - the second coming of Christ - had not yet come, as they were led to believe. The Thessalonian Christians were undergoing such tribulation at that time they thought it had come. They had also received a letter purporting to be from Paul, which he had not authorised, claiming that it had already come. Paul exhorted them not to be alarmed by what they hear. He assured them that he had not changed his doctrine and he had nothing to do with the forged letter. They were not to allow themselves to be deceived, because the second coming of Christ could not occur until after the church was taken up to Heaven and Antichrist had been revealed. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they already knew this for he had told them when he was with them. They knew that it was the church holding back the revelation of Antichrist, and that once it was "taken out of the way" - removed from the earth - Antichrist will be revealed and the tribulation will come upon the earth. Antichrist will be empowered to work miracles during that time by Satan. Paul teaches further that after the church is taken up from the earth, salvation will no longer be available to those still living who have already heard the gospel and rejected it. Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray that God is glorified in his and Silas' and Timothy's ministry, and then commands them not to keep company with hose who are disorderly in the church, that they might be ashamed. The Thessalonian Christians though are not to count them as enemies, but admonish them as brothers. Paul then closes with a salutation and a benediction (CP 1:1 - 3:18).

1 Timothy. Paul's primary purpose for writing this epistle was to impart guidance to Timothy for the administration of the church at Ephesus where Paul had left him in charge. Timothy had been converted to Christianity by Paul, who refers to him as "my own son in the faith". After greeting Timothy, Paul charges him to refute the false doctrines being promoted in the church. He reminds Timothy of God's mercy, illustrated by his own salvation. He instructs Timothy on the position of men and women in the church in accordance with the original order of creation, and in the circumstances of the fall of man. He also instructs Timothy on the qualifications for bishops and deacons. Paul warns Timothy of the need for sound doctrine, for the Holy Spirit has explicitly said that some will defect from the faith in the last days. He highlights Timothy's personal responsibilities in this regard, and encourages him to assert the dignity of his office and not let anyone despise his youth. Nor is he to neglect the Spiritual gifts with which he has been endued for service. Paul directs Timothy on the treatment of older men in the church as well as widows, and particular elders. He rules that no Christian can accuse another of sinning without two or three witnesses to categorically support the accusation. But those who do sin must be rebuked before all the church members as a warning to others. He also rules against church leaders hastily ordained anyone to public ministry in the church or hastily restoring sinning members to fellowship. Paul exhorts Christian servants to honour their masters, particularly if they are believers. He then warns Christians against coveting wealth, and directs Timothy to instruct those who are rich, to be rich in doing good for God, and so lay up eternal life for themselves (CP 1:1 - 6:21).

2 Timothy. Paul wrote this second epistle to Timothy to further instruct and encourage him in his ministry in Ephesus. He greatly desires to see Timothy, recalling the sincere faith of both his grandmother and mother. He urges Timothy to stir up the Spiritual gift with which he was endued for service by the laying on of Paul's hands, and not operate in a spirit of fear, but of the power of God. Timothy is not to be ashamed of the gospel nor of Paul as a prisoner for Christ. He is to guard the gospel truth which has been entrusted to him. Paul exhorts Timothy to be a good soldier for Christ, and not get involved in worldly pursuits. He is to work diligently to show himself approved to God - and by extension this applies to every New Testament Christian. Paul stresses the truth of God's word as a sure foundation regardless of how many in the church have taught error and shipwrecked their faith, as well as cause others to abandon theirs. Not all in the church are sincere Christians, but God knows those who are His. Christians must not quarrel with those who have wandered out of the way of God's truth, but be patient and gently instruct them in the ways of God in the hope that He will give them the opportunity to repent and escape the snare of the Devil, who has taken them captive, so that they then can do God's will.

Paul describes characteristics of some people in the last days - the time immediately preceding Christ's second coming. Christians are to turn away from them and continue steadfast in the scriptures, which are the inspired word of God. Paul commands Timothy - and by extension every New Testament Christian - to be in a constant state of readiness to preach God's word. The need is paramount, for people will not always adhere to sound doctrine. Paul declares his readiness to die for the gospel, and anticipates the "crown of righteousness" that awaits him in glory, as it does all who await Christ's coming. Paul closes the epistle with greetings and a benediction (CP 1:1 - 4:22).

Titus. Paul had left Titus in Crete to consolidate the work they had begun there earlier, and to appoint elders "in every city". The occasion of the epistle is to give instruction to Titus concerning church order, doctrine and discipline for Christians. It has much in common with 1Timothy. Following an extended greeting, Paul directs Titus on the qualifications for elders, or bishops, and warns against false teachers. He lists ideal characteristics of older men and women in the church, as well as younger men and slaves. Paul admonishes Titus to be an example to the younger men by not engaging in jocularity or flippancy while preaching God's word. The occasion to preach must be treated with the utmost respect and reverence. It must be free from anything to which exception might be taken. God's grace as it is shown in Jesus Christ provides the foundation for Christian living. Paul describes the Christian's new birth - being born again - as "the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Christ". He charges Titus to remind the Cretian Christians that they must obey civil authorities and be kind to all men. Titus must shun foolish questions and reject persistently argumentative men. Paul closes the epistle with some practical instructions for Titus.

[[PAUL THE APOSTLE 10]]

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