July 2019
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 43
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
My bible has the following introduction to this letter.
“Does Christian brotherly love really work, even in situations of extraordinary tension and difficulty? Will it work, for example between a prominent slave owner and one of his runaway slaves? Paul has no doubt! He writes a ‘postcard’ to Philemon, his beloved brother and fellow worker, on behalf of Onesimus – a deserter, thief, and formerly worthless slave, but now Philemon’s brother in Christ. With much tact and tenderness, Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus back with the same tenderness with which he would receive Paul himself. Any debt Onesimus owes, Paul promises to make good. Knowing Philemon, Paul is confident that brotherly love and forgiveness will carry the day.
Evidently, as Paul said in his introduction, he wrote this letter when Timothy was with him, and there was an “ekklesia” of believers which met regularly in the home of Philemon. It is interesting that the name “Philemon” means ‘affectionate’ in English, coming from the Greek root word “philema” meaning ‘to kiss’. As a matter of further interest, the name “Onesimus” means ‘beneficial’ or ‘profitable’.
There does not appear to be any issue of momentous doctrinal value in this letter, it is quite personal, direct and compassionate. But the inclusion of this letter in the cannon of Scripture demands our attention. We learn from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, that Onesimus was one of them, so the overwhelming likelihood is that Philemon was a prominent member of the “ekklesia” in Colossae (since they actually met in his home). It is also probable that this letter was written about the same time as the letter to the Colossians, early in Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.
Initially, there is the commendation of Paul for the excellent reputation and service which Philemon obviously exercised within the “ekklesia’. One might imagine that as a slave owner he was a man of some substance. He seemingly was highly regarded in that assembly. The relationship that Paul had within the various Asia Minor “ekklesia” is hinted at in verse 8. He felt that he had enough authority to command certain actions of the congregation and its individual members. However, he tactfully declined to make such demands, choosing rather to ‘appeal’ to Philemon as one with the seniority of age, but as an equal in the sight of our Lord Yeshua. Onesimus was an escaped slave (likely punishable by a disfiguring brand mark or even death) who didn’t do a very good job whilst in the household of Philemon. But who Paul declared to be returning as one who would be quite reformed, useful, and diligent in his future service. In paraphrase Paul said “I would have loved to have kept him with me so that, as a gift from you, he would be able to minister to me in my imprisonment” Then to put the legality of that right “but I couldn’t keep him without your consent and I didn’t want to presume on your generosity without your approval, so I am sending him back to you!”
“Maybe his escape was no accident” Paul said. “Could it be that there was a purpose, arranged by God Himself so that he would return to you, no longer just as a slave, but more than that, as a true brother in the faith? He is a brother in Christ to me, so how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.” Then Paul puts it right on the line. “If you count me as a brother, and he is my brother, receive him as though it were me that were coming back to you!”
But that was not quite the end of it. Paul was not sure if there were any debt to pay so he generously offered to cover any such debt (even though it seems unlikely that Paul would have the financial means to cover any debt!) Then he quietly reminded Philemon that he himself was in debt for his very life to Paul, who had earlier led him to faith in Yeshua.
Now we do not have the satisfaction of knowing the end of this situation. What we do know is that Paul used his significant influence to build bridges between two brothers in the faith, albeit from exceptionally different backgrounds and personal circumstance. The natural man would conclude that such reconciliation would be improbable. But when people are united in faith, all things are possible. And that might be the lesson we should take from this brief personal letter. It deals with the fact of Paul doing the right and honourable thing in persuading Onesimus to return to his “master’ in the flesh. But he does it with incredible sensitivity giving hope, encouragement and support for a good outcome in that return. He could have said “Go back Onesimus, I will pray for you!!” And he probably did, but he went further, much further, and laid his own reputation and standing ‘on the line’ by writing that compassionate letter, and following it up, at the end of the letter by suggesting to Philemon that it wouldn’t be long before he would make another personal visit to him ensuring that he would be able to see the end result for himself.
So this concludes our ‘reflections’ on the writings of Paul. In future weeks we will ‘reflect’ on the other four Apostolic writers, James, Peter, John and Jude.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 42
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
Just like Timothy, Titus too was a young man introduced to faith in Yeshua by Paul. He accompanied Paul on many of his missionary journeys, and is mentioned several times in that connection. But the purpose of this letter was to provide Titus with instruction regarding the proper functioning of the “ekklesia” over which he was charged with oversight. An unenviable assignment for such a young man.
The salutation which opens this letter is interesting in that one might have expected Paul to be quite assured of his salvation. Instead, he expresses ‘hope’ of salvation, leading to eternal life, as he faithfully continued the task of preaching the word of God in truth as he was assigned. He may well have known of the words which Yeshua spoke to His disciples recorded in Matthew 10 and 24 about the significance of “enduring to the end”. And for Paul, he had not yet completed the course! But he was well aware of the potential difficulties faced by Titus in bringing order to the various “ekklesia” in Crete, and was intent on instructing and encouraging him to fulfil that difficult task.
The appointment of ‘elders’ (people with experience of life, as in ‘seniors’) and ‘bishops’ (those charged with responsibility, as a superintendent) Paul saw as an important element to ensure the orderly conduct of each “ekklesia”. The principles are the same today, but often, the qualifications detailed by Paul in recognizing such appointments are mostly ignored, since our churches today operate ‘democratically”, by popular vote of the members. Titus was not instructed to take a vote on such appointments. He was told to observe and judge various details of such persons’ way of life and standing in the community. And there was good reason for that. In an amazing outburst about national character Paul declared that “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons”. Wow! Talk about winning friends and influencing people! Do you begin to get a sense here of the enormity of the task which the young Titus was to face? The appointments of ‘elders’ and ‘bishops’ required them to exhibit a strength of character, and a standing in the community to withstand the teachings of those, ‘especially those of the circumcision’, (Jews) whose ‘mouths must be stopped’. Why? Because Paul knew that there were those within the Jewish community, who saw themselves as spiritually superior and were not shy to promote themselves, even for dishonest gain, teaching what they considered truth, when in fact they were propagating what Yeshua called ‘the traditions of men’, observing traditions and customs as the means of salvation. Paul had ‘been there, done that’ and knew it all too well. He wisely observed “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him.” It is the same today. As Yeshua spoke those words of condemnation in Matthew 7 “By their fruits (works) you shall know them.”
So Titus was instructed to ‘speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine’. To conduct himself with utmost integrity. Chapter 2 of our text is a master class instruction in dealing with every member of each family unit. Paul encouraged Titus to speak boldly, to exhort, rebuke, teach, befriend, be an example, be consistent, unwavering, and truthful, in all his associations. Only by so doing could he expect to gain their respect, support and love so as to witness spiritual growth in the “ekklesia” he was called upon to lead. Are you challenged, as I am, to consider how I would have fared in Titus’ shoes? It sounds hypothetical, but it’s not. Everyday our actions and our speech shout to all around us what we are like on the inside. Those bits that we think are hidden!
Paul’s exhortation is extremely practical. Titus was not invited to win a popularity contest. He was charged with speaking the truth in love. “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,” Remember that we too were once pretty gross! “But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” However, good works are not to be condemned as though they were filled with poison. Some Christians miss the point here. “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly” said Paul “that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” These are the good works we engage in because we are saved, NOT in order to be saved.
And to those who did not want to hear, and from those whose only interest was to engage in endless dispute, he was instructed to walk away! “Shake off the dust from your feet” (Matthew 10:14) is how Yeshua put it to His disciples. “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Paul said.
This short letter of advice to Titus is worthy of your careful attention. Those who study it closely will be well rewarded in their walk with the Lord.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 41
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy from Rome shortly after his first letter. It seemed that Paul was concerned to encourage the young Timothy to be strong in his faith as the onerous task of leading the “ekklesia” in Ephesus took some toll on the young man’s resolve! Some had already deserted Paul (other than their names we have no other detail) but Paul calls on his own testimony of faithfulness to his ministry to bolster up this young man whom he described as his ‘son in the faith’.
The previous chapter ended with Paul exhorting Timothy to avoid ‘foolish and ignorant disputes’. To remain calm, gentle and composed, patient in his dealing with opposition. But in humility of spirit, to be firm in his correction of those who opposed him. Our reading today continues that wise counsel with the warning of the certain ‘perilous times’ ahead. Paul was right then and he is right today. Just look at the list of ‘perils’ he outlined for the young Timothy. “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money (from which comes a root of all kinds of evil), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.” Did Paul miss anything out? It is a list worthy of our close attention. Note these descriptors, so easily recognizable in our own society today. Why note them? Because these are the signs Paul said would be evident ‘in the last days’. We cannot be sure of the prevalence of these things in Timothy’s time in Ephesus, but they were there, all of them. What we can be sure of is the evidence of our own eyes as we look at today’s society. It may sound overly strong to us today, but Paul’s language is unequivocal, “from such people turn away”. And very often we don’t!!
Jannes and Jambres present another difficulty for some because there is no Scriptural record of them other than here. They are considered to be the magicians (sorcerers), who appear in extra-biblical texts, and of whom the scholarly Paul evidently had knowledge. These are the persons to whom Paul likens those who resist the truth of the Scriptures themselves. Indeed as they obviously resisted Moses! To that extent then, we can say that there are plenty of Jannes’ and Jambres’ alive and well today can’t we? Different names, but the same type of people. Get a picture here of the timeless universality of the Scriptures. Written millennia ago, but as relevant now as they were then. And if they are not, then all we read is just an interesting story book!
So Paul further encouraged Timothy to stand fast in his faith. “Continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.” Do you have, as Timothy did (and as I did) an older, dedicated, trustworthy, unwavering, reliable, Christian teacher. An example to emulate, who can lead you into paths of righteousness? If not, find one! And this is the promise of God in Paul’s words “from childhood (literally in Timothy’s case, but also as a new believer for many) you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach (Jesus Christ).” Did it ever occur to you that the ONLY Scriptures Paul knew and to which he was referring here is what we know as the Old Testament? And there is more, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” It is important to understand that our God, who does not change (Malachi 3:6) provided for Timothy “instructions for righteous living” in the Hebrew Scriptures, and in order to ‘seek out and save the lost sheep of the house of Israel’ sent His own Son Yeshua, so that one day He will make with those who are His ‘a new covenant’ signed and sealed (guaranteed) in the blood of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach.
As we try to embrace the Hebraic understanding of Pauls writing here, take note of the charge he gave to Timothy to preach the word, convince, rebuke, exhort, with sound doctrine, as he ended this letter of encouragement. How can anyone not see the perilous state of many of our denominational church structures today in Paul’s warning to Timothy. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” When did you last hear a call to repentance from the pulpit? When Paul gave Timothy the charge to ‘preach the word’ it was “before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom”. He will re-appear as the righteous Judge. He will rule with a ‘rod of iron’. There will be no unrighteousness in His kingdom. And those who teach to ‘tickle the ears’ of their hearers will endure harsher judgement (James 3:1)
Paul himself said “I am already being poured out as a drink offering”. A reference to the wine libation which accompanied sacrifices made at the altar in the Temple. Now the sacrifice is Yeshua, and Paul saw himself in a servant appendage role to that sacrifice. I believe he was encouraging Timothy to see his own service in that light. If I correctly interpret the Hebraic understanding, then as indeed should we.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 40
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy from Rome shortly after his first letter. It seemed that Paul was concerned to encourage the young Timothy to be strong in his faith as the onerous task of leading the “ekklesia” in Ephesus took some toll on the young man’s resolve! Some had already deserted Paul (other than their names we have no other detail) but Paul calls on his own testimony of faithfulness to his ministry to bolster up this young man whom he described as his ‘son in the faith’.
The opening salutation gave a hint that Paul discerned Timothy to be in some distress. He longed to set eyes on the young man to encourage him by his presence, but his imprisonment in Rome precluded that. So he carefully and skilfully reminded Timothy of the benefits of ‘pressing on’. His childhood teaching at the hands of his mother and grandmother. His life changing encounter with Paul, as by the laying on of his hands, Paul charged him with his ministry gifting. (This practise dates from the earliest days of the Israelites. Both for imparting blessing and favour, as in Numbers 8:10 where the people laid hands on the Levites to bless them with their priestly commission, and in Numbers 27:18 wherein Moses ‘passed his leadership role’ to Joshua. And it was also used for passing a curse of death as in the case of the High Priest and the ‘scapegoat’ at Yom Kippur.) It is noteworthy that Paul warned Timothy to take great care in the laying on of hands (1Timothy 5:22). And that is a lesson for those who do such today, because it is a powerful act in God’s eyes. So Paul used that to encourage Timothy that he had been commissioned for his task, by Paul, as proxy for God, in that circumstance.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Masterly statement, as Paul expressed to Timothy that if he felt fear … of the task, of the situation, of his ability (or perceived lack of it), then that does not come from God. The situation may be difficult, even hard to see how it will work out, but that was not for Timothy, or us, to determine, because our calling, Paul said, is not according to our works, but according to the mighty power of Him who called us. Furthermore, God chose us ‘before time began’!! How amazing is that? And to back it all up, God sent His Son, Yeshua, and He, by His death and resurrection conquered death and brought to us immortality and light through the good news of the gospel. And if that’s not enough, Paul continued with the astounding fact that this same Yeshua appointed him, Paul, with the credentials to act in His Name. “I have committed myself to Him” said Paul, and “He will keep me in His care until I meet Him in Glory.” So “He will keep you too Timothy because I have laid my hands on you and blessed you, in His Name, for the task to which you are called”.
Friends, can we get a glimpse here of the certainty of the calling to which we, like Timothy, have been called. As our reading continues, Paul named ‘names’. That is all they are, just ‘names’, but those names speak to us of two different scenarios. Two ‘fell by the wayside’. Started right but gave up. Became lost. Tragic. One ‘remained faithful’. Trusting that in ‘that Day’, they will find ‘mercy from the Lord’ and hear those beautiful words “well done, good and faithful servant, enter into My Shalom”. We should all take careful note of these ‘names’, not to recall them, but to discern where we each stand. If Paul were writing these words today, which class would we be in? “Remaining faithful” to our calling is costly. It was costly for Paul, it was costly for Timothy, no ‘prosperity teaching’ from Paul here is there? (Paul actually told Timothy that ‘he must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ’) and it was costly, very costly, for Yeshua who gave Himself as ransom for us. For a reality check on ourselves just read again Matthew 7:21-23!! How can we be sure? Read John 14:15 noting the positive “will keep” which is the correct sense of the original text.
This encouraging Scripture includes one of my all-time favourite quotes. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Take time to absorb the message Paul gave Timothy here. What was the ‘word of truth’ that Timothy had? It was the “Tanakh”. (Tanakh is an acronym of the first Hebrew letter of each of the Masoretic Text's three traditional subdivisions: Torah ("Teaching", also known as the Five Books of Moses), Nevi'im ("Prophets") and Ketuvim ("Writings")—hence TaNaKh.) Many have been taught today that these Scriptures are ‘obsolete’, replaced for Christians by the Apostolic Scriptures. But, it is by the careful study and application of these very Scriptures that Paul said, and encouraged Timothy, he could be ‘approved to God’ with the condition attached that those Scriptures be ‘rightly divided’ (properly understood), valued, and applied.
Note in the above description of the word ‘Tanakh’ that ‘Torah’ means ‘teaching’. “The Lord knows those who are His” said Paul “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Surely, observance of God’s ‘teaching’ must go a long way in that direction. Especially when that ‘teaching’ is ‘rightly divided’, understood, and correctly applied. In my view, it is as we understand these Scriptures in their Hebraic context that we will better be able to ‘endure to the end’ and earn that “well done good and faithful servant”, which is the end result of our salvation.
Shabbat Shalom
RS