Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 48
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
Peter needs little introduction! A giant of the faith. Bold, flawed, loyal, boisterous, impetuous, enthusiastic, spokesman, obedient to his calling. He was a leader to be admired and a study of his life is rewarding. A fervent Torah observant Jewish believer who met face to face with the resurrected Messiah, with a strong desire to see followers of Yeshua live lives worthy of their calling. This letter was probably written from Rome in the mid 60’s C.E. and it remains something of a mystery that Peter does not mention the Apostle Paul in his letters, other than to comment on the difficulty in understanding his letters! (2 Peter 3:15, 16)
In my Bible today’s reading begins with the word “therefore”. That means it has relevance to what has immediately gone before it. So it would be wise to check that out. The key is in 1 Peter 1:16 and 23. “Be holy, for I am holy” and “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible through the word of God.” “Therefore”, Peter said, “desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby.” Now let’s get some perspective here. This letter is written to the Jewish communities in the ‘diaspora’ (the dispersion). Specifically, Peter writes to believers, messianic Jews. What was the “word” that was to ‘be desired’ for their spiritual growth? The only “word” they had of course. The Hebrew Scriptures. Certainly they might also have read Paul’s encouraging teaching letters (which Peter thought were difficult to understand!) but they were not ‘the Scriptures’ of that time.
Peter’s expectation was that as these believing Jews, being chosen by God and precious, grew in the ‘pure milk of the word’ and then became as living stones, a holy priesthood, used in building a ‘spiritual house’ where spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Yeshua, were offered. It is difficult for gentile believers today to grasp that concept, but Jews have no difficulty with it. Offering prayers and thanks to God three times every day is still the common practise of orthodox Jews. If nothing else, it is the sacrifice of ones time to spend with God, but it is much more than that. The references in Isaiah and Psalms about ‘the chief cornerstone’, the foundation of this ‘spiritual house’, is obvious to believers today, as indeed it was to the diaspora believers. Paul wrote in Romans 11:25 about the ‘blindness in part’ of the Jew, which we believe prevents them today from understanding that Yeshua is that ‘chief cornerstone’. But I am concerned for the part we might play in obscuring His identity too! It is very well to talk about Him as the Messiah of God, but when He is presented to them as one who abolished the Torah, the very word which Peter proclaims to be the ‘pure milk of the word’, I think we are treading on extremely ‘thin ice’. And finally Peter charges them with the fact that the point at which change occurs, when ‘stumbling’ (unbelief, walking in darkness, disobedience to the word) ceases, is the point at which they become ‘the people of God’. It is absolutely no different for us. The point at which our ‘stumbling’ (unbelief, walking in darkness, disobedience to the word) ceases, we become “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”
Peter took time to spell out the way such persons should behave in the society in which they lived. He progressed from the exhortation to live as examples, with a good reputation among our fellow citizens, to the need (in chapter 3) for exemplary conduct in our homes. The relationship between husband and wife is personal. Many husbands enthusiastically embrace Peter’s exhortation as he addressed wives. “do not let your adornment be merely outward – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” but are less enthusiastic when he addressed the husband’s responsibility. (on a personal note, I pay tribute to my own wife, who was no ‘shrinking violet’! but through a very long marriage exhibited such love and wisdom in her conduct in our home, drawing great love and respect to herself from my whole family in return) It is all brought together when Peter said “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous, etc.”
One of the most quotable verses of Scripture came from the pen of Peter in this letter. “Sanctify Messiah as Lord (Nestle-Aland Greek text) in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (reverence).” The word ‘sanctify’ means consecrate, set apart for worship, treat with great care, value immensely. And just before this Peter quoted from the Psalms, with which I close this ‘refection’. Could it be that a person who really does “Sanctify Messiah as Lord” would not need words of his own to convey the message of salvation because his life would be living testimony of the ‘hope that is in him’? The Psalmist needs no comment from me.
“He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous. And His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 47
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
Peter needs little introduction! A giant of the faith. Bold, flawed, loyal, boisterous, impetuous, enthusiastic, spokesman, obedient to his calling. He was a leader to be admired and a study of his life is rewarding. A fervent Torah observant Jewish believer who met face to face with the resurrected Messiah, with a strong desire to see followers of Yeshua live lives worthy of their calling. This letter was probably written from Rome in the mid 60’s C.E. and it remains something of a mystery that Peter does not mention the Apostle Paul in his letters, other than to comment on the difficulty in understanding his letters! (2 Peter 3:15, 16)
Peter addressed this pastoral letter to the diaspora communities of Jewish believers in “Asia Minor”. A region we broadly identify as central Turkey today. The writing Apostles had spent about three years of their life under the close tutelage of Yeshua. Uneducated men with no religious baggage, Yeshua chose these men carefully to spread the good news of the gospel after His death and resurrection. Gentile believers today constitute a quite significant part of the fruit of their obedience to the commission with which they were charged. All of us who are “born of the Spirit” owe a great debt of gratitude to these faithful Jewish Apostles. But few of us seem to vocalize recognition of that heritage!
This letter was intended to be read by a number of “ekklesia” in the region. Very early, Peter refers to ‘various trials’ being encountered by these “ekklesia”, infering that such ‘trials’ were part and parcel of common experience. Most would understand those ‘trials’ to mean difficulties, persecutions, harassment and even personal abuse. And those ‘trials’ would be emanating both from the local populace and from unbelieving Orthodox Jewish members (also known as Judaizers). Now, to get a grip on the situation, it is helpful if we can, in some measure, personalize this experience and relate it to our situation today. Otherwise, relating to the pastoral nature of Peter’s counsel becomes difficult to comprehend. And the miracle of the Scriptures is the way they are able to span all ages and generations.
It is made more difficult today because, whereas Peter warns that these ‘trials’ are the expected ‘norm’ for believers, there are many “Apostles” (self-appointed) today deceptively proclaiming the ‘prosperity teaching’ for all believers. It is popular because it is attractive and self-serving. But it’s not in the Bible! And my dear friends, since we are told that we are not ‘of this world’, if we do not have opposition (we are told that the world is at enmity with God) we should perhaps question the nature and quality of the witness we present to those around us.
However, Peter’s message is not all gloom and doom. Quite the opposite. “you have been grieved by various trials” he said, “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory , receiving the end of your faith .. the salvation of your souls.” Does the genuineness of my faith and witness pass this test? Does yours?
He continued in the manner of both a challenge and an exhortation. With reference to their life before faith “conforming to your former lusts, as in your ignorance.” And quoting from the Torah with which the Jews would be familiar, he said “as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written ‘Be holy for I am holy’.” (Leviticus 11) The question for us to address is ‘How much of that exhortation applies today?” That God is holy is beyond question. That we were conforming to our former lusts is also unquestioned, even though, arguably, the degree may be different for each individual. (it is appropriate to remember the Hebrew word “chata” (sin), which is an archery term meaning to miss the mark. Whether by one millimetre or one metre is not specified.) Missing the mark is ‘missing the mark!’ No one is exempt. So how to judge ‘holiness’ by God’s standard is the issue. The Torah is the written account of God’s instruction for righteous (holy, set apart) living. Nowhere in the Scriptures will you find that Torah has been made obsolete, and certainly not for Jews. (Did you realize that the New Covenant sign is the Torah written on our hearts and put in our minds by God Himself so that it can no longer be taught!) I would think too that those who have been ‘grafted into the natural Olive Tree’ (which is Israel according to Paul) are also privileged to benefit from such instruction. If that is the case then today we too are to “Be holy for I am holy”.
“All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away. But the word of the Lord endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) Peter reminded his readers. “And this is the word, which by the gospel is preached to you.” And guess what! The ‘word’ to which Peter referred was what we call “The Old Testament”, more appropriately being The Hebrew Scriptures.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 46
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
The first observation we make is that the name ‘James’ is the anglicized version of ‘Ya’akov’, the Hebrew name of this Apostle. There are three James’ who ‘might’ be the author of this letter. One was brother of John and son of Zebedee and Salome. He is thought to have visited Spain and Portugal to encourage and preach to Jews of the diaspora there, but little else is known about him. Another is the half-brother of Yeshua, and the third was a son of Alpheus. No one knows. There is circumstantial evidence that it was one of the first two mentioned, but that matters little. It is the content which is important. The letter is written to the ‘scattered’ tribes of Israel, with a major focus being to exhort the recipients to exercise and exhibit their faith by their actions, not only with their words. For that reason, his observation of double-mindedness in those of the faith is also a theme of the letter.
It is often the case that the very convenient chapter and verse divisions in our Bible causes us to miss some of the flow of the text. It is the case here. “Come now you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you. …. Indeed the wages of the labourers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of YHWH Elohim.” It is a readily identified sin to defraud anyone, isn’t it? But this is written to believers!! So if we ignore the chapter division here it follows on immediately from James’ definition of sin with which we ended our ‘reflection’ last week. “To him that knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin.” It is a ‘compound sin’ if such a thing exists! Knowing what is right and not doing it, and then compounding it with fraud. One clear example of the double-mindedness, which James addresses in this letter to believers in the diaspora “ekklesia”.
The “high minded” would quickly exclaim that they would never do such a thing. But there are scores of instances, every day, when we profess one thing regarding our relationship with God and act as though God were just a remote dis-interested onlooker from outer space. That is plain double-mindedness. God has clearly spelled out His instruction for righteous living, and from that there was NO compromise then and there is NO compromise now. It’s in the BOOK!!
James uses the Prophets, men who heard the word of the Lord and spoke it without fear or favour, as examples of the sometime hardship of being faithful to ones calling. Job was another who endured severe deprivation for his faith. “Let your “yes” be yes, and let your “no” be no” James said. No prevarication, no compromise, no faltering, no deviation from the path of your life of faith. Why? Because “the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” And that is where we put our faith and trust. But James is also a realist. He knows that our humanity sometimes gets in the way of our faith. So he continued.
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing Psalms. Is anyone of you sick? (Greek “astheneo”) Let him call for the elders of the “ekklesia” etc.” Has James just introduced a new subject about physical healing here? Just out of the blue? Has he finished with double-mindedness? NO HE HASN’T. How often have we heard this passage of Scripture used as an introduction to join a line for physical healing? That is exactly what I was taught, and I expect you were too. Now this is extremely important. There is NO change of subject matter as we proceed in this letter. The theme of double-mindedness continues. And it is necessary to see why. The key is in understanding the Greek “astheneo”. And at the same time to ask yourself why did James follow this apparent interjection about “healing” by reminding these Jews in the diaspora about Elijah on Mount Carmel? It all fits together. And for me it answers a most perplexing question of why so many are not healed of sickness and ill-health by such sincere prayer by elders in our churches.
Here’s how. The word “astheneo”, translated in James 5:14 as ‘sick’, occurs 11 times in Paul’s letters. 5 times in Romans once in 1 Corinthians and 5 times in 2 Corinthians. In each case that word is correctly translated as “weak” (in faith). Additionally, in the very next verse, James 5:15 the word which is translated as “sick” is the Greek “kamno”, much better translated “faint” or “wearied”. Elijah’s encounter with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel was a battle of “double minded-ness”. “How long will you falter between two opinions?” (1 Kings 18:21)
So, “rightly dividing the word of truth”, there remains a consistency about James appeal to the diaspora Jews. He recognized that some would grow “weary” in the faith. He recognized the frailty of ones humanity. He knew that some would need local help and assistance to continue. So he gave them wise counsel. It is counsel that is equally applicable today. When doubt, confusion, concern, or challenging situations occur, James said “Let him call the elders of (his) “ekklesia”, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Then James gave them this promise, recognizing that such action would be the beginning of loving concern and support for the person presenting themselves to them for such prayer. “And the prayer of faith WILL save the “weary one”, and the Lord WILL raise him up.” Be blessed as you study the word of God.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 45
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
The first observation we make is that the name ‘James’ is the anglicized version of ‘Ya’akov’, the Hebrew name of this Apostle. There are three James’ who ‘might’ be the author of this letter. One was brother of John and son of Zebedee and Salome. He is thought to have visited Spain and Portugal to encourage and preach to Jews of the diaspora there, but little else is known about him. Another is the half-brother of Yeshua, and the third was a son of Alpheus. No one knows. There is circumstantial evidence that it was one of the first two mentioned, but that matters little. It is the content which is important. The letter is written to the ‘scattered’ tribes of Israel, with a major focus being to exhort the recipients to exercise and exhibit their faith by their actions, not only with their words. For that reason, his observation of double-mindedness in those of the faith is also a theme of the letter.
A little known statement opens our reading today, which has profound implications for many people, myself included! “Let not many of you become teachers (of the Scriptures) knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgement.” For the last few years I have been ‘reflecting’ (and thus teaching) on the Hebraic understanding of the Scriptures. I have done so in full knowledge of the fact that I will receive stricter judgement, both from the readers of these ‘reflections’, and more importantly from YHWH Elohim. Teachers have a huge responsibility to “rightly divide the word of truth”. I confess to having little patience with those who, through lack of diligence, or for personal gain, mislead others about what the Scriptures ACTUALLY say. And regrettably there are many who, to their great shame, “peddle” the word of God in such a manner. (2 Corinthians 2:17)
To emphasize his point, James uses some everyday examples to illustrate the huge consequences of such mis-use of that small ‘member’ of our body, the tongue! He likens it to a small fire that can set a whole forest ablaze. To a tiny rudder which is able to control the direction of a huge ship. The tongue, he said, is untameable, “full of deadly poison”. That’s an awful yet accurate description of its powerful potential to do immeasurable harm and create dissent. At the same time, correctly ‘tamed’, our tongue may be used to bring blessing, comfort, encouragement and joy. A timely lesson for today. James is quick to point out the responsibility of every believer to ensure that our heart is right before our holy God so that our tongue is used to bring glory to God and news of good things, of which it is capable.
Discernment of truth is paramount. James writes to encourage those who are ‘of the faith’. He goes to some length to emphasize the characteristic which should be the evidence of that faith. “Good works” he said “is the tangible evidence of that faith.” By faith comes repentance. One needs faith to know that repentance has been accepted. (When our children were young, we required them to express sorrow for mis-deeds or poor behaviour. ‘What does “sorry” mean?’ We would ask, and then provide an answer. It means ‘I won’t do it again!’). Where is the evidence that repentance has occurred in a person? And of what has one repented? Scripture teaches that we need to repent of ‘sin’, (‘chata’ in Hebrew, an archery term, which means ‘missing the mark’), but we need to understand what that means. On this point some are confused, but the Bible is quite clear. In contradistinction to “chata” (missing the mark) is “Torah” (derived from the Hebrew word “yarah”, another archery term, meaning ‘hitting the mark’.) So clearly, the Biblical definition of ‘sin’ (from which we are to repent) is “missing the mark” and by our repentance (turning around) we “hit the mark”. By taking heed to God’s instruction (Torah) for righteous living. The evidence? A lifestyle which is different! By inference, James is teaching “No evidence, no repentance!” And my dear friends, on the authority of Scripture if there is no repentance there is no salvation! “Repentance from sin” is a bedrock, principal, teaching of John the Baptizer, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach and Rabbi Sha’ul. And to come ‘full circle’, the evidence is there for all to see, and it is manifest, not in what we say, but in the “works” we do, that is, how we live our lives.
James embarks on a kind of checklist of questions for our discernment about where we stand. “Where do wars and fights come from among you?” “Do you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” “Do you think that the Scripture says in vain ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? Then he quotes from Proverbs “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Then the practical advice of a wise counsellor. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners; and purify your hearts you double-minded.” Did you know that one of the purposes of the ancient sacrificial system was so that the penitent person would literally “draw near to God”? Sacrifices were made at the Tabernacle or Temple. The very place of God’s habitation among the people. And when the penitent ‘drew near to God’ God drew near to him. Burden lifted. Peace of mind.
Finally, in this very practical letter of encouragement to believers, James provides a concise definition of sin. It is well worth pondering. “To him that knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” Just notice one more time believing friend. It’s not what you say, it’s what you do!
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 44
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
The first observation we make is that the name ‘James’ is the anglicized version of ‘Ya’akov’, the Hebrew name of this Apostle. There are three James’ who ‘might’ be the author of this letter. One was brother of John and son of Zebedee and Salome. He is thought to have visited Spain and Portugal to encourage and preach to Jews of the diaspora there, but little else is known about him. Another is the half-brother of Yeshua, and the third was a son of Alpheus. No one knows. There is circumstantial evidence that it was one of the first two mentioned, but that matters little. It is the content which is important. The letter is written to the ‘scattered’ tribes of Israel, with a major focus being to exhort the recipients to exercise and exhibit their faith by their actions, not only with their words. For that reason, his observation of double-mindedness in those of the faith is also a theme of the letter.
The letter lacks the personal associations which are a hallmark of Paul’s writings, but James is well aware of the trials and difficulties being faced by his fellow Jews in their diaspora “ekklesia” and gets directly into the purpose of the letter. “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” he said. There was no IF involved, it was WHEN. Living a life of faith will always attract the attention of others, and they are not all sympathetic. There will be trials. James said that this amounted to a test of faith, which teaches patience, which in turn strengthens that faith as one leans more and more on the Lord for comfort and support. I paraphrase here, as James said “If you are not sure how to proceed, ask God, he will provide the strength and wisdom you need to continue, but be sure to ask without doubting, because if you are unsure of God you will be like a ship in a raging sea, tossed about all over the place. Be single minded in your asking and trust God for his leading. If you are double-minded you will be confused in discernment whether or not it is God who is speaking to you!”
Everyone experiences temptation, and it comes in many different forms. Do not be fooled into thinking that temptation is from God. It is not. And because this letter of James has some focus on double-mindedness, a mixture of sorts, I think he might consider that temptation, which has its root in one’s own desires, is because the outcome of temptation springs from the fact that issues of relationship with a holy God have not been fully settled. To put it more positively, the single minded person, having settled the issue of a relationship with God, has little difficulty in deciding the course to take when temptation arises. Right and wrong are more easily distinguished. Resistance to temptation more readily dealt with. Why? Well the Apostle Paul put it well. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will with that temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) One’s reliance on God provides the strength to overcome.
James exhibits “Solomonesque” wisdom in this letter. It is jam packed full of good advice. “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” Yeshua did not have much time for the Pharisees on this account. He once told his Jewish audience (Matthew 23:3) to DO what the Pharisees say you should do (because they said all the right things) but DON’T do what they do! Could that be said of us? Most of us are good hearers, but are we DOERS of the word? Accept the challenge and ponder the thought.
Chapter 2 deals with the issue of ‘partiality’. Treating people differently because of their wealth or standing in the community. It is still a big issue for some synagogues who actually sell tickets for the best seats and duties in the (mo’edim) holiday festivals. There is always a ‘rational’ explanation, but never a good reason! That is why James deals with it head on. He heads straight for the Torah, and again he ends up making comparison between what one says one believes, and how one acts. It is easy to point a finger at the recipients of this letter and nod the head approvingly, but what does the letter say to ME, today. It’s practical. It’s relevant. It’s challenging. Or it should be!
Here is one JUST for me! “If a brother or a sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them ‘be warmed and filled’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit (them)?” In that context, James says your faith is dead. Your faith takes on life when it is accompanied by action. A good deed. “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Talk is cheap dear friends, getting one’s hands dirty is a bit different.
So to Abraham. James reminded his audience that “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness” How did that work? Well God called Abraham to leave his country and go to another. Abraham obeyed God, not only then but other times too. He acted. He was a DOER. And he was a DOER out of pure trust in what God called him to do. No-one has any doubt of Abraham’s standing before God.
And that sums up the lessons contained in our reading today. Faith is important, without faith we cannot please God, I tread on thin ice with some here, BUT there is more. Faith that stands still doesn’t get one anywhere. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” We are called by God for a purpose. That purpose can only be fulfilled as we respond, take up the challenge and DO what we have been called to do.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
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
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 39
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
Timothy was born in Lystra of a Greek father and a godly Jewish mother, Eunice. With the able assistance of his equally godly grandmother, Lois, he was schooled in the Hebrew Scriptures from an early age. As a very young man, he met with Paul, whom he joined in ‘apprentice’ ministry. Later entrusted with the oversight of the “ekklesia” in Ephesus, it was there he received these encouraging pastoral letters, probably written during Paul’s imprisonment years in Rome.
Paul continued his fatherly advice to the young Timothy in his role as leader of the “ekklesia” in Ephesus. He wrote about the way Timothy should relate to people of different age groups. It is sound practical advice. That he recognizes that older people, with many years of life experience probably already know things that younger people are still learning. And that he understands that, for a young man in his position, the younger women may have a capacity to misunderstand his actions as he embarks on teaching them. So Paul entreats him to show proper respect for each age group. Widows are given special mention. Those “who are real widows” is a reference to the fact that they have special needs because they have lost the support of husbands who took care of them. English translations suggests some might even claim to be widows but are not. The Torah commands that widows and orphans are to be cared for because of their particular vulnerability. There was no ‘social security department’ of Governments, so the “ekklesia” was expected to provide that security for its needy members. However, there is also the injunction that those with close relatives should be provided for by those relatives. Additionally, there is the need for sound judgment in respect of widows, who when married were both hospitable and good mothers, and might still be able to attract another husband!
It is clear that Paul had expectations that married women should be engaged in the care of their homes and their families. A full-time task for any person. It is a matter for speculation what Paul might write today to an “ekklesia” which has families with small children. It seems almost a given today that both parents continue in their pre-marriage occupations, and many times small children are handed over to complete strangers in a child-care centre for their early life training. The very time when they are so impressionable! “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” is the way Solomon expressed it in Proverbs 22. Attitudes and practices are sown into the minds of very young children by those who care for them. Selah.
Paul instructed Timothy to teach the people to care for their own family when they had the capacity to so do, and not to rely on handouts from the rest of the ‘ekkelsa”. Those who laboured in the teaching ministry were not to be neglected either, if those duties impinged on their capacity to earn their own living. Then a curious inclusion. “Use a little wine for your stomach’s sake” is open to improper interpretation. Perhaps an emphasis on the word “little” would have been in order!! But this phrase appears in the middle of advice about taking care to delve into a person’s character before offering them the blessing of fellowship. It might have been that Timothy’s frequent bouts of infirmity was being taken advantage of by some. Paul was intent on impressing the young Timothy to take care of his own health so that he could make sound judgments about those in his sphere of influence, because Paul knew full well that the world has plenty of folk capable of hiding the truth if it brought advantage to themselves.
The ‘master/servant’ situation is difficult for us to fully comprehend in our modern society, but evidently there were cases where both master and servant were believers, and therefore “brothers in the Lord”. Sometimes this situation led to dispute and argument. Paul’s advice was that Timothy withdraw from such disputes, knowing that the relationship was one of complexity which needed to be worked out between the persons involved in love and respect for each other in their roles. (My personal experience as an employer of many christians in my business life gave me insight into the way some sought to use our “brotherliness” to gain advantage. Paul said there should be no partiality, and I came to understand that perfectly!).
Finally, a comment on another widely misquoted text. How often have you heard it said that “money is the root of all evil”? I have heard it often. But what Paul actually said was that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Money is an everyday necessity in the conduct of our lives. There is great blessing in sharing that which God has provided with others in need. And it is not difficult to see “love of money” as ‘money accumulation’ for its own sake. Honesty before God, and with one’s self, soon reveals intent. For some, too much money is never enough!! That is ‘the love of money’. From that, Paul said, flows a root of all kinds of evil. Not the least being selfishness and avarice. “Command those who are rich to do good .. ready to give, willing to share” is what Timothy was told to say to the “ekklesia”. Let us ask God how we can use our money wisely, and to prompt us to seek areas of need.
Shabbat Shalom
RS