Reflections
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
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 38
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.
“If a man desires the position of a bishop …” So Paul inadvertently opened a veritable ‘can of worms’ for religious leaders in the last 1700 years, since the Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea. The ‘church’, divorced from its Judaic roots, has conjured up a meaning which results in whole-hearted embrace of our hierarchical church structures, extending even to virtual dictatorship in some cases. Certainly it was always intended to be an exemplary position, as evidenced by the characteristics and moral standards listed for such person. But it was not a position of rank, as we understand it, but within the “ekklesia” a position of one who gives significant loving service, in humility, as a leader and teacher. Such a person, was encouraged by Paul to seek that close relationship with his Saviour and Lord in order to qualify him for such service as a true disciple of Yeshua.
There is endless discussion about Paul’s qualification list. Not many would honestly claim to fulfil them all. Often they would be mostly qualities recognized by others rather than presented by a particular individual in a job application sense. There is some ambiguity about one condition. Does “the husband of one wife” mean married only once? Or, as some hold, having only ‘one wife at a time’? Whatever it is, this formidable list means that a ‘bishop’ is a very special man indeed. Highly respected by the “ekklesia”, and carrying authority as a result. Deacons and their wives are similarly expected to have exemplary qualities. It is such a high standard, and this is for those who desire to be servants of the Lord within the “ekklesia”. So we might question why is such a standard expected? Paul provides the answer, “so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the “ekklesia” of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” That is a remarkable undertaking. Paul is saying that those of us who are believers, present ourselves to the world as representatives of YHWH Elohim , and our behaviour, even in the way we conduct our family lives, impacts on those who are unbelievers because they look at us as God’s representatives. Check the list out again and do some self-assessment! It is extremely challenging. Over and over again I see the Scriptures as prescriptive of how we should behave, what we should DO, as opposed to what we say. They provide an instruction manual of righteous living, not just a series of feel-good stories.
Timothy is warned that “some will depart from the faith and give heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” In every “ekklesia” there have been attacks of the enemy resulting in some falling away. And one of those attacks is to quite subtly cause misinterpretation of this very instruction of Paul’s. In Chapter 4:3 the words “to abstain from foods” are used. Most of us were taught in our churches that this is a reference to the dietary laws of the Torah weren’t we? But it is not, otherwise we believe those dietary laws are part of “the doctrines of demons” according to verse 1. As in other epistles, Paul is warning Timothy against the philosophies of the Gnostics and Ascetics, which we remember teach that abstention from some things leads to a “higher spirituality”, allowing entry into the very courts of heaven. This is the “doctrine of demons”. The Torah, as we will discover later in our study of this letter, made Timothy “wise unto salvation” being, as it is, God’s instruction for righteous living.
Finally, for this week, Paul gives Timothy practical advice, of which every believer should take careful note. Having told him to ignore any who made comment on his youthful age, he said “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” That is a good start eh? But then “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.” An encouraging charge to this young man. And if we read the Scriptures as they were intended to be read, it provides an encouraging charge to all of us too.
Of all Paul’s epistles, this one probably contains the most practical instruction to believers. We know it was written to a young man setting out on his pastoral call. But it is full of practical advice for any who desire “the position of a bishop”. That high calling to the service of our God and Saviour, to which all should aspire. But in that aspiration, take careful note of the path that Paul describes. The personal qualities necessary in such aspirant. The attention and diligence required in personal behaviour. The need to diligently pursue the God-given gift within. And perhaps then to steadfastly hold to the truth of God’s revelation, seeking, in prayer, His continual guidance and direction on a daily basis. You will be blessed as you study this letter of Paul’s to the young Timothy.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 37
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’s concern, affection, and care for Timothy is immediately obvious from his introductory words. “A true son in the faith”. What a tribute!
The occasion when Paul “went into Macedonia” is not clearly defined in Scripture, (some think it may have been a time when Paul was released from prison in Rome and allowed to travel) but he obviously had some communication with Timothy then, and told him to stay in Ephesus and protect the “ekklesia” from false doctrine. I speculate here that possibly things were getting difficult for the young Timothy and he may have told Paul of the problems he was facing and that a change of scenery would be appreciated! By this stage of his life, Paul was well versed, both in the Scriptures and in the heretical doctrines which had sprung up to deceive and deviate believers from true faith in Yeshua as Saviour. In large measure, the falsehoods emanated either from Judaizers, as in the “ekklesia” in Galatia, or from philosophic Gnostics, as in Colossae. It seems likely that here in Ephesus the concern came from the teachers of the philosophers, described by Paul as ‘fables and endless genealogies’.
In his excellent commentary on the “Jewish New Testament”, David Stern sees two other possibilities. Firstly a pride based Judaism which took ancestry as a source of superiority. And secondly, a trend which is not uncommon today in Messianic believers, those who attempt to endlessly search for some trace of Jewish ancestry in justification of their elation at the affinity they find in their love of God’s chosen. He goes further, and I quote. “The modern day version of giving “attention to myths” and “speculating instead of doing God’s work” is excessive concentration on God’s plan for the future, so that people foolishly focus on doomsday and neglect good deeds here and now.”
The certainty is that this letter to Timothy contains many truths which apply, not only to the situation in Ephesus then, but to the reader of this letter today, and particularly to Pastors and Teachers of “ekklesia” in the 21st century. Writing about that sincere faith, Paul concludes “from which some, having strayed have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law (God’s instruction for righteous living) understand neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.” That is straight talk indeed. There are many in our “ekklesia” today who even teach that the ‘law’ is obsolete!! Now understand this. When Paul gave these instructions to Timothy, the ONLY Scriptures available were the Torah, the Prophets and the Psalms. That teaching was not obsolete then and it is not obsolete today. Paul affirms again, as he instructed Timothy out of those Hebrew Scriptures, that God’s instruction was not for the righteous, but for the sinners, of whom we are part. If there is any doubt read verses 9 and 10, wherein he specifies readily identifiable sins. Then the good news. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”. Paul claimed to be chief among them!
“There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all”. No matter what the heretics and the philosophers teach. Gnostics hold that there are various beings between God and man. We remember that there was a time when Moses was the mediator between God and man. Yeshua became the promised “Prophet like Moses” in that sense.
As we continue in chapter 2, we come to Paul’s discourse on the role of women. In verse 8 he writes about men praying with uplifted hands (see Ps 63:4 and Ps 134:2) and verse 9 begins with the words “in like manner also”, which continues the theme of prayer. But mostly we concentrate our attention on the women’s dress etc. Now I believe, in the context of life in Ephesus at that time, to be a direct reference of comparison between the worshippers of God, and those women at the temple of Artimus in Ephesus (temple prostitutes no less) who were gaudily dressed to attract men’s attention! Additionally, the women in the “ekklesia” are exhorted to ‘learn in silence’. A Hebraic understanding here readily allows us to understand the priestly nature of a man’s position in his home. He was responsible then, and should be today, for the teaching and nurturing of his family in the things of God. Paul is instructing Timothy of his Pastoral role within the “ekklesia” of teaching men, many of whom would be Gentiles, in the manner and form of worship and conduct. It was Hebraic. It should be still!
The issue of women ‘teaching’ men is unpopular in our churches isn’t it? But Paul seems to be quite unequivocal in his declaration that women are not to exercise spiritual authority over men in the “ekklesia”. However, the word ‘silence’ is better translated ‘at rest’.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Torah Reflections “Shavuot”
Torah Reflections “Shavuot”
Torah portions Exodus 19:1 to 20:23 and Numbers 28 :26 - 31
Haftarah portion Ezekiel 1 : 1-28 and 3 : 12
The Torah of YHWH given to Moses
Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16 have the commandments about annual observances of the “mo’edim”. (The Hebrew word for “appointed times”, which in turn is usually translated into English as “feasts”). These are times when God specified He would meet with His chosen ones.
Today, they are most often referred to as “Jewish Feasts”. That correctly describes the fact that they are observances remembered by Jews. But it is an incorrect understanding of the Scriptures.
When God gave these instructions to Moses, He carefully worded these ‘appointed times’ (mo’edim) as MY ‘mo’edim’. They may be characterized as times when God says, in effect, “I will be there to meet with you on these specific occasions”. Those who choose not to attend miss an opportunity of blessing through meeting with Him at His invitation.
This ‘appointed time’ is fixed in relation to Pesach. Seven Sabbaths plus one day later. ( In the Christian reckoning, it is called “Whitsun” and is seven weeks after Palm Sunday, but it bears no relationship at all to the ‘mo’ed’ of the Lord specified in Leviticus 23.) Some pretty exciting things happened at Shavuot, and the festival (also known as the Feast of Weeks) figures most significantly in the prophetic calendar as it relates to Yeshua.
Firstly, by Jewish calculation, and there is good evidence for it, this was the time when Moses was on the mountain communing with the Lord and receiving the instructions for righteous living, which we know as Torah. (see Exodus 19:1) That, in my view is cause enough to celebrate. The very Word of God, which is ‘sharper than any two-edged sword’, came to us at this time of the year. An immeasurable blessing. My Bible tells me that Moses spoke “all that the Lord had told him” and wrote it in a book.(Exodus 24: 3 and 7). More importantly, that was the exact time that the first covenant was sealed, when the people voluntarily agreed as they said “all that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient”.
Secondly, according to Acts 1, Yeshua returned to His Father 40 days after his resurrection from the grave. But He told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem. Just 10 days later was the festival of Shavuot. Jerusalem was overflowing with people, there for the festival from all over the known world (as it is today for the three pilgrimage festivals). Then came a sound ‘like a mighty rushing wind’. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit of God, the One who points to Messiah, was sent to minister His blessing to those who would receive it.
The disciples, already emboldened at meeting the resurrected Lord Yeshua, were imbued with power from on high. No longer the ‘shrinking violets’ who were shattered by the death of Yeshua on that cruel Roman cross. They spoke boldly to the throngs of people in the Temple courtyard, and miracle of miracles, the foreigners present all heard these fishermen from Galilee speaking in their own several languages. It is almost impossible to imagine. But by the power of the Holy Spirit of God, over three thousand were added to the company of believers that very day. Now that surely is another reason to celebrate.
But there’s more!! Both events related above did not stop.
Today, we have the precious Holy Scriptures, written in so many of the world’s languages. The faithful Jews who were entrusted with those Scriptures have carefully preserved them for our blessing and instruction down through the ages. In the early days, meticulously copying by hand every ‘jot and tittle’. Every yod and vav.
The Holy Spirit of God is alive and well in the earth today. His role on earth is to point us to Messiah Yeshua, by any and all means possible. He brings strength to the ‘weary’, comfort to the ‘afflicted’, guidance to those who seek, and blessing to all who ask.
So if any still wonder why we should celebrate Shavuot, I trust that this ‘reflection’ will provide some answers. But there is a much greater and compelling reason. God commanded it. His promise, is included in the introductory remarks of this ‘reflection’. He will be there to meet all who come. It is a special time. It has never been revoked.
You will be blessed as you meet together and thank Him for His unspeakable gift.
Shabbat Shalom
RS
Brit Hadashah Reflections
Brit Hadashah Reflections 36
Hebraic understanding of the Apostolic letters
2 Thessalonians 1 : 1 to 3 : 18
1 Thessalonians was one of Paul’s earliest letters, full of encouragement. It is thought to have been written about 52 C.E., probably from Corinth, following a glowing report from Timothy after his recent visit there. This “ekklesia” in Thessalonica was born (Acts 17) when Paul and Silas (Acts 16) had a vision to visit Macedonia. Because some misunderstanding arose from his first letter, Paul was constrained to write again a short time later. Today, it is a city called Salonika, of over 1 million people, it was then an important port city on the Aegean Sea.
Some commentators think that the two letters to this “ekklesia” were written by different people, because they consider that there are some contradictions about the second coming of Yeshua contained therein. This is not the case. Certainly there appeared to be some apparent misunderstanding, which Paul was quick to explain in this second letter, and to that extent we should be mindful that here we have an expansion, or more complete account, by Paul, of the events which he said would take place before Messiah Yeshua would return to this earth. As is the case with all Scripture it is quite unwise to “cherry-pick” individual verses to build a doctrine. And most of us are quite capable of, and reasonably good at, that!
If there had been telephones then, Paul might have cleared up the problem with a quick chat. But distances were substantial for the mode of transport available, and handwritten letters had to be conveyed in person from one place to another. In the intervening time frame, any misunderstanding would have had plenty of time to take root. That appears to be the case here, and also Paul addressed some issues of false teaching which had crept in to the “ekklesia”. We ‘reflected’ last week about the fact that some members had stopped working because of their conviction that Yeshua’s return was imminent. Possibly even in the next several days or so. Paul addressed that in his first letter, but obviously not well enough! The chapters and verses in our Bible today are convenient for reference but did not exist in the original! However, in chapter 1 Paul again commends this “ekklesia” for its faith walk, and encouraged them that their detractors would receive their just rewards from God Himself. Obviously, there were ‘imitators’ of Paul sowing seeds of doubt and confusion in their ranks regarding the teaching about the return of Christ. Some even holding that Christ had already returned! Paul countered this with “Let no one deceive you by any means: for that Day (of the Lord) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” Here clearly, Paul is declaring at the very least that the ‘Day of the Lord’ will come AFTER the revelation of ‘the Beast’ of Scripture, which most identify as ‘the Anti-Christ’, and that revelation will not be positive until he demands to be worshipped in the Temple. But at present there is no Temple, but there was when Paul wrote this letter. For that reason we are better placed to understand the timing of the Lord’s return than were those who lived in Paul’s day. Interestingly, this ‘anti-christ’ is also described as “the man of lawlessness”. To the extent that that is a description of someone who separates himself from Torah (which is translated as “Law” in our Bibles), the world, and even the present day church, is brim full of candidates for that role. It is also an inconvenient truth that many of our churches today see great revival coming! Well that may well be, but should that be the case, then the Lord’s return is even further away than many of us think, because Paul declares that Yeshua’s return will be preceded by a great falling away!
We take this declaration of Paul lightly at our peril. He was taught by the Lord Himself, and his words are to be carefully noted. He actually describes a situation we see today with this statement. “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of truth, that they might be saved.” There is such deception abounding today. The forces of the evil one are rampant in society at large, and in many countries, including Australia, it is even against the law of the land to speak opposition (under threat of their being offended) to these evil influences in our community. Then “finally”, Paul often has a “finally” doesn’t he? And this “finally” has some real bite, because Paul seeks to crystalize all that he wanted to say when he began to write! He assumed an air of authority, and he didn’t mince his words, so please take careful note. He prayed for their deliverance from unreasonable and wicked men, then assured them that the Lord would guard them from the evil one. But there were conditions. He went into “command” mode. Space does not permit expansion here, but his words are sufficient. “Withdraw from a fellow brother who walks in a disorderly way!!” He reminded them that he provided them with the example of ‘orderliness’. With an eye on those who used the excuse of the Lord’s imminent return to stop working he said “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” How direct is that? But there was more. “Any who disregard” my word in this letter is to be ostracised.” Wow! But do not treat him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother (in love). So much for the wishy washy way some deal with issues today eh?
Shabbat Shalom
RS