(1) Repeated words
instruction v.14, to let you know how...v.15a, truth v.15b, amazing revelation v.16
There is a certain way to conduct in the church because it is a community that is based on truth. That is the reason behind chapter 1-2, why false teachers needed to be cast out, why Timothy and other men needed to pray, why women needed to be submissive and there are certain criteria for overseer and deacon.
(2) The church is described as the "the support and bulwark of the truth." v.15
support-(BDAG) a person or community recognized for spiritual leadership, pillar, support
bulwark-(BDAG) that which provides a firm base for someth., perhaps mainstay
From the meaning of these 2 words, it is hard to decide whether the church is the source of the truth or the church gives support to the truth? From the contend, the source of the truth was given in v.16b. By elimination, the church only acts as the support of the truth.
(BKC) Some people teach that the church as the “foundation of the truth” is the source of God’s truth, that no one can know the truth unless he depends on the teaching of some organized church or church group. But Paul was simply affirming the crucial role of the universal church as the support and bulwark—not the source—of God’s truth. His words should not be stretched beyond this.
(4) Reflection: How can we give support to the Gospel, the truth? I think, together as a church we shall believe in this truth, let people know about this truth, and defend this truth if other people try to change it. Which part are you doing now? Which part do you think you need to work on? Which part do you need help and training in order to do it better?
(3) The truth was given in a poem in v.16b
He was revealed in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among Gentiles,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
(1) Appeared in a body refers to the Incarnation of Christ. (2) Was vindicated by the Spirit refers to God’s demonstration through the Resurrection (cf. Acts 2:24–36), by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom. 8:11), that the crucified Jesus is Lord and Messiah. (3) Was seen by angels refers to His exaltation before the heavenly realm (cf. Phil. 2:9–11; Col. 2:15; Heb. 1:6). (4) Was preached among the nations (cf. Col. 1:23) and (5) was believed on in the world refer to the progressive fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through His preordained means (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18–2:5). (6) Was taken up in glory refers to the Ascension (Eph. 4:10).
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among Gentiles,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
(1) Appeared in a body refers to the Incarnation of Christ. (2) Was vindicated by the Spirit refers to God’s demonstration through the Resurrection (cf. Acts 2:24–36), by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom. 8:11), that the crucified Jesus is Lord and Messiah. (3) Was seen by angels refers to His exaltation before the heavenly realm (cf. Phil. 2:9–11; Col. 2:15; Heb. 1:6). (4) Was preached among the nations (cf. Col. 1:23) and (5) was believed on in the world refer to the progressive fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through His preordained means (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18–2:5). (6) Was taken up in glory refers to the Ascension (Eph. 4:10).
(4) Reflection: How can we give support to the Gospel, the truth? I think, together as a church we shall believe in this truth, let people know about this truth, and defend this truth if other people try to change it. Which part are you doing now? Which part do you think you need to work on? Which part do you need help and training in order to do it better?
Audrey
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