1 Timothy

First Letter of St. Paul to Timothy   

Title: This is the first letter of St. Paul to his younger colleague Timothy. His name means either “honoring God” or “honored by God”.                      

Date of writing: There is a standard view on the dates of writing – 62-65 AD (TLSB). Yet, Timothy “disappears” out of the narrative of the Book of Acts in ch. 20. Therefore, we cannot be sure that he was with Paul during his last visit to Jerusalem, imprisonment, and the trip to Rome. IMHO, he – Timothy – is going back to Ephesus together with the elders whom Paul summoned to Miletus before going to Jerusalem (Acts 20:17-38). Then the date goes back to 55-58.          

Structure:

a. 1:1-2, Greeting

 b. 1:3-20, stay away from false doctrine

  c. 2, Prayer for the world and authorities because God saves all people

   d. 3:1-13, Bishops and deacons

    e. 3:14-16, confession of faith

     f. 4:1-5, some will fall away

    e’. 4:6-16, hold this true confession

   d’. 5, relations to older people and elders of the congregation

  c’. 6:1-2, relations to the authorities outside of the church

 b’. 6:3-19, false teachings

a’. 6:20-21, Final greetings

Main themes:

Preeminence of stewardship (good order) of God over the myths, genealogies, vail discussions, relying on what is falsely called “knowledge” (1 Tim. 6:20).

Good order of the prayerful life for the sake of the whole world based on the fact that Jesus is the only mediator between the Creator and all people.

Qualifications for overseers (bishops) and deacons as ministers and relationship with the older men and women in the congregation.

The central point of the Epistle is the Christological hymn as a confession of faith (3:14-16).       

Main Characters: Paul and Timothy, and Hymenaeus and Alexander (as those who are opposing the work of St. Paul, 1:19b-20).          

Reflection in other parts of the Bible:

The letter should be correlated to the events of the Book of Acts chapters 16 to 20 – second and third missionary journeys of St. Paul.

Discussing the financial support of the ministers St. Paul reflects on the institutions of Torah/the Law (Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:15). But what is more surprising is the fact that he quotes from the Gospel of Luke 10:7 saying “for the Scripture says” (5:18).     

Lutheran teaching: The Book of Concord picks up the idea of Jesus as the only mediator of redemption between God the creation (1 Tim 2:5), using this verse in different documents. It is an important statement by itself, but also as a frame of reference for a proper understanding of the role of the saints (AC XX:9; XXI:2; SA III, XIII:1; FC SD III:23).

Also, our Confessions use 1 Tim. 4:1 as a Scriptural argument to equal the teaching of demons and the attempts to use the traditions of the Church as the norm for theology. (AC XXVIII:49; Ap. VII and VII (IV):40; XV (VIII):4; XXIII (XI):58,63; XXVII (XIII):26; LC III:47).         

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 378 – Break Forth, o Beauteous Heavenly Light (1 Tim. 2:5)

LSB 905 – Come, Thou Almighty King (6:14-16)

Relevancy of the Book: This Letter of St. Paul should have an important part in our Biblical reading for three reasons. First, it shows us the challenges of the church of the First century AD and the proposed godly ways to overcome them. Careful reading shows that not much have changed in the nature of men and the challenges. Second, we see very close relations between the Apostle and Timothy – he calls him “my child” (1:18). It will be even more obvious in the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Third, it is important to note the usage of quotations from Luke labeled as Scripture (5:18).         

Memory verses:

4:16 – Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

2 Thessalonians

 Second Letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians  

Title: The letter can be seen as the continuation of the 1^st Thessalonians or a prequel to it. The decision will depend on interpretation of 2 Thes. 2:1-3. If the passage is a follow up on 1 Thes. 4 then this epistle is truly the second one. On the other hand, 2 Thes. 2:1-3ff. can be the first attempt to warn the believers at Thessalonica on the Day of the Lord concept and expectation of His arrival.                 

Date of writing: Finalization of the date of writing will depend on the decisions made concerning the order of the letter 1^st vs 2^nd (see “title”, and “date of writing” on the 1 Thessalonians).         

Structure:

a. 1:1-2, Greeting.

  b. 1:3-4, thanksgiving

    c. 1:5-12, Judgement of Christ

      d. 2:1-12, The man of Lawlessness

        e. 2:13-17, Stand Firm

      d’. 3:1-5, Prayer to be defended from the Evil one

    c’. 3:6-12, Practice of righteousness

  b’. 3:13-15, Warning of rebellious brothers  

a’. 3:16-18 final greeting

Main themes: Inevitable judgement that will be executed by Christ – cp. both Apostle’s and Nicene creeds.

Man of Lawlessness – very powerful, miracle performing person who will deceive the ones who rejected the truth.  

Standing firm in the faith/faithfulness by giving thanks (eucharist) in all circumstances (1:3; 2:13).

Importance of working (warning against idleness) for personal godliness, providing for the needs of the church, and support of commissioned brothers.     

Main Characters: Paul, Sylvanus, and Timothy (same names as 1 Thes.).          

Reflection in other parts of the Bible: Ministers of evil can/able to perform miraculous signs – just as the priests of the hard hearten pharaoh during the Exodus (Ex. 7:20-24; 8:1-7; 8:16-19). The evil one described in the epistle might correspond to the spirit of the antichrist (1 John 2:28; 4:3) and to beast of the earth who wears the number of the man (Rev. 13:11-18).   

Paul picks up the theme of Jesus’ second coming from his previous letter to the congregation (cp. 1 Thes. 4). The lawless one will be destroyed by the power of His mouth (breath here, and the sword in Rev. 1:16).

Good works should reflect the life of faithfulness (2:16-17, cp. Eph. 2:8-10; James 2:14-26).    

Lutheran teaching:

The very beginning of the letter (1:3) is used to discuss the benefits of the Sacraments (AC XIII:2), sanctification (LC II:57), and prayers for fulfillment of Ten Commandments (LC III:2).

2:3-4 The passage appears in the context of discussing the Church – its ruling, its ministries, role of Pope, and content of the prayers – in various confessional writings [Ap. VII and VIII (IV):4; XV (VIII):18; SA II IV:11; Tr. 39; LC III:47).    

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 833 – Listen, God is Calling

LSB 919 – Abide, O Dearest Jesus  

Relevancy of the Book: There are at least two important lessons readers can take away from the reading and studying of the epistle. First, the imminence of Christ’s coming. It might look like a delay to us, it is still the fact of human history that will come to fruition at God’s appointed times. Though we don’t need to waste the precious time of awaiting being the idle “busybodies”.

Second, the power of the Word of God is mightier than any tricks, miracles, or signs that the evil one can perform. Staying firm in the Word will help us to endure to times of temptations and tribulations being faithful to the only God: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.       

Memory verses:

3:10 – For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

1 Thessalonians

 First Letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians  

Title: The congregation is founded by St. Paul, as Luke describes it in Acts 17:1-9. Therefore, it is not surprising to hear the fatherly tone of his affection toward them (2:7-8, 11-12).             

Date of writing: There are two possible dates for the letter. First, it is written in 51 AD while St. Paul was in Athens (cp. 2:2 and Acts 16:16-40; 3:2-6 and Acts 17). Second, taking 2:14-16 into an account it is possible that the apostle wrote his epistle later, around the time of Jewish revolt of 66-70 AD (St. Paul was released of his changes from Rome by that time).       

Structure:

a. 1:1, Greeting.

  b. 1:2-10, our example to you to imitate

    c. 2, Pauls’ ministry to Thessalonians

      d. 3:1-5, we sent Timothy

      d’. 3:6-13, Timothy’s report

    c’. 4, Their life pleasing to God

  b’. 5:1-27, how to imitate

a’. 5:28 final greeting

Main themes:

Purity and holiness of life of God’s people (2:10 and 4:3-5)

Day of the LORD (4:13 – 5:11). It might be helpful to read this section together with 1 Corinthians 15.

Daily godly habits – work, prayer, giving thanks in all circumstances.    

Main Characters: Paul, Sylvanus, and Timothy.          

Reflection in other parts of the Bible:

St. Paul sets aside the power of the Word in comparison to the words of flattery. In a similar way he elevated the status of the Word vs. the wisdom of this world in his letter to Corinth (1 Cor. 1:18-25).

The ideas of purity and holiness are based on the Levitical instructions (Lev. 11 – 15 and 17 – 22).

If we believe that 1 Thes. is an early letter than it is worth noting that St. Paul gives more thought and devotion to the idea of the armor of God for a believer in the Letter to Ephesians 6:10-17.    

Respect for the leaders of the church (5:12-13a) is addressed in Heb. 13:17 and pastoral letters of St. Paul (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus).

Lutheran teaching:

Dr. Melanchthon uses 4:4 – control of one’s body in holiness and honor – as an illustration for the sanctity of marriage. Ap. XXIII (XI) 43, 65. 

5:17 is a valuable passage on prayer, LC II:19; III:24, 47; FC SD II:16. As a connection with God, as a thankfulness and praise, as a something we can exercise as a gift of relations with Him.

4:13-18 is used in the rite of Comforting the bereaved (Pastoral Care Companion, CPH [2007], 102)

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 801 – How great Thou art (v. 4 when Christ shall come, 4:16-17)

LSB 763 – When peace like river (v. 4, the Lord shall descend, 4:16)

Relevancy of the Book:   

The Epistle is a great reminder of the wholeness of our lives in Christ. The apostle shares the we are born into life through the work of His faithful ministers who “father” us to maturity. Therefore, we need to give them proper honor and support. Then, while we exercise our daily living, we need to maintain the godly standards of purity and holiness – for the sake of the communion of saints and for the positive witness to the outsiders. And, as we are loosing our brothers and sisters to eternal glory, we have a comforting promise from God – our resurrection in Christ. We know that we will be gathered by the throne of God with all the saints who preceded us for He is the Father of all.         

Memory verses:

4:14, for since we believe the Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.

Colossians

 Letter of St. Paul to Colossae   

Title: The epistle/letter to the congregation of Colossae. Colossae was a flourished city in 5 century BC onward, but by the time of St. Paul its glory departed – Colossae turn into a small provincial town. The closest large city was Laodicea (about 9 miles north-west from Colossae). It is usually thought that Paul never visited the town, but somehow he knows about the guestroom that Philemon might prepare for him.          

Date of writing: Usually it is taken that St. Paul wrote it during his time in Rome, while waiting for the trail. The letter to Philemon mentions Paul’s intention to visit his house church. It is “assumed” that Philemon and Onesimus are from  Colossae (4:9, cp. Philemon 1:1-2,10). This means that either his trial was successful, or Paul expected a positive decision on his case soon after the letter (prior is more plausible 4:3-4).  

Structure:

a. 1:1-2, Greetings

 b. 1:3-12, Thanksgiving and prayer

  c. 1:13-23, He is … (preeminence of Christ)

   d. 1:24 – 2:5, Paul’s ministry to the Church

    e. 2:6-15, Christ vs. philosophy

    e’. 2:16-23, Biblical tradition vs. human tradition   

   d’. 3:1-17, your actions in Christ

  c’. 3:18 – 4:1, Christ revealed in the relationships   

 b’. 4:2-6, be thankful

a’. 4:7-18, Final greetings

Main themes: Very high Christology – embodiment of the Divine, and preeminence of Christ over everything. 

St. Paul introduces the theme of philosophy – as an obstruction for acceptance of the Gospel. The addiction to philosophy might have led to the lukewarmness of the congregation (cp. Rev. 3:14-22, Laodicea is the closest congregation to Colossae).

Tradition(s) is an important theme that St. Paul presents as an opposition of godly traditions (shadows of Christ) which point to him to the human/esoteric traditions (ascetic practices, worshiping of angels etc.), which have no biblical foundation.  

Main Characters: Paul, Timothy, Epaphras, Tychius, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark (cousin of Barnabas, cp. Acts 15:36-41), Luke, Demas, Jesus/Justus. Saint and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae. Brothers in Laodicea and Nympha and her house church.          

Reflection in other parts of the Bible: The theology of incarnation – known as high Christology – begins in the Gospel of John and his other writings.

To understand the opposition of biblical vs. human tradition it is important to think of the liturgical calendar (Lev. 23, cp. Gen 1:14).

Paul uses the same tri-part structure of a society: husbands-wives, parents-children, masters-servants as in Galatians 5 and 6. The theme of servants (bondservants/slaves) is developed even deeper in the letter to Philemon.   

Lutheran teaching: Trinitarian theology and the teaching on incarnation based on Col. 2:9 is presented in LC II:6; FC Ep. VIII:34; FC SD VII:36 etc.

The theology of infant baptism finds is support and declaration in Col. 2:11-15 (FC Ep. XII:8; FC SD XII:13).

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 690 – Hope of the World (Col. 2:13-15)

LSB 732 – All Depends on Our Possessing (Col. 3:1-4)

Relevancy of the Book:  The letter shows us the unity of the believers through the Gospel, and only through the ministry of apostles. Paul never visited the congregation, yet he deeply cares for its faith and godliness. He wants them to be properly founded in the Word Incarnate – Jesus Christ, who is all in all: in teaching, in worship, in conduct, in care for each other. This gives us a proper perspective that we do not need to chase after the famous or illuminated “preachers” or extravagant teachers of philosophy. God cares for every congregation and a believer through the ministers that He called and ordained to preach the full counsel of God – the Scriptures – and administer the Sacraments.       

Memory verses:

3:16 – Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your heart to God.    

Philippians

 Letter of St. Paul to Philippi  

Title: Letter to the congregation in Philippi – a special city, Roman colony established in 42 BC by the Emperor Octavian. This is one of the most personal letters of St. Paul, where he has no objections to the life of the believers (cp. 1 Cor. 5 and 6, Gal. 3:1). First visit to Philippi is found in Acts 16:11-40, which tells us the story of Paul’s meeting with Lydia (very noble woman), magistrate, and the night shift overseer of the local jail.       

Date of writing: There is no consensus on the date of writing. There are two main possibilities – between second and third missionary trips or during “prison” trip to Rome (or straight from Rome).  

Structure:

a. 1:1-2, Greetings

 b. 1:3-11, Thanksgiving for partnership

  c. 1:12-30, Paul rejoices in his circumstances

   d. 2:1-11, Christ as the goal

    e. 2:12-18, Be an example

     f. 2:19-24, I will send Timothy

     f’. 2:25-30, I might send Epaphroditus

    e’. 3:1-16, Paul as an example

   d’. 3:17 – 4:1, pressing toward the goal

  c’. 4:2-9, Rejoice in the Lord

 b’. 4:10-20, You were faithful partners

a’. 4:21-23, Final greetings

Main themes: Centrality of Christ – reflected in the godly and exemplary life-style (as the lights in the world). The letter also reiterates the righteousness based on faith, not by works (the ideas brought to the congregation by false prophets).  

Main Characters: Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, bishops and deacons of Macedonian district with its capital (leading city) in Philippi. St. Paul also mentions the preachers of Christ that do it for the personal gain (either monetary or social privileges).        

Reflection in other parts of the Bible: 1:27 – oneness of spirit, and oneness of mind with faith should be taken as a parallel passage to Eph. 4:4-6: one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, faith one baptism, one God and Father.

Phil. 2:14-15 – shining as lights in the world. Relates to Mt. 5:14-16 which is based on many OT passages (Gen. 1:14-16; 15:5; Num. 1:36-37; Is. 2:2-3; Dan. 12:3).  

3:2-3 – based on a proper understanding of mutilation of the flesh (Deut. 23:1) and institution of circumcision (Gen 17). Also, circumcision as a background for the theology of baptism in Col. 2:11-12.

4:6-8 – apparently the idea of anxiety was an important topic for the Ancient World. Jesus picks it up in His interactions with Martha and Mary, where Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, while Martha is anxious. Therefore, St. Paul develops it into three-part structure of the Divine service as a “tool” against anxiety. 

Lutheran teaching: The teaching on the God’s foreknowledge, election, and predestination are partially based on Phil. 1:6 (quoted 3 times in the same article – FC, SD XI:21, 32, 42). God will make sure the completion of the good work that He began in them.  

At the same time 1:9 (FC, SD II:15) and 2:13 is an important Biblical passage for the understanding of the role of the human will (FC, SD II:14, 26, 39, 52). Out Lutheran forefathers stated that God used the means of grace not only to convert people, but also to work in them to will and to do.      

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 667 – Saints, See the Cloud of Witnesses (Phil. 3:12-14)

LSB 745 – In God, My Faithful God (Phil. 1:21)

Relevancy of the Book: There are three benefits from reading the Letter. First, we see a personal side of the Apostle – the warmth and joy he expresses toward the members of Philippians. Second, he brings them a very deep Christology as a basis for their lives: their faith and conduct. Third, based on this Christology he shows an example and encourages them to lead the life of piety and godliness. This can and should be expressed in the mind which will make the decisions of life based on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellency, worthy of praise (4:8).       

Memory verses:

4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   

Letter of St. Paul to Ephesians

 

Letter of St. Paul to Ephesus  

Title: Paul came to Ephesus at least twice: during his second and third missionary journeys. First time it was a very short visit to the local synagogue (Acts 18:19-21), but the second visit resulted in the founding of the local congregation, riot of the Jews, and near miraculous release (Acts 19).    

Date of writing: Based on the fact that St. Paul wrote a few times about chains (3:1; 4:1; 6:20), it is safe to assume that the letter is written either during his “trip to Rome, or at Rome. Also, he had a demonic/cultic attack during his second visit to Ephesus than anywhere else. No wonder, he writes to THEM about spiritual warfare. Therefore, it should be dated around 60 AD.

Structure:

a. 1:1-2, Greetings

  b. 1:3-14, spiritual blessings

    c. three aspects of unity

God in Christ	Christ in Church	Among the members
1:15-23, “mystery” of God in Christ	3, Mystery of Gospel	5:22-33, wives and husbands (mystery 5:32)
2:1-10, by grace	4, Unity in the Body of Christ	6:1-4, children and parents
2:11-22, One in Christ	5:1-21, walk in love	6:5-9, servants and masters

  b’. 6:10-20, spiritual warfare

a’. 6:21-24, Final greetings

Main themes:

Spiritual blessing

Submission in Christ

Salvation by grace

Spiritual warfare

Main Characters:

Paul, Tychicus (Acts 20:4).

Reflection in other parts of the Bible: 4:11 is the layout of ministerial functions of the church parallel to the orders of the priests and Levites of the tabernacle and the Temple.

5:1-2 refers to fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Therefore, the knowledge of the sacrificial system is presupposed for the readers/hearers of the letter. 

Pairs of husband and wife, of children and parents, and of servants and masters also find their description in Colossians 3.

Lutheran teaching: The whole discussion of the relations of grace, faith, and works is heavily dependent on the proper understanding of Eph 2:8-10. This passage is discussed at length in AC VI:1; XX:11, 27; Ap. IV (II):73, 85, 87, 93; XV (VIII):6; SA II, IV:24 etc.

Dr. Luther saw the Sacrament of the Altar as a prime means of defense against the dark arts, which are described in Ephesians 6:16 “if you could see how many knives, darts, and arrows are every moment aimed at you” (LC V:82).

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 504:3-4 – Father most holy (see TLSB, p. 2028, note for 6:21-24)

LSB 528 – Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

Relevancy of the Book:

People are still fighting and struggling with the assaults, yet we always need to remember that the battle is done with the spiritual spheres, not among people. People should be converted – not killed. We need to learn to use the spiritual armor to protect ourselves and advance the Gospel.   

Memory verses:  

2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Matthew 11:25-26

Text:

 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

Chiastic structure: 

Intro - Jesus declared (ESV)

1. a. I thank you, Father

2.   b. hidden from the wide and understanding

3.   b'. revealed to little children (ESV) 

4. a'. Father's gracious will

A Couple of Thoughts:

The fact that God revealed Himself to the babies (KJV) or infants has great implications. First, It is the will of the Father to open Himself up/to reveal Himself to everybody - including infants. It is truly gracious will - not based on achievements of "the wise and understanding" (as structure points out the contrast between the two). Jeffrey A. Gibbs in his commentary on Matthew (Matthew 11:2 - 20:34, CPH, 2010, p. 587), "That is to say, "infants" are people who are unable and insufficient in themselves to accomplish anything good." As latter St. Paul will state in his letter to Ephesians (2:8): for by grace you have been saved.

The fact that the understanding of the role of the Messiah in the world (note the answer [v. 25] to the question that the disciples of John the Baptizer brought to Jesus [v. 11:2-3]) means that on their own level that - infants - take it by faith. If this revelation is accepted by them, then there is no reason children should not be baptized!