King's Business - 1918-12

THE KI NG' S BUS I NESS but it is evident from a study of the epistle that in fact Paul was the real author, (e. g., ch. 2:17-20). Timothy must have been a very young man at this time, for he is still referred to as a young man twelve years later (1 Tim. 4:12; 2 Tim. 2:22). He occupies a more prominent place in Paul’s writ- mgs than anyone else, two of the Pauline epistles being addressed to him and his name being associated with that of Paul in the address of five epistles. H |3 began by being an attendant upon ' < Paul early in his work (cf. Acts 16: 1-3), and remained with him to the end of his life. He was Paul’s dearest friend (2 Tim. 1 :2). Paul does not here speak of himself as an apostle, but simply as Paul. His apostleship was not questioned at Thessalonica, as it was later by some elsewhere; so it was safe for him to be friendly and. not stand upon his dignity. The designation of those to whom he wrote is deeply significant, “ the church of the Thessa­ lonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The local habitation of the church was Thessalonica, its real and eternal habitation was “ in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” How secure is the church dwelling in God and in Jesus, (cf. John 10:28, 29; Matt. 16:18). The Deity of Jesus Christ comes out very clearly in the * way in which His name is coupled with that of the Father. It would be shock­ ing to couple the name of any finite being with that of God the Father in this way. The greeting in this first verse is simple but inexhaustible in meaning, “ Grace to you and peace.” Grace is God’s unmerited favor and all the blessings that flow from it, i. e., all possible blessings, for every possible blessing is wrapped up in God’s favor. Peace is the profound rest of heart that comes as an experience to all who trust in God’s grace (cf. Phil. 4:6, 7). Here as everywhere without exception, “ grace” precedes “ peace.” There is no peace except through God’s grace. MONDAY, Dec. 23. 1 Thess. 1:2-5. Paul begins by returning thanks for them in the same way he begins every epistle except that to the Galatians. The backsliding of the Galatians from grace to legalism was so appalling as to make thanksgiving for them out of the question. Paul was very quick to see that in others which was worthy of commendation, and when he saw it his heart immediately went up in thanks- /

1106 other. For example, the great doctrine that all things were created in Christ is found in the Epistle to the Colossians and not in the Epistle to the Ephesians (cf. ch. 1:15-17). On the other hand, the Epistle to the Ephesians is very rich in its teachings about the Holy Spirit, while in the Epistle to the Colos­ sians the references to the Holy Spirit are very meager (cf. ch. 1:8; 3:16). SATURDAY, Dec. 21. Col. 4:17, 18. An especial admonition is added for Achippus who was probably the son of Philemon (Phile. à), and in a position of responsibility as pastor and teacher, or some other responsible officer of the church in Colossae. Paul bids them to tell him to “ take heed to thè ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that (rather, in order that) thou fulfil It,” i. e., fill it full (cf. 2 Tim. 4:5, R. V., Rév. 3:2 R. V .). “ A minister of Christ is often in highest honor with men for the perform­ ance of one-half of his work, while God si regarding him with displeasure for the neglect of the other half.” Arch- ippus had “ received” his ministry, that is, it was not self-chosen by God-given (cf. Acts 20:24). He had received it “ in the Lord,” because of his relation to the Lord Jesus. Paul adds his per­ sonal salutation with his “ own hand.” Paul did not usually write his letters with his own hand, but added his sig­ nature as an attestation of genuineness (cf. 2 Thes. 3:17). As he raised his hand to add his personal salutation his chain dragged and rattled and he adds “ remember my bonds.” These bonds were for them and a proof of his love to them, and should spur them on to new zeal for Christ. The benediction is shorter than usual. It is nowhere else so short except in 1 Tim. and 2 Tim. Though short, it is comprehensive, “ grace be with you.” Grace includes every blessing. SUNDAY, Dec. 22. 1 Thess. 1:1. In point of time the first Epistle to the Thessalonians is the first epistle that Paul wrote. He associates Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy with himself as authors of it. Both Silas and Timothy had been with Paul in Thessalonica and were deeply interested in the believers there. It was an act of courtesy and rare humility on Paul’s part to thus associate the names of these two com­ panions and co-workers with his own,

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