Paul’s second letter to Timothy was probably written no more than a couple of years after his first. While Timothy was still laboring away at Ephesus, Paul’s circumstances had changed quite dramatically. He was no longer in Macedonia, but in prison at Rome for a second time. And unlike his house-arrest at the end ofContinue reading “Blessed Are The Refreshers!”
Tag Archives: Paul
Useful!
Based on data frompeople applying for Social Security cards for their children, the most popular baby names for boys are: Liam, Noah, Oliver, Elijah, James, William, Benjamin,Lucas, Henry, and Theodore. But no Onesimus. That’s too bad. Although it’s a little long at four consonants (you’d probably have to come up with a shortenedversion), it’s aContinue reading “Useful!”
A Rich Text
Rich is a word often used and associated with material wealth. We hear about the Fortune 500—a list of the 500 richest companies in America. Then there is the Forbes 400—a list of the richest people in America. And on it goes. But, of course, rich can be used in other ways. Nutritionists speak ofContinue reading “A Rich Text”
The Predators Vs. The Ducks
I heard on the news recently that the Predators beat the Ducks. That doesn’t sound like a fair match up, does it? To make matters worse, the Ducks’ coach was fired afterwards. I’m not sure what they expected of him, but there is justice in this world. Not long after, the Predators played the Sharks,Continue reading “The Predators Vs. The Ducks”
Sincere Faith
Quick question: What would Paul have been without Timothy? Timothy was Paul’s helper for almost twenty years. What did he do for Paul? Basically, whatever Paul needed to have done. Paul left him at Ephesus to deal with some problem teachers while he went to Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3ff). He sent him to Thessalonica fromContinue reading “Sincere Faith”
The Regret That Brings Life
After King Agrippa has heard Paul‘s defense (which seems to have struck a nerve with him – Acts 26:26-28), he tells Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (v. 32). Perhaps he is faulting Paul’s strategy in appealing to Rome (he knows nothing of the plot againstContinue reading “The Regret That Brings Life”
Looking For The Intersection
Whatever else we might see when we look in the mirror in the morning, we don’t see the Apostle Paul staring back at us. That’s because whatever self-illusions we might have, we don’t confuse ourselves with him. Neither did people in the first century. When you think about it, Paul was a very singular individual.Continue reading “Looking For The Intersection”
Fear, Faith, And Focus
When I was growing up, we had a white Siamese cat named Charlie. I don’t know how much breeding goes into a white Siamese, but I know this—Charlie was thoroughly domesticated. He was a household cat with a capital “H.” Yet every once in a while, Charlie got the itch to see what was onContinue reading “Fear, Faith, And Focus”
Disciples And Hardships
I think it was Bobby Knight, the mercurial coach of Indiana men’s basketball for many years, who spoke about the player who shows up on game day saying, “I’ll do whatever it takes to win the game today.” He said that was good but who he really wanted was the player who shows up forContinue reading “Disciples And Hardships”
A Question About Our “Rights”
Kevin wants to know about Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 9:21 concerning becoming all things to all people—is it permissive or limiting? My understanding is that it is both a permissive and limiting text. When I was growing up, our mother would always tell us before we went somewhere to “Have fun and behave.” AContinue reading “A Question About Our “Rights””
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 