Come Follow Me: Hebrews 7-13

Come Follow Me: Hebrews 7-13


Hebrews 7
 
Melchizedek was king of the ancient city of Salem.  The name “Melchizedek” literally means, “King of Righteousness.”  This king was so righteous that Abraham paid tithes to him.  Melchizedek offered a holy supper to Abraham and others after a successful conquest (Genesis 14, see JST Gen 14).  Melchizedek was a Gentile, and yet held a priesthood greater than Abraham.  Some traditions hold that Melchizedek was Shem, the son of Noah.  That Levi and Aaron were subordinate to Father Abraham shows that the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood is subordinate to the Melchizedek order of priesthood.

Of Melchizedek, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith:

“26 Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.
27 And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch,
28 It being after the order of the Son of God; which order came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God;
29 And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name.
30 For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course;
31 To put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from before the foundation of the world.
32 And men having this faith, coming up unto this order of God, were translated and taken up into heaven.
33 And now, Melchizedek was a priest of this order; therefore he obtained peace in Salem, and was called the Prince of peace.
34 And his people wrought righteousness, and obtained heaven, and sought for the city of Enoch which God had before taken, separating it from the earth, having reserved it unto the latter days, or the end of the world;
36 And this Melchizedek, having thus established righteousness, was called the king of heaven by his people, or, in other words, the King of peace.”

 
In the Book of Mormon, Alma spoke of the priesthood being from before mortality, and that faithful men were foreordained to the priesthood. Alma explained:

"And again, my brethren, I would cite your minds forward to the time when the Lord God gave these commandments unto his children; and I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people.

2 And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption.

3 And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such....

9 Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen....

11 Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.

12 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God....

14 Yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchizedek, who was also a high priest after this same order which I have spoken, who also took upon him the high priesthood forever....

17 Now this Melchizedek was a king over the land of Salem; and his people had waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness;

18 But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the holy order of God, did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father.

19 Now, there were many before him, and also there were many afterwards, but none were greater; therefore, of him they have more particularly made mention." (Alma 13:1-19)

 The priesthood is actually the Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son. However, we call it after Melchizedek, because of who he was.

In Melchizedek, we have a prototype and foreshadow of Jesus Christ.  Melchizedek took a wicked people and made them fit to be translated or taken up into heaven.  He was able to do great works and miracles through the power of his priesthood.  This priesthood preceded him, held by Enoch and Adam, who received it from the premortal Christ.  Melchizedek was called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), as a symbol of Jesus Christ’s role as the ultimate Prince of Peace.

So important was Melchizedek and his priesthood that in the Dead Sea Scrolls’ 11Q Melchizedek, the fragment tells us:  “Melchizedek is El (God)!”  and “Melchizedek is Yahweh (Jehovah).”

This is not to be taken literally that the mortal Melchizedek is God the Father  (El) or Jesus Christ (Jehovah).  It is to say that Melchizedek is a symbol of the Father and Son.  Yes, as a divine heir with Christ of all the Father has given, Melchizedek the man also became a king in heaven, sitting on God’s throne (we’ll discuss more in the upcoming lessons in Revelation), etc.  Remember, Melchizedek literally means, “King of Righteousness.”  Jesus is our eternal King of Righteousness under Father’s direction.

As before noted, justification, or being guiltless is brought forth by the blood sacrifice of Christ, the great High Priest.  The power and ordinances of the Lord’s great priesthood also provides for sanctification as we are made holy through faithfulness, obedience and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Lord is in his Temple - a New Covenant
Hebrews 8-10

Paul brings us to the Tabernacle or Temple of the Lord.  The Tabernacle was Moses’ portable Temple, where the children of Israel could remain in God’s presence (the temple represented the House of the Lord and his Shekinah [Presence]).  Later, King Solomon’s temple would replace the Tabernacle, but the same rites and teachings would continue regarding the sacrifices.

Jesus would be the high priest and king in the heavenly tabernacle, pitched by God and not man.  While in the earthly tabernacle, animal sacrifices continued day and night in order to atone for man’s sins under the Law of Moses, in the heavenly tabernacle would be only one divine sacrifice.  Rather than sacrifice an animal, this one sacrifice would be the lamb of God and Israel’s High Priest, Jesus Christ.  

With the divine sacrifice came a new covenant to replace the old one. No longer would the Levitical priests be required to sacrifice animals on the altars of the temple.  Instead, Jesus will redeem all mankind in his sacrifice.

How can it be that Jesus was not sacrificed in the temple, but we see this as pertaining to him?  Because during the last week of his life during Passover, Jesus taught daily in the women’s court of the temple.  And anciently, the entire city of Jerusalem was considered the outer court of the temple. It was the holy city, where the Lord’s presence shown in his house within the city.  To slay Jesus in Jerusalem was to essentially kill him in the outer parts of the temple or Tabernacle.

The ancient Tabernacle contained sacred emblems to represent God.  Paul mentions the Tabernacle containing different rooms, some more sacred than others, as well:

“1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly” (Heb 9).

Once one entered in from the outer court where sacrifice was made, the priest entered into the Holy place.  In this place was the menorah (candlestick with 7 candles), and the table holding the shewbread.  In Christian teaching, the menorah represents the Holy Ghost and how it lights our path in life.  The shewbread table (which often also held a cup of wine) represented the Savior Jesus Christ as the bread and wine represented his sacrifice.

Within the veil was the Holy of Holies.  Herein was found the most sacred of items representing God and his promises to man: manna as the Bread of Life, Aaron’s rod also representing life after death, and the Mercy Seat or throne of God sitting upon the ark of the covenant.  Each of these represents a member(s) of the Godhead, and more especially represent Jesus’ various roles as Sacrifice (shewbread), our Example (menorah), resurrection (Aaron’s rod), and eternal life (manna). Judgment and Mercy are shown forth at the Mercy Seat by Jesus, who is our Judge and Intermediary with the Father.

While the priests went daily to offer animal sacrifice and to care for the menorah and table of shewbread, only the chief high priest would enter into the Holy of Holies, and this only once per year.  His temple vesture included bells on the fringes of his robe, so that the priests outside could hear if he was still alive.  A rope was tied to the chief high priest, so that if God were to strike him down, they could pull the deceased out of the Holy of Holies without entering inside. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would perform an atonement for himself and all of Israel, sprinkling the blood of a sacrifice upon the Mercy Seat, the ark of the covenant, and all of the holiest of items.  

Jesus was the chief high priest who entered into the Holy of Holies of the Heavenly Tabernacle, and after shedding his own blood for himself and all mankind, would then go forth and take his rightful place sitting upon the throne or Mercy Seat.

In chapter 10, Paul tells us that sacrificing animals really cannot atone for our sins.  This is done as a symbol of the great sacrifice done by Jesus Christ for all mankind.  

“11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Heb 10).

Paul finishes explaining his quoting of Psalms 110, wherein the Lord will make his enemies his own footstool.  When the Lord ascends to the Mercy Seat, he will judge all mankind.  Those who have embraced Christ in faith and repented, will be his true disciples and receive the promises made.  Those who reject the Lamb shall be judged for their sins.

Faith and Endurance
Hebrews 11-12

Paul goes into a discourse on faith, describing how the ancient prophets were accepted of God because of their great faith.  Abel, Enoch, Abraham and others obtained great blessings of God due to their faith.  We are promised the same blessings as we become as they were, with unshakable and enduring faith in Christ.  

In verses 33-34, we see what power was given to the prophets (compare this with Melchizedek’s power above):

“ 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”

While they all experienced great trials, and many were slain for their testimonies, they will receive a great reward in heaven for that faithfulness.  In times of trial, studying their faithfulness through difficult time can give us the strength and faith to endure well.

In chapter 12, we find that the Lord chastens those he loves.  God allows difficult times to occur to the righteous, simply because gold is purified by the highest heat, while the dross is left behind.  We cannot easily increase in faith, hope, charity, compassioin, mercy, forgiveness, patience, love, or any other godly characteristic without a trial that will push us beyond our comfort zone and into the arms of God.  We only find joy when we find true meaning in life.  The plan of salvation shows us that the trials are necessary so we can learn to be and think as God does,  And it is necessary so that we come to truly appreciate the atonement of Jesus Christ.  If life were easy enough to get through without sinning, we would have no need of the atonement.  But then we would not really understand compassion.  Paul taught that Jesus suffered so that he would know how to succor us (Hebrews 2:18, Alma 7:12).

“ 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb 12).

If we are truly children of God, we will endure the trials he allows us to go through.  And we will seek to learn the lessons we need to learn, in order to be like him.  If we refuse to accept such trials and learn from them, we are not true children of God, but reject his corrections and guidance.  As stated above, such gives us meaning in our lives and from such comes the peace, holiness and the fruit of righteousness.

God is the “Father of our spirits.”  He has prepared his Only Begotten to be the great and final sacrifice.  God imbued Christ with the Melchizedek Priesthood, so that he could perform all his mighty works, and above all, make us holy and able to enter into the Holy of Holies with Jesus to stand in God’s presence once again.

Bibliography

Jim Faulconer’s notes on Hebrews:  http://feastuponthewordblog.org/2011/09/03/nt-sunday-school-lesson-37-jf-hebrews/

Theopedia on Hebrews: http://www.theopedia.com/Epistle_to_the_Hebrews

Wikipedia on Hebrews: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_the_Hebrews

Catholic Encyclopedia on Hebrews: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07181a.htm

Early Christian Writings on Hebrews: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/hebrews.html

Catholic Resources on Hebrews: http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Epistles-Hebrews.htm

Justification and Sanctification, see lesson 36 on Romans: http://joelsmonastery.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-testament-gospel-doctrine-lesson-36.html

Joseph Smith Translation concerning Melchizedek the King of Salem: http://lds.org/scriptures/jst/jst-gen/14?lang=eng

11Q Melchizedek in Dead Sea Scrolls:
http://joelsmonastery.blogspot.com/2010/03/gospel-doctrine-ot-lesson-10.html
http://joelsmonastery.blogspot.com/2010/02/lds-gospel-doctrine-class-old-testament_22.html

Come Follow Me - Hebrews 1-6

 Come Follow Me - Hebrews 1-6

Background

Although traditionally attributed to Paul, the actual authorship of Hebrews is unknown.  In the fourth century AD, St Jerome supported Paul as its author and is likely the reason the tradition continues today.

However, unlike the other Pauline letters, Hebrews does not claim who wrote the epistle.  While the teachings are Pauline in nature, they are not in the language Paul would normally use.  Some scholars also note that Hebrews 2:3 suggests it could not have been Paul, as he was among the first generation that heard the Lord’s voice (albeit in a vision).

While there are many possible candidates for the authorship of Hebrews, scholars consider Barnabas (Paul’s missionary companion) and Apollos (one of Paul’s junior companions) as the two most likely authors of Hebrews.  Because it is traditionally attributed to Paul and is Pauline in nature, I will use traditional attribution.

To whom the letter was specifically written is unknown.   The writings show that it was probably directed to a group of Jews or Jewish Christians who had access to and knowledge of the Hebrew Bible.  It is based upon Psalms 110 as its theme, and so the reader would have been very aware of the text of that psalm.  

Because the epistle discusses the Tabernacle/temple imagery, it is thought by many to be written prior to the destruction of the Jewish Temple (70 AD).

Purpose of the Epistle to the Hebrews

Hebrews was written to strengthen the waning faith of some Jewish Christian members, who were being harassed, perhaps by Jews and local leaders.  It was also written as a logical explanation of how Jesus as Messiah could fit into the Mosaic landscape.  The temple and the Law of Moses were administered by priests of Aaron, of the Levite priesthood line.  How then, could Jesus, who was descended from Judah, ever be able to fill the priestly duties of the Messiah.

While many Jews awaited a kingly Messiah (Messiah ben David), Jesus did not seem to fill those sandals in his mortal life.  Rather than leading armies to expel the Romans, Jesus taught to “render unto Caesar.”  Paul would describe Jesus as a priestly Messiah.

In the Dead Sea Scrolls (written around the time of Jesus), the Qumran people foresaw a coming priestly Messiah of Aaron that is similar to Jesus’ role as Savior of the world.  Given Jesus was not a descendant of Aaron, he could not be that Messiah.  Paul will spend much of the epistle, using Psalms 110 as his text, explaining how Jesus could not only be the descendant of King David, but also be the servant who would make the eternal sacrifice.

Christ - the Image of God
Hebrews 1-2

Paul begins by explaining to the Jewish Christians that Jesus has greater power than most realize.  Through Christ, God has created the worlds.  While God spoke through prophets anciently, he now called his heir to speak to mankind during Jesus’ personal mortal ministry.  

Jesus was heir of all things, and different than the angels, because God proclaimed at Jesus’ baptism, “Thou art my son, this day I have begotten thee” (Heb 1:5, Luke 3:22 - where some early copies of the Gospel of Luke actually repeat Paul’s quote).  No one had been begotten of God before.  Because of the Fall, all mankind was removed from God’s presence.  But Jesus opened the door for a spiritual adoption and reconciliation with God.

Jesus receives the throne and scepter from God (Heb 1:8, Ps 45:6).  Paul is using the ancient Jewish teachings and important current Christian writings to show Jesus is fulfilling them.  In fact, a major portion of his discussion on Christ will revolve around Psalms 110.

“But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?” (Heb 1:13).  

Compare this question regarding the status of angels to the Psalmist’s prophecy of the Lord:

“The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Ps 110:1).

God said unto the Lord Jesus to sit at his right hand until all things are finished and the wicked are destroyed.  Paul will continue using Psalms to explain Jesus’ divine nature and calling.

In Hebrews 2:6-8, Paul quotes Psalms 8:

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet.”

He then explains that Jesus was below all the angels and all things in his death and suffering.  Yet, Paul previously noted that the resurrected and glorified Jesus “being made so much better than the angels” (Heb 1:4) as a stark contrast to the cross.

“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham” (Heb 2:16).  

Jesus did not merely become an eternal servant of God, but an heir of Abraham and so an heir of God the Father, as well.  In his later discussion, Paul will explain how all can become heirs of Abraham, rather than merely servant angels.

Apostle and High Priest
Hebrews 3-4

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus” (Heb 3:1).

We find two interesting points here: First, Jesus is an apostle and a high priest.  Second, Paul insists that the members of the church are “partakers of the heavenly calling.”  

Discussing the second point, we may ask what is the heavenly calling?  It is exactly what Jesus’ life, ministry and resurrection has shown forth.  All mankind may become heirs of God, receiving all that God has through Christ, rather than being serving angels in the eternities.

That Jesus is an apostle and high priest denotes his holy calling.  Apostle is a Greek word meaning, “Sent”.   Jesus was sent as a special messenger of salvation to mankind.  Through the power of the apostleship, he would be able to restore the ancient authorities and powers, which the Jews had lost through disobedience. Included would be ordinances and teachings that would sanctify mankind.  Through the Gift of the Holy Ghost via the laying on of hands, mankind would be made holy and worthy of being divine and an heir with Christ of all God’s blessings and promises.

As high priest, Jesus would be in the position to perform the great sacrifice required to save mankind from sin.  Jesus’ sacrifice would open the door for mankind to believe and repent, making people guiltless.  Mankind receives justification through the Savior’s great expiatory event.

Paul then compared Jesus to Moses.  Moses was a great prophet in Israel, but it was Jesus as Jehovah and Lord that created Israel in the first place.  While Jews focused much honor on Moses as the great law giver, Jesus gave Moses the law to Moses.  Israel sinned in Moses’ day and lost the promised land.  They were literally cast out of God’s presence when they chose to rebel against Moses, and so were not allowed to enter the Lord’s rest (presence). Through Christ's atonement, we may regain the eternal Promised Land and be reconciled to God.

In modern revelation we see that Moses recognized the Lord's importance as the center of salvation. The Lord explained that Moses attempted to bring Israel into the presence of God on top of Mount Sinai.  The people refused to ascend the mount, and instead chose to rebel and sin.  Because of this, the Lord took the higher priesthood and law from them, giving them the Law of Moses and the lesser priesthood (D&C 84:19-26).

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief” (Heb 3:19).

Levitical/Aaronic Priesthood vs Melchizedek Priesthood
Hebrews 5-6

So, how could Jesus perform high priest duties without being a Levite or holding the Aaronic Priesthood?  Paul explains that there was a priesthood that preceded and excelled above the Aaronic Priesthood:

“4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Heb 5).

No one could hold any priesthood office, unless called of God, as Aaron was called of God through the prophet Moses.  Just as God had proclaimed at Jesus’ baptism that he was begotten of God, so the Father also proclaimed him a high priest after the order of Melchizedek (Psalms 110).

Melchizedek was king of the ancient city of Salem.  The name “Melchizedek” literally means, “King of Righteousness.”  This king was so righteous that Abraham paid tithes to him.  Melchizedek offered a holy supper to Abraham and others after a successful conquest (Genesis 14, see JST Gen 14). Abraham was the first Hebrew, but honored Melchizedek as someone who was greater than himself.

Melchizedek was a Gentile, and yet held a priesthood greater than Abraham.  Some traditions hold that Melchizedek was Shem, the son of Noah.  That Levi and Aaron were subordinate to Father Abraham shows that the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood is subordinate to the Melchizedek order of priesthood. This is the direction Paul taught in explaining how Christ could be the Great High Priest, who could enter the Holy of Holies.

Of Melchizedek, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith:

“26 Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.
27 And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch,
28 It being after the order of the Son of God; which order came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God;
29 And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name.
30 For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course;
31 To put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from before the foundation of the world.
32 And men having this faith, coming up unto this order of God, were translated and taken up into heaven.
33 And now, Melchizedek was a priest of this order; therefore he obtained peace in Salem, and was called the Prince of peace.
34 And his people wrought righteousness, and obtained heaven, and sought for the city of Enoch which God had before taken, separating it from the earth, having reserved it unto the latter days, or the end of the world;
36 And this Melchizedek, having thus established righteousness, was called the king of heaven by his people, or, in other words, the King of peace.” (Genesis 14 JST)  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/jst/jst-gen/14?lang=eng

In Melchizedek, we have a prototype and foreshadow of Jesus Christ.  Melchizedek took a wicked people and made them fit to be translated or taken up into heaven and the presence of God.  He was able to do great works and miracles through the power of his priesthood.  This priesthood preceded him, held by Enoch and Adam, who received it from the premortal Christ.  Melchizedek was called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), as a symbol of Jesus Christ’s role as the ultimate Prince of Peace.

So important was Melchizedek and his priesthood that in the Dead Sea Scrolls’ 11Q Melchizedek, the fragment tells us:  “Melchizedek is El (God)!”  and “Melchizedek is Yahweh (Jehovah).”

This is not to be taken literally that the mortal Melchizedek is God the Father  (El) or Jesus Christ (Jehovah).  It is to say that Melchizedek is a symbol of the Father and Son.  Yes, as a divine heir with Christ of all the Father has given, Melchizedek the man also became a king in heaven, sitting on God’s throne (we’ll discuss more in the upcoming lessons in Revelation), etc.  Remember, Melchizedek literally means, “King of Righteousness.”  Jesus is our eternal King of Righteousness under Father’s direction.

Come Follow Me - 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon

Come Follow Me -  1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon

Background

The letters to Timothy and Titus are considered the Pastoral Letters.  Whereas other letters from Paul were written to congregations of people in one city or another (Ephesus, Corinth, etc), these were written directly to the bishops or pastors of Ephesus (Timothy) and Crete (Titus).

All three letters are considered by many scholars not to have been written by Paul, but perhaps by later followers. Several reasons are given, including a different style of writing, and the concept of a very organized church structure that probably did not exist during Paul’s time.  While those who believe Paul wrote them place the letters at the end of his life (64 AD), many scholars believe they were written later - in the late 1st century or early 2nd century.  One reason given for this timeframe is that Paul seems to deal with Gnostic issues, primarily in 1 Timothy, which did not become a major issue for the Church until long after his death.

2 Timothy may have been written prior to the other two letters, but was placed second behind 1 Timothy, as it is the shorter epistle.

Early Christian histories note that Timothy was bishop of Ephesus.  The apostle John lived with Timothy several years, just prior to being exiled to the isle of Patmos.  Around the age of 80, tradition states Timothy was beaten and killed by the pagans in Ephesus.

Titus was bishop or archbishop of the island of Crete. According to tradition, he remained bishop until his death of natural causes in his nineties.

1 Timothy

Paul and Women’s role in the Church

Timothy was given special guidance by Paul to remain in Ephesus and be its primary leader.  Paul had begun the Church, spending years there building up and strengthening the new converts.  Now he writes Timothy to give guidance regarding issues that affect not only Timothy, but all ecclesiastical leaders in the Church.  Paul does not tell Timothy to have just one wife, but that all bishops should only have one wife.

His description of duties and expectations for women in Timothy is controversial and differs from previous council given.  One of his greatest assistants in preaching the gospel was Priscilla (Acts 18, Romans 16:3, 1 Cor 16:19).  Paul had stated that there was “neither man nor woman in Christ” but that all were alike in salvation and in the work.  Why would Paul allow Priscilla to actively preach, and then command that women be silent in Church?

Here in 1 Timothy, Paul places the blame of the Fall and sin on the woman. Yet, elsewhere, Paul squarely places the Fall on Adam’s shoulders (1 Cor 15).  Clearly, either Paul had a major change of heart regarding his views of the gospel over just a few short years, or someone else wrote 1 Timothy.

While some Christian churches use Paul’s wording to place women as subservient to their husbands, many churches today see the words of 1 Timothy as only applicable to the culture of his day.  While the priesthood was clearly reserved in Old and New Testament times to men, the ability to preach, teach, and even prophesy was given to women back then, and should be part and parcel of the Christian church today.

Apostasy
1 Tim 4

“1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

The author of 1 Timothy was probably pointing the finger at a group of Christians known as the Encratites.  This Gnostic group started in the early 2nd century AD, and among their beliefs were the forbidding of marriage and the abstention from meats.

Here in the last days, we also find that religions would judge people on minor issues.  Doctrines of salvation would be replaced with creeds and rules that would exclude people from the salvation of Christ.  Today, we find many Christian religions that inevitably set up Pharisaic rules to set them apart from other religions.  “We have salvation!  All others are not real/true Christians!”  Since the restoration of the gospel in these last times through Joseph Smith, the Church has dealt with Shakers (who forbid from marrying) and other religions that demand followers to be vegans.

Some religionists attempt to call other Christians either cults and/or non-Christian, while claiming the title for themselves.  In doing so, they proclaim to be the “historical” Christianity.  Yet, a look at the history of Christianity would show that Protestantism did not begin until 1300 years after the Nicene Council.  Religions like the Southern Baptists have very little actual history of their own, having begun in 1845 over the slavery issue.  Some pastors of today would cut Mormons out of Christianity AND Catholics as well!  In doing so, they literally disconnect themselves from the history they claim to have.  Such speak hypocrisy in their lies regarding those who, while of a different faith, have accepted Christ as their personal Savior.

2 Timothy

Apostasy again
2 Tim 4

“2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

The author of 2 Timothy is aware of the struggles occurring in Ephesus in the days of the apostle John.  There are those appearing in the city who claim to be apostles, but are not.  For some reason, people bore of the gospel teachings, and seek for new teachings that can satisfy their “itching ears.”

In Revelation 2, the Lord said the following to the angel or bishop of Ephesus, possibly Timothy:

“1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

Clearly the warning of Paul to Timothy was to keep preaching the gospel, otherwise he would lose his congregation to others.  Jesus also warns Timothy through the apostle John to not leave his “first love” or that of diligently teaching the Church and protecting it from the false apostles and liars that were coming from Gnostic sects (Encratites and the Nicolaitans).

The Epistle to Philemon

The epistle to Philemon is considered an undisputed letter of Paul. It is the shortest letter written by Paul, written from Ephesus or Rome.   If the letter to the Colossians is authentic, then Philemon probably dwelt there. Being wealthy, his home was large enough to house Church meetings for the poor Christian group there.  

Paul wrote to Philemon on behalf of Philemon’s slave Onesimus (“useful”), who was described as not so useful at times. While the exact division between Philemon and Onesimus is unknown, various scholars believe Onesimus was a runaway slave.  Onesimus probably escaped with his pockets full of Philemon’s wealth. Paul sent Onesimus back, accompanied by this letter not only to make things right, but also to achieve a reconciliation between the two Christians.

This is a very personal letter to Philemon.  Martin Luther described Paul’s letter as “holy flattery.”  Philemon should follow the forgiving attitude of a good Christian, while also reminded that Paul is his apostolic leader.  Because of Onesimus’ conversion, he should be considered not just a slave, but a brother to Philemon.  Paul basically asks Philemon to not only forgive Onesimus, but to redeem him by freeing him.

From this, we can learn that just as Paul had sinned grievously and still was reconciled to Christ, Philemon should be Christ-like in forgiving and embracing Onesimus.  And so we do for those who are indebted to us, for regardless of the size of debt, ours to Christ is still vastly larger. 

Bibliography

Pastoral Letters: http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Paul-Pastorals.htm

Epistles to Timothy and Titus, Catholic Encyclopedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14727b.htm

Authorship of the Pastoral letters: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/1timothy.html

1 Timothy - wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Epistle_to_Timothy

2 Timothy - wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Epistle_to_Timothy

Encratites - wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encratites

Titus - wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_Titus

Paul’s reference to Epimenides in Titus and the Epimenides’ Paradox:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epimenides_paradox

Book Review: Gathered in One, by Bradley J. Kramer

Book Review: Gathered in One - How the Bookof Mormon Counters Anti-Semitism in the New Testament, by Bradley J. Kramer



Ever since the Romans sacked Jerusalem in 70 AD, Jews have been a hiss and a by-word of the nations.With the temple destroyed and Jews scattered throughout the Empire, there was not much hope for them to recover. In hopes of completely eliminating the Jews from memory, the Romans eventually renamed the city and repopulated it with other peoples.

Jews faced pogroms in Russia and Poland. We all remember the look on Tevye's face (played by Topol) in Fiddler on the Roof, as his oldest daughter's marriage feast is ransacked by Russian soldiers, or when they were forced to leave their village, Anatevka. In reality, this forced pilgrimage occurred in hundreds of villages throughout Russia.

The Spanish Inquisition tortured Jews into converting into Christianity, dying, or fleeing into yet another exile. Hitler blamed Germany's problems on the Jews, who were treated as chattel and marched into furnaces by the millions. To this very day, anti-semitism threatens Jews throughout much of the world.

This anti-semitism comes to us, in part, from the New Testament. In his book, "Gathered in One," Bradley J. Kramer discusses how the New Testament, and especially the Gospels and Acts put full blame on the Jews for the death of Jesus. He doesn't stop there. He then explains how the Book of Mormon counters that anti-semitism, not by trying to smooth it over, but by addressing it directly.

"Gathered in One" is about 150 pages long, and contains the following chapters:

1. Gathered in One
2. A Book Proceeded Forth
3. A Record to Establish the Truth of the First
4. We Did Observe to Keep the Commandments
5. "Think Not That I Am Come to Destroy the Law"
6. That the Last May Be First, and the First May Be Last
7. I Will Gather Them In

"The Book of Mormon is unique. Simply as literature, it stands alone."

So begins the first chapter. Throughout the rest of the book, Kramer shows us one important way in which it is such a valued volume. The first chapters discuss the New Testament's hatred towards Jews, and in a very convincing manner. Kramer quotes various scholars on how they attempt to manage the more difficult passages: from trying to take the Bible as a whole, to totally dismissing those verses and stories as later additions to the story.

For Kramer, the Book of Mormon takes a different approach. It engages anti-semitism "at its New Testament source."  Nowhere does the Book of Mormon explicitly discuss anti-semitism, but throughout its teachings and stories, it shows a love for the scriptures (Brass Plates), the Law of Moses, and the dispersed of Israel.

While the Book of Mormon never names any specific Jewish holiday, Kramer shows from inferences inside the tome how each major holy day (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot) was instituted by Lehi and the Nephites. Interestingly, he also engages the concept of the Sabbath, explaining that the Jubilee was a year long Sabbath, where even the land rested. This was a time when slaves were freed, debts forgiven, and the people focused on and rejoiced in their God. Then, from the Book of Mormon, he noted that during the period of 4 Nephi, the Nephites enjoyed a "centuries long" Sabbath. This expanded the idea of the holy Sabbath, extending it longer than the Bible does, in anticipation for the millennial Sabbath when the Savior comes again.

Where Paul left the Jews for the Gentiles and the known world, Nephites dealt with "near-Gentiles" or Lamanites. Kramer shows that as Paul and his companions had a big vision that turned them from destroying the Church to being its greatest missionaries, so the Book of Mormon has a similar story. Alma, Ammon and his brethren were also changed through an angelic vision. After preaching among the Nephites to repair their wrong-doings, they went out to the Lamanites to bring them from their pagan beliefs back to Christ. Just as Paul was persecuted, yet had great success, so Ammon and his brethren struggled but gained many converts.

Kramer uses many such analogies to show how the Book of Mormon focuses on bringing people to Christ, that they are not cast off forever. In fact, the Book of Mormon frequently speaks of the return of the Jews, and Kramer carefully covers this area. It isn't the Gentile Christians who will bring them back (though they will carry them on their shoulders), but the Lord who will prepare them.

The Book of Mormon IS unique. It has the fullness of the gospel. It deftly handles many modern issues of faith within its pages. Bradley J. Kramer shows us another key way in which the book deals with such an important issue. Our modern world has often revolved around hating Jews, frequently based upon their reading of the New Testament. The Book of Mormon teaches us to love the Jews and thank them for providing us the Bible in the first place. Kramer's book helps us to see the many facets of that respect found within the Book of Mormon.


Available at:

Greg Kofford Books:  https://gregkofford.com/products/gathered-in-one

Amazon Books: https://www.amazon.com/Gathered-One-Anti-Semitism-Testament-Contemporary/dp/158958709X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=kramer+gathered+in+one&qid=1571654310&sr=8-1

Come Follow Me - 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Come Follow Me - 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Paul and his companions had only a short period in Thessalonica to preach the gospel. Having much success in converting Jews and Gentiles in the area, Paul was cast out of the city for disturbing the normal peace in the area.

Growing in Holiness

In writing his first epistle to Thessalonica, he was reassured of their faithfulness in following the path upon which he set them. However, he wanted to encourage them to continue on that path.

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.  

"He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

"But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

"And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;" (1 Thess 4:7-10)

Paul did not want them to remain settled on one level of goodness, but to daily become ever more holy.  We hear this same encouragement from President Henry B. Eyring:

"He (Alma) taught his son that increasing in holiness was the only path to happiness. He made it plain that greater holiness is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ cleansing and perfecting us. Only by faith in Jesus Christ, continuing repentance, and keeping covenants are we able to claim the lasting happiness we all yearn to experience and retain.

"My prayer for today is that I may help you understand that greater happiness comes from greater personal holiness so that you will act upon that belief. I will then share what I know for myself about what we can do to qualify for that gift of becoming ever more holy.

"The scriptures teach us that among other things, we can be sanctified or become more holy when we exercise faith in Christ, demonstrate our obedience, repent, sacrifice for Him, receive sacred ordinances, and keep our covenants with Him. Qualifying for the gift of holiness requires humility, meekness, and patience." (Henry B. Eyring, "Holiness and the Plan of Happiness,"October 2019 General Conference, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/51eyring?lang=eng )

For Paul, receiving the grace, love and goodness of God was not a one shot deal. Nor was creating a holy people. Pres Eyring emphasized the need for more holiness, as the pathway to happiness in this life, and into the eternities. Note he wished for us to understand that happiness comes from greater holiness, and then to act on that belief. 

So, do we truly believe that happiness comes from greater holiness? If so, then why do we seem to act as if our belief is otherwise? Why do we seek happiness from worldly things, except we believe deep down inside that is where we must find it. Clearly, many of us do not understand this principle. Or, if we understand it, we do not believe it enough to act upon it.''

Translation and Resurrection

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

"Wherefore comfort one another with these words."(1 Thess 4:13-18)

Paul had to reinforce some concepts for the people. First, there is a resurrection. The dead will arise. Unlike the pagan religions, there is hope for a glorious resurrection. 

Then, he explained what would happen to those alive at Christ's Second Coming: they would be translated or raptured. This change in the body is not a permanent one, but will allow the righteous to stand in the presence of Christ, as he comes in his glory. 

Some Christians miscontrue these passages as meaning a rapture that will occur 3 1/2 years prior to the 2nd Coming, as one reads in the "Left Behind" book series. While the books are interesting, they don't reflect the actual teaching here. There will be no rapture that takes true believers out of the midst of the final tribulations. Instead, the righteous will establish Zion, as a refuge from the storms (D&C 45), until Christ comes in glory again.

In chapter 5, we get the sense that the 2nd Coming would come soon. In fact, the early Christians believed the Second Coming would happen in their generation, and so were eagerly awaiting it. In his second epistle, Paulfurther explained that several key things had to occur prior to the 2nd Coming, suggesting it may not happen as soon as some members wished.

Paul ended this first letter:

"Rejoice evermore.

"Pray without ceasing.

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

"Quench not the Spirit.

"Despise not prophesyings.

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

"Abstain from all appearance of evil.

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thess 5:16-23)

2 Thessalonians

In his second epistle, Paul clarified his teachings from the first letter regarding the 2nd Coming. 

"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

"That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

"Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." (2 Thess 2:1-4)

Many Christians in the early years believed Christ would return in that same generation. Paul explained that there were several things that first had to occur. One was that Satan, in the form of a powerful ruler, would have to not only rule over the earth, but set himself up on God's throne. This is both a political and religious leader that will offer a form of salvation to mankind. Only through the glory of Christ's 2nd Coming would this impostor be truly revealed and dethroned.

Knowing that such would be a huge trial for the true believers, Paul encouraged:

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." (2 Thess 2:15)

For us in the latter days, as we see Satan sitting upon the thrones in many nations, or holding the hearts of government leaders, and knowing many people are enticed by their offerings and other forms of worldly salvation, it is very necessary to "stand fast." In fact, on many occasions, we are encouraged in scripture and by modern prophets to "stand in holy places and be not moved" (D&C 87:8). 

With millions of voices screaming in our ears over television, internet, and other media, it is not easy to stand fast. Satan seeks to stir us up to anger or to pacify us to sleep (2 Nephi 28). However, if we focus on Christ and his gospel, understanding and acting upon becoming more holy, we find that we can find peace and happiness even while the world is in commotion. As we become holy, the places where we stand become holy, as well. In such places of holiness, we will not be moved.