This pericope contains two imperatives in vs. 1 and vs. 5. The message is a warning.  Paul began this section – “Know this!”  This passage admonishes believers to guard your heart and your home. Difficult days are coming.  So, Paul identified what we ... Read More »

Paul’s imperative to Timothy in this section is to Remind them Who is them? The faithful men (2:2) that he is charged to instruct The reminder that Timothy was to deliver is written in 7 imperatives: remind them (14), be diligent (15), shun (16), depart (19)... Read More »

Paul previously used three examples: Soldier (not distracted) Athlete (Following rules) Farmer (hard-working) Here, he cites Jesus as the ultimate example of faithfulness.  Paul notes two aspects in particular about Jesus:  He is Savior and Messiah So, the c... Read More »

Paul’s instructions here contrast Phygellus and Hermogenes.  Instead, Paul is encouraging Timothy to be like Onesiphorus (and Paul 1:12).  The phrase, “YOU, therefore” is emphatic. This passage contains 4 imperatives, with the last one in vs. 7 (“Con... Read More »

This pericope has two imperatives (“hold fast” in vs. 13; and “keep” in vs. 14).  In this passage, Paul is reminding Timothy of 2 things that he possesses. In describing each possession, Paul issues Tim an imperative describing what to DO with that po... Read More »

Paul began this section by using a word he used of himself in Rom. 1:16, when he declared, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.”  Perhaps Timothy would remember that challenge as he used the same word here in challenging Timothy, “Do not be ashamed.” Paul... Read More »

Paul’s circumstances changed between the writing of 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy.  In the first letter, Paul was anticipating coming to see Timothy.  However, in second the letter, Paul was in prison.  The circumstances of Paul’s imprisonment and impending d... Read More »

Resources for Further Study: Charles Bigg, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistles of St. Peter and St. Jude. Edinburgh: & T. Clark, 1956. John Brown, Expository Discourses on 1 Peter. Volume II. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1975. E. ... Read More »

1 Peter 5:1-14 Preaching 5:1-4: “Taking God Seriously” Main Idea: In a church marked by persecution and purification, leaders must be shaped by the truth and sustained by the triumph of Jesus. Understand the emphasis (1) therefore, in light of suffering (4... Read More »

1 Peter 4:12-19 Preaching 4:12-19: “The Truth about Suffering” Main Idea: When you understand that suffering for Christ’s sake is both prescribed and purposeful, you can treasure and trust Him in the fire of suffering. Respond biblically. (12-13) do not ... Read More »

1 Peter 4:1-11 Observations on 4:1-6: Verses 1-3 address the “sufficiency” of past time spent in sinful behaviors. Verse 1 connects the past suffering of Christ to the command “arm yourselves (hoplisasthe-Aor. Mid. Imper.) with the same mind (ennoian).�... Read More »

1 Peter 3:8-22 Observations on 3:8-12: In verse 8, note the use of five adjectives related to a healthy/growing spiritual life. Verse 9 addresses the importance of not “paying (apodidontes-Pres. Act. Ptc.)” evil for evil. Rather, believers are to respond w... Read More »