Srom t^e fei6rari> of (J)rofe66or T3?iffiam J5^^^ (Breen Q$equeaf^b 6g ^im fo f ^e &i6tatg of (Princeton C^eofo^tcaf ^eminarj^ Studies in the Book. ^htxA ^ttitff. Coniaining Studies on the Later Epistles of St. Paul, including Colossians, Epkesiatis, PhilSiton, Philippians, Hebrezus, I. Timothy, Titus, and II. Timothy. REVERE FRANKLIN WEIDNER, Profetsor and Doctor of Theology, Prkparkd for Use in the Summee Schools of the American Institute OF Sacred Literature. : : jflemttt^ t). IRerell : : CHICAGO; l4Sand 150 Madison Street. NEW YORK: 12 Bible House, Astor Place. • : : publisbec of evangelical literature Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, by FLEMING H. REV ELL, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. TO THE VENERABLE TuvEY N. Hasselquist, D. D., one of the founders of the swedish Lutheran Church in America, whose character and scholarship have left their impress upon the clergy of the church, these studies in the book are most respectfully dedicated by the AUTHOR. CONTENTS OF STUDIES. I. The Epistle to the Colossians, ... 9 II. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Colossians, 19 III. The Epistle to the Ephesians, . . .25 IV. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Ephesians, 32 V. The Epistle to Philemon, . . .40 VI. The Epistle to the Philippians, . . 43 VII. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Philippians, 50 VIII. The Epistle to the Hebrews, ... 52 IX. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews, 72 X. The First Epistle to Timothy, . . 82 XI. The Teaching of the First Epistle to Timothy, 92 XII. The Epistle to Titus, .... 98 XIII. The Second Epistle to Timothy, . . .102 Index, ....... 106 PREFACE. These "Outline Studies " have been prepared partly for the use of the Students of the English Bible, attending the Summer Schools of the American Institute of Sacred Literature, but more especially as a guide and text-book for use in advanced Bible classes, and in such Collegea and Theological Seminaries, in which the Englisli Bible is studied. It isdiot expected that any of these Studies are to be finished ia an hour. On some, the leader of the class may spend even a dozen hours profitably. The writer, after a trial ot various plans, finds that the most satisfactory work can be done by expounding the contents of these Studies to his classes, in ad- vance, following these notes as an outlme, and in assigning special topics for study to different students, and at the next meeting, spending about half the time in examination, and in the presentation of the matter prepared by the members of the class, and then using the other half of the hour in explaining the advance lesson. Having these outlines in their possession students do not need to take any notes in class, but the work has been interleaved so that additional notes may be made, as the result of private study. Believing that the Bible is the Word of God, the infallible guide for our daily life, and the absolute rule of our faith, and 7 8 Preface. holding that there is a unity of Biblical truth, great stress has been laid upon the exact and positive meaning of each passage, and upon the importance of the comparative study of the Scriptures. This work is a continuation of "Studies in the Book," First and Second Series, and completes the New Testament. Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Theological Seminary, R. F. W. Rock Island, lU. July 10, 1890. STUDY I. The Epistle to the Colossians. First: Read the Epistle carefully and note what information Paul gives concerning himself and the circumstances under which the letter was written. (1) Paul was in prison at the time of writing, 4: 3, 18. (2) With hopes of being free, 4: 3. . (3) He had never seen the Christians at Colossse, 2: 1. (4) Epaphras, a native of Colosste, through whom that whole district was evangelized, was now with Paul (4: 12, 13), "my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus," Philemon 23. (5) It was through Epaphras that Paul had heard of the faith and love of the Colossians, 1:4, 7, 8. (6) And that they were in danger of some doctrinal (2:8, 18) and practical errors, 2: 20-23. (7) Tychicus is to bear this letter to Colossse, 4:7, 8. (8) Who is to be accompanied by Onesimus, 4: 9. (9) Paul has faithful friends with him — Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus (4: 10, 11), Timothy (1:1), Epaphras (4: 12), Luke, and Demas, 4: 12. (10) From Eph. 6: 21 (Ephesians being evidently the circular letter referred to in Col. 4: 16), and from Philemon 11, 23 compared with Col. 4: 7-9, we learn that Tychicus was the bearer of the letters to the Colossians, Ephesians and Phile- mon. (11) These three letters were therefore written about the same time, and the bearer was Tychicus, accompanied by Onesi- mus, Col. 4: 9; Philemon 11, 12. (12) A few scholars have thought that these three letters were written at Csesarea, during Paul's two years of imprisonment there, recorded in Acts 24: 23-27. (13) But the reasons given by Meyer are very weak, and it is the opinion of all modern critics that these letters were 10 Studies in the Book. written during Paul's first captivity at Rome, during the two years spoken of in Acts 28: 30 (61-63 A. D.) (14) It is a difficult matter to decide whether these three Epistles (Col., Eph., Philemon) were written before or after the Epistle to the Philippians,— which latter was also written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome. (15) This question is of no importance, but it seems most prob- able that Philippians was written last, towards the close of his first captivity at Rome.^ Second: Colossse, with the neighboring towns of Laodicea and Hierapolis (4: 13) was situated in the south-western part of Asia Minor, in the valley of the Lycus, a tributary to the IV^seander. Third: That whole district was evangelized by the preaching of Epaphras (4: 13, 13), possibly while Paul was at Ephesus (54- 57 A. D.), Acts 19: 10. Fourth: Read the Epistle carefully and note what information you can obtain about the Church at Colossae. (1) In time past they had been alienated from and enemies to God, 1:21. (2) Dead through trespasses, 2: 13. (3) Sons of disobedience, and under the wrath of God, 3: 6, 7; under the power of darkness, 1: 13. (4) But they had been converted by the preaching of Epaphras, 1: 5-7, translated into the Kingdom of the Son, 1: 13. (5) And have become "saints and faithful brethren in Christ," 1:1. (6) Noted for their faith and love, 1 : 4, 7. (7) Reconciled to God, and unreprovable before him, so long as they continue in the faith, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, 1 : 22, 23. (8) They are warned against a false philosophy, 2: 8. (9) Against Judaic ritualism, 2: 16; and worship of angels, 2:18. (10) They are warned against a false asceticism, 2: 20-23. (11) Their teacher and pastor, Archippus, was to be exhorted, 4:17. 1 students of the Englieh test will find the other view ably presented by Moule in his Commentary on Philippians (Cambridge Series), while students of the Greek text will find the same view ably advocated by Lightfoot. The Epistle to the Colossians. . 11 Fifth: The object of the Epistle is to warn the Colossians against a system of false teaching: "(1) Partly oriental and theosophistic in its character, 3: 18; "(2) Partly Judaical and ceremonial, 2: 16; "(3) Which was tending, on the one hand, directly to obscure the majesty and glory of Christ, 1: 15; 2: 8, 9; "(4) And, on the other, to introduce ritualistic observances, especially on the side of body austerities, 2: 16-23; "(5) Opposed alike to the simplicity and freedom of the gospel, 2:20; "(6) And to all true and vital union with the risen Lord, 3:1." {ElUcott.) Sixth: The exact nature of this Colossian heresy has been the subject of much discussion. (1) We may infer the presence of two elements in this heresy, —one Judaic, and the other, Gnostic or Oriental. (3) These two elements are so closely interwoven in Paul's refutation, that it is almost impossible to separate them, 2:8-28. (3) The Judaic elements can be more readily discerned: (a) The distinction of meats and drinks, 2: 16; {b) The observance of Sabbaths and new moons, 2: 16; (c) Of human ordinances, 2: 21, 22; {(l) Of circumcision, 2: 11. (4) The Gnostic elements are not so readily discerned. (5) Gnosticism in general had certain distinguishing features :i («) It laid great stress upon knowledge, which was the exclu- sive privilege of the select few. (6) Its intellectual questions were mainly twofold: How can the work of Creation be explained? and How are we to account for the existence of evil? (c) The false solution it finally reached was that evil had its origin and abode in matter, in the material, sensible world. (d) To explain how God, who is perfect, could create matter, which is evil, they maintained that there were certain suc- cessive evolutions or emanations of God, in which the divine element became feebler, until at length contact with matter was possible, and creation ensued. These 1 Compare the able Dissertation of LigUtfcot on "The Colossian Heresy," in his Commentary on Colossians. 13 Studies in the Book. evolutions and emanations are the so called aeons or angels of the Gnostics, (e) To the practical question how man is to avoid sin, and keep his higher nature unsullied, — if matter is the prin- ciple of evil, — Gnosticism had two directly opposite an- swers: (1) Rigid asceticism, and (2) Unrestrained licentiousness. (6) A close study of the Epistle proves that the error of the heretical teachers whom Paul combats was twofold: (a) A false conception in theology; (b) A false basis of morals. (7) Both these errors had their root in the fundamental error, that matter was the abode of evil', and thus antagonistic to God. (8) The Apostle answers both these elements of false doctrine by the great truth — " the conception of the Person of Christ as the one absolute mediator between God and man, the true and only reconciler of heaven and earth" (Lightfoot). Seventh: The distinctive feature of this Epistle is its Christol- ogy. The doctrine of the Person of Christ is here stated with greater precision and fulness than in any other of Paul's epistles. Eighth: "In reference to ih.Q genuineiiess d^niX authenticity of this Epistle it may be said briefly that no doubts have been urged that deserve any serious consideration " {ElUcott). Ninth: " The similarity between many portions of this Epistle and that to the Ephesians has often been noticed, and the claim to priority of composition much debated" {Ellicott). Tenth: The similarity is explained by the fact that the two Epistles were written about the same time, and addressed to Churches near each other, needing the same instruction and advice. Eleventh: The nature of the contents of the two Epistles seems to harmonize best with the opinion that the Epistle to the Colossians was written first. It is the germ of which the letter to the Ephesians is a more elaborate expansion. It bears the same relation to Ephesians as Galatians does to Romans. Twelfth: On a careful reading of the Epistle we see it natural- ly divixles itself into five parts: I. Col. 1: 1-13, Introduction. 11. Col. 1: 14-3: 3, Doctrinal. The Epistle to the Colossians. 18 III. Col. 2: 4-3: 4 Polemical. IV. Col. 3: 5-4: 6, Hortatory. V. Col. 4: 7-18, Personal. {Lightfoot.) Thirteenth: Read each chapter carefully and divide into sec- tions with appropriate headings.^ Study carefully each sec- tion, and write out the thought as clearly as possible. I. Introduction. 1:1-13. 1. 1:1, 2. Apostolic address and salutation. V. 1. Note the divine authority of the Apostolic teaching. V. 2. The brethren are saints because they believe (faithful). ' These three words designate the peculiar nature of the Christian's profession. 2. 1:3-8. Thanksgiving for their progress in the Oospel, as preached to them by Epaphras. V. 3. Paul is a model for the true pastor, thanking God for the faith of others, though he himself is languishing in prison. V. 4, When is faith true, i. e., justifying? Love is the mark of true Christianity, John 13:34. V. 5. By faith I arrive at love and hope; there is a difference between believing, loving and hoping. V. 6. The Gospel proclaims its truth (1) by its universality, (2) by its fruitfulness, — its i?iner working, (3) by its growth, — its outward extension. 3. 1:9-13. We xinceasingly pray that ye may be fruitful in good woi'ks, and thankful unto the Father for your salvation in Christ. V. 9. Note the necessity of obtaining a true and deep spirit- ual knowledge of the will of God. V. 10. The object and aim of this knowledge is here de- scribed. V. 11. God's revelation of himself to us is the one source of all our highest strength {Lightfoot). V. 12. The portion of the saints is situated in the kingdom of light. Acts 26:18, 20:32 {Lightfoot). V. 13. This deliverance and translation took place at the time of their regeneration and conversion, when they accepted Christ and were baptized. Note two things: (1) The reign of Christ has already begun. His kingdom is a present kingdom. (2) Christians are iWe also add a few explanatory notes. The analysis is mainly after Ellicott. Sttjuies in the Book. > already rescued from the power of darkness, they are already put in possesaion of their inheritance as saints. They are jJotentiaUy saved. (LigJdfoot). II. Doctrinal. 1:14—2:3. The Person and Work op Christ. 1:14. Through tJiiZ Son we 7iave our redemption. On Redemption see Index of " Studies on the Book," Second Series. . 1:15-19. The Pre-eminence of the So?i. (a) As the Head of the natural Creation, the Universe (15-17); {h) As the Head of the new moral Creation, the Church (18); (c) In him all the fulness has its abode (19). V. 15. This passage (1: 15-20), together with Eph. 1: 20-23; Phil. 2: 6-11, are the three important passages in St. Paul's Epistles, in which the doctrine of the Person of Christ is especially unfolded. In verses 15-17 the reference is rather to ihepre incarnate Son of God in relation to God and to his own creatures, and in vv. 18-20 to the incarnate and now glorified Son in his relation to his Church. Christ is the original image of God (Heb. 1:3: II. Cor. 4:4), in perfect equality with the Father in respect of his essence, nature, and eternity. With reference to every created thing, the Son is here solemnly defined as firstborn, "before all things" {v. 17); the word only begotten defines more exactly his relation to the Father, John 1: 14, 18; I. John 4:9. Paul here declares the absolute pre existence of the Son. It is a false inter- pretation to infer that the Son was a created being, though the earliest. V. 16. In verses 16, 17 we have an explanation in what sense the Son of God is "the firstborn of all creation." Paul here teaches that the Eternal Son of God according to his divine nature has the same relation to the Universe, as the Incarnate Christ, the God-Man, has to the Church, 1:18. The Son of God, *. e., Jesus Christ, according to his divine nature — is the conditional cause of creation, i. e., the act of creation depends on him (1: 16); he is tlje in- strumental cause of creation, i. e., all things were created The Epistle to the Colossians. 15 through him (1: 16); he is the ultimate ca,uae of creation, i. e., all things were created to enhance his glory. V. 17. Note the emphatic "He is before all things." He emphasizes the Son's personality, and is his pre-existence. V. He, the same Person, the Creator of the world, having assumed human nature, the incarnate and glorified God- Man, is the Head of the Church. The incarnate Christ in relation to the Church, is the beginning, (1) in that he was the first-fruits of the dead (I. Cor. 15:30, 23); (3) and also the source of life. Acts 3:14. He rose first from the dead, that others might rise through him. (After LigJdfoot). V. 19. The whole fulness of God, the totality of the divine powers and attributes, was pleased to dwell in Christ. Compare 2:9. 6. 1 : 20. A description of the reconciling work of the Son. The reconciliation is always represented as made to the Father. The reconciler is sometimes the Father (H. Cor. 5: 18, 19), sometimes the Son, Eph. 2: 16; Rom. 5: 10, 11. Christ our mediator is both human and divine. It was necessar}'^ that in him should all the fulness of the God- head dwell, 1: 19; 2: 9; and also that he should be born into the world and through the blood of the cross* suffer as a man for us. 7. 1 : 31-38. Ye w7io were alienated he reconciled by his death; if at least ye remain firm in the faith and abide by the hope of the Gos2)el. 8. 1: 24-39. I rejoice in my sufferings for you and the Church; 1 am preacJdng the mystery of salvation and striving to^yresent every man perfect before Ood. V. 34. "The point of the Apostle's boast is that Christ the sinless Master should have left something for Paul the un- worthy servant to suffer. Believers are partakers of the sufferiugs of Christ (H. Cor. 1: 7; Phil. 3: 10), but Paul does not say that he bears a part in the atoning sacrifice of Christ. {Lightfoot.) V. 28. Paul here names the special functions of the preach- er's office. Note the universality of the Gospel as opposed to Gnostic exclusiveness. 16 Studies in the Book. 9. 2: 1-3. I am earnestly striving for you, that you may come to the full knowledge of Christ. V. 1. This striving is the inward struggle, the wrestling in prayer, as in 4: 18. The Laodiceans were evidently exposed to the same doc- trinal perils as the Colossians. III. Polemical. 2.4—3:4. 10. 2: 4-7. Let no one deceive you, but as ye r$ceived Christ, walk in him. 11. 2: 8-15. Let not worldly wisdom lead you away from him, who is the Head of all, who has quickened you, and forgiven you, and triumphed over all the powers of evil. vv. 9, 10. "In explaining the true doctrine which is 'after Christ,' St. Paul condemns the two false principles, which lay at the root of this heretical teaching: (1) The theological error of substituting inferior and created beings, angelic mediators, for the Divine Head himself (««. 9, 10); and (2) \hQ practical error of insisting upon ritual and ascetic ob- servances as the foundation of their moral teaching {vv. 11-14)." {Lighifoot.) V. 11. The distinguishing features of this higher circum- cision of Christ are threefold. V. 12. St. Paul lays stress upon the sacrament of Baptism. Compare notes on Rom. 6:3, 4. "Baptism is the grave of the old man, and the birth of the new," {Lightfoot.) V. 15. This obscure passage, taken in connection with Eph. 4: 8 and I. Pet. 3: 19, opens up to us some of the wonders of the work of Christ, in the lower world, after his resur- rection. 12. 2: 16-23. Let no one judge you in ceremonial observances, holding not the Head. Submit not to outward austerities that are inwardly vain and carnal. V. 16. "The two main tendencies of the Colossian heresy are discernable in this warning {vv. 16-19), as they were in the previous statement (vv. 9-15). Here, however, the order is reversed. The practical error, an excessive ritu- alism and ascetic rigor, is first dealt with (vv. 16, 17); the theological error, the interposition of angelic mediators, follows after (vv. 18, 19)." (Lightfoot.) V. 18. "Humility, when it becomes self-conscious, ceases to have any value." (Lightfoot.) The Epistle T^p the Colossians. 17 V. 20. Here we have a warning against false asceticism. V. 21. The Apostle disparagingly repeats the prohibitions of the false teachers in their own words. V. 23. All such prohibition and teaching is worthless. It is powerless to check indulgence of the flesh. 13. 3; 1-4. Mind the things above, for your life is hidden with Christ; when he is manifested so shall ye be also. V. 1. "The change involved in baptism, if truly realized, must pervade a man's whole nature. It affects not only his practical conduct, but his intellectual conceptions also." {Lightfoof). IV. Hortatory. 3:5—4:6. 14. 3: 5-11 Mortify your members and put away the si?is in which he once walked; put off the old man and put on the new, in which all are one in Christ. vv. 9, 10. Each believer has a two-fold moral personality. There is in him "the old man," and there is in him also "the new man." The new birth was a re-creation in God's image; the subsequent life must be a deepening of this image stamped upon the man. {LigJitfoot.) 15. 3: 12-17. Put on mercy, be forgiving and loving, and let the peace of Christ rule in you. Sing aloud, and in your hearts to God, and give thanks. 16. 3: 18—4: 1. Wives and husbands, children and pareiits, observe your duties. Servants, obey your masters and be faith- ful; masters, be just. Compare on this passage Eph..5:22— 6: 9; I. Pet. 2: 18— 3: 7. 17. 4:1-6. Pray for us and for our success in tJie Qospel. Be- have yourselves wisely towards the unconverted, and be ready to answer each one that asks a reason. V. Personal. 4:7-18. 18. 4 : 7-9. You will learn my state and the condition of matters here at Home from TycJdcus and Onesimus. 19. 4:10-14. Salutations from divers 2)ersons. 20. 4:15-17. Salutations to divers persons. Interchange epis- tles with the Church at Laodicea. Tell Archippus to be dili- gent. 21. 4:18. Autograph Salutation and benediction. Fourteenth: Give an oral statement of the contents of the Epistle, chapter by chapter. 18 Studies in the Book. Fifteenth; To the student of the English text we would recom- mend the following Commentaries: Alexander in Speaker's Commentary, Moule in Cambridge Bible, or Barry in Handy Commentary. Sixteenth: To the student of the Greek text we would recom- mend the Commentaries of Alford, Bengal, Boise, EUicott, Lightfoot, and Meyer. / STUDY II. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Colossians. First: Read the whole Epistle carefully, section by section, and note what Paul teaches concerning the Christian's Duties to Self.i (I) To be faithful, 1:3, 23; (3) To believe in Christ, 1:4, 23; 2:6, 7; (3) To hear the Gospel, 1:6, 33; 3: 7; 3: 16; (4) To seek a knowledge of the will of God, 1:9; 3:3; (5) To seek spiritual wisdom, 1:9, 38; (6) To increase in the knowledge of God, 1: 10, 37; 2:3; (7) To please the Lord, walking worthily of the Lord, 1: 10. (8) To become strong in the Lord, 1: 11; (9) To be patient, long suffering, and joyful, 1:11; (10) To trust in the merits of Christ, 1:22; (II) To be grounded and steadfast in the faith, 1:23; 3: 5-7; (13) To abide in the hope of the Gospel, 1:33; (13) To bear afflictions for Christ's sake, 1:24; (14) To be perfect in Christ, 1 : 38; (15) To know the mystery of God, 2: 3; (16) Even the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ, 3:3; (17) Not to be deceived or misled, 3:4, 8, 16; (18) To be baptized into Christ, 3:13; (19) Not to be pufEed up in his fleshly mind, 3: 19; (30) Not to subject one's self to a false asceticism, 3:31, 32; (21) To seek and set the mind on the things that are above, 3:1,2; (23) To mortify the lusts of the heart: Fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetous- ness, 3:5, 6; 1 We have developed this iu full, as an example how to find the material. These results ought to be arranged more systematically by the student. 19 20 Studies in the Book. Anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking, lying, 3:8, 9. (23) To put off the old man with his doings, 3:9; (24) To put on the new man, 3 10; (25) To put on a heart of compassion : Kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, 3: 13; (26) To put on love, 3:14; (27) To have the peace of Christ in the heart, 3: 15; (28) To be thankful, 3: 15, 17; (39) To do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 3: 17; (30) To be diligent in prayer, 4:2; (31) To redeem the time, 4:5; (32) To speak always with grace, 4: 6; (33) To be faithful in thy calling, 4: 17. Second: Study the Epistle carefully a second time and note what Paul teaches concerning our Duties to our Fellow-Man. (1) To love the saints, 1:4, 8; 2:2; 3:14; (2) To pray for one another, 1: 4, 9; 4: 3, 12; (3) To bring every man to Christ, 1: 28; (4) To teach every man in all wisdom, 1:28; (5) To comfort one another, 2:2; 4:8. 11; (6) To sympathize with another, 2:5; (7) To rejoice with the saints, 2: 5; (8) Lie not one to another, 3:9; (9) Forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, 3: 13; (10) To be at peace with each other, 3:15; (11) Teaching and admonishing one another, 3: 16; (12) Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, 4: 5; (13) Let no opportunity pass to further the cause of God, 4:5; (14) Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, 4:6;- (15) Labor for the salvation of others, 4: 13. Third: Make a special study of the Epistle with reference to Duties in the Family. (1) Husbands, (2) Wives, (3) Parents, (4) Children, (5) Masters, (6) Servants, Fourth: Make a special study of the Epistle with reference to a Christian's Duty to God. Fifth: Study the Epistle carefully and write out concisely what Paul here teaches concerning the Doctrine of God, and classify results obtained. The Teaching op the Epistle to the Colossians. 21 (1) Of God the Father. (2) Of the Son of God. (3) Of the Holy Spirit. (4) Of Creation. (5) Of Providence. Sixth: Study the Epistle carefully, section by section, and note what Paul teaches concerning Christology, or the Doctrine of the Person of Christ. Names. (1) Is the Messiah, the Christ, the anointed one, 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 24; 3:24; etc. (2) Jesus, the Saviour, 1:1, 3, 4; 2:6; 4:12. (3) Lord, and therefore God, 1:3, 10; 2: 6; 3: 13, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24; 4:7, 17. (4) Master in heaven, 4:1. Divinity of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is true God, because to him are ascribed (a) Divine Names. (1) Son of the Father, 1 : 3, 13, 19. (3) Lord, 1:3, 10; 2: 6; etc. (3) The image of the invisible God, 1: 15. (4) The mystery of God, 2:2. (5) The hope of glory, 1: 28. (&) Divine Attributes. (1) Pre existence, 1: 15, 16, 17. (2) The first-born of all creation, 1: 15. (3) Begotten before all things, 1: 15, 17. (4) Absolutely preexisting before all things, 1:17. (5) His pre existence is absolute existence, 1: 17. (6) Therefore before all time, eternal, 1: 15, 17. (7) Therefore of perfect equality with the Father, 1 : 15, 19; 2:9. (8) Omnipotence, 1:13, 16. (9) Omnipresence, 1: 17. (10) The source of life, 1:18. (c) Divine Works. (1) Creatioji, 1:16. (2) Providence, 1:17. (3) Redemption, 1:14. (4) Giver of life and grace, 2:18. 22 Studies in the Book. (d) Divine Worship. (1) Has servants And ministers, 1:1, 7; 4.7, 12, 17. (2) Is to be pleased in all things, 1: 10; 3:20, 23. (8) Is to be believed in, 2: 5, 8. (4) To be received by faith, 2:6. (5) Is to be feared, 3:22. (6) To be served, 8:23, 24. (7) Is our Master in heaven, 4:1. Jesus Christ is the Ood-Man. (1) The Incarnate Christ is the head of the Church, 1:1, 2: 19. (2) The first-born from the dead, 1: 18. (3) Has the preeminence in the universe, 1: 18. (4) In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, 1:19; 2:9. (5) Possesses, therefore, all the povpers and attributes of God, 1:19; 2:9. (6) Possesses them permanently, 1: 19; 2: 9. (7)Is the mystery of God, 1:37; 2:2, 3; 4:3. (8) In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowl- edge, 2:3. (9) He is the head of all principality and power, 2: 10. (10) He was raised from the dead, 2: 12. (11) Is seated at the right hand of God, 3: 1. (12) Is in God the Father, 3:3. (13) Shall be manifested in glory, 3:4. (14) Is all, and in all, 3:11. (15) Has absolute and universal supremacy, 1:17, 18; 2:10, 11, 19; 3:11. (16) Is in heaven, 3:1; 4:1. Seventh: Study the Epistle carefully, section by section, and note what Paul teaches concerning Soteriology, or the Doctrine of the Work of Christ. Jesus Christ is our Mediator. (1) He is our redeemer, 1: 14. (2) He paid our ransom, 1:14. (3) Obtained for us the forgiveness of our. sins, 1:14. (4) As the divine human mediator made reconciliation be- tween God and man, 1: 20. (5) Satisfies the justice of the Father, 1: 20. The Teaching op the Epistle to the Colossians. 33 (6) Through him an atonement has been made for all, 1 : 20. (7) Makes peace between God and man, 1: 20. (8) The price paid for our retlemptiou from the wrath of God (1 : 14) is the blood of the Son of God, 1 : 20. (9) He suffered on the Cross for us, 1 : 20. (10) Salvation is objectively procured for all men, 1 : 20. (11) Believers are reconciled to the Father through the death of Christ, 1:22. (12) He has fulfilled the law for us, 2: 14. (13) He bore the penalty of the law for us, 2: 14. (14) He has overcome death and Satan, 2: 15. (15) Ho triumphed over the evil spirits, 2: 15. Christ still continues ?iis threefold office as Prophet, Priest and King, (1) The glorified Godman as the Head of the Church, rules and directs her, 1: 18-20; 2: 19. (2) He is the author and source of perfection, 1: 28. (3) Worketh in believers, 1 : 29. (4) He quickens us while dead in sin, 2: 13; 3:1. (5) In him believers are made full, 2: 10. (6) He forgives us all our trespasses, 2: 13; 3: 13. (7) He bestows peace, 3: 15. (8) He shall reward us, 3: 24. (9) He shall give us the inheritance, 3: 24. (10) He intercedes with God for us, for our life is hid with Christ in God, 3:3. (11) As King he is seated on the right hand of God: 3: 1. (12) As King he sustains and preserves all things, 1: 17. (13) Is the head of all principality and power, 2: 10. (14) Worketh continually in his Church, 2:19. (15) And all things are to be subjected to his dominion, 1:16; 3: 11. Eighth: Make a careful comparison between the Authorised and Revised Versions, and note the princpal changes. Ninth: Make a special study of the marginal readings of the Revised Version. Tenth: There are possibly four quotations from the Old Testa- ment in the Epistle to the Colossians. (1) Col. 2: 3 compared with Isa. 45: 3 and Prov. 2: 3, 4. (2) Col. 2:22 with Isa. 29:13. (3) Col. 3.1 with Ps. 110: 1. 34 Studies in the Book. (4) Col. 3: 10 with Gen. 1:37. Eleventh: Make a special study of the following topics, taken in the order of their occurrence in the Epistle: Faithful brethren (1: 2), faithful minister of Christ (1: 7), love in the Spirit (1: 8), spiritual wisdom and understanding (1: 9), the power of darkness (1:13), things invisible (1: 16), Christ, the hope of glory (1: 27). perfect in Christ (1: 28), the mystery of God (2: 2), fulness of the Godhead bodily (2. 9), the bond writ- ten in ordinances (2: 14), worshipping of the angels (2; 18), rudiments of the world (2: 20), the right hand of God (3: 1), the old man (3: 9), the new man (3: 10), the mystery of Christ (4: 3). Twelfth: Review the history of St. Paul and write out or pre- sent orally the principal events of his life. Thirteenth: Look up the principal events of the life of Tim- othy, 1: 1. Fourteenth: Of the life of Mark', 4: 10. Fifteenth: Of Luke^, the beloved physician. 4: 14. 1 See Index of "Studies in the Book," First Series. STUDY III. The Epistle to the Ephesians. First: This Epistle was addressed principally to the Christians at Ephesus (1:1). Second: It seems, however, also to have been designed for other Cliurches in Asia Minor, and it is highly probable that it was a circular or encyclical letter, understood to be the property of the Church at Ephesus, but in trust for the whole Province. (1) This seems the more likely because the Epistle is general in its form and free from distinctive notices. {'■i) The salutations are of the most general kind, and there is literally no trace of local coloring, as we would expect from the fact that Paul was three years at Ephesus (54-57 A. D.). (3) In some ancient manuscripts, notably Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, both of the fourth century, the words "at Ephesus" (1:1), are omitted, — the reading of such copies having to be translated " to the saints which are also faith- ful," or " to the saints which are, and to the faithful," etc, (4) We have a probable allusion to this same letter in Col. 4:6. Third: There can be no question as to its being designed for the Church at Ephesus. Every known manuscript, in its un- corrected form, save the two mentioned, reads "at Ephesus," in 1:1. So the ancient versions. All manuscripts, without exception, read "To the Ephesians," as the title of this Epistle, although this testimony does not carry us back further than the Fourth Century. FouRTu: It seems therefore that the Epistle was actually ad- dressed by Paul, "to the saints which are at Ephesus" (1:1), but as it was designed as a circular letter the copies made and dispersed through the Province of Asia Minor, frequently omitted this precise address, without introducing any other. Fifth: The letter was written when Paul was a prisoner, Eph. 3:1; 4:1; 6:20. 35 26 Studies in the Book. Sixth: The bearer of it was Tychicus, 6: 21, 22. Seventh: It was written at about the same time that Colossians and Philemon were written, for Paul was also then in prison (Col. 4:3, 10, 18; Philemon 1, 9, 23), and Tychicus, accompa- nied by Onesimus, was the bearer. Col. 4:7-9; Philemon 11,12. Eighth: This letter therefore was written during Paul's first captivity at Rome, during the two years spoken of in Acts 28: 30 (61-63 A. D.). Ninth: The genuineness and authenticity of the Epistle admit of no reasonable doubt. There is absolutely no trace in early Christian literature of doubt about the authorship and author- ity of the Epistle. Tenth: Give a brief history of Ephesus, the capital of Procon- sular Asia. Eleventh: Give a brief account of Paul's work in Ephesus. (1) At the beginning of his Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:40 — 16:6), Paul was "forbidden of the Holy Ghost to speak the Word in Asia," Acts 16:6. (2) But at its close (53 A. D.) on his way from Corinth to Syria, he visited Ephesus (Acts 18:18-21), bringing Priscilla and Aquila with him, and leaving them there. (3) His stay at Ephesus was very short, probably one Sabbath, Acts 18: 19, 20, 21. (4) Paul arrived at Ephesus, the second time, at the beginning of his Third Missionary Journey (Acts 19: 1-8), and abode there about three years (Acts 20: 31), probably from 54-57 A. D. (5) On St. Paul's last voyage to Jerusalem, before his imprison- ment (58 A. D.), he touched at Miletus, some 30 miles south of Ephesus, where he gave his pathetic charge to the Elders of the Church at Ephesus (Acts 20: 17-38). (6) Then followed his two years' imprisonment at Csesarea, Acts 24:27 (58-60 A. D ). (7) And his voyage to Rome, and his two years' imprisonment there, during which period this Epistle was written. Acts 28: 16, 30. Twelfth: From a careful study of this book it seems that the Epistle to the Ephesians was not called forth by any particu- lar circumstances, "but was designed to set forth the origin and development of the Church of Christ, and to display to the Christian dweller under the shadow of the great temple The Epistle to the Ephesians. 27 of Diana, the unity and beauty of that transcendentlymore glorious spiritual temple (Eph. 2:20) of which Christ Himself was the chief corner stone, and the saints portions of the superstructure.," {Ellicott). TniiiTEENTn: "As in Romans, so here, Paul addresses himself to the mighty theme of the whole Gospel; from the point of view not now of the justification of the saints, but of their life in and union with their Redeeming Head, and the consequent oneness of thewhole organism of the true Church in time and in eternity. Faithful to the genius of the Gospel, he applies these transcendent truths with great minuteness to the realities of common life, especially that of the Christian Home." {Moule). Fourteenth: On a careful reading of the Epistle we see it naturally divides itself into two parts: I. Eph. 1:1— 3:21. Doctrinal. II. Eph, 4.1— 6:24. Practical. Fifteenth: Read each chapter carefully and divide into sec- tions with appropriate headings.^ Study carefully each sec- tion, and write out the thought as concisely as possible. 1. 1: 1, 2. Apostolic address and salutation. 2. 1 : 8-14. Blessed bii God the Father, who predestinated us unto the adoption of sons, redeemed us by Christ's blood, re- vealed to us Ms eternal purpose of remitting all in Christ, and began its fulfilment by sealing all believers with the Holy Spirit. ®. §. Note how God the Father blessed us (1) in what respect, (2) in what place, (3) in what person. V. 4. Note how, and when, and with what object, God graciously chose believers in Christ. Distinguish between (1) the purpose of God, (2) his foreknowledge, and (3) the act of predestination. «. 5. This predestination has a direct and an ultimate end, and is accomplished through Christ, according to a definite rule. •0. 6. The great end is the glory of God. «. 7. "Paul does not say, through his perfect and beautiful life as an example, nor through his divine teaching, though he spake as never man spake; but through his blood, with- out which there could be no forgiveness " {Boise). 1 We also add a few explanatory notes. The analysis is mainly after Ellicott. 28 Studies in the Book. V. 10. St. Paul does not teach in this passage the ultimate restoration of the wicked. The words, strictly interpreted, with reference to the context, do not signify any such idea. The whole context has reference to believers, and to Christ's relations with his Church, on earth and in heaven. Christ is indeed the Head of the Universe, and all, wicked spirits as well as wicked men, shall finally acknowledge his power and authority (Eph. 1: 20-23; Phil. 2: 10, 11), but it is questionable whether Paul has reference to this truth in the passage before us. This summing up is i7i Christ, and refers to the elect angels and believers. V. 14. The gift of the Holy Spirit given to believers is an arrabon, an earnest, a pledge, a part payment given as a tangible promise of the payment of the whole inheritance. 3. 1:15-23. I ever give tJiankfi, and pray tJiat you may be en- lightened to know the hope of Uis calling, the riches of his inheritance, and the greatness of His power, which was espec- ially displayed in the Resurrection and supreme exaltation of Christ. v. 17. It is best to translate "the Spirit of wisdom and reve- lation," for it is the Holy Spirit who imparts the definite knowledge of God the Father. ®. 20. In this passage {vv. 20-23), Phil. 2:6-11, and Col. 1:15-20, we find the entire Christology of St. Paul. " In them we find his essential and glorious Deity; his eternal Sonship; his immediate action in Creation; his headship over the Created Universe; his divine free will in Incarnation and Humiliation; his atoning Death; his Resurrection, and Exaltation as the Incarnate, by the Father's power; his Headship over the Church, and ani mation of it with His Spirit " {Moide). 4. 2 : 1-10. You who were dead in sin. He hath quickened, raised, and even enthroned with and in Christ, to shoio all ages the ricJies of His grace and love. Tour salvation is by grace, not of works. vv. 1-3. We have here a most graphic description of the natur- al, unregenerate man, whether of Jewish or heathen origin. V. 3. The doctrine of Original Sin is here clearly taught by Paul. Note the exact statement: we were by nature child- ren of wrath, — it was once the state and condition of be- lievers; it is now so no longer. The Epistle to the Ephesians. 39 V. 5. See notes on Rom 3: 24, in Second Series. vv. 8, 9. God would have the whole praise of our salvation. Faith itself is the gift of God (Phil. 1: 29), but it is diffi- cult to decide whether Paul here teaches that truth, or whether he means to state that "gratuitous salvation" is the gift of God. See also notes on Rom. 3: 22-31; Gal. 2:16. V. 10. On the doctrine of Sanctification and Good Works see Index of "Studies in the Book," First Series. . 2:11-22. Remember tJiat ye were once separate from Christ and aliens, but have now been brought nigh, and have become of the household of Ood. V. 12. A vivid description of tlie state of heathendom. Compare also 2: 1-3. vv. 14, 15. Christ our peace brol^e down the wall between Jew and Gentile. V. 16. Christ wrought not only peace between Jew and Gentile, but also between both and God. The "one body" in which they are reconciled is possibly Christ's human body, or better, the Church. V. 20. The doctrine of the Apostles, i. e., Christ :p)'eached is the foundation; the person of Christ, Christ Jesus himself , is the chief cornerstone. m. 21, 22. A double figure: The Church is one building, one body, and each individual believer a holy temple. . 3:1-13. So I pray for you, believing that you knoio how Ood revealed to me the mystery of the call of the Oentiles, and gave me grace to preach it, that men and angels might learn the manifold wisdom of God. Faint not then at my troubles. vv. 3-5. Paul maintains that the Holy Apostles and Prophets were inspired of the Holy Spirit. V. 6. It is a mystery that the Gentiles are fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. vv. 7, 8. The ministry is a divine institution, and its office is to preach "the unsearchable riches of Christ." "The whole phrase here before us is one of the greatest in Holy Scrip- ture. It presents the truths, harmonized into one truth, of the simplicity and infinity of the gospel. All is central- ized in Christ, the Incarnate Son, slain, risen, and glori- fied; and from that center diverge countless lines of appli- cation to every need of the human soul." (Moule.) 30 Studies in the Book. vv. 9-13. Note the wonderful riches of thought, which will bear the closest analysis. 7. 3:14-19. On this (tccoimt I pray to Ood the Father to give you strengtJi in the inward man, and teach you the incompre- Jiensible love of Christ, and fill you with the fulness of God. V. 15. In this passage Paul teaches the spiritual oneness of the holy community of saints and angels. vv. 16-19. A remarkable passage, in which the believer will find inexhaustible food for faith, prayer and meditation. 8. 3: 20, 21. An ascription of praise to Ood the Father, clos- ing the doctrinal pari of the Epistle. "After the grandest promises which human language can express, the Holy Spirit here closes by declaring that all which can be expressed is infinitely below the reality which is in God." {Monod quoted by Moule.) 9. 4: 1-6. Walk worthy of your vocation, in loicliness, in love, and especially in unity; there is but one body, one Spirit, one Lord, and one Ood V. 4. This "one body" is the Church, the community of saints. On "the calling," see pp. 18, 19 of "Studies in the Book," First Series. 10. 4: 7-10. Christ gives his grace in measure to each, as the Scripture testifies V. 8. Paul, by inspiration, here speaks of certain events that took place at Christ's ascension into heaven. Those who had been held captive were the saints of the Old Testament, who, up to Christ's resurrection, were still in Hades, under the power of death and Satan. Christ by his death and resurrection acquired also gifts for them, and ever since Christ's ascension into heaven no souls of the blessed are in Hades, nor do believers enter Hades, but Paradise is now above the earth, and believers are immediately after death, with Christ in heaven. Com- pare also Col. 2: 15. 11. 4: 11-16. He appointed divers ministering orders, till we all come unto the unity of the faith, and in truth and love grow v.p into Christ, the head of the living body, the Church. Another remarkable passage, which bears the closest analysis. 12. 4: 17-24. Do not walk as darkened and hardened heathens. Ye did not so learn Christ. Put off the old man, and put on the new man. The Epistle to the Ephesians. 31 13. 4: 25-33, Speak the truth, and do not cherish anger, or jiractice theft; utter no corrupt speech; be not bitter. 14. 5: 1, 3. Strive then to imitate Ood, and like Christ to walk in love. 15. 5:3-14. Avoid fornication, covetousness, and all forms of impurity, for on such comes the wrath of Ood. Ye were once in heatJien darkness, but now are light; reprove the works of darkness, awake and arise. 16. 5:15-31. Walk strictly ; avoid excess, but be filled with the spirit; sing psalms outwardly with your lips, and make melody toith thankfulness in your hearts within. 17.. 5:33-33. Wives be subject to your husbands as the Church is to Christ. Husbands love your loives as Christ loved his Church. Marriage is a type of the mystical union of Christ and the Church. 18. 6: 1-4. Children, obey and honor your j)arents according to God's commandment; fathers provoke not your children, but educate them holily. 19. 6:5-9. Servants, obey and do your duty faithfully to your masters as to Christ, and ye shall receive your reward. Mas- ters, do the like in returji. 20. 6 : 10-20. Put on the whole panoply of God; arm yourself against your spiritual foes with all the defensive portions of Christian armor, and the sword of the Spirit. Pray that we may be bold. 31. 6:21, 23. 1 have sent Tychicus to tell you of my state and to comfort you. 22. 6:23,24. Benediction. Sixteenth: Give an oral statemeht of the contents of the Epistle, chapter by chapter. Seventeenth: To the student of the English text we would especially recommend Moule's Commentary on this Epistle in the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. Eighteenth: To the student of the Greek text we would rec. ommend for the first reading of the Greek text, the Commen- tary of Boise, for the second reading, Ellicott, and for refer- ence, Meyer. Nineteenth: To those acquainted also with the German we would recommend the Commentary of Harless, which "for accurate scholarship, learning, candor and ability, is one of the best, if not the very best commentary that has ever yet appeared on an single portion of Holy Scriptures" {Ellicott). The Teaching of the Epistle to the Ephesians. 33 Seventh: Read the whole Epistle carefully, sectian by section, and note what Paul teaches concerning our Duties to God. Eighth: Study the Epistle carefully a second time and note what Paul teaches concerning our Duties to our Fellow-Man. Ninth: Study carefully a third time, and note what Paul teaches concerning our Duties to Self. Tenth: Compare these results with those obtained in our Study on the Teaching of the Epistle to the Colossians. Eleventh: Study the Epistle carefully, section by section, and write out concisely what Paul teaches concerning the Doctrine of God the Father. 1 (I) It was through His will that Paul was called an Apostle, 1:1. (3) The Father is the origin of grace and peace, 1:2, 6; 6:23. (3) Is the Father of all believers, 1 : 2. (4) The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1:3; 1: 17. (5) Has blessed us in Christ, 1:3, 6. (6) Has chosen us in him, 1:4. (7) Has foreordained believers unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, 1:5; to an inheritance, 1:11. (8) Has freely bestowed grace on us in his beloved Son, 1: 6. (9) Displays unto us the exceeding riches of his grace, 1 : 8; 2: 7. (10) Has revealed to believers the mystery of his wifl, 1:9; 3:9. (II) Has purposed to sum up all things in Christ as Head, 1 : 10. (12) His purpose was in the Son, 1:10; 3:11; from eternity, 3:11. (13) He worketh all things after the counsel of his will, 1: 11. (14) Is glorious, 1: 12, 14; 3: 16; the Father of glory, 1:17. (15) Is the origin of all wisdom, 1: 17; 3:10. (16) Calls us into his Kingdom, 1: 18; 5:5. (17) Displays great power towards believers, 1: 19; 3: 16. (18) Displays the working of his power in Christ, 1: 20-23. (a) In raising him from the dead, 1: 20. (6) In making him to sit at his right hand, 1 : 30. (c) In exalting him above every name, 1: 21. (d) In putting all things in subjection to him, 1: 22. (e) In giving him to be head over all things to the Church, 1:23. (19) Is rich in mercy, 2:4. (20) Has loved us with a great love, 2:4. 1 We have developed this in full, verse by verse, as an example how to find the material. Let the studeBt study each passage and arrange these results in a more systematic way. 34 Studiks in the Book. (21) Has quickened us with Christ, 2: 1, 5. (22) Raised us up with Christ; 2; 6. (23) Has made us sit with Christ in heavenly places, 2: 6. (24) Bestows salvation as a gift, 2: 8. (25) Believers are God's workmanship, 2:10. (26) He created us in Christ Jesus, 2: 10. (27) He has prepared a sphere of moral action for believers,2: 10. (28) Forsakes unbelievers, and those separate from Christ, 2: 12. (29) Is reconciled through the Cross, 2: 16. (30) To God the Father, Christ offered himself as a sacrifice to satisfy the Justice of God, 5: 2. (31) He forgives us in Christ, 4:32. (32) His wrath is upon the sons of disobedience, 5: 6. (33) Access to him is through Christ, in the Spirit, 2: 18. (34) Has a household, 2: 19. (35) Dwells in the believer, 2: 22. (36) Works by his grace in believers, 3: 2, 7; 1:6, 8; 2: 7. (37) Is the Creator of all things, 3: 9. (38) Omnipotent, 3:9, 20; 4:6. (39) Omnipresent, 4:6. (40) Preserves all things through his providence, 4:6. (41) Is to be worshipped, 3: 14, 20, 21; 5:20. (42) Is the Father of all believers, 3:15. (43) Has the fulness of all spiritual perfections, 3: 19. (44) The sovereign and eternal Father of all, 4:6. (45) His life dwells only in believers, 4: 18. (46) The new man is created in the image of God the Father, 4:24. (47) His love is to be imitated, 5:1. (48) His will is to be done, 6:6. (49) Supplies an armor to the believer, 6: 11, 13. Twelfth: Write out clearly what St. Paul teaches concerning the Doctrine of the Holy Ghost. (1) Every blessing in Christ is imparted by the Holy Spirit, 1:3. (2) Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, 1:13; 4:30; unto the day of redemption, 4: 30. (3) Was given according to promise, 1:13. (4) His Essence is Holiness, 1 : 13; 4: 30. (5) He is the personal Holy Spirit, 1:13; 4:30. (6) The Gift of the Holy Spirit is a pledge that we shall receive an inheritance, 1:14; our redemption, 4:30. The Teaching op the Epistle to the Ephesians, 35 (7) The Spirit enlightens us with wisdom, 1 : 17. (8) And reveals unto us the more special gift of insight into the divine mysteries, 1: 17. (9) In the Spirit we have fellowship with Christ, 2: 18. (10) And with the Father, 2: 18. (11) It is the one and same Holy Spirit that worketh in all be- lievers, 2:18; 4:4. (12) God the Father dwells in the believer through the ever- present Holy Spirit, 2:22. (13) The Holy Spirit inspired the Apostles and prophets, 3:5. (14) He strengthens the power of the inner man, 3:16. (15) The Holy Spirit worketh unity and peace, 4: 2. (16) He is a true Person, for he can be grieved, 4: 30. (17) The Holy Spirit is not only the instrument by which, and in which the believer is filled, but God the Holy Ghost dwells in us, fills us with Himself, 5:18. (18) The sword of the Holy Spirit is the Word of God, 6: 17. (19) The Word of God is given by the Holy Spirit, 6: 17. ^20) The Holy Spirit works through the Word as an instru- ment, 6: 17. (21) The sphere of all true prayer, by whose indwelling in- fluence and merciful aid we are led to prayer, is the Holy Spirit, p:18. Thirteenth: There are nine passages in this Epistle in which the three Persons of the Holy Trinity are mentioned together, and co-ordinated. (1)1:3; (2)1:13,14; (2)2:18; (4)2:22; (5)3:2-6; (6)3:14-17; (7)4:4 6; (8)4:80-32; (9) 5:18-21, Fourteenth: Study the Epistle, section by section, and write out concisely what Paul teaches concerning Christology, or the Doctrine of the Person of Christ. Fifteenth: Develop in the same way Paul's teaching concern- ing Soteriology, or the Doctrine of the Work of Christ. Sixteenth: Compare the Christology and Soteriology of this Epistle with the Chfistology and Soteriology of Colossians, as developed in Study II, and note the remarkable harmony of thought and expression. Seventeenth: Study the Epistle once more and see what Paul teaches concerning the Doctrine of the Church. ^ 1 Developed in full, as an example how to And the material. Let tlie student examine th.e exegesis of eacii passage, criticize if deemed necessary, and arrange tliese resalts in a mora systematic way. 36 Studies in the Book. (1) The Church is a community of saints, 1:1, 15, 18; 2:19; 3:8,18; 4:13; 5:3; 6:18; consisting of believers in Christ, 1:1; 2:8; 1:15. (2) Is blessed with every blessing of the Spirit, 1:3. (3) Is holy and without blemish before God, in Christ, 1:4; 5:37. (4) Possesses all grace, 1:3, 6. (5) Has been redeemed through the blood of Christ, 1:7; 3:13; 5:3. (6) Has obtained a knowledge of the mystery of the will of God, 1:9; of the mystery of Christ, 3:4-6, 9. (7) Her Head is Christ. 1:10, 33, 23; 4: 15; 5:23. (8) Is the heritage of God, 1: 11, 1.8. (9) Has committed to her the word of truth, even the gospel of salvation, 1:13; 3:10. (10) In her the Holy Spirit works, 1: 13; 3:16; 4:30. (11) Has the promises, 1:13; 2:13. (12) Belongs to God as a possession, 1:14. (13) Believes in the Lord Jesus, 1: 15. (14) Has a common faith, 1: 15; 4: 5. (15) Offers prayer to God the Father, 1: 17; 3: 14. (16) Is enlightened by the Word, 1: 18; 4:31. (17) In her God manifests great power, 1:19; 3: 16. (18) Is the mystical body of Christ, 1:33, 83; 4:4, 13; 5:32. (19) Is the fulness of Christ, i. e. is filled up by Christ, 1: 23; 3:19. (20) The receptacle and recipient of all his gifts, graces, and blessings, 1:23. (21) Is composed of those who once were dead in sin, and who by nature had been children of wrath, 3:1-5. (22) Consists of those quickened in and with Christ, 2:5. (23) Anji raised up with Christ, 2:6. (24) Has been saved by grace, 2:5, 8. (25) Has communion with God the Father, in heaven, in Christ Jesus, 3:6. • (36) Shall be the recipient of the exceeding riches of God's grace, 3:7; 1:33. (37) Is united with Christ, 3:12; 1:23, 33; 4:4, 13: 5:32. (38) Possesses a God and has hope, 3: 12. (29) Consists of believing Jews and believing Gentiles, 3:15, 16; 3:6. The Teaching op the Epistle to the Ephesians. 37 (30) Plas access unto the Father, through Christ, in one Spirit, 2:18: 3:12. (31) Is the household of God, 2: 19: a habitation of God, 2:22. (32) Is built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, 2:20. (33) Has Christ as the chief corner stone, 2: 20. (34) Is a holy temple, 2:21. (35) Possesses through the Word the unsearchable riches of Christ, 3:8. (86) Is to make known the manifold wisdom of God through the preaching of the Gospel, 3: 10. (37) In her Christ dwells and rules, 3: 17-19. (38) In her dwells the fulness of God, 3:19. (39) Ascribes glory and praise to the Father, 3:20, 21. (40) Is glorious, 3:21; 5:27. (41) Is to abide for ever, 3:21. (42) In her the Spirit works unity and peace, 4:3. (43) In her we find peace, 4:3. (44) Is one body, 4:4; 1;22, 23; 4: 16; 5:32. (45) Permeated by one Holy Spirit, 4:4. (46) Has one hope, 4:4. (47) Worships one Lord, 4:4. (48) Has a unity of the faith, 4: 5. (49) Worships one God, 4:6. (50) Has entrusted to her one baptism, 4:6. (51) Has entrusted to her the office of the ministry, 1:1, 13; 3:5, 7, 8, 10; 4:11. (52) The Church is to be built up, 4: 12. (53) Must seek unto the unity of the faith, 4: 13. (54) A unity of the knowledge of the Son of God, 4:13. (55) Is one. 1:22,23; 4:4, 13. (56) Her aim is to attend the fulness that Christ has, 4: 13. (57) To her in the Word, is entrusted the truth, the doctrine, the teaching, 4 : 14. (58) False teaching may arise within her, 4:14. (59) Is to overcome error by (a) speaking, (b) holding, (c) living truth, in love, 4: 15. (60) Is incorporated in Christ, 4:15. (61) Owes her existence and growth, to Christ, 4:16. (62) Is a complex organism, 4: 16. 38 Studies in the Book. (63) Is continually growing more in harmony, and in power (solidity), 4:10. (64) Is contrasted with the world, 4: 17-20. (65) Hears and believes the truth as it is in Jesus, 4: 21. (66) Paul draws a distinction between the visible Church (4:14, 22; 5:5), aud the invisible, 4: 13, 16, 24; 3: 18, 19. (67) In the Church, being members of the one body, Christ, we are members one of another, 4:25. (68) Paul distinguishes between the militant or fighting Church, here on earth (4:14, 22, 25-32; 6:10-20) and the triumphant Church, in heaven, 1:10, 12, 14, 18; 2:7; 3:21; 5:27. (69) Open sinners do not belong to the invisible Church, 5:5. (70) The Church must reprove the unfruitful works of dark- ness, 5:11-13. (71) The Church is subject to Christ, 5:24. (72) Is loved by Christ, 5: 25. ^ (73) Christ gave himself up for her (5:25), on the cross (2: 16), shedding his blood. 1:7; 2:13. (74) Is sanctified by Christ, 5: 26. (75) Is cleansed by the washing of water with the Word, at Baptism, 5: 27. (76) The Church is nourished by Christ, 5:30. (77) Is cherished by Christ, 5:30. (78) True believers, being members of the invisible Church, are members of the body of Christ, 5:30. (79) The militant Church must be strong in the Lord, 6:10. (80) And put on the whole armour which God supplieth, 6:11-20. Eighteenth: A careful comparison between the Epistles to the Colossians and to the Ephesians reveals the remarkable fact that 72 of the 95 verses in Colossians contain expressions iden- tical with those in 78 of the 155 verses in Ephesians. Nineteenth: The development of thought in Col. 2: 8-23 has no parallel in Ephesians. Twentieth: Compare the speech of Paul to the Elders of Ephe- sus, at Miletus, recorded in Acts 20:18-35, with the Epistle to the Ephesians, and note the similarities of expression. Twenty first: There are possibly twenty quotations from the Old Testament, or at least so many distinct references, in this Epistle. Verify. Twenty second: Make a special study of the following topics, The Teaching of the Epistle to the Ephesians. 39 taken in the order of their occurrence in the Epistle: The will of God (1:1), faithful in Christ Jesus (1:1), the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (1:3), the heavenly places (1 : 3), adop- tion as sons (1:5), the forgiveness of our trespasses (1:7), the fulness of the times (1: 10), earnest (1:14), God's own possess- ion (1 : 14), the Father of glory (1 : 17), eyes of the heart (1 : 18), the age which is to come (1:21), dead through trespasses and sins (2: 1) the prince of the power of the air (2: 2), children of wrath (2:3), God's great love (2:4), quickened (2:5), grace (2:7, 8), good works (2:10), the commonwealth of Israel (2:12), the middle wall of partition (2: 14), the Cross (2: IG), the house- hold of God (2: 19), the foundation of the Apostles and prophets (2:20), revelation (3:3), the unsearchable riches of Christ (3: 8), the principalities and powers in the heavenly places (3: 10) the manifold wisdom of God (3:10), the eternal purpose of God (3:11), the inward man (3:16), one faith (4:5), one bap- tism (4: 5), he led captivity captive (4:8), he descended into the lower parts of the earth (4:10), Apostles (4: 11), prophets (4:11), evangelists (4:11), pastors and teachers (4:11). the body of Christ (4: 12), the unity of the faith (4: 13), the spirit of the mind (4:23), sons of disobedience (5:6), darkness (5:8), light in the Lord (5:8), the whole armor of God (6:11), the wiles of the devil (6: 11). the sword of the Spirit (6: 17). Twenty-third: Make a careful comparison between the Author- ised and Revised Versions of this Epistle, and note the princi- pal changes. Twentt-poueth: Make a special study of the marginal readings of the Revised Version, and note the most important changes in meaning. Twenty-fifth: Summarize results obtained from your study of this Epistle, and preserve for future reference. Twenty-sixth: Do not be discouraged on account of the time it takes to finish one of these Studies. Whatever part you take in hand, do it thorougJdy. Simply reading this Study will be of little help to you. To acquire power of analysis, you must examine the Word of God for yourself, and rely on the guid- ance of the Holy Spirit. Remember the three means of Bible Study: Prayer, Meditation, and Christian Experience. STUDY V. The Epistle to Philemon. First: Read the Epistle carefully to find out the circumstances under which it was written. (1) Paul is a prisoner at the time, 1, 9, 13, 23. (2) Expects soon to be released, 22. (3) The bearer of the letter is Onesimus, 11, 12, 17. (4) The companions of Paul at the time are Timothy, Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, 1, 23, 24. Second: From these facts we learn that the Epistle was written at the same time that Paul wrote the Epistles to the Colossians and the Ephesians, and that Onesimus was accompanied at the time by Tychicus, the bearer of the other two letters, Col. 1:1; 4:7, 9, 10, 12, 14; Eph. 6:21. Third: This letter, therefore, was written during Paul's first captivity at Rome, during the two years spoken of in Acts 28:30 (61-63 A. D.). Compare the Studies on Colossians and on Ephesians. Fourth: Read the Epistle carefully a second time and note what information Paul gives us concerning the persons iowhom and for whom the letter was written. (1) Of Philemon we have no further information save what we learn from the Epistle itself. (2) He was evidently a member of the Church at Colossse, 2, 10, compared with Col. 4: 17, 9. (3) Had been converted by Paul himself (19), possibly while on a visit to Ephesus, during Paul's long residence there (54-57 A. D.), Acts 19:10; 20:31. (4) Was a person of property and influence, 2, 5, 7, 16. (5) Noted for his Christian love and evangelical zeal, a "fellow- worker," 1, 2, 5, 7, 21. (6) AppMa probably was the wife of Philemon, and was also a Christian, "our sister," 2. 40 The Epistle to Philemon. 41 (7) Archippus may have been the son of Philemon and Apphia. He ia evidently the same Archippus mentioned in Col. 4:17. (S) He had a "ministry" (4:17), and is called a "fellow- soldier" (2), and seems to have been the pastor or teacher at Colossse, though some on account of Col. 4:17 think he was stationed at Laodicea, which was about fifteen miles distant. (9) Onesimus was a slave of Philemon, who had run away from him (11, 12, 14, 15, 16), possibly also robbing him (18). (10) Having flel to Rome, Onesimus had been converted, and had become a devoted friend, a "brother beloved," to Paul, 10, 12, 16. (11) Had become of great service to Paul, having won entirely the Apostle's heart, 11, 12, 13. Fifth: The contents of the Epistle plainly reveal to us the occa- sion and object of the letter. (1) It holds a unique place among Paul's writings, being a strictly private letter, apparently addressed to a layman, wholly occupied with an incident of domestic life. (2) Onesimus, having become a Christian, was returning to his master whom he had wronged, a changed and repentant man. (3) According to the Roman law, by returning he would place himself entirely at the mercy of his master, who had the power of life or death over him. (4) Paul seeks "to restore Onesimus to the confidence and love of his master and to ensure for him a reception which he might j ustly have been considered wholly to have forfeited " (ElUcoit). "With his own hand (19) he writes to Philemon a few words of eager, affectionate entreaty, identifying him- self with the case of Onesimus. Sixth: The Epistle has been universally admired as a model of delicacy and skill in the department of composition to which it belongs. (1) "This Epistle showeth a right noble lovely example of Christian love " {Luther). (2) " The single epistle to Philemon very far surpasses all the wisdom of the world " {Franke). (3) " This exquisite and interesting Epistle, alike a master- piece of persuasive tact and delicacy, and an enduring model of truest Christian courtesy " {Ellicott). (4) "As an expression of simple dignity, of refined courtesy, of 42 Studies in the Book. large sympathy, and of warm personal affection, the Epistle to Philemon stands unrivalled " {LigJitfoot). Seventh: The significance of the Epistle lies in the fact that it exhibits the attitude of Christianity to slavery. Eighth: The Gospel never directly attacks slavery as an insti- tution. Ninth: The Gospel instead of attacking special abuses, lays down universal principles which shall undermine the evil. Tenth: The principles of the Gospel, which declare the abso- lute equality of the freeman and the slave in the sight of God (I. Cor. 7:21-23), must in the end prove fatal to slavery, as it already has dope. Eleventh: A careful reading of the Epistle gives us the follow- ing analysis: (1) m. 1-3. The Salutation. (2) vv. 4-7. The character of Philemon, and the Apostle's joy and gratitude on his account. (3) vv. 8-21. Paul entreats Philemon to forget the past, and receive Onesimus again as a Christian friend and brother. (4) vv. 22-25. Paul hopes to be set free, and sends the greet- ings of friends at Rome. (Analysis after Haekett). Twelfth: Make a careful comparison between the Authorised and Revised Versions of this Epistle, and note the principal changes. Thirteenth: Examine carefully the marginal readings of the Revised Version. Fourteenth: To the student of the English text we would rec- ommend the Commentaries of Barry (in Handy Commentary), Alexander (in Speaker's Commentary), and Moule (in Cam- bridge Series). Fifteenth: For students of the Greek Text see Alford, Boise, Ellicott, Haekett, Lightfoot, and Meyer. STUDY VI. The Epistle to the Philippians. First: Read the Epistle carefully and note what information Paul gives concerning himself and the circumstances under which the letter was written. (1) Paul is in prison at the time, 1: 7, 13, 14, 17; (2) Evidently in Rome, 1: 13; 4: 22. (3) In close confinement, 1: 30; suffering affliction, 1: 30; 2: 28. (4) Seems to have been confined for a long time, 1: 13, 14; 2: 25-28. (5) Was drawing near the decision of his fate, 1: 20; 2: 17, 23. (6) And hopes to be released, 1: 25, 26; 2: 24. (7) Epaphroditus was evidently the bearer of the letter, 2: 28, 29. Second: We have a right, -therefore, to infer that the Epistle was written towards the close of his first captivity at Rome (60-63 A. D.), "at a time when, as it would seem, his imprison- ment was of a closer and harsher character, and his earthly prospects were, though not by any means without hope (1: 25, 26; 2: 24), yet in many respects more cheerless and depressing than when he wrote to the Colossians and Philemon, and to the Ephesians (1: 20, 21; 2: 17, 28)." {ElUcott). Third: A few commentators hold that Philipians was written before Col., Eph. and Philemon, but this is a critical question of no importance. (See Study on Colossians.) Fourth: Give a brief description of the geographical position and importance of the colonial city of Philippi. Fifth: Give a brief account of Paul's relation to the Church at Philippi. (1) It was on his Second Missionary Journey that the Church at Philippi was founded (50, 51 A. D.), Acts 16: 12-40. (2) At the close of his third Missionary Journey (57 A. D.), 43 44 Studies in the Book. after his leaving Ephesus (Acts 20: 1), he went into Mace- donia (II. Cor. 2: 12, 13; 7: 5, 6), where he wrote his second letter to the Corinthians, and there can scarcely be any question that he spent some time at Philippi, Acts 20; 2. (3) In that same journey, some three or four months later (Acts 20: 2, 3), on his return from Greece, he evidently spent the Passover at Philippi, Acts 20: 6. (4) Paul was greatly beloved by the Philippians, and received repeated contributions from them to relievo his necessities 4:15, 16; II. Cor. 11:9. Sixth: Read the Epistle carefully and note the immediate occa- sion of Paul writing this letter. (1) The Philippians, hearing of his imprisonment and affliction (4: 10, 14), had sent contributions to relieve his necessities, 1:5; 2:25; 4:18. (2) By the hand of Epaphroditus, 2:25; 4: 18. (3) Who had been very ill at Rome, and longed to return to Philippi, 2:26-30. (4) The Apostle avails himself of the return of Epaphroditus (2: 28, 29), to write this letter, in which he pours out his heart in an overflow of gratitude and love. Seventh: The genuineness and authenticity of the Epistle are fully established by external testimony, the Epistle being named in all the Canons of Scripture during the second cen- tury. No trace of doubt on this subject appears in early Christian literature. Eighth: The internal evidence for its genuineness is of the strongest kind. "This evidence is of two kinds, positive and negative. On the one hand the Epistle completely reflects St. Paul's mind and character, even in their finest shades. On the other it offers no motive which could have led to a forgery. Only as the natural outpouring of personal feeling, called forth by immediate circumstances, is it in any way conceiva- ble " (LigMfooi). Ninth: As to the character of the Epistle, we add the following thoughts from Lightfoot: (1) "It was not written, like the Epistle to the Galatians, to counteract doctrinal errors, or, like the First to the Corinth- ians, to correct irregularities of practice. It enforces no direct lessons of Church government, though it makes casual allusion to Church officers. It lays down no dogmatic sys- The Epistle to the Philippians. 45 tern, though incidentally it refers to the majesty and the humiliation of Christ, and to the contrast of law and grace. It is the spontaneous utterance of Christian love and grati- tude, called forth by a recent token which the Philippians had given of their loyal aflEection.". (2) "Of errors of doctrine there is not the faintest trace in the Philippian Church." (3) "Of plan and arrangement there is even less than in St. Paul's letters generally. . . . Even the threefold division into the explanatory, doctrinal and hortatory portions, which may generally be discerned in his Epistles, is obliterated here." (4) "The Epistle to the Philippians is not only the noblest re- flexion of St. Paul's personal character and spiritual illum- ination, his large sympathies, his womanly tenderness, his delicate courtesy, his frank independence, his entire devo- tion to the Master's service; but as a monument of the power of the Gospel it yields in importance to none of the Apostolic writings." *♦ Tenth: Read each chapter carefully and divide into sections with appropriate headings.* Study carefully each section, and write out the thought as concisely as possible. 1. 1: 1, 2. Opening Salutation. V. 1. Bishop and Elder are in fact the same official under different designations. Acts 20: 17, 28. The word Bishop, Episcopus, Overseer, is a term borrowed mainly from the Gentiles, with whom it signified a Superintendent. The word describes the ministerial office as one of overdgJit. Presbyter or Elder is a term borrowed from the "Elder- ship" of the Jews, and describes the ministerial office as one of age and dignity. The deacon had to deal primarily with the temporal needs of the congregation. Acts 6:3, 4. 2. 1:3-11. Thanksgiving and prayer for his converts. 3. 1: 12 26. Account of his personal circumttances and f til- ings; and of the progress of the Oospel in Rome. V. 13. The soldiers of the Roman life-guard of the Emperor, drafted off successively to guard Paul, had opportunities of learning his doctrine. 1 We also add a few explanatory notes. The analysis is mainly after Ligtit- foot. 46 Studies in the Book. «. 15. Paul here evidently refers to his Judaizing oppo- nents, whose real object was to gain adherents to the land, 3:2, 3. V. 20. At the time of writing, Paul's trial was near at hand; and the issue was unknown to him. V. 23. (1) Note that the immediate state of dying saints is an object of desire. (2) That to depart and be with Christ involve each other. Paul does not desire to enter on an intermediate state, or to enter Hades, but his desire is to depart in order at once to be with Christ. (3) Note that the state of the departed saint is one in which he is with Christ. This agrees with the teaching of Jesus, John 17:24. 4. 1:27—2:4. Exhortation to unity and self-denial. vv. 1, 2. "The Apostle here appeals to the Philippians, by all their deepest experiences as Christians and all their noblest impulses as men, to preserve peace and concord. Of the four grounds of appeal, the lirst and third are ob- jective, the external principles of love and harmony; while the second and fourth are subjective, the inward feelings inspired thereby." {Light foot). 5. 2:5-11. Christ the great pattern of humility. A most remarkable passage, in which nearly every word has formed the subject of controversy. In no portion of Scripture is it more necessary to follow the simple and plain grammatical meaning of the words. In vv. 5-8 we have a description of Christ's state of humilia- tion, while on earth. In vv. 9-11 we have a description of Christ's state of exaltation, as he now exists in heaven. V. 6. "Who," ^. e., Christ Jesus, the incarnate son of God. "Being in the form of God," i. e., although he took the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (». 7), he still truly possessed at the same time a divine nature, and did not lay aside his divine attributes. "Counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God," i. e., the son of God subsinted in that form of God from eternity; and when He came in the flesh He did not cease to be in that form, but rather, so far as the human nature is -concerned, He began to subsist in it; and when He was in that form (as the God Man), by His own The Epistle to the Philippians. 47 peculiar pre-eminence itself as Lord, it was entirely in His power, even accordins^ to His human nature, so soon as He assumed it, to be on an equality with God, to adopt a mode of life and outward distinctions, which would correspond to His dignit3^ that he might be re- ceived and treated by all creatures as their Lord; but He acted diilerently. It would not have been robbery (A. V.) "a prize," "a thing to be grasped" (R. V.), if He had used His own right; but He abstained from doing so, just as if it had been robbery, because He became in- carnate for the purpose of making reconciliation for the sins of men. (After Bengel.) . 7. "Emptied himself, taking the form of a servant." Wherever there is emptying, there is a thing containing and a thing contained. The thing containing, in this emptying of Christ, is Himself; the thing contained was ih^i fulness, which He received in His exaltation. He re- mained full, for "the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth" (John 1: 14); yet Christ bore Himself in the same way as if He were empty, for he avoided the observation, so far as it was expedient, of men and angels, nay He "also pleased not Himself " (Rom. 15: 3), and therefore for our sake not only avoided observation, but also denied Himself, and abstained from His rights. (After Bengel.) Christ in his state of humiliation abstained from the full, universal, and incessant use of the divine glory and majesty which he possessed, but "humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross" {v. 8). "Being made in the likeness of men." He was made like men, a true man, and he was able to take "the form of a servant" for the very reason that he was "in the like- ness of men." "He humbled himself." In the great fact of Christ's humiliation St. Paul lays stress upon three points: (1) He emptied himself; (2) By taking the form of a servant; (3) By becoming obedient even unto the death of the cross. 9. This exaltation has reference to the human nature of Christ; as the Son of Man, Christ was invested with that 48 Studies in the Book. full power, glory, and dominion, which as God he never lacked. 6. 2:12-18. Practical following of Christ' s example. 7. 2: 19-30. 1 hope to send Timothy shortly unto you and to come myself. Epa/phroditus, your messenger, who has been grievously sick, I send, that you may rejoice. 8. 3: 1-11. Rejoice, brethren; beware of Judaizers who trust in the flesh. I have every cause to trust therein, but value naught save Christ, 7iis righteousness, and the power of his resurrec- tion. V. 9, (1) Paul here speaks of a righteousness; (2) Not of his own; (3) Not of the law; (4) Which has its source and origin in God; (5) Which is imputed to the believer; (6) Who appropriates Christ through faith; (7) And is found in him. V. 11. "If by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead." A most remarkable saying. "The resur- rection from the dead," i. e., "as the context suggests, the first resurrection (Rev. 20: 5), when at the Lord's coming the dead in Him shall rise first (I. Thess. 4: 16), and the quick be caught up to meet Him in the clouds (I. Thess. 4: 17); comp. Luke 20: 35. The first resurrection will in- clude only true believers, and will apparently precede the second, that of non-believers and disbelievers, in point of time." (Ellicott.) 9. 3: 12-16. I 7iave not yet obtained, but am eagerly pressing forward: in this imitate me. 10. 3:17-21. Imitate me and my followers; for many, alat! mind earthly things. Our country is in heaven, whence we look for our Lord and our final glorification. V. 19. There is a certain fearful end that awaits the wicked, but this end is not a restoration to fellowship with God, not annihilation, hni perdition, "punishment, even eternal destruction," II. Thess. 1:9; Matt. 25: 41, 46; Rom. 2: 7-9; Rev. 14: 11; John 3: 36; 5: 28, 29; Rev, 20: 10. 11. 4: 1. Brethren, standfast in the Lord. 12. 4:2, 3. The Apostle once more urges them to heal their dis- sensions, appealing to tJiem by name. V. 3. Who this "true yokefellow" was is unknown, — pos- The Epistle to the Philippians. 49 sibly the chief pastor of Philippi, or Epaphroditus himself , the bearer of the letter. 13. 4: 4-9. He exhorts them to joy fulness, to freedom from care, and to practice all that is good. 14. 4: 10-20. He gratefully acknowledges their alms received through Epaphroditus, and invokes a blessing on their thought- ful love. 15. 4: 21, 22. Salutations from all to all. 16. 4: 23. Benedictior^ Eleventh: Give an oral statement of the Epistle, chapter by chapter Twelfth: To the student of the English text we would recom- mend Moule's Commentary in Cambridge Series, and to stu- dents of the Greek text, Alford, Boise, Ellicott, Lightfoot, and Meyer. STUDY VII. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Philippians. First: "The Philippian Epistle may be taken to exhibit the normal type of the Apostle's teaching, when not determined and limited by individual circumstances, and thus to present the essential substance of the Gospel." {Lightfoot.) Second: Compare on the one hand, Galatians and Romans, and on the other, Colossians and Ephesians, with this Epistle to the Philippians, and note the contrast. Third: If we would learn what Paul held to be the essence of the Gospel, we must ask ourselves what is the significance of such phrases as "I long after you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus" (1: 8), "To me to live is Christ" (1: 31), "That I may know the power of Christ's resurrection" (3: 10), "I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me" (4: 13). Though the Gospel is capable of doctrinal exposition, though it is em- inently fertile in moral results, yet its substance is neither a dogmatic system nor an ethical code, but a Person and a Life. ( Lightfoot). Fourth: Read the whole Epistle carefully, section by section, and note what Paul teaches concerning our Duties to God. Fifth: Read again, and note what Paul teaches concerning our Duties to our Fellow- man: (1) To believers; (2) To unbelievers. Sixth: Read the Epistle a third time, and note what Duties we owe to self. Seventh: Read the Epistle carefully and note what Paul teaches with reference to the Doctrine of God. Eighth: Write out clearly what Christ teaches concerning the Humiliation of Christ. Ninth: Write out clearly what Paul teaches concerning the Exaltation of Christ. Tenth: Concerning the Work of Christ. 50 The TEACHrNG of the Epistle to the Philippians. 51 Eleventh: Make a special study of the following topics and phrases: Saints in Christ Jesus (1:1), bishops (1: 1), deacons (1: 1), grace (1: 3), peace (1: 3), joy (1; 4), the gospel (1:5), the day of Jesus Christ (1:6), I have you in my heart (1: 7), the whole praetorian guard (1: 13), to live is Christ (1: 31), to die is gain (1: 31), to be with Christ (1: 33), the faith of the Gospel (1:27), perdition (1:28; 3: 19), comfort in Christ (3: 1), lowli- ness of mind (2:3), the word of life (3: 16), rejoice in the Lord (3:1), that I may gain Christ (3: 8), the righteousness which is of God (3: 9), conformed unto Christ's death (3: 10), the cross of Christ (3: 18), the body of our humiliation (3: 31), Caesar's household (4: 33). Twelfth: Make a careful comparison between the Authorised and Revised Versions, and note the principal changes. Thirteenth: Make a special study of the marginal readings of the Revised Version, and note the most important changes in meaning. Fourteenth: This study completes our consideration of the four Epistles of the First Captivity at Rome. Fifteenth: Summarize the principal teachings of these Four Epistles. , STUDY VIII. The Epistle to the Hebrews. First: To answer the general questions pertaining to "Intro- duction"— To whom written? By whom? When? Where? — wilJ give occasion to train ourselves in the methods of the so called Higher Criticism. Second: For not one of these questions has been positively answered to the satisfaction of all learned scholars. Third: Let us therefore see if we can find out for ourselves an answer — and in order that these answers may at least be con- vincing to our minds, let us take especial pains in our investi- gations. Fourth: Let us first answer the question: What right has this book to be in the New Testament? That the Epistle has an incontrovertible claim to stand in the Canon of the New Testament can be shown both by external evidence as well as by internal evidence. (1) It is found in all translations of the New Testament, even in the Peshito Syriac Version, which was made not long after 150 A. D. (2) It is found in all the Greek Manuscripts. This takes us back to about 350 A. D. (3) It was firmly established in the Canon already at the Councils of Laodicea (366 A. D.), and the third of Carthage (397 A. D.), and was quoted at the Council of Nicsea (-325 A. D.) (4) In the Eastern Church this Epistle was quoted as Scrip- tural authority even from the time of Justin Martyr (100- 166 A. D.) * (5) This Epistle to the Hebrews, already in the first century, was held in the highest honor by the Church at Rome, as is evident from the Epistle of Clement of Rome to the Church of Corinth, which was written not later than 95 A. D. 52 TiiK Epistle to the Hebrews. 53 (6) The reason why in many parts of the Western Church, during the third and earlier part of the fourth centuries, this Epistle was placed among the "antilegomena" or "disputed books," was because they were not positively certain that Paul wrote it. They held that a book to be canonical must have been written by an Apostle, or at least have apostolic sanction. (7) The external evidence is therefore very clear and positive that the Epistle to the Hebrews was regarded by the Early Church as a part of the New Testament. (8) The internal evidence, derived from the study of the Epistle itself, is equally strong, for "nowhere are the main doctrines of the faith more purely or more majestic- ally set forth; nowhere Holy Scripture urged with greater authority and cogency." (Alford.) Fifth: Let us see if we can decide to whom this Epistle was written. Our only proper source of information is the Epistle itself. Sixth: Read the Epistle carefully, chapter by chapter, and note what information it gives concerning the persons addressed. (1) Tbey are Hebrews (1: 1), thoroughly acquainted with the writingsoftheOldTestament, 1:1, 5, 7,8, 10; 2:6,12; 3:2; etc. (2) Familiar with the Old Testament ritual, and the arrange- ments of the Tabernacle, 2: 17; 4: 14, 15; 5: 1-4; 7: 11; 9: 1- 10; etc. (3) Jewish Christians, 2: 1-3; 3: 1, 14; 4: 1, 2, 14; etc. (4) They had received the Gospel from the Apostles them- . selves, or from those who had heard the Lord, 2: 3. (5) They had been witnesses of miracles and of the wonderful gifts bestowed by the Holy Ghost, 2: 4: (6) They were in danger of drifting away from the faith, 2:1; 3: 6, 14; 4: 1, 11; 5: 11, 12; 6: 1-8, 11, 12; 10: 23, 36-39; etc. (7) They had been Christians for a long time: (a) They ought to have become teachers "by reason of the time," 5: 12. (6) They are "to call to remembrance the former days" of their conversion, 10: 32. (c) Those who had originally preached to them the word of God had already passed away, 13: 7. (8) They had in time past ministered unto the saints, and still were ministering, 6: 10. 54 Studies in the Book. (9) They had in "former days" passed through "a great conflict of sufferings," 10: 32-34. (10) In their present afflictions and conflict with sin, their Christian profession has not yet cost them tlieir lives, 13: 4. (11) They were liable to be carried away by Judaistic teach- ings and observances, 13: 9-12; 9: 9, 10. (12) They have teachers or pastors who rule over them, 13: 17, 24. (13) The Epistle is not written to Jewish Christians in general, but to a Church at some definite place, 13: 19, 23. (14) The locality of this Church of Hebrew Christians is no- where definitely stated. (15) But it is difficult to resist the impression that the writer addresses some Church in Palestine. (16) In fact it seems that the Epistle was addressed to the Mother- Church at Jerusalem. (a) Thfe Church had been founded by the Apostles, 2: 3. (6) God had bore witness to the truth, by the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, on the day of Pentecost, when about three thousand souls were converted. Acts 2: 41. (c) For more than thirty years the Church had already- ex- isted, 5: 12; 10:32. (d) Those who had the rule over them had already passed away, 13: 7. (James, the Apostle, son of Zebedee, 44 A. D., Acts 12: 1, 2; probably James the brother of the Lord, bishop of the Church at Jerusalem). (e) They were especially liable to Jewish influence and in danger of apostasy. (/) On the whole, the opinion that the writer addressed the Mother Church at Jerusalem, or some Church in or near Palestine, is the most defensible. (17) The other theories, that the Epistle was addressed to Jewish Christians at Antioch, or at Alexandria, or at Rome, are mere conjecture. Seventh: The writer seems to have been in Italy (probably at Rome), at the time of his writing. This is the most natural inference drawn from 13: 24. Eighth: The controversy respecting the authorship of this Epistle has been one of the most remarkable of the whole range of Biblical criticism. Ninth: The writer does not name himself, and the title of the The Epistle to the Hebrews. 55 Epistle as given both in the Authorized and Revised Versions is not the one given in the most ancient existing manuscripts. Tenth: This heading is simply to the Hebrews, and all the most ancient traditions relative to this Epistle imply that the oldest copies had no author's name prefixed. Eleventh: The writer for some reason saw fit not to put his name to it, although his readers knew who wrote it, 13: 18, 23, 24; and he was intimately acquainted with their surround- ings, 6:9, 10; 10:34; 13:7, 19. Twelfth: The question of the authorship of this Epistle was already earnestly discussed in the Early Church. Thirteenth: Eusebius, in his Church History, written about 326 A. D., gives us the following information: (1) Eusebius gives us a brief summary of the "Outlines" of Clement of Alexandria, who lived 165-220 A. D. "Moreover he (Clement) asserts that the Epistle to the Hebrews is Paul's, but that it was written to the Hebrews in the Hebrew dialect, and that Luke having carefully trans- lated it published it for the use of the Greeks Further he (Clement) remarks: It is natural that the phrase Paul an Apostle does not occur in the superscription, for in writing to the Hebrews, who had conceived a prejudice against him and suspected him, he was very wise in not re- pelling them at the beginning by affixing his name. And. then a little further on he (Clement) adds: And as the blessed presbyter' before now used to say, 'since the Lord, as being the Apostle of the Almighty, was sent to the Hebrews, Paul through his modesty, inasmuch as he was sent to the Gen- tiles, does not inscribe himself Apostle of the Hebrews, both on account of the honor due to the Lord, and be.cause it was a work of supererogation that he addressed an Epistle to the Hebrews also, since he was herald and Apostle of the Gentiles.' " (This testimony to the Pauline origin of the Epistle is of great value.) (2) He also gives us the opinion of Origen, who flourished 186-254 A. D., and who was the greatest scholar of the Ante Nicene Fathers. 1 There can belittle doubt that the "blessed presbyter" was Pantaenui*; and thus the tradition is carried up almost to the Apostolic age. 56 Studies in the Book. Origen "thus discusses the Epistle to the Hebrews in his Homilies upon it: Every one who is competent to judge of differences of diction would acknowledge that the style of the Epistle entitled to the Hebrews does not exhibit the Apostle's rudeness and simplicity in speech, though he ac- knowledged himself to be simple in his speech, that is, in his diction, but it is more truly Greek in its composition. And, again, that the thoughts of the Epistle are wonderful, and not second to the acknowledged writings of the Apostle, every one who pays attention to the reading of the Apostle's works would also grant to be true. And after other re- marks, he (Origen) adds: If I were to express my own opinion I should say that the thoughts are the Apostle's, but the diction and composition that of some one who recorded from memory the Apostle's teaching, and, as it were, illus- trated with a brief Commentary the saying of his master. If then any Church hold this Epistle to be Paul's, we can- not find fault with it for so doing; for it was not without good reason that the men of old time have handed it down as Paul's. But who it was who wrote the Epistle, God only knows, certainly. The account which has reached us is (manifold), some saying that Clement, who became Bishop of Rome, wrote it, while others assign it to Luke, the author of the Gospel and the Acts." (3) Eusebius, himself, who represents the view prevailing in the Churches of Palestine, Syria, and Asia Minor, says: "Of Paul the fourteen Epistles commonly received are at once manifest and clear. It is not, however, right to ignore the fact that some have rejected the Epistle to the Hebrews, as- serting that it is gainsayed by the Church of Rome as not being Paul's." . . . At another place he says: Clement of Rome "most clearly shows that this work (the Epistle to the Hebrews) is by no means a late production. Whence it is probable that this was also numbered with the other writ- ings of the Apostles. For as Paul had addressed the Hebrews in the language of his country; some say that the evangelist-Luke, others that Clement, translated the Epistle." Fourteenth: The Alexandrian Church, as a whole, from the beginning, distinctly assigned the Epistle to St. Paul, and both Clement of Alexandria and Origen frequently refer to the Epistle as "the Apostle's" or "St. Paul's," and Athanasius The Epistle to the Hebrews. 57 {died 373), in one of his Festal Epistles, written in 367, distinctly mentions "fourteen Epistles of St. Paul" among those which had been placed in the Canon and handed down. Fifteenth: In the oldest Greek manuscripts of the New Testa- ment, the Epistle to the Hebrews stands before the Pastoral Epistles, as being an a^nowledged letter of St. Paul. Sixteenth: On the other hand, the western tradition, both Roman and North African, during the second and third cen- turies, down to the time of Augustine (Synod of Hippo, 393, and the Third of Carthage, 397), is ^ecidedly against the Pauline authorship. Seventeenth: We have now before us a summary of the external evidence of the Early Church, and we can weigh it on its own merits. The weight of the evidence seems to be in favor of Paul's authorship, especially as we know that the main reason why the Western Church, for nearly two centuries, questioned the Pauline authorship, rested on the false supposition that there were some doctrinal difficulties in the Epistle, notably Heb. G: 4-6. Eighteenth: This brings us now to the examination of the in- ternal evidence, on which, after all, in this case, we must de- pend mainly. Nineteenth: We will first examine the objections drawn from the contents of the Epistle itself, raised against the Pauline authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews. (1) The writer was not an Apostle, but one who had received his knowledge of the truth from the Apostles, 2: 3. Stress is here laid on "was confirmed unto us by them tliat heard," as if the writer was distinctly separating himself from those who had directly received the word from the Lord. Answer: But such extreme exegesis is not decisive. Com- pare 1: 2; 2:1; 4:1; 6:1; 10:24-26; 12:1; especially Acts 13:31, 32; 22:18. (2) In the description of the Temple furniture (9:1-10), the writer falls into mistakes, and Paul would not have made such mistakes. Ansicer: But the writer is not describing the Temple services; he is speaking of the arrangements of the Taber- nacle. 58 Studies in the Book. (3) Paul, if he had written this letter, would huve given his name. Answer: TJiere may have been strong reasons why Paul should not obtrude his name on the Jews, a name which he knew was unwelcome to them, especially as the Jewish Christians no doubt used this Epistle in converting Jews. See also the views of the Early Church as given by Clement of Alexandria, as quoted above. (4) Paul, as the Apostle of the Gentiles, would not be likely to write to the Hebrews. Answer: But he everywhere tried first of all to preach to the Jews. For his brethren's sake he would even have been content to be "anathema from Christ," Rom. 9: 3. Because the Epistle was written to the Hebrews, his name is omitted. (.5) The style (in Greek) is not that of the Pauline Epistles. A7iswer: This is a very refined critical argument, and the more we study the original, and enter into its spirit, the stronger this argument becomes. In fact we are almost driven to the conclusion that the composition of the Greek was not Paul's. (a) Paul almost uniformly quotes from the Hebrew Bible; in this Epistle the quotations- are taken mainly from the Septuagint. (b) In this Epistle there is a peculiar use of connecting particles, which also gives a peculiar structure to the sentences. (c) The Greek used is the most perfect in the Greek Testa- ment, and nothing can be compared with it in purity of language, save the writings of Luke. id) But even if Paul did not write the Greek, this does not decide that Paul was not the author of the Epistle. (art) He may have had Luke as his amanuensis. (bb) Or, as is most likely, he may have written the letter in Hebrew, and Luke afterwards translated it, or re- wrote it, having received the substance from Paul him- self. (cc) This is all the more likely, because on the closest ex- amination of the Greek of this Epistle we see its re- markable resemblance to the diction of Luke, especially to those passages in the Acts where Luke reproduces the speeches of Paul, some of which were delivered in The Epistle to the Hebrews. 59 the Hebrew or Aramaic tongue. Compare Acts 13: 16- 41; 14: 15-17; 17: 22-31; 20:18-35; 22:1-21; 24:10-21; 26:2-29. (dd) The fidelity with which Luke reproduces these speeches is unquestionable. (ee) So that the early tradition, as given by Clement of Alexandria, and referred to by Origen, may be the cor- rect one— that Paul is the author, but that the Greek in which it was written was from the hand of Luke. iff) "If indeed it were credible that the Epistle was orig- inally written in 'Hebrew,' then the 'external and inter- nal evidence combined would justify the belief that the Greek text is due to St. Luke." { Westcott.) (6) Tlie last objection generally made against its Pauline authorship is that there are differences of doctrinal statements between this Epistle and Paul's other Epistles. Answer (a): The closer we study the Epistle, the more re- markable are the parallels of thought and doctrine between its teachings and those of the other Epistles of Paiil. (b) That this is so will appear more clearly by the time we have finished the study of this Epistle. Twentieth: Read the Epistle carefully and note what we can learn of the Author. (l)He is a Jew, 1:1, 2; etc. (2) Thoroughly acquainted with the Old Testament and its ritual. (3) Uses many Greek words common to this Epistle and St. Paul's writings, but not found elsewhere in the New Testa- ment (51 words). ^ (4) Many verbal resemblances between this Epistle and Paul's letters. (5) Many resemblances of doctrine. (6) The author shows he was perfectly familiar with Paul's writings. (7) Speaks of Timothy in the same way as Paul does, 13: 23 compared with Col. 1:1; Philemon 1; etc. Twenty-first: After all our investigations we may conclude that the Epistle is Pauline, possibly written in Greek by Paul himself, more likely the GreeR wording of it belongs to Luke. 1 Hints to the student of the Greek text. 60 Studies in the Book. Twenty second: So that after all we have not been able to ad- vance beyond the statement of Origen as given above. Twenty-third: The majority of modern Commentators favor the view that Apollos wrote this Epistle, a happy guess of the genius of Luther, suggested by Acts 18: 24-28, a few Barnabas, and some Luke. Twenty-fourth: This question of authorship will probably never be decided with absolute certainty. Twenty fifth: After repeated investigation, the writer holds that the Epistle is Pauline, possibly written by Luke as the amanuensis, or even the translator (?), and from 13: 22-24 we may infer the letter was written at Rome, probably at the close of Paul's first imprisonment, about 63 A. D., as we know that Timothy and Luke were then with him. That the book was written before the destruction of Jerusalem, while the Temple was still standing, is evident from 8: 4, 13; 9: 6, 8, 9; 12: 27; 13: 10. Twenty-sixth: The aim of the writer of this Epistle is: (1) To strengthen and comfort his readers in their persecutions and afflictions, 10: 32-36; 12: 7-13; (2) To warn them against the danger of apostasy to Judaism, 2: 1-^3; 3: 6, 14; 4: 1, 14; 6: 1-8; 10: 23, 26-31. Twenty seventh: A careful reading of the Epistle (one hour) shows that it naturally can be divided into four parts: I. The Incarnate Son of God is Superior to the Angels, 1: 1-2:18. II. Superior to Moses, 3: 1—4: 16. III. Superior to Aaron: (1) In the order of His Priesthood, 5: 1—7: 28. (2) In the nature of His Ministry, 8: 1—10: 18. IV. Exhortation. 10: 19—13: 25. Twenty eighth: Read the Epistle carefully, and divide into sections with appropriate headings. ^ Study carefully each section, and write out the thought as concisely as follows: 1. 1:1-3. In former Revelations God has spoken ihrongh Uie PropTiets, but now he has spoken in his Son. V. 1. God spake in the prophets, who were impired by him. m. 2, 8. A most remarkable description of the person, work, and exaltation of the God-Man. 1 We alBO add a few explanatory notes. The Epistle to the Hebrews. 61 2. 1:4-14. Who, according to his human nature, has become Superior to the Angels. V. 4. Accordiug to his divine nature, from eternity, the Son was always greater than the angels, but by Christ's being exalted on the right hand of the Majesty on high, the God-M^n, according to his human nature, hath inherited a more excellent name. See also Phil. 2: 9-11. t). 5. SeePs. 2:7ar)dII. Sam. 7:14. V. 6. The time referred to here is not the incarnation, nor the resurrection of Christ, but his Second Coming, the visible re-introduclion of the Risen One who is now hid in God. The quotation is verbatim from the Septuagint version of Deut. 32: 43. Cf. Ps. 97: 7. ». 7. See Ps. 104:4. w. 8, 9. See Ps. 45:6, 7. vv. 10-12. See Ps. 102: 25-27. V. 13. See Ps. 110: 1. 3. 2: 1-4. Wherefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to Ms message. vv. 3, 4. These verses have a special significance, if this letter was written to the mother-Church at Jerusalem. 4. 2: 5-18. The Incarnate Son of Ood for a little while was made lower than the angels, that through death he might make propitiation for our sins. V. 5. This "world to come" is the Kingdom of Christ, which according to its hidden principle and spirit is already present; according to its glorified manifestation is yet future. «». 6-8. See Ps. 8:4-6. vv. 9, 10. In his state of humiliation, Jesus was a little lower than the angels. A distinction is here drawn between the state of 7iumilia- tion and the state of exaltation. Paul here states the reasons and the results of Christ's death. V. 12. See Ps. 22: 22. V. 13. See Ps. 18: 2; Isa. 8: 18. V. 14. The Son of God became incarnate that he might work out our redemption. See "Studies in the Book," First Series, page 97. V. 16. The Revised Version brings out the exact meaning 63 Studies in the Book. of this passai^e. The objects of the work of redemption are not angels but men. Christ became man in order to die for man. V. 17. Having become man in order to redeem us, Christ was bound in dut}'' to become lil^e us "in all things," yet "without sin," 4: 15. "He had to walk the path of human suffering down to its deepest turning point, in order to acquire the requisite qualifications for the exercise of high priestly functions extending thenceforth from heaven to earth." (DelitzscTi.) On the words "to make propitiation f(.r the sins of the people," we may remark (after Delitzsch): (1) There are those who oppose the Scripture doctrine, — that Christ made atonement for the sins of men by his vicarious death, thus making expiation for sin and pro- pitiating the justice of God, — on the ground that it is nowhere said, in exact words, that God is propitiated, or that any one 2)i'opitiated him. (3) They lay great stress on the fact that the New Testa- ment confines itself to saying that our high priest "makes propitiation for the sins of the people" (Heb. 3: 17), that God set forth Christ Jesus "to be a propitia- tion" for us (Rom. 3: 25), that God sent "his son to be the propitiation for our sins" (I. John 4: 10); that it speaks of God "reconciling us to himself through Christ," "of reconciling the world unto himself" (II. Cor. 4: 18, 19), "of reconciling all things unto himself" through Christ (Col. 1: 20); and that while it speaks of us as reconciled ones, it never speaks of God as the Reconciled One. (8) But these same persons seem to overlook, on the other hand, that Scripture says that we are "by nature chil- dren of wrath" (Eph. 3: 3), that only when we believe on the Son of God do we cease to be objects of divine wrath (John 3: 36), that it is the blood of Christ whereby we are saved from the wrath to come (Rom. 5:9; of. I. Thess. 1: 10), that Christ "gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell" (Eph. 5:3); that he bought us with a price (I. Cor. 6: 30), that he became a curse for us (Gal. 3: 13), that through his own blood he obtained eternal redemption Thk Epistle to the Hebrews. * 63 (Heb. 9: 13), that through the eternal Spirit he oiiered himself without blemish unto God (Heb. 9: 14), that he gave himself a ransom for all (I. Tim. 2: 6). (4) They overlook the fact that Christ's self-offering was really an act which has rescued us from deserved wrath, and won for us the forgiveness of sins, through faith in Christ; they seem to ignore altogether the fact that the saving work ©f Christ has for its object, not merely a changing of man's relation to God, but also of God's to man; not merely expiation or atonement of sin, but also of God's wrath against sinful man, — for by his death Christ satisfies the justice of God, so that in his love he can forgive the sins of those who appropriate the merits of Christ, and still be holy. (5) The reason the New Testament nowhere in exact words says that the eelf-sacrifice of Christ has appeased the wrath of God; is that man may not think that it is an act which precedes God's gracious will, and by which grace instead of wrath is, without his co-operation, wrested, or, so to speak, extorted from Him. (6) The New Testament seeks to guard against this false view of the work of the atonement, everywhere reveal- ing to us the grace of God the Father, that the atone- ment was prepared for us by the prevenient love of the Father when we were strangers to God, that the Father hath sent his Son and given him for us, that it was the Holy Ghost by whose agency he was incorporated with the human race, and that it is God's counsel of love which he has fulfilled. (7) And so the work of atonement, when regarded in its totality, and beginning, middle, and end are taken to- gether, is but the self-reconciling of the Godhead with itself. "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself," n. Cor. 5:19. 3: 1-6. Jesus our High Priest is superior to Moses, as a Son is superior to a servant, however faithful. V. 1. Our Lord is here called '"the Apostle," and nowhere else. He was so called because he was God's messenger of salvation, John 17: 3, 18; 20: 21. Christ unites the office of Moses and Aaron in his own person. He is both prophet and High Priest. 64 ^ Studies in the Book, "What we confess is, that we have in the man Jesua, one sent of God, to bring us the message of salvation, and a High Priest to accomplish it" {Delitzsch). V. 3. The thought is: The glory conferred on Christ sur- passes that of Moses in the same proportion as the builder of the house enjoys greater honor than the house itself. • 6. 3: 7—4: 13. Let ws not through U7i faith fulness fail of the promise, hut let us give diligence to enter into the final Best of the people of God. vv.l-n. See Ps. 95:7-11. V. 9. Israel was forty years in the wilderness, — so there were forty years from the Resurrection of Christ to the destruction of Jerusalem. V. 11. The rest here referred to is not the rest of the Sab- bath, nor the rest of Canaan, but the eternal Rest of Heaven. V. 4. See Gen. 2: 2. vv. 12, 13. Does Paul here refer to the word of Scripture, or to the Son, the personal Word of God, or is the Word of God personified and endowed with all the attributes of God himself? The reference is to the preached and written word of God, but this does not exclude the idea that Paul has also in mind Christ, the everlasting Word of God. 7. 4: 14-16. Having then a merciful High Priest, let us through 7dm draw nigh unto God. All the chief points of the earlier chapters are brought together in these verses:— the High Priest (2: 17; 3: 1), his exaltation (1:8, 4, 13; 2: 9); his divine sonship (1: 1-3, 5, 8; 3: 6); his compassion towards the brethren whose lot he came to share (2: 11-18). Studies in the Book. (7) "To fall away, like the wilfully sinnimj of 10: 26 is in- tended to denote such apostasy as not only withdraws from the ethical influences of Christian truth, but renounces the truth itself. ... It was over this abyss that the Hebrew Christians were now standing. , . They might reject salva- tion in Christ with such utter scorn and bitterness as to render it no longer a salvation for them. . . . They might "crucify" again "to themselves the Son of God," repeat- ing what their fathers had done formerly, when they gave him over to the death of the cross, and expose him again to the reproach and mockery of the world" {DelitzsrJi). (8) The sin of apostasy here described and also at 10: 26 is substantially the same as the sin against the Holy Ghost, "the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost" of which our Lord himself speaks in the Gospels (Mark 3: 29). 11. 6: 9-20. But at the same time encourages^ them by God's faithfulness in keeping his promises. In verses 13-20 Paul proceeds to set before them the ex- ample of Abraham, in respect of his faith, his patience, and his reward. 12. 7: 1-10. The glory of the Priesthood of Melchizedek (1-3); its suiieriority to the Levitical py-iestJiood (4-10). This passage is a commentary on the narrative in Gen. 14: 18-20. V. 3. The actual historical Melchizedek lived and died, but there is no record of the beginning or end of his priest- hood, — as in the case of the Levitical priesthood, — for the priesthood of Melchizedek is continuous, unbroken by transmission or inheritance. Birth had nothing to do with his priesthood, death is not alluded to as depriving him of it; he passes it to no one else; the Melchizedek of the Scripture narrative does nothing but live. vv. 9, 10. The sacred writer's assertion here concerning Levi's being tithed in the loins of Abraham, has an im- portant bearing on the doctrine of the fall. That in Adam we have all sinned, though not asserted in Rom. 5: 12, is a strictly scriptural proposition, and finds irrefrag- able support in Heb, 7: 9, 10. But two points must be borne in mind: (1) Adam was not merely the natural pro- genitor, but at the same time the ethical inaugurator of the human race; (2) the deed of Adam can only so far be The Epistle to the Hebrews. 67 regarded as that of all men, as humanity was potentially and radically contained in him. (Delitzsch). 13. 7: 11-25. Jesus is the true High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Not of the race of Aaron {\1-1^); not by carnal descent of any kind, but through the absolute dignity of his own person {lh~\Q); appointed with a divine oath {2Q-22); with an unchangeable priesthood, ever living to make intercession for us (23-25). V. 25. It is in this intercession for us that the whole life's activity of the exalted Jesus, so far as it is of a priestly nature, is comprised. This intercession will last so long as the final redemption of God's people — that is, the utter effacement of sin, and death, and sorrow — remains unac- complished. It is not a mere silent presentation of Him- self as the Redeemer before God, but an eloquent inter- eession on our behalf in reference to each individual among his redeemed, and every single case of need; and finally, its fruit is a perpetual maintenance of our relation ,, of grace toward God, and a perpetually renewed removal of every hindrance and shadow cast by sin. See also Rom. 8: 34. (After Delitzsch.) 14. 7:26-28. Christ then being the true High Priest, He is superior to the Aaronic priests not only in the nature of Ids Priesthood, btit also in the nature of Ms ministration. These verses are a summary of the argument since the be- ginning of the fifth chapter, and prepare the way for the subsequent discussion. V. 26. The first three of these attributes describe our Lord in his high priestly character, as the antitype of Aaron, and in his venerable, gracious, and immaculate humanity; the two last express the super-celestial exaltation of his royal priesthood, in which he is the antitype of Melchiz- edek, and has not only all enemies, but the heavenly world itself beneath his feet. {Delitzsch). V. 27. Christ's own intrinsic perfection renders any repeti- tion of his atoning acts unnecessary. Once done, they have eternal validity. Here it is distinctly stated that Christ offered up himself as a sacrifice for our sins. 15. 8:1-6. The superioi'ity of the ministration of the High Priesthood of Christ is manifest from the divine and heavenly 68 Studies in the Book. sphere in which hotli his high-priestly and kingly offices are now discharged. V. 1. To sit at God's right band means to use fuilyand inces- santly the regal omnipotence and majesty imparted from the Father through the exaltation, for universal and most glorious governing in the kingdom of power, grace, and glory, 1:3; 2:7, 8. ■B. 2. This heavenly "sanctuary" is the very "Holy of Holies," the very place of the Divine Presence and throne, God's own place, the uncreated heaven of the divine glory, where the God man has been received " into the inner- most sphere of Godhead, and invested there with divine glory while mediating for us." (Uelitzsch). The heavenly " tabernacle," "the greater and more per- fect tabernacle " (9:11), is that glorious heaven wJiere "God vouchsafes to exhibit himself to angels and to men, in glorious manifestations of his divine love," . . . "into which w^ourselves, if we persevere to the end, shall one day be gathered, and in which Christ acts as Mediator now, on the one hand manifesting to the blessed inhabitants the self-revelations of divine glory, and on the other present- ing to the Father their sacrifice of adoration and praise." (Delitzsch). V. 5. There are therefore divine realities of heavenly things, ' not merely outward and material, temporal and typical, like the tabernacle, but inward and spiritual, antitypical, archetypical, and eternal. 16. 8:7-13. As well as from the superiority of the New Cove- nant under which he acts. V. 8. This long quotation is taken from Jer. 31: 31-34. 17. 9:1-12. As by the eternal validity of the New Covenant, vv. 11, 13. (1) From the first moment of incarnation Christ was our High Priest by vocation and potentially: all that followed, till he passed into the highest heavens, was but progressive development of that original calling. (2) The final step of the process by which He obtained these good things as to have them now in hand ready to be bestowed on us, is expressed in these verses. (3) The " holy iplace " into which Christ entered is the illocal place of the infinite, self contained, self centred Godhead, the eternal Heaven of God himself; "the greater TiiB Epistle to the Hebrews. 69 and more perfect Uhernacle' through which he enleied, is the heaven of the blessed, in which he shines upon his % creatures in the light of love. (4) Eternal redemption had not been fully obtained be- fore our Lord's entrance to the Father, that entrance being itself the conclusion of the great redeeming act. As the resurrection from the dead was the divine seal of the work of atonement, so the entrance of the Risen One into the Father's presence imparted to that work its eternal validity for U9. (5) The ransom paid by Christ for us is his death (Matt. 10:28; Ileb, 9:15; Tit. 2:14; I. Tim. 2:5,6), as the offering upof himself (Heb. 7:27; 9:14); even his blood (Eph. 1: 7; Col. 1 : 14), as the giving up of his life (Matt. 20: 28). And since it is by means of "his own blood " that Christ enters into the holy of holies, it is clear that to God himself the ransom is paid. (6) As in the earthly sanctuary, on the day of atonement, the high priest entered the holy of holies, and offered the blood of atonement to God, and to Him only, so our great High Priest entered the eternal sanctuary and appeared in the presence of God for us, and paid our redemption price, even "his own blood " to God. And this redemption is an eternal one, of absolute and never-failing validity. (After DelitzscJi). 18. 9: 13-28. For the blood of Christ purifies inwardly unto the living service of the living Qod (13, 14) ; His redeeming death is the consecration of a new covenant, and of the heavenly sanc- tuary (15-23); His entrance into the eternal sanctuary is the seal of the absolute remission of sin, after which only remains his ultimate return to complete the realization of Eedemption (24-28). This section consists of three paragraphs, of which the first {vv. 13, 14) refers to " through his own blood" of verse 12; the second {vv. 15-23) to the "high priest of the good things to come" of verse 11; and the third (w. 24-28) to "entered in once for all into the holy place " of verse 12. V. 24. Chrisfs activity in our behalf before the Father con- sists in a perpetual presentation of himself as of one who died for our sins and is risen again for our justification. 70 Studies in the Book. V. 27. The judgment here spoken of is the final judgment of the last day. 19. 10:1-18. Christ's own sacrifice of himself is the complete and only adequate fulfilment of the icill of Qod {1-10); he is henceforth exalted to the right hand of Ood, waiting as a King for the final subjugation of all his enemies (11-14); ?iis atoning death is the inauguration of that new Covenant, in winch we have the assurance of the forgiveness of sins, and there is no more need for an offering for sin (15-18). vv.b-1. See Ps. 40:6-8. V. 10. The cross is the altar on which Christ offered himself for us as " an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odour of a sweet smell" (Eph. 5:2). His blood-shedding was our propitiation, our sanctification was the fruit of Christ's offering his body. V. 12. Christ is henceforth seated at the right hand of God, ruling, not ministering, as a priest before him, having accomplished by his one offering all that the priests of the law were unable to affect, — and as King he waits on his throne for the ultimate reward of his priestly ministry. V. 13. See Ps. 110: 1. That end will consist in his Second Advent (9: 26), when the victory accomplished by his death and resurrection will be fully realized by the separation, binding and elimination of everything in the universe op- posed to God, in the order described by Paul himself in I. Cor. 15:24-28. {Miex DelitzscJi). V. 14. The being sanctified (in which is here included both imputed and imparted holiness, justification and sanctifica- tion) is the subjective process by which the perfected work of Christ is realized in believers. OT. 16, 17. See Jer. 31:33, 34. V. 18. Nothing remains, objectively, to be done to procure for us inward perfecting, and a complete restoration to communion with God. Here ends the theological portion of the Epistle. The great theme of 7:1—10:18(7:1-25; 7:26—9:12; 9:13— 10:18) is "Christ, after the order of Melchizedek, High Priest for eternity." There is the closest connection between 5:1-10 and the fcl lowing treatise (7: 1—10: 18), for the whole section 5: 11— 6: 30 is a digression. The Epistle to the Hebrews. 71 20. 10:19-39. Exhortation to steadfastness in faith and good works. V. 30. See Deut. 32:35, 36; Ps. 50:4; 135:14. OT. 37, 38. See Hab. 2:3, 4. 21. 11 : 1^0. Illustraiions of the nature a,nd power of faith. 22. 12: 1-17. Renewed exhortation to continued perseverance and patience; with renewed warnings against Apostasy. 23. 12: 18-29. As the privileges under the New Testament are higher than under the old, so the punishment of Apostasy is proportionately greater. vv. 18, 19. Here are enumerated seven circumstances of awe which accompanied the giving of the law, all of them ma- terial things. vv. 22, 23. Here follow seven particulars of encouragement accompanying the establishment of the Christian Cove- nant, all of them glorious spiritual realities. \ 24. 13: 1-6. Exhortation to brotherly love, purity, and content- ment. 25. 13: 7-17. Imitate your Christian teachers. Bear the re- proach of Christ. 26. 13:18-25. Closing jirayers and salutations. Twenty-ninth: Give an oral statement of the contents of the Epistle, chapter by chapter. Thirtieth: To the student of the English text we would recom- mend the Commentaries of Moulton (in Handy Commentary), Davidson, Kay (in Speaker's Commentary), Delitzsch (which is written however for students of the Greek text, but which is so valuable that no one can master this Epistle without it), and Farrar (in Cambridge Bible). Thirty-first: For students of the Greek cext we would recom- mend Alford, Bengel, Delitzsch, Westcott, and Wordsworth. STUDY IX. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews. First- The Epistle is eminently Christological. It unfolds more- fully than any other book the three-fold office of Christ, as Prophet, Priest, and King. Second- It is more than an ordinary letter, being rather a ser- mon or a theological discourse on the great theme of the Eter- nal Priesthood and Sacrifice of Christ. Third- Study the Epistle as a -whole, section by section, -with reference to its Practical truths. (1) Duty to God. (2) Duty to Man; (a) In the State; (b) In the Church; (c) In the Family. (3) Duty to Self. 1 Fourth: Study the Epistle carefully, and write out concisely -what the -writer teaches concerning the Doctrine of God.* (1) The Doctrine of God the Father. (2) The Doctrine of the Son of Gcd. (3) The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit. (4) The Triune God. (5) Good Angels.* Fifth: Study the Epistle carefully, section by section, and note what the author teaches concerning Christology, or the Doc trine of the Person of Christ.* 1 As to method of developing theee topics, see example given in Study II., on Coloseians, pp. 19, 20. 2 As an illustration iiow to find the material see Study I^V., on Ephesians, pp. .33-35. * 3 For the New Testament doctrine of Evil Angels see "Studies in the Book," First Series, p. 102. For the N. T. Doctrine concerning the Devil, see the same work, p. 103. 4 Add to these references, and compare results obtained in Study II., on ColOBsians, pp. 21, 23. 72 The Teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews. 73 Jesus is the God-Man. Truly Divine. Because to him are ascribed: (a) Divine Names. (l)TheSonof God, 1:2, 5, 8; 4:14; 5:5; 6:6; 7:3; 10:29. (2) The Firstborn, 1:6. (3) Lord, 2:3; our Lord, 7: 14; 13:21. (4) The author of eternal salvation, 2: 10; 5:9. (5) The author and perfecter of our faith, 12:2. (6) The great shepherd of the sheep, 13:20. (6) Divine Attributes: (1) Is the effulgence of the glory of God, 1:3. (2) The full manifestation of the attributes of God, 1: 3. (3) The very image of the essence of God, 1:3. (4) Has pre existed from all eternity, 1:2, 3. (5) Is righteous, 1:8, 9. (6) Is heir of all things, 1:2; sovereign of the world to come, 2:5. (7) Is glorious, 1:3. (8) Omnipotent, 1:3, 13. (9) Has a kingdom and house, 3:6. (10) Is unchangeable, 1: 12; 13: 8. (c) Divine Works. (1) Through the Son, God made the worlds, 1:2, 10; 11:3. (2) Upholds all things by the word of his power, 1:3, 12. (3)Rule3 0ver all, 2:5-8. (4) Made purification of sins, 1: 3. (5) Author of the salvation of men, 2: 10; 5:9; 7:25. (6) Sanctifies, 2:11; 9:13, 14; 13:12. (7) Delivers us from the power of death, 2: 14, 15. (8) Overcame the devil, who hath the power of death, 2:14,15. (9) Obtained eternal redemption, 9: 12. (fZ) Divine Worship: (1) Worshiped by the angels, 1: 6. (2) Worshiped and adored by the saints, 13:20, 21. Truly Human. Because to him are ascribed: (a) Human Names: (1) Jesus, 2:9; 3:1; 4:14; 6:20; 10:19; 13:12. (2) The Apostle of God, 3: 1. (3) High Priest of our Confession, 3:1; 4: 14. (4) Christ, 3:14; 6: 1; 9: 11, 14, 24, 28. 74 Studies in the Book. (5) Jesus Christ, 10: 10; 13:8, 31. (b) Human Attributes: (1) Suffers death, 2:9, 14; 9:15, 16. (3) Made perfect through sufferings, 3:10; 5:9. (3) Offered up prayers and supplications with strong cry- ing and tears, 5:7. (4) Partook of flesh and blood, 2: 14; 5: 7; 10: 10. (5) Made like unto his brethren in all things, 2: 17. (6) Suffered being tempted (2: 18), in all points as we are, yet without sin, 4:15; 7:26, 28; 9:14. (7) Touched with the feeling of our infirmities, 4: 15. (8) But having no infirmity, 7:26. 28. (9) Of the tribe of Judah, 7: 14. The State of Humiliation. (1) As man Christ was made lower than the angels, 2:7, 9. (2) By the suffering of death, he tasted death for every man, 2:9. (3) Entered into fellowship with us, to be made perfect through sufferings, 2: 10. (4) Calls us brethren, 2: 12. (5) Made like us in all things, 2: 17. (6) Suffered death that he might overcome the devil, 2: 14. (7) And deliver us from bondage, 2:15. (8) Suffered through temptation that he might succor them that are tempted. 2: 18; 4: 15. (9) Became our High Priest, 2:17; 3:1; 4:14. (10) Glorified not himself, 5:5 (11) Learned obedience by the things which he suffered, 5:8. (12) Offered up himself for the sins of the people, 7:27; 8:3; 9:24-38; through tl d Eternal Spirit. 9:14; (13) Endured the cross, despising shame, 12:2. The Exaltation of Christ. (1) Appointed heir of all things, 1:2. (2) Exalted on the right hand of the Majesty on high, 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2. (3) Superior to the angels, 1 : 4. (4) Anointed above his fellows, 1:9. (5) Crowned with glory and honor, 2:7, 9. (6) Set over the works of God, 2: 7. (7) All things subjected unto him, 2:8. (8) Counted worthy of more glory than Moses, 3:3. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews. 75 (9) Passed through the heavens, 4: 14; the greater and more perfect tabernacle, 9:11. (10) Made higher than the heavens, 7:26. (11) Appointed the eternal High Priest, 5:6, 10; 6:20. (13) Entered within the veil for us, 6:20. Sixth: Stud}^ the Epistle carefully and note what the author leaches concerning Boteriology, or the Doctrine of the Work of Christ. The PropTietic office of Christ. (1) God hath spoken unto us in his Son, 1: 2. (2) Who hath revealed the word of salvation, 2: 2. (3) He was a faithful Prophet. 3: 2. (4) The Apostle of God, 3:1. (5) Greater than Moses, 3: 3. (6) Ilis word more steadfast than that spoken by angels, 2:2. The Sacerdotal office of Christ, or the Atoriement. (1) He made purification of sing, 1 : 3, by his death, 9: 15. (2) Is a merciful and faithful High Priest, 2: 17; 3: 1, 2; 8:1; of the good things to come, 9: 11; a great priest over the house of God, 10:21. (3; Made propitiation for the sins of the people, 2: 17; 9:24-28. (4) Appointed of God a high priest, after the order of Mel- chizedek, 5: 6, 10; 6: 20; 7: 15-17, 31, 26. (5) With the taking of an oath. 7: 20, 21. (6) Not after the law of a carnal commandment, 7: 16. (7) But after the power of an endless life, 7: 17. (8) An abiding and unchangeable priesthood, 7: 24. (9) Making continual intercession for those who draw near unto God through him, 7: 25; 9: 24. (10) Offered up himself for the sin-s of the people, 7: 27; 8: 3; through the eternal Spirit, 9: 14; once, not f)ften, 9: 25, 28. (11) Not daily like an earthly high priest, but once for all, 7:27. (12) Entered within the veil for us, 6: 20; into heaven itself, 9: 24; to appear before the face of God for us, 9: 21. (13) A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, 8: 2. (14) A mediator of a better covenant than Moses, 8:6; even a new covenant, 9: 15; 12: 24. (15) Through his own blood, he entered in once for all into the holy place, 9: 12. 76 Studies in the Book. (16) The blood of Christ cleanses the conscience and sancti- fies, 9: 14. Q7) By one offering hath completed redemption, 9: 28; 10: 14. (18) The blood of Jesus has dedicated a new and living way by which to enter heaven, 10: 19, 20. (19) That he might sanctify the people through his own blood, he suffered without the gate, 13: 12. His Regal office. (1) Upholds all things by the word of his power, 1: 3. (2) Reigns with omnipotent power, 1:3, 13; 9: 12, 13. (3) Over all the works of God, 2: 7. (4) On his eternal throne, 1: 8. (5) Till all his enemies are overcome, 1: 13; 2: 8; 10: 13. Seventh: The following hints in tracing the development of the doctrine of Christ's High-priesthood, which is' the ruling thought of this Epistle, are suggested by Westcott. The theme is already indicated in 1 : 3. The crowning trait of the Son is that "when he had made purification of sins. He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," 1: 3. The priestly and regal works of Christ are placed together in the closest connexion. The remaining passages prepare for, expound, and apply the doctrine. (1) Preparatory. (a) 2: 17, 18. The incarnation the foundation of Christ's High-priesthood. (6) 3: 1, 2. The subject is of such importance as to require careful consideration. (c) 4: 14-16. Recapitulation as a transition to the detailed treatment of the truth. (2) The CJiaracterisiics of C7irist's Iligh-priestkood. (a) 5: 1-10. The characteristics of the Levitical High-priest- hood realized by Christ. (b) 6: 20; 7: 14-19. The priesthood of Christ after the order of Melchizedek. (3) The work of Christ as nigh-priest. {a) 8: 1-6. The scene of Christ's work a heavenly and not an earthly sanctuarj'. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews. 77 (6)9:11-28. Christ's atoning work contrasted with that of the Levitical High priest on the Day of Atonement, (c) 10: 1-18. An abiding efficacy of Christ's One Sacrifice. (4) Apj)Ucation of the fruits of Christ's High-priestJiood to be- lievers. (a) 10: 19-25. Personal use. (6) 13: 10-16. Privileges and duties of the Christian Church. Eighth: We also add the substance of a note by Westcott on "The Christology of the Epistle." (1) The view of the Person and Work of Christ which is given in the Epistle to the Hebrews is in many respects more comprehensive and far reaching than that which is given in any other Book of the New Testament. (2) The author of the Epistle recognizes one unchanged Per- sonality in the Incarnate Christ through whom finite things wire called into existence and under whom all things shall be finally subjected. (3) Prom first to last, through time to that eternity beyond time which we have no powers to realize. One Person ful- fils the will of God, 1: 2; 10: 5-9. (4) One Person is the agent in creation, the medium of revela- tion, the heir of the world. I. The Divine Being {Nature and Personality) of the Son. (1) la relation to God. {a) The titles "Son" (1:2, 5; 3: 6; 5: 8), "the Son" (1:8), "the Son of God" 6: 6; 7: 3; 10: 29), "the Firstborn" (1: 6), "Jesus, the Son of God" (4: 14). Note: (1) The title "Son" is used in the Epistle only in reference to the Incarnate Lord. (2) The title expresses not merely a mere relation, but a relation of being. (3) It defines in human language that which "was" be- yond time imminent in the Godhead. (4) It is remarkable that God is spoken of as "Father" only in 1 : 5. (6) The definite description of the nature and work of the Son is given in 1: 3. Note: (1) The use of the absolute, timeless, term "be- ing" guards against the thought that the Lord's "Sonship" was by adoption and not by nature. (2) In Christ the essence of God is made distinct. 78 Studies in the Book. (3) In Christ the revelation of God's character is seea. Cf. John 5: 19, 30; 14:9. (2) In relation to the World. In relation to the the World the Son is presented to us as (a) the Creator, {b) the Preserver, and (c) the Heir of all things. From the divine side indeed these three offices are one. (a) The Creative vpork of the Son is affirmed both in the writer's own words (1: 3), and by an application of the language of the Psalms (1 : 10). (6) The thought of creation passes into that of the pre- servation, government, consummation of created things. (1) The Son bears all things to their true end, 1:3; 11:3. (2) He is over the whole house of God in virtue of what he is (a Son, 3:6) and what he has done (a high-priest, 10:21). (3) This work was in no way interrupted by the In- carnation. (4) St. Paul also combines the creative and sustaining power of Christ, Col. 1: 16, 17. (c) The idea of the "heirship" of Chjist is connected with the work of creation, 1: 2. The fact that he created suggests the fitness that He should inherit. Cf. Col. 1:16. II. The work of the Incarnate Christ. The work of the Incarnate Christ is presented under the aspect (1) of his earthly life, and (2) of his work in his glorified humanity in heaven. 1. The Incarnation: (a) Christ's human nature. (1) The Lord's humanity is declared to be real (2: 14, 10; 7:14), perfect (2:17, and representative (2:9). (2) At the same time, the Divine Personality was un- changed by the assumption of humanity. (3) The use of the human name Jesus guards the ful- ness of his humanity. (6) Christ's human life. (1) The perfect human nature of Christ found expres- sion in a perfect human life. The Teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews. 79 (2) He bore without the least failure or sin every temp- tation to which we are exposed, 4:15; 5:7-10; 7:26. (3) The writer recognizes in Christ separate human virtues: trust in God (2:13); faithfulness (3:17; 3:3); dependence of God (5:7, 8); mercy and sympathy (2:17; 4: 15); faith (12:2). (4) Christ did not however cease at any time to be the Son of God (9: 14). (5) He exercises his priesthood in virtue of "the power of an indissoluble life " (7: 16). (6) There is thus a most intimate union of two Natures in the one Person of Christ, whose Personality is Divine. (7) In virtue of his humanity the Lord was able to fulfill his twofold office for men, as "Apostle" (Prophet) and "High Priest" (3:1), declaring the will of God and working out redemption for man. 2. The Exaltation: 1. The exaltation of Christ is placed in this Epistle, as by Paul (Phil. 3:9-11), in close connection with his sufferings (3:9; 12:3). 3. While Paul dwells on the Resurrection in each group of his Epistles, the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews refers to it once only (13:30; cf. 5: 7), fixing his attention on the Ascension (4: 14; 6: 20; 7: 36; 9: 11, 13, 24), and the sitting at the right hand of God (1:3; 8:1; 10:13; 12:3). 3. This difference follows from the unique teaching of the Epistle on the work of Christ as King and Priest. 4. Prom what has been said it will be seen that !here is a very close connection between the Christology of the writer to the Hebrews and the Christology of St. Paul. 5. But though there is a remarkable agreement in idea between the teaching of the Epistle on the Person of Christ and that of St. Paul's later Epistles (Col. 1: 15- 30; Eph. 1:3-14; Phil. 3:5-11), even where the thoughts approach most clearly to coincidence, there still re main significant differences of phraseology. Compare Heb. 1:3, 3 with Col. 1:15-17; 1:6 with Col. 1:15, 18; 3:17 with Phil. 2:7. Ninth: (1) Of the twenty-nine direct quotations from the Old 80 Studies in the Book. Testament, twelve are taken from the Pentateuch, eleven from the Psalms, and one each from II. Sam., Isaiah, Jere- miah, Habakkuk, and Haggai. (2) With two exceptions (II. Sam. 7: 14; Isa. 8: 17, 18) all the primary passages which are quoted to illustrate the true nature of the Person and Work of Christ are taken from the Psalms. (3) Of the twenty -nine passages which are reckoned as direct quotations, twenty- one are peculiar to the writer of the Epistle. (4) The text of the quotations agrees in the main with some form of the present text of the Septuagint. (5) The writer regarded the Greek Version as authoritative; and he nowhere shows any immediate knowledge of the Hebrew text. (After Westcott). Tenth: Make a special study of the following topics, or phrases taken in the order of their occurrence in the Epistle: By divers portions (1: 1), in divers manners (1: 1), the end of these days (1:2), the angels (1:4), so great salvation (2:3), the grace of God j;2:9), the devil (2:14), our hope (3:6), an evil heart of unbelief (3: 12), the living God (3: 12), the deceitfulness of sin (3: 13), a Sabbath rest (4: 9), the word of God (4: 12), our confession (4: 14), eternal salvation (5:9), the order of Melchiz- edek (5:10), the first principles of Christ (6: 1), perfection (6:1), repentance (6:1), faith (6:1), teaching of baptisms (6:2), laying on of hands (6:2), the resurrection of the dead (6:2), eternal judgment (6:2), the fulness of hope (6:11), a better covenant (7: 22), Christ's intercession (7: 25; the true tabernacle (8:2), the earthly tabernacle (8:5), the mercy seat (9:5), the good things to come (9: 11), the blood of Christ (9:14), the eternal inherit- ance (9: 15), forgiveness of sins (10:17, 18), an evil conscience (10:22), to tread under foot the Son of God (10:29), perdition (10:39), the soul (10:39\ creation (11:3), the translation of Enoch (11:5), the deluge (11:7) the faith of Abraham (11:8-12). the heavenly city (11: Ifi), Moses (11: 24), Gideon (11: 32), Sam- son (11:32), Jephthah (11:32), Samuel (11:32) a cloud of wit- nesses (12:1), the cross (12:2), the right hand of the throne of God (12:2), the Father of spirits (12:9), sanctification (12: 14), Esau (12: 16), the heavtnly Jerusalem (12:22), the innumerable hosts of angels (12:22), the Church of the firstborn (12:23), the TUE TEACniNO OP THE EriSTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 81 spirits of just men made perfect (13:23), the Kingdom that can- not be shaken (13:28), God is a consuming fire (13:29), strange teachings (13: 9), the great shepherd of the sheep (13:20), the eternal covenant (13: 20). Eleventh: Make a special study of the marginal readings of the Revised Version, and note the most important changes in meaning. STUDY X. The First Epistle to Timothy. First: The Epistles to Timothy aad Titus are known as "The Pastoral Epistles," because they were addressed to two friends of Paul, in their capacity as Pastors of important Churches. Second: There was never any doubt entertained in the Early Church that these Epistles were written by St. Paul. Third: Modern scepticism has urged three objections to their Pauline authorship. (1) The difficulty of finding any place for these letters in the known life of Paul as recorded iu the Acts of the Apostles. (2) The fact that they seem to imply an advanced state of Church organization, both orthodox (I. Tim. 3: 1, 2; 5: 1, 2; Tit. 1: 5, 6; 2: 1) and heretical (I. Tim. 1:4; 4: 1; 6: 3; Tit. 1: 10, 11; 2: 1; II. Tim. 2: 16, 17; 3: 6), far in advance of the Pauline Age. (3) The language of the epistles is different from that of the other Epistles of Paul. Fourth: All are agreed that these three Epistles are closely connected in thought, subjects, expressions, and style, and that they must have been written at about the same time, at least within a few years of each other. Fifth: The difiiculties raised against Paul's authorship have been greatly exaggerated by modern critics, and the only one of any real importance, the peculiarities of phrases and ex- pressions (that in I. Tim. there are 74 Greek words, in Titus 28, and in II. Tim. 46, that do not occur elsewhere in the New Testament) "may be so completely removed by a just consid- eration of the date of the Epistles, the peculiar nature of the subjects discussed, and the plain, substantial accordance in all main points with the Apostle's general style, that no doubt of the authorship ought now to be entertained by any calm and reasonable enquirer" (EUicott). 82 ( The First Epistle to Timothy. 83 Sixth: Read carefully Paul's first letter to Timothy, and note all the data bearing on the time when it was written. (1) St. Paul had shortly before been in Ephesus, 1:3. (3) Had been compelled to go to Macedonia, 1:3. (3) But had requested Timothy to tarry at Ephesus, 1:3. (4) Hopes to come to Ephesus shortly, 3:14. (5) But may tarry long, 3: 14. (6) Therefore writes to Timothy to give him more definite in- structions, 1:3-5; 4:13. (7) We cannot place this journey in any period before Paul's first imprisonment at Rome, or at any time of Paul's life as recorded by Luke in the Acts. (a) It is not the journey recorded in Acts 20: 1, 3. (b) For then Timothy had already been sent into Macedonia (Acts 19: 22), and thence to Corinth (I. Cor. 4: 17), and when Paul wrote his second letter to the Corinthians, Timothy was with him in Macedonia, II. Cor. 1:1; 7: 5. («) Some have thought that this journey took place during Paul's three years' sojourn at Ephesus, Acts 19: 8, 10; 30:31. (d) But this is utterly out of the question, for an absence of uncertain length, such as our Epistle presupposes, is abso- lutely precluded by Acts 20:31; and Acts 20:29, 30 is simply a prophecy of what has come to pass at the time of writing this Epistle. Furthermore the instructions given to Timothy in this Epistle seem to imply his con- tinued residence at Ephesus. (e) We must therefore give our assent to the tradition of the Early Church that St. Paul was twice imprisoned at Rome, and that this letter was written some time after his first imprisonment, while he was passing through Macedonia (1:3), after a visit to Ephesus (1:3), where he had left Timothy in charge of the local church. Seventh: Read carefully Paul's Epistle to Titus, and note all the data bearing on the time when it was written. (1) Paul apparently only a short time before had paid a mis- sionary visit to the island of Crete, where he had left Titus in charge of the churches, 1:5. (3) At the time of writing Paul was on his way to Nicopolis to winter, 3: 12. (3) And he urges Titus to meet him there, 3: 12. 84 Studies in the Book. (4) It is probable that the Apostle was arrested at Nicopolis (in Epirus) and taken thence to Rome for his final trial. (5) It is also highly probable that the winter alluded to in this Epistle (3:12) is not the same as that referred to in II. Tim. 4:21, but belongs to the year before it. (6) As to the place where the letter to Titus was written, this is a matter of mere conjecture, possibly at Corinth, or Ephesus. Eighth: Read carefully Paul's second letter to Timothy, and note all the data bearing on the time when it was written. (I) Paul had recently been at Troas, Corinth, and Miletus, 4:13-20. (3) He was now in Rome, 1: 17. (3) He had already had his first trial, 4: 16. (4) Was still a prisoner in chains, 1:8, 16; 2:9. (5) Enduring sufferings, 1:12. (6) Expected shortly to die a martyr's death, 4:6. (7) All that are in Asia had turned away from him, 1: 15. (8) Luke only was with him, 4: 11. (9) Onesiphorus had ministered to him, at the time he was in Rome, visiting him in prison, 1; 16, 17. (10) He urges Timothy to come to him shortly, before winter, and bring with him the cloak and the books, especially the parchments, which he had left at Troas with Carpus, 4:9, 21, 13, 14. (II) We have, therefore, a right to infer that Paul wrote this Second Epistle to Timothy during his second imprisonment at Rome, a very short time before his martyrdom, after his first trial, and that it was the last extant letter written by him. Ninth: We therefore conclude, that Paul was released from his first captivity at Rome, about 64 A. D., that he wrote I. Tim. a few years later, about 66 or 67 A. D., and then his Epistle to Titus, and finally, while languishing in prison at Rome, about 67 or 68 A. D., wrote II. Timothy. Tenth: Read carefully Paul's ^r*;; Epistle to Timothy and note all the data bearing upon Timothy's life and character. (1) He had been converted by the preaching of Paul, 1: 1. (2) Received spiritual gifts at his ordination, 4: 14. (3) Was now at Ephesus, 1: 3. (4) Is still a young man (about 35), 4: 12. (5) Personal traits: (a) Of a weak constitution, 5: 23. The First Epistle to Timothy. 85 (5) With a tendency to asceticism, 5: 28. (c) Modest and retiring, 4: 12-lG; 5: 20, 31. (d) Shrinking from responsibility, 6: 11-14. (6) Has special charges committed to him, 1: 3, 18; 3: 15; 4: 7; 5:21. (7) Is to remind the brethren of what Paul writes, 4: 6. (8) Is to be an ensample to believers, 4: 12; 6: 11, 14. (9) Is to be diligent, 4: 15, 16. (10) And to reprove those who sin in the sight of all, 5: 20. Eleventh: Examine carefully the Acts of the Apostles and II. Timothy for additional information concerning Timothy. (I) His father a Gentile, Acts 16: 1-3. '2) Taught in the Scriptures of the Old Testament from a babe, II. Tim. 3: 15. (3) Brought up possibly at Derbe, or Lystra, Acts 16: 1; 20: 4. (4) By his grandmother, and his mother Eunice, II. Tim. 1: 5. (5) Heard the gospel during Paul's first missionary journey, Acts 14: 6, 7. (6) And received it with unfeigned faith, II. Tim. 1: 5, 6. (7) Saw Paul's stoning at Lystra, Acts 14: 19; II. Tim. 3: 11. (8) Was under the superintendence of the Elders, Acts 14: 23. (9) Grew up unto manhood during the period 46 to 51 A. D., Acts 16: 1-3. (10) Well known at Lystra and Iconium, at the arrival of Paul on his second missionary tour, Acts 16: 3. (II) Circumcised by Paul, Acts 16: 3. (12) Ordained by the whole presbytery, I. Tim. 4. 14; II. Tim. 1:6. (13) One of the most faithful and constant companions of Paul, Acts 16: 3; II. Tim. 1: 1; 4: 9, 21. Twelfth: Read Paul's first Epistle to Timothy, and divide into sections, with appropriate headings. ^ 1. 1:1, 2. Apostolic address cmd galutation. V. 1. As this epistle may be regarded as an official letter, the Apostle appropriately designates himself by his solemn and official title. Cf. Tit. 1:1. 2; II. Tim. 1:1. This designation of God the Father as "our Saviour" is pecu- liar to the Pastoral Epistles (I. Tim. 2:3; 4:10; Tit. 1:3; 2:10; 3:4). It occurs, however, also in Luke 1:47, and 1 We also add a few ezplaaatory notes. The aaalysis ie after BlUcott. Studies in the Book. Jude 25, and is common in the Septuagint. Elsewhere in the Pastoral Epistles the word Saviour is used only of Christ, Tit. 1:4; 2:13; 3:6; II. Tim. 1:10. Christ Jesus is the very substance and" foundation ot our hope. See also Col. 1: 27; Eph. 2:14. The object of hope is: (1) Salvation, I. Thess. 5:8; (2) Eternal life, Tit. 1:2; (3) The glory of God, Rom. 5: 2. V. 2. The addition of the word "mercy" to the usual form of Paul's salutations is peculiar to the Pastoral Epistles. See II. John 3, and Jude 2. It probably serves to individ- ualize and mark the deep and affectionate interest of the Apostle in his child in the faith. . 1: 3-11. I exhort thee to abide still in EpJiesus and to repress teaclurs of oilier doctri7ie and would-be teachers of the law; the law is not for the righteous, but for open sinners and opponeiits of sound doctrine, as the spirit of the Gospel shows. V. 4. He was to charge these teachers not to give heed to fables (traditions of the past based upon the slightest his- torical hints— the heresy especially of Jewish teachers), nor to vague, rambling, interminable, useless genealogies. This "dispensation of God" is best taken in the subjective sense of "the stewardship" entrusted to Timothy, and it here denotes that which was Timothy's duty to perform; everything which hindered this he was to avoid. V. 5. Here we have a statement of the purpose and aim of all sound practical teaching. The word hea7't is often used in Scripture to denote the " soul " in its active aspects, and may be regarded as the centre both of the feelings and emotions (John 16:6; Rom. 9:2) and of the thoughts and imaginations, Matt. 9:4; 15:19. The Bible transfers the abode of religion, and the transac- tions of the religious life, to the heart. The Word must pierce the heart (Acts 2: 37); the heart must be open to the Word (Acts 16: 14); with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, Rom. 10: 10. It is the innermost centre, in which the threefold life of man, as spirit, soul, and body, blends together — where the soul is at home and becomes conscious of all its doing and suffering. By it the moral condition of man is characterized (pure, evil, etc.). Conscience: There occurs a constant living intercourse of God with man, and the result of the commanion is con- The First Epistle to Timothy. 87 science. It is an impulse of the human spirit, but this impulse is established by the Divine Spirit testifying itself to it. It is an active consciousness of a divine law estab- lished in man's heart. If a man know his doing to be in harmony with this law his conscience is "good" (1:5, 19), "pure" (I. Tim. 3:9; II. Tim. 1:3), "void of offence," Acts 24:16. Conscience may therefore be defined as the moral religious consciousness, or as the knowledge of one's self-relation to God. It is "faith" which makes the heart pure (Acts 15:9), and in so doing renders the formerly "evil" conscience "good." V. 7. Their ignorance was'complete, — it extended alike to the assertions they made and the subjects on which they, made them. v. 8. There is a fourfold use of the law: (1) Political, the preservation of external discipline; (3) Elencktical (con- victing), the manifestation and reproof of sins; (3) Peda- gogic, indirectly compelling the sinner to go to Christ; and (4) Didactic, instructing in all internal and external moral actions. The first use pertains to unregenerate and obstinate sin- ners; the second and third to men about to be justified; the fourth to those who are regenerate and justified. ». 11. The contents of the Gospel is the glory of God, whether manifested in the sufferings of Christ, or in the riches of His grace and mercy. . 1: 12-17. I thank him wJio entrusted that Gospel tome, and who was merciful to me in my ignorance and unbelief; to Him be all honor ana glory. V. 13. God's mercy and St. Paul's want of it are here put in sharpest contrast. Paul does not seek to excuse himself, but wishes to illustrate the merciful working of divine grace. His ignorance was culpable, for it was due to un- belief. V. 14. The Apostle here explains how, and in what measure, he obtained mercy. V. 15. The word " world" {Kosmos) is used in the New Tes- tament in four senses: (1) The sum total of what God has created, John 17:5; (2) the abode of man, I. Tim. 6:7; (3) mankind, Rom. 3:6, i Studies in the Book. 19; (4) that order of things which is alienated from God, Matt. 5: 14. It is best to use it here in the third sense. 4. 1:18-20. / charge thee, son Timothy, to fight the good fight of faith, and not to make sldpwreck of it, as some have done. V. 18. At the time of Timothy's ordination predictions sug gested by the Holy Spirit were made, foretelling his future zeal and success as a minister of the Gospel. VI. 20. This Hymenseus is evidently the same as the one mentioned in II. Tim. 2: 17. This Alexander maybe the same as " the coppersmith " men- tioned in II. Tim. 4: 14, but it is not likely. This name was very common. This " delivering unto Satan" was probably excommunica- tion and a supernatural infliction of some bodily punish- ment. It was a solemn sentence pronounced in the name and power of Jesus Christ (I. Cor. 5:3-5), upon one within the Church (I. Cor. 5: 13), some bodily visitation (I. Cor. 5:5), for the improvement of the offender (I. Cor. 5:5; I. Tim. 1 : 20), and the Apostle could empower others to pass such a sentence, I. Cor. 5:3, 4. 5. 2:1-7. 1 exhort that prayers be offered for all, for this is acceptable to Ood, who willeth the salvation of all men, and whose Oospel I preach. V. 1. Every true prayer ought to consist of (1) adoration, (2) thanksgiving, (3) confession of sins, and (4) petitions. V. 4. Redemption is universal, yet conditional. All may be saved, yet all will not be saved, because all will not con- form to God's appointed conditions. V. 6. The doctrine of the wcan'oMS atonement is here clearly taught. 6. 2:8-10. 1 desire that the men pray reverently, and that the women dress and comport themselves with modesty. 7. 2:11-15. A woman must learn and not teach, for two reat- ons; she was second in respect of creation, and first in respect of transgression. V. 11. Woman is to learn at the public services of the Church, without speaking or attempting to teach. It is obvious that the Apostle's previous instructions (I. Cor. 14:34, 35), are here again in his thoughts. Woman was permitted, however, in the Early Church, to teach privately those of their own sex. The First Epistlk to Timothy. 89 "What grave arguments these few verses supply us with, against some of the unnatural and unscriptural theories of modern times." {ElUcott.) V. 12. Every form of public address or teaching in the Church is here clearly forbidden as at variance with woman's proper duties, and the sphere of her creation and destiny. «. 15. Most commentators interpret this difficult verse as in the margin of the Revised Version, that the woman shall be saved by f ullilling her proper destiny and acquiescing in all the conditions of woman's life. But it is better to interpret as in the text of the Revised Version, "the child- bearing," i. e., through the blessed childbearing of the promised seed of the woman; for the Virgin by giving birth to the Saviour was the means of salvation to woman. , 3:1-7. Qualifications of a bishop 07' 2^astor. He must be of irreproacliable morals, a good father of his family, and of good report. V. 1. In the New Testament the words "bishop" and "elder" or "presbyter" are applied indifferently to the same person. The word "bishop" or "overseer" was borrowed from the Greeks, and pointed to the office on the side of its duties; the second, which marked primarily the age of the occu- pant, was taken from the Jews, and pointed to the office on the side of its gravity and dignity. V. 2. The meaning of the expression "the husband of one wife" has been much contested, and has been explained by different commentators in tlwee ways: (1) contemporaneous polygamy, which at that time still seems to have prevailed; (3) successive polygamy, whether after divorce, or after loss of first wife, however happening; (3) Any deviation from morality in respect of marriage. It is best to interpret this passage as referring to fidelity to the marriage vow, in opposition to every violation of it, whether in actual bigamy, or in adultery, or in arbitrary divorce and re-marriage. 3:8-13. The deacons must also be similarly irreproachable, and of good report; the women-deacons too must be faithful. V. 8. The "deacon" had to deal primarily with the temporal needs of the Church, and his office gradually developed into that of an assistant to the presbyters. Paul only uses this word iu this special sense in this 90 Studies in the Book. passage (3:8-13), and in Phil. 1:1; and (feminine) Rom. 16:1; thouglitheyare alluded toinRom. 12:7; I. Cor. 12:28. V. 11. It is best to understand by tliese "women" "deacon- esses" proper, women deacons. V. 18. This " good standing" is in the eyes of God. 10. 3:14-16. I write this to guard thy conduct in the Church of the living God; without controversy great is the mystery of godliness. V. 16. He who was manifested in the flesh is the Son of God. Here we have a definite statement of the pre existence of Christ according to his divine nature. It is very likely that this verse is a quotation from some well- known Christian hymn. (See the Greek text of Westcott and Hort.) 11. 4:1-5. In the latter times men sJiall fall away from the faith, and shall teach principles of abstinence which are not approved of God. 12. 4:6-11. Beject all idle teachings and discussion; exercise thyself unto godliness, which is profitable for all things. 13. 4: 12-16 Let not thy youth induce contempt; be an ensam- ple in all things. Neglect not thy spiritual gifts, but persevere in all thy duties. 14. 5:1-8. Behavior of Timothy toward the elder and younger members of the Church. Distinctions to be observed in the support of widows. Some maintain that vv. 3-8 refer to the support which widows are to receive, and that vv. 9-10 relate to their qualifica- tions for an ofllce in the Church. 15. 5: 9-16. Widows to be enrolled on the list must be sixty years of age, and of good character; refuse younger widows, whom I desire rather to marry, and not to give offence. 16. 5:17-20. Let the elders who rule well receive double honor; be thou guarded in receiving accusations against them. Be- buke sinners. 17. 5: 21-25. Be not partial; do not ordain men too hastily; some men's sins are sooner found out, some later; so their good works. V. 22. Some think this laying on of hands refers to the abso- lution of penitents, but this interpretation is questionable. V. 23. This verse shows that Timothy was in delicate health, and feeble in body. 18. 6:1, 2. The duty of Christian servants. The Fiest Epistle to Timothy. 91 19. 6:3-10, If any one teacli differently he is puffed up, fosters disputes, and counts godliness a mere (jain. Let us he con- tented; riches are a snare and a source of many sorrows. 20. 6:11-16. Follow after rigJdeousness and Christian virtues, fight the good fight, and in Christ's name keep his commands, even till his glorious coming. 21. 6: 17-19. Charge the rich not to trust in riches, but in God, and to lay v,p in store a good foundation. 22. 6: 30, 21. Guard thy deposit, and avoid all false knowledge. Benediction. Thirteenth: Give an oral statement of the contents of the Epistle, chapter by chapter. Fourteenth: For Commentaries on the English text of the Pastoral Epistles see EDicott's Handy Commentary, the Speak- er's Commentary, Van Oosterzee in Schaff-Lange's Commen- tary, Fairbairn, and the Cambridge Bible. Fifteenth: On the Greek text we would recommend (1) Boise, (2) EUicott, then (3) Alford, Bengel, Wordsworth, Huther in Meyer. STUDY XI. The Teaching of the First Epistle to Timothy. First: The importance of the study of the Pastoral Epistles to a clergyman. Second: Text-books on Pastoral Theology are valuable, but Scripture is the best text-book of all. Thikd: The Pastoral Epistles the best directory for pastoral work. Fourth: They teach the pastor, especially the importance of four things: (1) Faithfulness in snjall things. (2) The use of the simplest means of operation. (3) Purity of life. (4) Purity of doctrine. Fifth: Study the First Epistle to Timothy as a whole, section by section, and write out what Paul teaches concerning the Doctrine of God. (1) The Attributes of God. (2) The doctrine of God the Father. (3) God the Son. (4) God the Holy Ghost. Sixth: Develop the teaching of Paul in this Epistle concerning the Person and Work of Christ. (1) His names. (2) The true humanity of Christ. (3) His true divinity. (4) State of humiliation. (5) State of exaltation. (6) His atoning work. Seventh* Examine the whole Epistle carefully and write out concisely what Paul teaches with reference to the Duties of a Pastor. as The Teaching of the First Epistle to Timothy. 93 The Pastoral Office. (1) The sacred ministry is of God, 1:1, 11, 12, 18; 2:7; etc. (2) Is aa office of oversight, 3:1. (3) Of dignity, 1:11; 3:1. (4) Of great responsibility, 1:11; 6: 13. (5) He who enters upon this office must have an inner call, 1:1,12,14. (6) And the external call, 1:1, 12; 4: 14. (7) Must have considerable Christian experience, 3:G. (8) Seek the office in an humble spirit, 3:1; 5: 22. (9) Must be solemnly set aside to the office by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, 4: 14; 5:22. (10) Pastors need not expect to receive the same honors or salaries, 5: 17. The Pastor's qualifications. (1) He must be a true Christian, 1:2. 18; 4:12. (2) And realize his weakness, and need of grace and mercy, 1:2, 16; 4:16; 5:21; 6:13, 14. (3) Recognizes the mercy and grace of God in his calling, 1:12 14. (4) Apt to teach, 1:7; 3:2. (5) Who is able to rule, 3:4, 5. (6) And has had much Christian experience, 3.6. (7) Must have been rightly instructed in the faith, 4:6, 12, 16, (8) Must be an example in purity of life, 4: 12. (9) And in purity of doctrine, 4: 12. (10) Must have the proper intellectual and spiritaal gifts, 4:15, 16. (11) A true student, 4: 15. (12) One who recognizes the great responsibility of his of- fice, 4:16. (13) And is careful whom he recommends to the office of the ministry, 5:22. His Duties as Preacher. (1) Not to teach a different doctrine, but the sound doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is according to godliness, 1:4; 4:7; 6:4. (2) Not to give heed to fables and questions that minister to disputes, 1: 4; 6:4. (3) To avoid vain talking in the pulpit, 1:6. 94 Studies in the Book. (4) To investigate subjects in the light of God's Word, before you act the part of a teacher, 1 : 7. (5) Must preach Christ Jesus, as our Redeemer, 2:6. (6) Being a true and faithful teacher, 2: 7. (7) Must know how to discuss the practical issues of life, 2:8-11; 3:14, 15; 4:6,7, 11; 6:17-19. (8) Must give instruction as to the manner in which the affairs of the Church are to be carried on, 3: 8-13, 14, 15. (9) Must preach the pure doctrine of the Gospel with respect to a false asceticism, and infringement upon Christian liberty, 4: 16. (10) Must manifest himself by his sound doctrine as a good minister cf Christ Jesus, 4: 6. (11) Give heed to the public reading and exposition of Scrip- ture, 4:13. (12) Be earnest in exhortation, 4: 13. (13) In every sermon preaching to the edification (teaching) of the congregation, 4: 13. (14) Prepare his sermons carefully, and seek to make his progress in knowledge and experience manifest to all, 4:15. (15) Ever watching the character of his teaching and testing it by the Word of God, 4: 16. (16) Presen* at times the teaching of God's Word with refer- ence to the duties of the Church to the widow, the orphan, and the poor in general, 5: 4-16. (17) Reprove those who sin, without prejudice'or partiality. 5:20, 21. (18) Discuss at suitable times, if you have mastered the sub- ject, the teaching of the Bible on the great social questions that agitate modern society, 6:1, 2. (19) In your sermons do not preach self, or your own opin- ions merely, doting about questionings and disputes of words, 6:4. (20) Speak plainly to the rich of their opportunities and re- sponsibilities, 6: 17-19. (21) Avoid all sensational preaching, and all scientific, and philosophical dissertations in the pulpit, 6:20, 21. His duties as the Leader of tJie Services of the Church. (1) He must offer prayers for all men, 2:1, 2. (2) For those in authority in Church and State, 2:2. (3) Conduct all things befitting the house of God, 3: 15. The Teaching op the First Epistle to Timothy. 95 (4) Watch that no improper persons preach to the congrega- tion, 1:3; 2:12. His duties as a Pastor. (1) Continually seek grace, because a sinner, 1:2; 6:21. (2) Mercy, because in misery, 1.2. (3) Have peace with God, 1 : 2. (4) Holding the faith (1: 18), and not making shipwreck of it, 1: 19; 4:1. (5) Must war the good warfare, 1: 18; 6: 12. (6) Must be without reproach, 3:2. (7) Lead a life of chastity, 3:2. (8) Temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, 3:2. (9) Not quarrelsome over wine, no striker, -but gentle, not contentious, 3; 3. (10) No lover of money, 3:3; 6: 10. (11) Ruling well his own house, having his children in sub- jection with all gravity, 3:4. (12) Know how to take care of the church of God, 3:5. (13) Not puffed up with pride, or conceited in knowledge, 3:6. ■(14) He must have good testimony from them that are with- out, 3:7. (15) Must insist that the church officers have the proper spiritual qualifications, 3:8-13. (16) Nourish himself in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine, 4: 6. (17) Have nothing to do with profane and silly fables, 1 :4; 4:7. (18) Act very discreetly, especially if young and inexperi- enced, 4: 12. (19) Live as an example to believers, in conversation, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity, 4: 12. (20) Remember constantly the solemn vows of ordination, ■ 4:14. (21) Seek by prayer, meditation, and the study of God's Word to increase in spiritual gifts, 4: 14. (22) Be diligent in all pastoral duties, 4:15. (23) Give thy whole soul to the work of saving souls, 4:15. (24) Make progress in knowledge, experience, and ability, 4: 15. (25) Be faithful and persevere, 4: 16. 96 Studies in the Book. (26) Seek the salvation of your bearers, not their good opin- ion, 4:16. (27) Exhort the old men as fathers, 5:1. (28) The younger as brethren, 5: 1. (29) The older women as mothers, 5:2. (30) The younger as sisters, in all purity, 5: 2. (31) Look after the poor, especially elderly widows who have no friends, 5:4-16. (32) Is to reprove sin openly, 5:20. » (38) Is to perform all the duties of his office without par- tiality, 5:21. (34) Is not to connive at other men's sins, 5:22. (35) Is to flee all kinds of evil, 6:11. (86) Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, pa- tience, meekness, 3:11. (37) Fight the good light of the faith, 6: 12. (38) Lay hold of the life eternal, 6:12. (39) Guard that which is committed unto him, 6: 30. His duties in Ms personal life. (1) Seek a pure heart, 1:5. (2) A good conscience, 1: 5, 18. (8) Pure and simple faith, 1 : 5. (4) Must realize his sinfulness, 1: 16. (5) A true husband, 3:2. (6) A good father, 3:4. (7) Must take bodily exercise, 4: 8. (8) But above all exercise himself unto godliness, 4:7, 10. (9) Be diligent as a student, 4: 15. (10) Take heed to his daily life, 4: 16. (11) Seek the salvation of his own soul, 4:16. (12) Keep himself pure, 5:22. (13) When sick use proper medicine, 5:23. (14) Be contented with his lot, 6: 6-8. (15) Do not desire to be rich, 6: 9. (16) Be faithful in all thy duties, 6:20. Eighth: We have developed this last topic so fully in order to illustrate the riches of God's Word and to show that it is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for in- struction which is in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work," II. Tim. 3:16, 17. The Teaching op the First Epistle to Timothy. 97 Ninth: Make a careful comparison between the Authorised and Revised Versions of this Epistle, and note the principal changes. Tenth: Make a special study of the marginal readings of the Revised Version, and note the most important changes in meaning. STUDY XII. The Epistle to Titus. First: We have already seen that the Epistle to Titus was writ- ten by Paul apparently but a short time after his visit to the island of Crete (1:5), while on his way to Nicopolis to winter, 3: 12. (See Study X, Statement Sixth and Eighth.) Second: We have a right to infer that it was written during the period intervening between Paul's first and second imprison- ment at Rome, possibly in 67 A. D., but a short time before his second imprisonment. Thihd: Read carefully all the passages, in chronologicaf order, in the New Testament, referring to Titus (Gal. 2: 1, 3; II. Cor. 2:13; 7:6, 13, 14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18), together with this whole Epistle and II. Tim. 4:10, and from the facts obtained give us a brief life of Titus. Fourth: Give a brief description of the island of Crete, and write a brief history of its people. Fifth: What opportunities did the inhabitants of Crete have of hearing the Gospel? Read Acts 2: 11; 27:7-13; also the Epistle to Titus. Sixth: Read the Epistle carefully and find out the reason why it was written. Seventh: Read carefully the Epistle, divide into sections, with • appropriate headings.^ 1, 1:1-4. Ajyostolic address and salutation. V. 1. Xliis long passage requires^a careful analysis and is worthy of close investigation. "The Apostle's calling had for its destination the faith of the elect and the knowledge of the truth, and the basis on which all this rested was the hope of eternal life." (EUicott.) 1 We also add a few explanatory notes. The analysis is after Ellicott. The Epistlr to Titus. 99 V. 2. Faith and knowledge are great things in themselves, but they rest on a background of promise and hope. These "times eternal" followed the creation and the fall, Gen. 3:15. V. 3. The title "our Saviour" is applied to God the Father, as Deing the origin of the scheme of salvation, and as having sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world. V. 4. Of Titus comparatively little is known. His name does not occur in the Acts. From Gal. 2: 8 we learn that he was a Greek, and this verse implies that he was con- verted by Paul himself. 1 : 5-9. 1 left thee in Crete to ordain elders, who must have all high moral qualifications and teach sound doctrine. V. 5. When Paul left Titus in Crete can only be a matter of conjecture. The style of the language of the Epistle, the historical notices, and the advanced state of Christianity in the island, alike seem to lead us to fix the date of the Epistle near to that of I. Tim., and of this journey as not very long after the Apostle's release from his first impris- onment at Rome. (EUicott.) V. 7. A steward of God has at least some authority and power, something is entrusted to his fidelity and skill; he is not the slave of men, not a drudge, only let him be a true steward. (Bengel.) V. 8. This hospitality would be especially shown when Christians traveling from one place to another were re- ceived and forwarded on their journey by their brethren. V. 9. There is therefore such a thing as a true Christian doctrine agreeing with Apostolic teaching. Two things are required of a faithful teacher: (1) to know what the true and sound doctrine is, and to have the power of giving instruction in it; and (2) to be able to confute and convict gainsayers and opponents, of their error and falsehood. . 1: 10-16. There are many evil teachers and seducers: the Cretan character has always been bad, so rebuke and warn them. In the unbelieving and polluted there is neither purity, faith, nor obedience. «. 12. The Gospel often meets with signal success among the depraved and gross, while the inteltectual prove stub- born against its cordial reception. 100 Studies in the Book. V. 15. Moral pollution bedims the eye of the soul. 4. 2: 1-5. Charge the aged men to be sober and faithful; the aged women to be holy themselves and to train the younger women. 5. 2:6-10. Exhort young men to be sober, being thyself a pat- tern; exhort servants both to please their masters and to be trusty. 6. 2:11-15. The grace of God has appeared, and teaches us to be godly in this world, and to look forward to our Redeemer's coming. 7. 3:1-7. Teach men to be obedient; we were once the contrary, hut have been saved and regenerated through God's mercy in Jesus Christ. V. 5. (1) God the Father through his mercy saved us, not we ourselves. (2) Paul here speaks of baptism as the means whereby we receive the saving grace of Christ. It is all folly to try to explain away the true and literal meaning of the passage. Paul can say of baptism in the fullest sense of the words, that it is "the washing of regeneration," as he had already said "as many of you as are baptized into Christ did put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27), "definitely put him on, entered into vital union with him, — a blessed state, which as it involved remission of sins, and a cer- tain title, for the time being, to resurrection and salva- tion, so, if abided in, most surely leads to final salva- tion." (Ellicott.) (3) The agent of the new birth or regeneration is the Holy Spirit, which renews the heart and mind. (4) There is but one new birth, one regeneration in a Christian's whole life, and so there is but one baptism, no second baptism, and no second new birth, although there may be the necessity of many awakenings. There are three lives belonging to every true Christian, and there are three births corresponding thereto. (1) Natural life, born of Adam; (2) Spiritual life, born of water and the Spirit; (3) Life of eternal glory, born of the Resurrection at last day. V. 6. In this passage the work of salvation is described as the work of the Blessed Trinity. The Episti.k to Titus. 101 8. 3:8-11. Teach men to maintain good workx. /moid idle ques- tions, and shun an obstinate Jieretic. 9. 3:12-14. Come to meat Nicopolis; bring Zennn and Apollot. Our brethren must not be unfruitful. 10. 3:15. Salutations and benediction. E ghth: Give an oral statement of the contents of the Epistle, fhapter by chapter. Ninth: Talie up each of the following topics^ or those in which you are especially interested, and examine the Epistle care- fully with reference to Paul's teaching on these subjects. (1) The difference between an Apostle and a regularly ordained minister. (2) The elect of God. (3) Godliness. (4) Eternal life. (5) God the Father our Saviour (in what sense?) (6) Christ Jesus our Saviour. (7) Elder and bishop. (8) The qualifications of a minister. (9) The importance of sound doctrine. (10) Some men's mouths must be stopped. Whose? Why? How? (11) Purity and impurity. (12) Proper training for young women. (13) Proper training for young men. (14) How many of us are not servants? and what is our duty? (15) Paul's classification of our duties. (1) Duties to self — live soberly. (2) Duties to our fellow-men, — live righteously. (3) Duties to God,— live godly. (16) Difference between this present world and "the world to come." (17) Our duties as citizens. (18) The way of Salvation. (19) Baptism as a means of grace. (20) Justification. (21) Why must the believer maintain good works? (22) How are we to treat false and heretical teachers? 1 These topics are not arranged systematically, but selected in the order oi their occurrence in the Epistle. STUDY XIII. The Second Epistle to Timothy. First: We have alreadj'' seen that Paul wrote his Second Epistle to Timothy during his second imprisonment at Rome, a very short time before his martyrdom, after his first trial, probably in 67 or 68 A. D. (See Study X., statement seventh and eighth.) Second: Where Timothy was at the time cannot be positively decided, but it seems that he was at Ephesus (1:15-18; 4:19; 2: 17), the scene of his appointed labors, I. Tim. 1: 3. Third: Read the Epistle carefully and note the reason why the Epistle was written, and what object Paul had in view. Fourth: " In no portion of the writings of Paul is there a loftier tone of Christian courage than that which pervades thede, so to speak, dying words; nowhere a holier rapture than that with which the reward and crown of faithful labor is contem- plated as now exceeding nigh at hand." {Ellicott.) Fifth: Read the Epistle carefully, and divide into sections with appropriate headings.^ 1. 1:1,2. Apostolic address and salutation. %. 1 : 3-7. 1 bear thee ever in^my memory, and call to mind the faith that is in, thee and thy family. Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee. 3. 1:8-14. Do not then shrink from afflictions, for the sake of him who abolished death. 1 am his preacher, and know that he will keep my deposit; guard thine. 4. 1 : 15-18. They which are in Asia all deserted me. The Lord give mercy at the last day unto Onesiphorus. V. 16. Onesiphorus had showed mercy to Paul; the Apostle in turn prays that mercy may be granted to his household. It is highly probable (1:18; 4:19) that Onesiphorus was now dead. 1 We also had a few explanatory note*. The aaalyek ie after Bllieolt. 102 ' The Second Epistle to Timothy. 103 V. 18. The Romish doctrine of praying for the dead has no foundation in this passage, for this praj^er may surely be offered for a man while still living with as much propriety as after his death. 5. 2:1-7. Be strong, faithful, and suffer Jiordship. No one, whether soldier, athlete, or husbandman, reaps reward without toil. 6. 2:8-13. Bemember Christ and hii resurrection; I svffer for the elect's sake; if we endure, he will reward us. 7. 2:14-26. Charge men to avoid babblingg, which really lead to the subversion of faith.- God knows his own. Folloio vrac- tieal religion, be meek and eschew contentions. 8. 3:1-9. In the last days there shall be every form of vice. Avoid all examples of tuch; they ever strive to seduce others and thwart the truth. 9. 3:10-17. Thou knowest alike my faith and sufferings. Evil meii shall increase, but do thou hold fast to the Holy Scriptures, ichich will make thee wise and perfect. V. 16. We have a right to infer from this passage the im- portant truth that every separate portion of the Bible is inspired, and forms a living portion of a living and or- ganic whole. (On Inspiration see "Studies in the Book," First Series, pp. 16-18). 10. 4:1-8. 1 solemnly charge thee to be acti'oe and urgent, for evil teachers will abound. Discharge thy ministry; mine is well nigh done, and my reward is ready. 11. 4: 9-18. Come to me; all except Luke are absent on missions. Beware of Alexander. At my first trial my friends deserted me, but the Lord stood by me. 12. 4:19-21. Salutations and personal notices. 13. 4:22. Benediction. Sixth: Give an oral statement of the contents of thelEpistle, chapter by chapter. Seventh: Take up each of the following topics, or those in which you are especially interested, and examine the Epistle carefully with reference to Paul's teaching on those subjects. (1) The doctrine of God the Father. (2) Of God the Son. (3) Of God the Holy Ghost. (4) Of the Person of Christ. (5) Of the Work of Christ. 104 Studies in the Book. (6) The nature of the Conscience. (7) Prayer. (8) The value of ordination. (9) The Work of the Holy Spirit. (10) Faith. (11) The office of the Ministry. (12) Qualifications for the office of the Ministry. (13) Repentance. (14) The snare of the devil. (15) Inspiration of the Scriptures. (16) The day of Judgment. Eighth: We are now ready to sum up the results of our Studies in the Book. Ninth: All the different types of doctrine in the New Testa- ment may be arranged under four heads: (1) The Teaching of Jesus. (2) The Petrine type of teaching. (3) The Pauline type. (4) The Johannine type. Tenth: Under the Teaching of Jesus we include the teaching of our Saviour as recorded in the Four Gospels. (See " Studies in the Book," First Series.) Eleventh: Under the Petrine type we include the teaching of James, I. Peter, Jude, and II. Peter. Twelfth: Under the Pauline type we include the teaching of the fourteen Epistles of St. Paul, studied in chronological order. See " Studies in the Book," Second and Third Series. Thirteenth: Under the Johannine type we include the teach- ing of the three Epistles of John, of the Book of Revelation, and of that part of the Gospel of John which records his own sayings. (See "Studies in the Book," First Series.) Fourteenth: For the Advanced Student we would suggest the following outline of Studies: (1) The Pauline Theology (Doctrine of God). (3) The Pauline Anthropology (Doctrine of Man). (3) The Pauline Christology (Person of Christ). (4) The Pauline Soteriology (Work of Christ). (5) The Pauline Pneumatology (Work of Holy Spirit). (6) The Pauline Ecclesiology (Doctrine of Church). (7) The Pauline Eschatology (Last Things). Fifteenth: All these topics can also be investigated according The Second Epistle to Timothy. 105 (1) The teaching of Jesus; (2) The teaching of Peter; (3) The teaching of John. Sixteenth: The special science which aims at producing dis- tiilctly the teaching of the different books of the Bible is known by the name of "Biblical Theology." Seventeenth: As the Bible consists of two parts, we may speak (1) of the Biblical Theology of the Old Testament;^ and (2) The Biblical Theology of the New Testament '^ 1 See my " Biblical Theology of the Old Testament," Based on Oehler, Fleming H. Revell, Chicago and New York. 2 My "Biblical Theology of the JS^ew Testament," will appear .n 1891. Fleming H. Revell. Chicago and New York. INDBX. Page. Atonement , 22, 23, 62. 63, 69, 75, 76 Biblical Theology ' 104, 105 Books recommended: On Colossians 18 On Ephesians 31 On Philemon 42 On Philippians 49 On Hebrews 71 On Pastoral Epistles '. 91 Christ, doctrine of Person of 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 73, 74, 77, 78 Doctrine of Work of 15, 22, 33, 75, 76, 78, 79 Three-fold office of 23 Humiliation of . . 46, 47, 74 Intercession of 67 Prophetic office of 75 Is our High Priest 67, 75, 76 Exaltation of 74, 75, 79 Eegal office of 76 Christology, of Colossians 14, 15, 21, 22 of Ephesians 28 of Hebrews 73. 74, 77. 78 Church, doctrine of the 35-38 Colossian heresy 11,12. 16 Colossians, Epistle to the 9-18 Best Commentaries on • . . 18 Teaching of the Epistle 19-24 Christology of 21, 22 Soteriology of 22, 23 Divinity of Christ 21,22, 73, 77 Duties of the Christian 19, 20 ofaPastor 93-96 107 108 Index. Ephesians, Epistle to the .25-30 Best Commentaries on 31 Teaching of 33-39 Exaltation of Christ . : .....74,75,79 Father, doctrine of the 33, 34 God the Father, doctrine of 33, 34 God the Son, doctrine of .21,22,73, 77, 78 God the Holy Ghost, doctrine of.... 34, 35 God-Man, Jesus is the 22, 73, 74 Hades... 30 Hebrews, Epistle to the , 52-71 Best Commentaries on 71 Teaching of the Epistle 72-81 Christology of 73, 74, 77, 78 Soteriology of 75, 76 High Priesthood of Christ 67, 75, 76, 77 Holy Ghost, doctrine of 34, 35 Humiliation of Christ 46, 47, 74 Intercession of Christ -....67 Mediator, Jesus is our 22, 23 Melchizedek , ..66 Ministerial office 93-96 Pastor, duties of . . .93-96 Pastoral Epistles, Commentaries on 91 Person of Christ, doctrine of 21, 22, 73, 74 Philemon, Epistle to 40-42 Best Commentaries on 42 Philippians, Epistle to the 43-49 Best Commentaries on 49 Teaching of the Epistle... ...50, 51 Priesthood of Christ. 67, 75, 76 Prophetic office of Christ 75 Propitiation , 62, 63 Kegal office of Christ 76 Soteriology, of Colossians 22, 23 of Hebrews 75, 76 Three-fold office of Christ 23, 75, 76 Timothy, the First Epistle to. 82-91 Teaching of c 92-97 Best Commentaries 91 Index. 109 Page. Timothy, Second Epistle to 102-105 Titus, Epistle to. 98-101 Trinity, doctrine of the 35 Wicked, no restoration of the 28 Work of Christ, doctrine of 22, 23, 75, 76, 78 SUaGBSTIVB BOOKS " » - - FOR BIBL,B RJSA.DBRS. NEV7 NOTES FOR BIBLE READINGS. By the late S. R. Briggs. with brief Memoir of the author by Rev. Jas. H. Brookes, D. D., Crown 8vo, cloth, f 1.00 ; flexible, 75 cents. " New Notes" is not a reprint, and contains Bible Readings to be found in no other similar work, and, it is confidently believed, will be found more carefully prepared, and therefore more helpful and suggestive. Everyone of the 60,000 readers of " Notes and Suggestions for Bible Readings " will welcome this entirely new collection containing selections from D. L. Moody, Major Whittle, J. H. Brookes, D. D., Prof. W. G. Moorehead, Rev. E. P. Marvin, Jno. Currie, Rev. W. J. Erdraan, Rev. F. E. Marsh. Dr. L. W. Munhall, etc. NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS FOR BIBLE READINGS. By S. R. Briggs and J. H. Elliott. 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