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Sunday, May 14, 2017

Another Brick in the Firewall (Firewall cont.)

As we have seen in the previous posts, the first brick in the firewall was for Timothy to follow the example of Paul…  Before we look at the second brick, it would probably be a good idea to note how we know there are two bricks.
Another Brick in the Firewall (Firewall cont.)

As I mentioned before our English translations somewhat obscure Paul’s repetitive structure.  The illustration below is from Bible Hub using the Interlinear option (purple highlight).  You can only look at one verse at a time in this view.  I have put 2 Timothy 3:10 and 14 together to show the repetition.  Look at the first two words circled in red, in both cases they are the same two words, Σὺ δὲ, literally “you but.”  In the NASB the two words are translated; “now you,” in verse 10 and “you, however,” in verse 14.  The second translation seems to add more weight to the second brick.  However in the original the vocabulary and structure is the same.  (One could argue that the second brick, since it is in the last position, may be more important – for your consideration.)

Now that we have established the two, let’s look a bit more closely at the second.  There is quite a bit here so we may spill over a few days.

The first thing we may notice is the continued contrast with the reality of the evil men and impostors that will continually increase in the last days.  In contrast to this reality Paul has told Timothy to follow his example and now the second thing, the second brick in the firewall, to continue in what he had learned.

The word continue, μένε (mene) is a form of the verb μένω (menō) to abide or remain.  The word is thickly repeated by John in John 15:1 – 16.  It seems to be a key concept in John.  Here Paul is using the same word to describe how Timothy is to stand against the coming reality of increasing false teaching.  He commands his apprentice to abide, remain, continue in that which he has learned.

Think through that.  We will expand on this and the rest of Paul’s exhortation in the next post or so…

1 comment:

  1. As is clear and I believe you have pointed Paul the Apostle is instructing his key disciple who was already a pastor of at least one church, in Ephesus. He is responsible to both hold and pass on the teaching of the Holy Spirit inspired Apostle in the face of such rampant false teaching, and as we imagine was a primary link through the ages. How vital that he get it all right!

    I don't have responsibility for a congregation. But as I read and reread this it occurs that I have the same need - to hold fast to what I know already is true, and to study these same documents to continually grow in understanding and refining the truth in my own understanding.

    But for me, in addition to false teaching (which we all know is at least as rampant as then) my challenge is to remember what I already am supposed to know, to keep practicing, holding, living by that truth which is being challenged by life's ever-changing circumstances.

    I need these exhortations more than ever as the years continue to roll by.

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