161. Conceited, Blinded or Deranged? What does tuphoomai mean in 1 Timothy 3:6; 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:4?

The Greek verb tuphoomai only occurs three times in the New Testament and all are concentrated in: 1 Timothy 3:6 (NIV) or he (potential superintendent of a congregation) may become conceited. 1 Timothy 6:4 (NIV) they are conceited and understand nothing. 2 … Continue reading

156. What does oikonomia mean? (Ephesians 3:2)

Writers in the New Testament (NT) employed a number of cognate terms formed from the verb oikonomeō which means to “manage, administer or plan” but more specifically to “manage a household.” Luke is the only NT writer to employ this verb … Continue reading

153. antilutron in 1 Timothy 2:6.

Within the Pastoral Epistles we discover several creed-like segments which summarize ideas central to the gospel message (1 Timothy 3:16; 6:15-16; 2 Timothy 1:9-10; Titus 3:4-7). The content and formulation in 1 Timothy 2:5-6 display similar characteristics. It describes the … Continue reading

148. Pursuing praupatheia — An Essential Virtue for Christian Leaders (1 Timothy 6:11)

It does not take long to discover that the author of 1 Timothy has a penchant for lists. One such list occurs in 1 Timothy 6:11 where the writer, Paul, urges his protégé, Timothy, to flee some things and pursue … Continue reading

147. Conceited, Deluded, or Just Foolish — The Meaning of tuphoomai in the Pastoral Epistles

In three different contexts within the Pastoral Epistles Paul employs the verb tuphoomai (1 Timothy 3:6; 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:4). In each context the New International Version renders the meaning as “conceited.” Other popular English translations render it as “puffed … Continue reading

146. “God Dwells in Unapproachable (aprositos) Light” (1 TImothy 6:16)

As Paul concludes his first letter to his protégé, Timothy, he urges him to keep the command “without spot or blame” in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ which God will accomplish “in his own time.” He then continues … Continue reading

145. Is Godliness a “means to financial gain”? The Wordplay in 1 Timothy 6:5-6 porismos

As Paul concludes his first letter to Timothy two themes occupy his attention. He instructs Timothy to “teach and exhort these things” (v.2), perhaps with reference to the entirety of his advice in this letter. Then he warns Timothy again … Continue reading

141. The Appropriate Recompense (amoibē) That Adult Children Owe to Parents (1 Timothy 5:4)

In his first letter to Timothy Paul discusses the pastoral care of widows (5:3-16). His concern arises from the Old Testament mandate to care for widows and orphans as an expression of God’s justice.James expresses a similar focus in his … Continue reading

140. Godly Exercise (gumnazō) 1 TImothy 4:7-8.

The drive for physical exercise is certainly alive and well in North American culture. Whether it is a registration at the local exercise facility or developing your own in-home exercise room or a less costly strategy, people are into exercise. … Continue reading

139. Cauterized or Branded in One’s Conscience (kekaustēriasmenōn) 1 Timothy 4:2.

When he is in prison in Rome awaiting trial before Nero, Paul writes Timothy who is working as a Christian leader in the church at Ephesus. One of Paul’s major concerns in this letter are people associated with that church … Continue reading

138. epieikēs — Equity — A Key Quality of Christian Leaders (1 Timothy 3:3)

One of the more famous sections in Paul’s Pastoral Epistles is the list of qualities he provides for selecting Christian leaders to guide local churches. However we understand the meaning of the term “episkopos” in 1 Tim. 3:2 (I think … Continue reading

137. ‘Honourable Standing’ as the Messiah’s Agents (bathmos) 1 Timothy 3:13

As Paul concludes his description of attributes that church leaders should possess and exhibit consistently, he expresses a promise. NIV renders 1 Timothy 3:13 as “Those who have served well gain an excellent standing (bathmon…kalon) and great assurance in their … Continue reading

134. Experiencing Literal and Metaphorical Shipwreck (nauagein) (1 Timothy 1:19)

Paul mentions three literal shipwreck experiences in 2 Cor 11:25 using the verb vauagein and these do not include his experiences narrated by Luke in Acts 27-28. What kind of work he was engaging during these three experiences remains completely … Continue reading

132. “To Go Astray, Deviate” (astochein) in 1 Timothy 1:6.

In his first letter to Timothy Paul begins by identifying the significant issue that his representative faces within the Ephesian church context. According to the writer some people considered themselves teachers of the Jewish law, but had no idea about … Continue reading