169. The Function of a euaggelistēs (2 Timothy 4:5).

Although the noun euaggelion (“good news, gospel”) and its cognate verb euaggelizomai (“communicate good news”) occur frequently in the New Testament, the related term euaggelistēs (“one who proclaims good news”) only appears three times (Acts 21:8; Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:5). No one applied this … Continue reading

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

154. God’s “Primal Decision” (prothesis) for Human Salvation (2 Timothy 1:9)

Some terms found in the New Testament seem to get rendered with quite diverse and unrelated terms. prothesis is one example. In Matthew 12:4 it occurs in the phrase  tous artous tēs protheseōs and is rendered as “consecrated bread” in the NIV or … Continue reading

154. “Imposters” or “Cheats” – goēs in 2 Timothy 3:13

In his final letter to Timothy Paul acknowledges that godly living attracts persecution even as “evildoers and imposters (goētes)…go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13NIV). Paul describes an escalating, negative relationship between those determined to … Continue reading

153. “Educating in an even-tempered manner ‘those who oppose’ (antidiatithēmi) ” (2 Timothy 2:25)

In his personal correspondence with Timothy Paul continually warns him about people in the Ephesian church who “teach false doctrines” (1 Tim. 1:3). Timothy has to deal with such people and command them to cease. He urges Timothy not to … Continue reading

152. “Rekindling” a Spiritual Gift (anazōpureō 2 Timothy 1:6)

In his second letter to his protege Timothy, Paul urges him to embrace God’s calling vigorously, despite opposition and difficulty. In 2 Timothy 1:3-14 Paul shares his longing to see Timothy. His feelings for his friend have their root in … Continue reading

98. “The Man of God” (ho tou theou anthrōpos 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The phrase “the man of God” (ho tou theou anthrōpos) occurs only twice in the New Testament, both times in Paul’s correspondence with Timothy (1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 3:17). Alternatively the phrase ho tou theou anēr is never found … Continue reading

80. Protecting the Deposit (parathēkē – 2 Timothy 1:12,14)

Keeping money or other treasures safe in antiquity was a challenge. Banks and ‘safety deposit boxes’ did not exist. As Jesus indicates in the parable of the Hid Treasure (Matthew 13) people sometimes buried their most valuable property in order … Continue reading