Paul would
not understand those who seek to downplay the importance of doctrine. Those
that root the Christian life in feeling and sentimentality are not being loyal
to the Gospel taught here by Paul. At the same time... and it is worthy of a
conversation in and of itself Paul would no doubt be frustrated the
philosophically rooted speculative theology that developed in later ages of the
Church and still haunts it and divides it today.
Our stand
regarding Biblicism is derided as simplistic, naive, even childish and blind.
Yet, in reality it is the only option for the Christian who would remain
faithful to the Gospel which Paul preached. It is an act of humility to come to
the Scriptures in meekness and faith and acknowledge that without revelation we
are lost in terms of the spiritual world and thus in discerning reality itself...
the world, the universe as it truly exists. Biblicism stands over and against
the confidence in man's reason and ability as exemplified by the theology of
the Scholastics.
Again, sound
words are healthy words that produce healthy doctrine and right Christian
living. Unsound, sickly or diseased words and doctrines generate cancers within
the Church, lead to division and destruction. Doctrines or more properly
theology built on unsound footings will also lead to houses (or systems) that
topple when put under stress.
Though it
sounds arrogant to our modern ears Paul is insisting that he has been given the
Gospel Commission directly by Jesus Christ. His credentials are not a boast but
a proclamation to the Gentile world that in the post-Ascension/Apostolic
interim it is Paul who is the preeminent prophet.
The other
Apostles no doubt engaged in great deeds. We only have hints and traditions
concerning them and their martyrdoms but it is Paul who takes the center stage
in both New Testament history and in the formation of the canon itself.
Rome boasts
that we would have no Bible if it were not for the Church. In truth we would
have no Church if it were not for the Bible. Once the Apostolic period ended it
was the Bible alone which could guide the Church to discern the Church. It is
the Bible that enables to be complete in our formation of Christian thought. We
do not need (or desire for that matter) the authority of Popes or a
Magisterium.
Do you want
to know where the true Church is? Look to Paul and his Gospel. Rome was not
faithful to it. She turned away long, long ago. Paul's Gospel is the lens
through which we discern the Right and True Church of Jesus Christ.
Loyalty is
an overarching consideration in this passage. Paul ties in Gospel fidelity with
loyalty to him. Again, this is not hubris, but Paul crying out to the Gentile
world that he is the true Apostle. His entire ministry has been plagued by
false teachers and false apostles who seek to countermand his claims and
teachings.
As in our
own day, the Gospel which proclaims a Christian life of self-denial and
suffering was unattractive. The false converts quickly become manifest and when
the chips are down a massive apostasy ensues. Thus it has always been and I am
confident we are seeing and will continue to see this pattern in the days
ahead.
Paul cites
the Christian population of Asia as an example, Asia here referencing the Roman
province of Asia in today's Turkey. Onesiphorus is praised while the names of
Phygellus and Hermogenes live in infamy as those who turned their backs on Paul
in his hour of need.
It is not
clear whether Paul is referencing 'Asian' Christians in Rome or speaking of
news he received from Asia in reference to his arrest. It would seem plausible
that Paul was arrested at Troas and since we don't know the full history here,
there may have been a preliminary trial and imprisonment in Asia Minor... and
thus a reference to the 'turning away' at that time. Or again it could
reference an Asian community in Rome, or simply news Paul received regarding
the fallout of his arrest among the Asian Christian community. I think the
latter is most likely.
Paul exhorts
Timothy to faith and love and ties this in with his concept of sound doctrine.
He exhorts Titus in a similar way in chapter 1 verse 9. We are also reminded of
his word to the Philippians (1.9-10) that their love would abound through a
growth in knowledge and discernment. That's quite a different understanding
that how we often hear it expressed today.
As we've
talked about before, love is other-orientation. It is the opposite of
self-focus. It is not about an experience that makes you feel good. It is an
outward passion and devotion, a great outpouring of emotional energy into
something outside you. For Christians it is Christ Himself who is the object of
our love and devotion and it is our devotion to Christ that helps to hold fast
and keep the truth and aids us in applying it to others... even in how we deal
with those who speak lies or have harmed us.
In verse 14
we are reminded it is only the Holy Spirit that can help us in this awesome and
seemingly impossible charge. Timothy is likewise exhorted to maintain this word
through the Spirit's power. It is only by walking with God, living in His Word
and in prayer that we can hope to accomplish this. But take comfort it is the
Holy Spirit, the Living God that dwells in us.
How dull we
are! We think of the glory of the Shekinah dwelling in the Tabernacle and
Temple and how wondrous it would be see that light, to see the cloud and fiery
pillar, the presence of God guiding his people. How dull we are in that we fail
to rightly understand the Spirit's presence within us... both as individuals
and as corporately as the Church of Jesus Christ.
As we read
the New Testament we encounter the names of many individuals that we know next
to nothing about. Phygellus and Hermogenes are on this list. Apart from their
mention here we know nothing about them. Why then are they included in God's
Holy Word?
The epistles
are not philosophical treatises or systematic theologies. They are letters,
real letters to real people. The names remind us of the community of believers
who lived almost two thousand years ago. They lived real lives and had real
struggles. Reading the list of names at the end of the epistles we are reminded
of this and I have often thought of how wonderful it will be to meet this
people in eternity. What a blessing to have you name included in Holy Writ.
But not so
for Phygellus and Hermogenes. Their names are associated with shame, both in
their stumbling at Paul's suffering and their turning away from him. And we are
reminded of those today who know nothing of the Gospel and who instead teach
you can have your best life now. They too would quickly turn from Paul. His
message would hardly be an encouragement to them!
Onesiphorus
diligently sought out Paul. Rome was a chaotic city, it still is in fact and
Onesiphorus must have had to work to find Paul. He did not have directories and
information offices at his disposal, let alone a telephone or computer. He
would have had to search diligently and with zeal in order to locate Paul. Even
the prison system was not an organized institution akin to what we have today.
And for Paul
the ministries of a brother would have meant a great deal. The prison might
provide bread and water, perhaps some gruel but beyond that it was up to family
and friends to provide for the prisoner. This was not the house-arrest of Acts
28, this is something more dismal and desperate and without help Paul would
have been among those prisoners in a truly destitute state.
Some believe
by the way the passage is worded that Onesiphorus was dead at the time Paul
wrote 2 Timothy. I don't believe that's entirely clear but it is possible. Regardless
those who would distort the Apostle's words and suggest that he's advocating
prayers for the dead are guilty of reading something into the passage that
isn't there. It's an expression not a prescription and if Onesiphorus isn't
dead, it's simply an expression of affection for a friend that meant much to
him. Blessings on him and his family is the sum of what Paul is saying and that
Onesiphorus (as it were) would earn an extra crown on that Day for the service
he did Paul.
I realize
the language here concerning the Judgment will make some uncomfortable, not to
mention that exhortation to 'keep' the good thing in verse 14. There are many
who have formulated a doctrine of Justification that leaves no room for works
and faithfulness, no possibility of true growth or regression and no possibility
of subsequent reward or punishment. They will encounter many such 'problem
texts'. If we have problem texts it is we who have the problem and it is we who
need to adjust and expand our understanding and bring it into conformity with
God's Word.
Standing in
Rome many years ago I often thought of Onesiphorus. A friend and I would read
Romans and often 2 Timothy while there, especially as we walked among the ruins
which were evocative to say the least. Despite the toppled columns and
crumbling edifices the city still possesses a vibrant and chaotic quality. Even
while wandering among the grass-grown ruins you can hear the pulse of the
nearby traffic. It isn't too hard to imagine what it was like.
There's a
prison near the ruined forum at the base of the Capitoline Hill where
supposedly Paul was kept. It's mere tradition. The Papists have even designated
a piece of column as the very one (according to tradition) Paul and Peter were
chained to.
Despite that
nonsense one cannot be moved to stand there among the ruins and think of
Onesiphorus seeking out the Apostle. Just as today as the world races by, cars
speeding along, honking, people talking on their mobile phones and jets whistling
overhead... despite the differences it is very much the same.
Today just
as then the lost world is running about chasing after vapors, things that are
meaningless, things that will burn in the fire of judgment. No one would have
guessed that a prisoner and a man seeking him in the turbulent city were in
fact representatives of the Kingdom of God and doing Kingdom work. Onesiphorus'
task was of far greater eternal importance that the great political and
mercantile concerns of the city. People would have been concerned with the
latest news from this or that frontier, the weather and its affect on shipping,
the latest political maneuver or promotion... things which don't matter.
Onesiphorus
a nobody, a nothing in the eyes of the world had the right focus and by
demonstrating his loyalty to Paul he proclaimed his loyalty to Jesus Christ.
May we have such keen and determined focus in these confusing, distracted and
deceptive days in which we live.
