A note from our Pastor:

“Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”

1 Timothy 2:7

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week, the Apostle takes a moment to speak to his office and purpose. These statements were necessary and purposeful as the church was still in its early stages and the authority of those who were teaching was of great significance.

The Apostle begins by saying “whereunto” which simply means “for which witness.” In other words, the Apostle is pointing back to the prior verse and saying he was ordained to be an Apostle and set forth as a preacher in order be a witness to the effectual sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross. There are many things which the church is supposed to maintain from its earliest of days and this is one of the most important. The preachers which speak to the congregations should testify to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In modern times for a person to be ordained it means a very formal process. Among Primitive Baptist it means to be set aside for an office (Elder or Deacon), to be questioned, to be given a charge, and to have the laying on of hands and prayer. For the Apostle, the ordination came directly from Jesus Christ. The Apostle says in his writings that his authority nor his knowledge came from men but directly from God.

Having spoken to the authority behind his calling, the Apostle shifts to the purpose of his calling. Saying he was called to be a teacher to the Gentiles. From a natural perspective this was an odd assignment for the Apostle. In his own words he says he was a Jew among Jews. He was raised up in the Synagogue and was on his way to being appointed to high places. However, all of that was set aside when Jesus called him to preach his gospel instead.

Finally, the Apostle says he preaches in faith and in truth. He preaches the gospel based on his faith and the shared faith in Jesus Christ. And he preaches within the bounds of the truth revealed unto him. His authority combined with his purpose in preaching gives us comfort to learn from his writings today.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah