The words Presbyter and Bishop are interchangeable (Greek episkopos, meaning shepherd, is used in LXX[1]; Presbyter describes the post and comes from Hebrew usage in the Synagogue, and Bishop describes the work to be done by a Presbyter (that is, the work of oversight) and derives from Greek and Roman usage. The word Presbyter is more commonly used where there was a strong Jewish presence. This emphasis on church hierarchy was a key element in the fight against Gnostic heresy.
This is a paradox, a challenge to the intellect: if a cretan says all cretans are liars, the statement is untrue. But the point is, there are countries and sub-cultures in every age in which truth is in short supply, and no stranger can be taken at their word. The resulting suspicion and cynicism damages social cohesion and hinders the Gospel of truth.
The emphasis on God's grace "appearing" in these verses reminds us that Christianity is about God revealing himself to us, rather than us discovering God.
Jesus was tempted, so temptation is not sin, and we all experience it. Right living requires saying "no" to sinful ideas whenever we are tempted; failure to do so has characterised sin ever since the fall (Genesis 3:6). Jesus died so that we might have the power to win this battle (Ephesians 1:7).
Commentary
1:5The words Presbyter and Bishop are interchangeable (Greek episkopos, meaning shepherd, is used in LXX[1]; Presbyter describes the post and comes from Hebrew usage in the Synagogue, and Bishop describes the work to be done by a Presbyter (that is, the work of oversight) and derives from Greek and Roman usage. The word Presbyter is more commonly used where there was a strong Jewish presence. This emphasis on church hierarchy was a key element in the fight against Gnostic heresy.
1:6See comment on 1 Timothy 3:2–12.
1:7This verse is supposed to be the origin of the traditional Amethyst ring on a Bishop's finger; a-meth-ist meaning not a drunkard.
1:12This is a paradox, a challenge to the intellect: if a cretan says all cretans are liars, the statement is untrue. But the point is, there are countries and sub-cultures in every age in which truth is in short supply, and no stranger can be taken at their word. The resulting suspicion and cynicism damages social cohesion and hinders the Gospel of truth.
1:15We should be free of smutty talk because it is a symptom of, and encourages, impure thoughts.
2:11The emphasis on God's grace "appearing" in these verses reminds us that Christianity is about God revealing himself to us, rather than us discovering God.
2:12Jesus was tempted, so temptation is not sin, and we all experience it. Right living requires saying "no" to sinful ideas whenever we are tempted; failure to do so has characterised sin ever since the fall (Genesis 3:6). Jesus died so that we might have the power to win this battle (Ephesians 1:7).
2:15Clergy should be able to relate to everyone.
3:5This verse understands baptism as a hyper-washing that regenerates a person, saving them for eternal life.
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