Day 348

(H) Book of 2 Timothy ~ cont.
3. Description of apostasy - 2 Timothy 3:1-13
4. Defense of a good soldier - 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:1-8
5. Closing instructions - 2 Timothy 4:9-22
(I) Martyrdom of Peter and Paul - A.D. June 29, 67-68

XVIII The Writings of John - A.D. 67 - C 100
A. Temple at Jerusalem destroyed by Titus (7th plundering) - A.D. 70
B. Gospel of John written - A.D. 95 (R) C A.D. 35 (K)
C. Book of 1 John - A.D. 95 (R) C A.D. 41 (K)
1. Love and obedience to the father
a. What to do with sin - 1 John 1:1-10
b. Obedience - 1 John 2:1-14
c. Worldliness and unbelief - 1 John 2:15-28
d. Love - 1 John 2:29; 3:1-24

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (2 Timothy 3:1-4)

perilous - G5467 - chalepos - khal-ep-os' - Perhaps from G5465 through the idea of reducing the strength; difficult, that is, dangerous, or (by implication) furious.

1. lovers of their own selves - G5367 -philautos - fil'-ow-tos - From G5384 and G846; fond of self, that is, selfish.
2. covetous - G5366 - philarguros - fil-ar'-goo-ros - From G5384 and G696; fond of silver (money), that is, avaricious.
3. boasters - G213 - alazōn - al-ad-zone' - From ἄλη alē (vagrancy); braggart.
4. proud - G5244 - huperēphanos - hoop-er-ay'-fan-os - From G5228 and G5316; appearing above others (conspicuous), that is, (figuratively) haughty.
5. blasphemers - G989 - blasphēmos - blas'-fay-mos - From a derivative of G984 and G5345; scurrilous, that is, calumnious (against man), or (specifically) impious (against God).
6. disobedient - G545 - apeithēs - ap-i-thace' - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3982; unpersuadable, that is, contumacious.
7. parents - G1118 - goneus - gon-yooce' - From the base of G1096; a parent.
8. unthankful - G884 - acharistos - ach-ar'-is-tos - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G5483; thankless, that is, ungrateful.
9. unholy - G462 - anosios - an-os'-ee-os - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3741; wicked.
10. w/out natural affection - G794 - astorgos - as'-tor-gos - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of στέργω stergō (to cherish affectionately); hard hearted towards kindred.
11. trucebreakers - G786 - aspondos - as'-pon-dos - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G4689; literally without libation (which usually accompanied a treaty), that is, (by implication) truceless.
12. false accusers - G1228 - diabolos - dee-ab'-ol-os - From G1225; a traducer; specifically Satan (compare [H7854]).
13. incontinent - G193 - akratēs - ak-rat'-ace - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G2904; powerless, that is, without self control.
14. fierce - G434 - anēmeros - an-ay'-mer-os -From G1 (as a negative particle) and ἥμερος hēmeros (lame); savage.
15. despisers of those that are good - G865 - aphilagathos - af-il-ag'-ath-os - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G5358; hostile to virtue.
16. traitors - G4273 - prodotēs - prod-ot'-ace - From G4272 (in the sense of giving forward into another’s [the enemy’s] hands); a surrender.
17. heady - G4312 - propetēs - prop-et-ace' - From a compound of G4253 and G4098; falling forward, that is, headlong (figuratively precipitate).
18. highminded - G5187 - tuphoō - toof-o'-o - From a derivative of G5188; to envelop with smoke, that is, (figuratively) to inflate with self conceit.
19. lovers of pleasures - G5369 - philēdonos - fil-ay'-don-os - From G5384 and G2237; fond of pleasure, that is, voluptuous.

lovers of God - G5377 - philotheos - fil-oth'-eh-os - From G5384 and G2316; fond of God, that is, pious.

I kept perilous and lovers of God out of the list for a reason.  The word perilous is not describing the types of people, but the times in which they live.  With the phrase 'lovers of God' it really was not a description so much as a comparison to the lovers of pleasures MORE than lovers of God.  They love pleasure more than they love God.

Nothing like a few extra words to find a definition for/about.  :-)  The one that initially caught my attention was the traducer, I went back to see if I had copy and pasted correctly.  NOTE:   Definitions which reference the Greek (or Hebrew) are taken from the Strong's concordance within the E-Sword program.  Other definitions are taken from dictionary.com.

avaricious–adjective - characterized by avarice; greedy; covetous.

scurrilous–adjective - grossly or obscenely abusive.

contumacious–adjective - stubbornly perverse or rebellious; willfully and obstinately disobedient.

traducer –verb (used with object)- to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character.


hard hearted towards kindred - this implies a lack of concern.  Maternal care comes to mind when I think of this and how in a siege against Israel the mother's were eating their young. Is this applicable in our day? Mothers hating the fruit of their womb, murdering their young that they might feast upon their lusts, enjoy the sinfulness of pleasure for a season without the responsibility of a baby?  Woe to that nation which allows such a travesty of injustice against the innocent.  Even the King in Israel rent his clothes when he learned of the treachery, how much more does the Bride (priests, peculiar people, saints, children of God) abhor that which is evil?

hostile to virtue - What is virtue?  (Quick, abbreviated definition) moral excellence; goodness; righteousness.  Reflecting that this is a definition of the phrase despisers of those that are good. My understanding, virtue: anything holy, morally upright, wholesome.  I see this in our generation.  I know, each generation observes the same wickedness and laments the depravity.

Ruminating upon that phrase: lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. This year in sharing my journey through the Bible has been a major delight and encouragement. I have grown so much in my faith, my deepening love for my Savior, my Redeemer. What 'pleasures' in my life am I so firmly attached to that they crowd out my love for God? I realize the list above is for the unregenerate, but it behooves us to examine ourselves and see what dross needs to be removed. :-)

The definition of traducer reminds me of this verse:

Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Amen, even so come Lord Jesus.

Day 347

(E) Book of 2 Peter ~ cont.
3. God's promise to be fulfilled in apostate times - 2 Peter 3:1-18
(F) Book of Jude (Brother of Jesus)
1. History of apostasy - Jude 1:1-7
2. Apostate teachers described - Jude 1:8-19
3. Strength available - Jude 1:20-25
(G) Second Imprisonment (A.D. 67)
(H) Book of 2 Timothy
1. Greetings and charge to hold fast - 2 Timothy 1:1-18
2. Requirements of a good soldier - 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers,walking after their own lusts.  (2 Peter 3:3)

knowing - G1097 - A prolonged form of a primary verb; to “know” (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as shown at left, with others not thus clearly expressed.

first - G4412 - Neuter of G4413 as an adverb (with or without G3588); firstly (in time, place, order, or importance).

scoffers - G1703 - From G1702; a derider, that is, (by implication) a false teacher.  G1702 - From G1722 and G3815; to jeer at, that is, deride.

walking - G4198 - Middle voice from a derivative of the same as G3984; to traverse, that is, travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove [figuratively die], live, etc.).

lusts - G1939 - From G1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden).

As I typed in the word scoffers and the definition it made me wonder, how oft is that word used in Scripture?  Well...the word 'scoffer' is only used 1x, the Greek word represented by 1703 is only used 1 other time:

Jud 1:18  How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Only those 2 entries for the 1703, but for 1702 (the root word) it is used 13x in 13 verses.  All of which are in Matthew, Mark and Luke and reference the 'mockings' that our Lord endured.  That gives it a slightly different twist as to how I view the word scoffer.  Those who mocked my Lord and Savior, that was once me!  Before He sovereignly chose me, willfully hating Him and all that HE is, desiring to tear down HIS kingdom, a mocker.  Thank You Lord for Your redemption!

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (Jude 1:19)

separate - G592 - From G575 and a compound of G1223 and G3724; to disjoin (by a boundary, figuratively a party).

sensual - G5591 - From G5590; sensitive that is, animate (in distinction on the one hand from G4152, which is the higher or renovated nature; and on the other from G5446, which is the lower or bestial nature).

Poole's commentary on 2 Peter 3:3:  Knowing this first; especially, as being very necessary to be known.  The apostle having in the former chapter cautioned these saints against the more close enemies of the gospel, seducers and false teachers, here he foretells them of more open enemies, profane scoffers.  In the last days; see 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:1. Scoffers; profane contemners of God, and deriders of his truth, Psalm 1:1; 119:51; Isaiah 28:14, 22.  Walking after their own lusts; such as are natural to them; lusts of ungodliness, Jude 18.

I double checked that word 'contemners' that is exactly how it is spelled in the commentary.  Dictionary.com -  contemn: verb - to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt.

Poole's commentary on Jude 1:18 - Told you;  whether in their preaching or writing.  Ungodly lusts; Greek, lusts of ungodliness; a Hebraism; the vilest lusts.

Jude 1:19 - These be they who separate themselves; viz. from the true doctrine and church of Christ, as being in love with their carnal liberties and loth to come under the yoke of Christ's discipline.  Sensual;  or carnal or animal, 1 Corinthians 2:14; such as are mere men, and have no higher principle in them than human nature, which, left to itself, and being destitute of the sanctifying Spirit, is generally overpowered by sense, and inclines to fleshly lusts.  Having not the Spirit; the Spirit of God, by which they should be led, and to which they so much pretend; having neither the light, nor grace, nor comfort of the Spirit.

Day 342

(A) Book of 1 Timothy ~ cont.
3. Guidance for the young ministers ~ cont.
b. Work of a minister - 1 Timothy 5:1-25; 6:1-21
(B) Book of Titus
1. Selection of bishops and elders - Titus 1:1-16
2. Pattern for Christian living - Titus 2:1-15; 3:1-15


Widows - not to be taken into the church's provision unless they did not have children or nephews (thought that interesting, no nieces), over the age of 60 ~  had a reputation of good works ~ raised up children ~ lodged strangers ~  washed the feet of the saints (that would be any regenerate person - not someone 'specified' by the Roman Catholic Church) ~  relieved the afflicted ~  followed every good work.


Washed the saints feet - the other items are pretty self explanatory, but washing someones feet.  Some would contend that this was a practice done during that season of civilization which had dusty roads, people walked, wore sandals, etc.  Jesus did wash the apostles' feet (an act usually reserved for the lowest of slaves).


Hmmm....consulting better minds than I...Gill, Henry, Poole and a couple of others reference how washing the feet of guests in those hot countries to cleanse and/or cool them down would fulfill this requirement.  In addition, their commentaries expanded that concept to include that she was willing to do the most menial of tasks to bring comfort or relief to the saints.


Quite an outstanding list, I do not think I measure up very well, an excellent opportunity to evaluate whether I am availing myself of opportunities Father gives to bless the saints.  Not in order to 'check' something off a list.  For anything done without a spirit of love avails nothing.  No rewards, nothing, zero, zip, nada.  Whatever we do, it must be as unto the Lord.  I have failed miserably at this in so many areas of my life...**sigh**...Lord, forgive me.


But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  (1 Timothy 6:6-8)


The rich ~ fall into temptation ~ snare ~ foolish and hurtful lusts ~ love of money (root of evil, not the money).


Man of God to follow:  Righteousness ~ godliness ~ faith ~ love ~ patience ~ meekness.


I chuckled when I read this passage:  O Timothy (that O caught my attention for it implies, to me, a heart felt deep attachment), keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:  Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be thee. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:20-21)


I wonder if Timothy and Paul were having to contend with evolutionist type people?  'Science falsely so called' was the phrase which riveted my attention.  I had to chuckle over the commentaries as I compared my 'evolutionist' statement to what was written.  Those who think they have knowledge.  Those who claim that man, the world, everything that is known, came about from nothing, are like those who claim they have knowledge.


2Ti 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.


Qualifications for a bishop ~ husband of one wife ~ faithful children ~ not riotous or unruly (or accused thereof) ~ blameless ~ self willed ~ not soon angry ~ not given to wine ~ no striker ~ not given to filthy lucre ~ hospitable ~ lover of good men ~ sober ~ just ~ holy ~ temperate ~ holds the Word fast to exhort and convince gainsayers.


Aged men - sober ~ grave ~ temperate ~ sound in faith ~ charity ~ patient.


Aged women - not false accusers ~ not given to much wine (or other pain numbing substances) ~ teachers of good things ~ teaching young women to be: sober ~ love their husbands ~ love their children ~ discreet ~ chaste ~ keepers at home ~ good ~ obedient to husbands (why? that the Word of God be not blasphemed).


Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  (Titus 2:13-14)


Lord, help us Your Bride to be zealous of good works, to not be a by-word amongst the heathen.  Help Your people Lord to be set apart and holy unto You.  Not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is Your good and acceptable and perfect will.

Day 335

P. Paul's trip home completing his third journey (winter) - Acts 20:4-38; 21:1-26
Q. Arrest and Trials of Paul
1. Paul before the Jews at Jerusalem - Acts 21:27-40; 22:1-30; 23:1-22

My attention was caught on 20:4 where the writer notates the companions:

Berea ~ Sopater (of a safe father);
Thessalonica ~ Aristarchus (best ruling) and Secundus (second);
Derbe ~ Gaius (lord, an earthly man);
Asia ~ Tychicus (fortuitous or fortunate) and Trophimus (nutritive); and...

...Timotheus (dear to God).

Most of these definitions were pulled from E-Sword, however I did use the site Bible Study Tools, Hitchcocks Bible Names Dictionary as well.

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we above seven days.  (Acts 20:6)

I made a notation:  Marking time by feasts?  The Jews and Gentile converts would have been aware and instructed in the feasts.  They would have readily been able to determine the month and day that this event occurred.  If they were not still keeping the feasts, why mention them?  They knew that Jesus was the fulfillment for the 3 spring and 1 summer feast.  Is it possible that they continued to keep the feasts as a remembrance?

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible to be at Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost.  (Acts 20:16)

Another reference to time by the feasts.  And Paul's desire to be in Jerusalem for the day of...in essence keeping the feast?  Gill, Henry and Poole all state that Paul's intention (?) was to avail himself of the opportunity to witness to a great number of people (Jews and Gentile converts) which would have been in Jerusalem for the feast.

I would like to note that if this was Paul's intention to preach to a greater number of people and/or a combination of that and a desire to keep a feast which Jesus had fulfilled, in no way sets a precedent for Christians to take a pagan holiday, white wash it and try to use it to evangelize the lost.

Note, the feasts were a foretelling of what the Messiah would do, did and will do (the fall feasts do not appear to have been fulfilled).  Not borrowing from the pagan nations around them, which was strictly prohibited and caused Israel to suffer much because they continued to incorporate pagan practices into the worship of the holy God.

I put a question mark by their interpretation of Paul's intentions.  If there theory is correct then we are under no obligation to explore further.  However, if Paul and/or the other apostles were continuing to keep the feasts as remembrance that opens up a whole new area of consideration.

I am, at this juncture, not for or against keeping the feasts.  I can see both sides and am thus fence sitting.  :-)  I can see where people could get caught up in 'doing' the feasts and become legalistic about it, especially since Jesus fulfilled 4 of them.  I can also see how if one did participate it would be an awesome opportunity to explain their purpose and how Jesus fulfilled them.  Which brings these verses to mind:

1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Pro 25:2  It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

Day 327

J. Book of 1 Corinthians (from Ephesus) ~ cont.

2. Pattern for a prosperous church ~ cont.

l. Closing instructions and greetings - 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

K. Paul travels from Ephesus to Macedonia, leaves Timothy - 1 Timothy 1:3; Acts 20:1

L. Book of 2 Corinthians (from Macedonia)

1. Motive for Paul's ministry

a. Paul's comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:1-24

b. Discipline recommended - 2 Corinthians 2:1-13

c. Triumphant ministry declared - 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 3:1-18

I have ALWAYS enjoyed this verse - I know, I know, I have so many, but this one, well, raising sons, I never raised them to be boys, but rather men.  This verse seemed to reflect what I was trying to instill in them.


Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.  (1 Corinthians 16:13)


Gill's commentary is VERY good - however, lengthy - great exhortation.  Really, worth the time and effort to read.


watch - G1127 - From G1453; to keep awake, that is, watch (literally or figuratively).


stand fast - G4739 - From the perfect tense of G2476; to be stationary, that is, (figuratively) to persevere.


faith - G4102 - From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself.


quit you like men - G407 - Middle voice from G435; to act manly.


strong - G2901 - From G2900; to empower, that is, (passively) increase in vigor.


Poole's commentary - Watch ye: watching, in its usual acceptation signifieth a forbearing of sleep; and that in order to some end.  Sin is set out under the notion of sleep, Ephesians 5:14; so that spiritual watching signifies a diligent abstaining from sin, and from whatsoever may be to us a temptation to sin against God in order to the perfecting of holiness, and the obtaining of life and immortality.  Stand fast in the faith: be steady in the profession of the truth and holding close to the doctrine of faith.  Quit you like men, be strong: you are as soldiers fighting against the world, the flesh, and the devil; do not behave yourselves like children, whom the least opposition will terrify and throw down; but like men, with a spiritual courage and fortitude, becoming such who have so good a Captain, and so good a cause.


All of which made me think of this:  '...having done all to stand(2476), stand (2476) therefore...'  (Ephesians 6:13b, 14a)


And because we can all use the exhortation:



Ephesians 6:12-18  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Have you put your armor on today?  Are you prepared for the battle?  Are you giving any place to the enemy?

For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savor of death ; and to the other the savor of life unto life.  And who is sufficient for these things?  (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

Poole's commentary (v16):  As sweet smells, which are to some pleasant and comfortable, are to others pernicious and deadly; so it is with the sweet savor of the gospel.  The report which we in all places make of Christ, to some, through their unbelief and hardness of heart, and fondness of their lusts, proveth but the savor of death unto death, hardening their hearts to their eternal ruin and destruction; but to such who, being ordained to eternal life, believe our reports, and embrace the gospel, and live up to the precepts and rule of it, our preaching proves a cause of spiritual and of eternal life, to which that leadeth. 

How do you smell Bride?  Is

 there any distinguishing scent?  Father when You dispatch Your son to claim His bride, what will He find?  O Father you state in Your word, that she is to be presented to Him having no spot or wrinkle, holy without blemish.  Lord, she is not ready, she is too conformed to this world.  Father Your word states that judgment must begin at Your house.  Father, as painful and heart rending as it may be, let the cleansing begin.