Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Book of James

JAMES- written 45-50 AD

James is the English version of the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob) There are 3 James in the New Testament (1) John's brother - Killed in 44 AD. (2) James the Lesser and (3) James the Lord's eldest? brother. Sometimes called James the Just. He was the Lord's half brother and didn't believe his Brother (John 7:2-5). Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:7). He was the first bishop of Jerusalem. James was called one of the 3 Pillars (Gal. 2:9, with John and Peter). He extended the hand of fellowship after his conversion (Gal. 1:19) He played a key role in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:13). He received Paul's report on his mission (Acts 21) He possibly took the place of the "other" James in the 1st Presidency. He was killed by stoning in 62 AD by Jewish leaders who took the law into their own hands. The theme of the book, is like a Spencer W. Kimball or Gordon B. Hinckley talk in General Conference; many gospel truths. It has also been compared to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) Martin Luther didn't like the book. There was too much talk of works. He said it was "an epistle filled with straw, because it contains nothing of the gospel."
Chapter 1
Vs. 1 - "Paul wrote to the saints of his own day, and if his doctrine and counsel blesses us of later years, so much the better. But James addressed himself to those of the twelve scattered tribes of Israel who belonged to the Church, that is , to a people yet to be gathered, yet to receive the gospel, yet to come into the fold of Christ, and if his words had import to the small cluster of saints of Judah and Benjamin who joined the Church in the meridian of time, so much the better." (DNTC 3:243)
Vs. 2 - Note the JST and this scripture chain; D&C 130:20-There is a law...; Alma 7:20-he cannot walk in crooked paths; Jacob 4:10- seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand; Alma 14:11- agency must not be interrupted; Alma 60:13 - ye need not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain; D&C 103:3-4 - Why the Lord allowed the Saints in Jackson County to be persecuted; Abr. 3:5 - part of our test; D&C 136:31 - the Lord requires a tried people; D&C 98:12-14 - I will prove you herewith; D&C 101:4-5. JST Hebrew 11:40- without suffering you cannot be made perfect. Also D&C 54:10; 67:13 And in James; 1:3-4; 5:7-11; 1:14; 1:17; 1:19-21
"Some are tested with poor health, some by a body that is deformed or homely. Others are tested by handsome and healthy bodies; some by the passion of youth; others by the erosions of old age. Some suffer disappointment in marriage; family problems others live in poverty and obscurity. Some (perhaps this is the hardest test) find ease and luxury. All are part of the test, and there is more equality in this testing than sometimes we suspect." (BKP "The Choice" Ensign Nov. 1980 p. 21)
Vs. 5 - "This single verse of scripture has had a greater impact and a more far reaching effect upon mankind than any other single sentence ever recorded by any prophet in any age." (DNTC 3:246) "Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again." (JSH 1:12)
Vs. 6 - Had this wavering thing been a problem with James before his conversion?
Vs. 8 - What is a double-minded man?
Vs. 9-11 - Grass and wealth-temporary and fleeting.
Vs. 13-16 - God does not tempt us, but He does test us. Gen. 22:1; D&C 1014 What is the difference?
Vs. 27 - The President Monson verse in the President Monson book.
Chapter 2
Vs. 1-9 - How do we show partiality? 2 Nephi 26:33 (color of skin, gender) 3 Nephi 6:12 (Education, wealth) Alma 31:12-18 (Zoramites-Rameumpton)
Vs. 10 - What is the maximum number of sins a person can take with him into the Celestial Kingdom? See D&C 58:28-29; Matt. 19:16-26 (the foolish rich man); Those who attain exaltation must be cleansed from all their sins (D&C 76:52) Certainly there are kingdoms and reward to correspond with every level of obedience. However, it only takes one area of deficiency to keep us from all that our Father hath. (D&C 84:38) Thankfully, we have been given a probationary time to learn total obedience. Mosiah 4:27
Vs. 14-21 - Note the JST
Chapter 3
Vs. 2-12 If we learn to control our tongue, we can control? "Whenever you get red in the face, whenever you raise your voice, whenever you get hot under the collar or angry, rebellious, or negative in spirit, then know that the Spirit of God is leaving you and the spirit of Satan is beginning to take over." (Theodore M. Burton, Ensign, Nov. 1974 p. 56)
Vs. 14 - Envy is resentment over the good fortune of others. Strife is contention for superiority. And desire for superiority is the quintessential characteristic of Satan. (Moses 4:1)
Chapter 4
Vs. 1-12 - Double-mindedness means being torn between two enticements, being tossed to and fro by divided loyalties, attempting to give attention to both simultaneously, or devoting oneself to one and then the other, alternately. Either approach is fruitless, leaving the person fragmented and ineffective in both camps. Such an approach pleased the devil but not the Lord. He says no other Gods; seek first the kingdom of God; no man can serve two masters; put on the whole armor of God; experience a mighty change of heart; be firm and immovable. In a pluralistic world, some may see this posture as narrow, even bigoted and arrogant. The Savior was none of these. What do we do? See 4:4; 3:10; 1:8
Chapter 5
Vs. 1-6 - At 3 points in his epistle, James discusses riches, twice to warn about how transitory they are (1:9-11, 5:1-6) and once to decry using them as the reason for giving respect or honored social position (2:1-13). What is our attitude about riches and what do the scriptures say? D&C 59:16-20; James 2:1-9; 5:1-6; (Hedonism is a school of thought which argues that pleasure is the only intrinsic good), D&C 38:39; 3 Nephi 6:10-14; 4 Nephi 1:23-26; Jacob 2:18-19
Vs. 4 - Sabaoth has nothing to do with Sabbath. It comes from the Hebrew tzava'ot which means hosts. Christ is the Lord of Hosts.
Vs. 14 - Why olive oil? Anciently olive oil was considered to be the cleanest, clearest, brightest burning, and longest lasting of all the animal and vegetable oils. It was the purest of oils and would thus be appropriate for holy anointings. It was used to anoint; the tabernacle & parts thereof (Ex. 30:24-31), prophets, priests and kings, (1 Sam. 10:1, 16:13, 1 Kings 1:34, 39, 19:15-16. The word "Messiah" means-the anointed one. Pure olive oil is the symbol of the Savior himself and of his atonement. The Garden of Gethsemane (oil press in Hebrew). In the Garden, Jesus became like unto the olive, whose oil is pressed out.          Throughout the ages the kingdom of God on earth has used symbols-physical objects and substances representing sacred powers and practices. Baptism- the water does not cleanse, it is the faith and repentance that allows God to remit sin. The sacrament symbols represent the body and blood of the Savior, but they have no redeeming value. So it is with administration to the sick: we apply hands and oil, the physical touch and the tangible substance, in the ordinance, but the hand and the oil do not heal. It is faith in Jesus Christ and his power that heal. The pure olive oil is the symbol of the greatest healing agent in the universe-Christ and his atonement. If there is no oil, then they should administer by the laying on of hands in the power of the priesthood and in the prayer of faith. (paraphrased from Ogden, p. 271-2)
o   Vs. 19-20 - "Every person who is beginning the long journey of emancipating himself from the thralldom ((n) the state of being under the control of another person) of sin and evil will find comfort in the thought expressed by James. We could expand it somewhat and remind the transgressor that every testimony he bears, every prayer he offers, every sermon he preaches, every scripture he reads, every help he gives to stimulate and raise others-all these strengthen him and raise him to higher levels. The proper motivation for missionary work of any kind, as for all Church service, is of course love for fellowmen, but always such work has its by-product effect on one's own life. thus as we become instruments in God's hands in changing the lives of others our own lives cannot help but be lifted. One can hardly help another to the top of the hill without climbing there himself. (SWK - Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 205)

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Hebrews part 2

212-13- Hebrews Part 2
Chapter 7
"Paul will now teach more about Melchizedek, who was the king of Salem, to whom Abraham paid tithing and for whom the high priesthood was named. One of Paul's overall goals in this chapter is to point out to the Jewish (Hebrew) converts to the Church in his day what Christ's position was compared to Abraham and Melchizedek. The logic that Paul uses is this: The Levites were under Moses. Moses was under Abraham. Abraham was under Melchizedek. Melchizedek was under Christ. The point is that Christ is above them all. All of this will lead up to the point that salvation cannot be attained through living the Law of Moses. Rather, it is attained through Christ." (Ridges p. 334)

Vs. 1 - See Encyclopedia of Mormonism p. 879-986 This entry consists of two articles: Melchizedek: LDS Sources, a discussion of what is known of Melchizedek from Church scripture and revelation, and Melchizedek: Ancient Sources, a historical view of Melchizedek from ancient writings and traditions. See also DNTC 3:168-169; JST Genesis 14:25-40; Alma 13:1-19; D&C 84:6-26; 107:1-4. Latter-Day Saint beliefs - The Book of Mormon describes the work of Melchizedek in Salem in Alma 13:17-19. According to Alma, Melchizedek was King over the wicked people of Salem, but because of his righteousness, his people repented of their wickedness and became a peaceful city in accordance with the meaning of that name. With respect to Old Testament prophets, Alma declares that "there were many before [Melchizedek], and also there were many afterwards, but none were greater."

Also, in Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible, Melchizedek is described as "a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions." Because he was a righteous and God fearing man, Melchizedek was "ordained a high priest." The Translation also describes Melchizedek as establishing peace in his city and being called "the king of heaven" and "the King of peace" (JST Bible Gen 14:25-40), that he and his people sought to be translated, like Enoch's people were. Other Latter-day Saint views on Melchizedek closely match the King James Bible. The Melchizedek Priesthood is named after him, so as not to over-use the name of Christ, after whom it was originally named Section 107:3-4. According to the Doctrine and Covenants, Melchizedek is a descendant of Noah (LDS Church Section 84:14). There remains controversy whether he was Shem, or a descendant. John Taylor taught the former- perhaps due to Jasher 16:11, which says Adonizedek;[80] Bruce McConkie the latter. (Wikipedia)

Vs. 3 - Note the JST. Remember that holding the Aaronic Priesthood was based upon your mother and father, not so with the Melchizedek. Personal righteousness becomes the key.
Vs. 11-14 - The change from the lower (Law of Moses) to the higher (fullness of the gospel) required a change of priesthood.
Vs. 16-17 - See D&C 132:19-24
Vs. 19-21 - See JST - Paul is teaching that the Aaronic Priesthood is not received with an oath, but the Melchizedek Priesthood is.  D&C 84:39-40 "The Covenant is to this effect; 1. Man, on his part solemnly agrees to magnify his calling in the priesthood, to keep the commandments of God, to live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of Deity, and to walk in paths of righteousness and virtue; and 2. God on his part agrees to give such persons an inheritance of exaltation and godhood in his everlasting presence. The oath is the solemn attestation of Deity, his sworn promise, that those who keep their part of the covenant shall come forth and inherit all things according to the promise." (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 480)
Vs. 26 -See JST - Christ had not sin. Aaronic High Priests always did. Consequently?
Chapter 8 - Paul gives a summary of what he has been teaching; Christ is a giant step forward from the Law of Moses.
The first covenant (testament under Moses was fulfilled, and Jesus brought a new Covenant (testament, hence we have in the bible the old and new testaments. (8:6 & 9:28)
The gospel was a better covenant because it offered the principles and ordinances of salvation in their fulness, while the law of Moses did not. The Israelites, in general, rejected the fulness of the gospel on both occasions when it was offered to them, first while wandering in the desert under Moses and later when Jesus came to earth in the meridian of time. Joseph Smith once said: This covenant has never been established with the house of Israel, nor with the house of Judah, for it requires two parties to make a covenant, and those two parties must be agreed, or no covenant can be made. (NTSM p 390)
Chapter 9
Each division of the tabernacle was regarded as a sacred sanctuary. While priests might enter the outer chamber every day as required by priestly duty, only the high priest (i.e., the presiding priest, who was to be of the tribe of Levi and a firstborn son of a direct descendent of Aaron) might enter the Holy of Holies, and that but once a year on Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. This is the most sacred of all days in the Jewish year and had for its purpose the offering up of a special sacrifice within the Holy of Holies for the sins of the people. The ritual involved a series of events, the first two of which were to prepare the high priest for his solemn duties. First he would make sacrifices for himself and his brother priests so as to make them symbolically worthy to perform their sacred functions. Then he would lay aside his priestly robes, don a simple white tunic in preparation for the sacrifice itself, and return to the outer court. Taking two pure and unblemished male goats, he would dedicate one to Jehovah and one to the evil one, Azazel, or the devil. The goat dedicated to Jehovah was then sacrificed in the outer court. Its blood was taken into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled on the mercy-seat and before the ark of the covenant. This symbolized that Israel’s sins were atoned for by sacrifice.
Returning to the outer court, the high priest then laid his hands on the second goat and solemnly confessed upon it all Israel’s sins. This done, the goat was taken outside the camp and either compelled to lose its way or else was thrown from a cliff and thus destroyed. In this manner was symbolized a transference of sins from the children of Israel to the goat. This is the source for the modern notion of a scapegoat, that is, one who is literally punished for the mistakes or sins of another. (NTSM p. 390)

Vs. 5 - Mention of the Mercy seat - See Hymn #193, I Stand All Amazed.
Vs. 22 - Remission of sins under the law of Moses required the shedding of an animal’s blood. In setting forth the laws respecting sacrificial ordinances in ancient Israel, the Lord explained: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11.) In other words, blood is symbolic of life, and it was the life of Christ that was required to remit sins. (See Mosiah 3:14, 15.) (NTSM p. 391)
Chapter 10
Vs. 19-22 - The ancient high priest entered the earthly sanctuary through rituals of purification; we enter the heavenly sanctuary through Christ's atoning blood. (Ogden p. 258)
Vs. 35 - Robert D. Hales Gen. Conf.  "Waiting Upon the Lord, Thy Will Be Done: Oct. 2011 (Nov. Ensign p. 71-74)
Chapter 11
Vs. 1 - Joseph Smith defined faith as a principle of power and also a principle of action. (Lectures of Faith p. 7)
Vs. 4 - See TPJs p. 58. also Abel was a ministering angel unto Paul. (TPJS p. 169) You cannot exercise faith contrary to the plan of heaven.
Vs. 40- Note the JST and the role of suffering in our life.
Chapter 12
Vs. 1-13 - With such a cloud of witnesses, the faithful are exhorted to cast off all entanglements of sin and run with endurance the race that lies before them, looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith. Those who would escape weariness and troubles should compare their difficulties with His. Their sufferings are an evidence of God's love for them, for what father does not discipline his offspring? Through pain and suffering men may become nobler characters, in fact, may share God's holiness. (Sperry p. 281-2)
Vs. 2 - See 1 Cor. 1:18 & 23 "Although crucifixion was considered by nonbelievers to be an ignominious way to die, the early Saints saw obedience, humility, love and power in the Lord's crucifixion. The metaphor of discipleship was taking up one's cross and following the Savior. (Ogden p. 262)
Vs. 9 - My favorite verse in Hebrews.
Vs. 24 - See DNTC 3:232-32 and Ogden p. 262
Chapter 13
Vs. 4 "To deliberately refrain from assuming marital or parental obligation is to fail the most important test of this mortal probation" (DNTC 3:236)
Vs. 5 "Fourth and finally, please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him. Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed." ( Uchtdorf, Ensign, Nov. 2011 p. 22)
Vs. 10 - " We have an altar [in other words, we have the sacrament which commemorates his body and blood sacrificed for us], whereof they [the Levitical priests spoken of in Hebrews 9:1-10 and elsewhere, who offer sacrifices in the tabernacle and temple, under the Law of Moses] have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle [are not authorized to eat because they haven't joined the Church]. (Ridges p. 354)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Hebrews part 1

212-12- Hebrews
1. Written to Jewish members of the Church to persuade them that significant aspects of the law of Moses, as a forerunner, had been fulfilled in Christ, and that the higher gospel law of Christ had replaced it. When Paul returned to Jerusalem at the end of his third mission (about 60 AD), he found that many thousands of Jewish members of the Church were still zealous of the law of Moses (Acts 21:20) This was at least ten years after the conference at Jerusalem had determined that certain ordinances of the alw of Moses were not necessary for the salvation of gentile Christians, but had not settled the matter for Jewish Christians. It appears that soon thereafter, Paul wrote the epistle to the Hebrews to show them by their own scripture and by sound reason why they should no longer practice the law of Moses (BD)
2. For 15 years Paul had been very successful in converting Jews and Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and showing them that the law of Moses was not essential. but at Jerusalem the Church members were still clinging to the law. Soon after this last visit of Paul to Jerusalem, he was arrested and sent to Rome for imprisonment. While in Rome, Paul wrote the epistle to the Hebrews, apparently to show them by their own scripture and by logic why they should no longer practice the law of Moses. The approach and the development of the arguments in the epistle is interesting and informative. (RJM- from a lecture to CES- don't have the date, just the handout)
3. Hebrews was not written to Gentiles, but to Jews. It was written to those schooled in the law of Moses. Yet it took Paul, a living prophet, to unfold its symbolism and explain the meaning of Mosaic rituals to the Jewish saints of his day. Through his eyes they came to see that all things associated with the Mosaic law centered in and testified of Christ. Salvation consists of our becoming one with Christ. (JFM Studies in Scripture Vol 6. p. 205)
4. Paul is at his theological best in Hebrews. There are other epistles, notable Romans, in which he expounds more excellently the doctrine of the atoning sacrifice and the salvation which comes by God's grace. There are other places as in 1st Corinthians, where the gifts of the Spirit and the wonders of the resurrection are more extensively taught, and there are other writings as Ephesians, where church organization and the world wide nature of the message of salvation are more explicitly delineated. But in Hebrews, as an inspired theologian, Paul takes the revelations of the past, the dead letter of the ancient law, and ties it into the living Christianity of the present. He shows how the gospel grew out of the preparatory law which prevailed in Israel and which in fact had as its purpose the preparing of the way before the coming of that Prophet who let Israel of old and was the Author of both covenants. Above all, this Epistle is a witness of the divine Sonship of Him of whom the Jews had said: "Is this not the carpenter's son?" (Matt. 13:55). Think of the gospel knowledge that would not be available in the Christian world , if we did not have the Epistle of Paul the apostle to his Hebrew brethren! (BRM, DNTC vol. 3 p. 133)
5. If they weren't going to live the law of Moses-Did they still need to consider the Old Testament (the only scripture they had) as scripture. The New Testament was still in the process of preparation and 300 plus years passed away before it was accepted as a standard or rule of faith.
Chapter 1
Vs. 1-4 - What do we learn about Jesus? A. Before prophets, lately Jesus B. Creator of worlds  C. Looks like his Father. D. Came to accomplish the Atonement (and did) E. Now on the Right-hand of his Father. F. Superior to Angels. (1:5 through 2:9)
Vs. 14 - "Hebrews 1:14 refers both to resurrected angels and to disembodied spirits. The Prophet Joseph Smith clarified that an angel is a resurrected being (such as Moroni) or a translated beings (such as Moses or Elijah), who ministers to embodied spirits (that is to us); a ministering spirit is a disembodied spirit, who ministers to disembodied spirits (as Jesus did between death and resurrection)-that is spirit to spirit ( TPJS p. 191) Angels are under the direction of Michael (TPJS p. 168). See also "Angels" by Oscar W. McConkie.
Chapter 2
Vs. 10-18 - Christ became mortal to save man. 2:20, 17-18; 4:15; 5:8-9; Alma 7:12
Vs. 17 - Reconciliation=Kapparah as in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement          I know how I feel that you feel about what you are going through. Christ knows how you feel and how to succor you.
Chapter 3
Vs. 4-5 - Moses was a faithful servant  - Jesus was a faithful son
Vs. 11 - Entering into his rest - "The ancient prophets speak of ‘entering into God’s rest’; what does it mean? To my mind, it means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else, we are not disturbed by every wind of doctrine, or by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in wait to deceive. . . . The man who has reached that degree of faith in God that all doubt and fear have been cast from him, he has entered into ‘God’s rest,’ . .  rest from doubt, from fear, from apprehension of danger, rest from the religious turmoil of the world” ( Gospel Doctrine, 58; see also Matthew 11:28–30 ). See D&C 84:24 and Moroni 7:3.
Vs. 17-19 - Israel could not enter the promised land because they did not obey nor believe.
Chapter 4
Vs. 1-2 & 5-JST  - A warning not to repeat the tragedy of ancient Israel.
Vs. 3  JST -For we who have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, If they harden their hearts they shall not enter into my rest; also, I have sworn, If they will not harden their hearts, they shall enter into my rest; although the works of God were prepared, (or finished,) from the foundation of the world.
Vs. 14-16 - See also D&C 121:45
Chapter 5
Vs. 1-4 - The High Priest in ancient Israel was selected from the descendents of Aaron to represent the people before God. Joseph Smith taught that Aaron received his call by revelation (TPJS p. 272). In the days of Jesus and Paul, the priesthood had become corrupted and the office of high priest had been bought by a wealthy and influential family. These were times of great corruption in Judaism. Jesus as a high priest of Melchizedek, is superior to the high priests of the law of Moses.
Chapter 6
Vs. 1-2 - The JST change is very significant. Also note in vs. 2 that baptism word again.
Vs. 3-10 JST - 3  And we will go on unto perfection if God permit.
4  For he hath made it impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6  If they shall fall away, to be renewed again unto repentance, seeing they crucify unto themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7  For the day cometh that the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them who dwelleth thereon, by whom it is dressed, who now receiveth blessings from God, shall be cleansed with fire.
For that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; therefore they who bring not forth good fruits, shall be cast into the fire; for their end is to be burned.
9  But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10  For God is not unrighteous, therefore he will not forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Vs. 4-6 - Sons of perdition (TPJS p. 358) See also D&C 76:35; 132:27
Vs. 10-14 - No good deed goes unrewarded- God has so promised with an oath. Oaths were part of Israel's religious life. (Numbers 30; 1 Nephi 4:32-33; Genesis 24)
Vs. 19-20 - The high priest under the law, went through the veil into the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur to symbolically cleanse Israel; but Jesus, the great high priest, has gone into heaven itself to prepare a way for us.


Chapter 7
Vs. 3 JST For this Melchizedek was ordained a priest after the order of the Son of God, which order was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life. And all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually.
Vs. 19-21 -19  For the law was administered without an oath and made nothing perfect, but was only the bringing in of a better hope; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
20  Inasmuch as this high priest was not without an oath, by so much was Jesus made the surety of a better testament.
21  (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek;)
Vs. 25-26 JST - 25 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made ruler over the heavens;
26  And not as those high priests who offered up sacrifice daily, first for their own sins, and then for the sins of the people; for he needeth not offer sacrifice for his own sins, for he knew no sins; but for the sins of the people. And this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

122-11- Pastoral Epistles

212-11- The Pastoral Epistles
Called Pastoral Epistles because Timothy and Titus were priesthood leaders in Ephesus and Crete. They pick up where Acts 28 leaves off. Between 63-66 AD. It is unclear whether they were written before or after Paul's probable trip to Spain
First Timothy - Between 63-66 AD
Acts 16:1-3; Philippians 2:19-23, a tribute to Timothy; BD-Timothy; Paul was a convert from Lystra from Paul's 1st mission. He was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. His name means honoring god or honored by God. Paul loved Timothy (1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2) He became a constant and trusted companion and was present when Paul wrote at least 7 of his epistles.
Chapter 1
Vs. 3 - Teach sound doctrine (1:3-11; Titus 2:1: 1:16; 1 Tim. 6:20- "The Gnostics (knowledge) generally claimed secret doctrines to add to the Church's public message" (Richard Anderson, p. 315)
Vs. 4 -Whether we are talking about Jewish genealogical tables or imaginary lineages, the point remains the same -- some topics are not worth the breath to discuss.  I Timothy 1:6; 4:7;6:3-5; 6:20-21;II Timothy 2:14-18; 2:23; Titus 1:14).
"The purpose for seeking the names of our kindred and running the chain back as far as we can find it is to give something to our progenitors, not to get something from them." (Packer, Holy Temple, p, 235)
Question: If genealogies are as important as Latter-day Saints say, why does the New Testament tell Christians to avoid endless genealogies (I Timothy 1:4, Titus 3:
The warning by Paul against genealogy does seem strange—not so much in light of our teachings, but because of the Bible's emphasis on the importance of genealogies and because of the many genealogies of the prophets and of Christ himself recorded in the Old and New Testaments (Matt 1:2-17, Luke 3:23-38). See what the prophet Nehemiah wrote about genealogy and who put it in his heart to record genealogy. Did God change his mind on the subject?:
And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein (Neh. 7:5). This prophet then takes the next 55 verses to list the people's genealogy. The genealogy Paul was warning against was not genealogy per se, but the practice of making long lists of ancestors to justify a claim to greatness or righteousness by way of lineage. Many genealogies in his day were heavily embellished with heroic actions, capitalizing on the doctrinal falsehood that the righteousness of one's ancestors was a type of justification before God. For example, in Luke 3:8 John the Baptist chastised those who appealed to their genealogical connection with Abraham as justification for their lack of repentance: "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you. That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." Another example is John 8:31-33 where the Lord was trying to teach a group of Jews that his word would make them free. Those Jews, themselves followers of Jesus, answered, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man." They exhibited the prevailing attitude about their being righteous because of their important ancestors that prevented other Jews from turning to Jesus Christ. This is exactly what Paul was warning against in 1 Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9. This attitude is nothing like that exhibited by Latter- day Saints in their genealogical efforts today. Yet as it was in Christ's time with the children of Abraham, so it is today with some ex-Mormons who often appeal to their Mormon ancestry or genealogy ("I'm a fifth-generation Mormon!") to give supposed credibility to their fallacious statements. The recording of genealogy is not evil or to be avoided, for if it were, why would genealogical records be included numerous times in the Bible? God surely would never inspire Nehemiah (Neh. 7:5), Matthew (Matthew 1:1-16) or Luke (Luke 3:23-38) to do something evil! (Stephen Gibson)
Chapter 2
Vs.4- 5 - Note the JST of vs. 4 One Mediator. See D&C 45:3
Vs. 11-12 - The Gk word translated here as "silence" means quietness, tranquility. The intent is that women should support and not try to dominate or usurp authority over their priesthood leaders.
Vs. 14 - The Gk suggests that Eve's transgression consisted in her making a decision that affected both herself and Adam without consulting Adam. The Gk. parabasis meant literally to overstep.
Chapter 3 - What it took to be a bishop (1-7)or a deacon(8-13) - Nearly identical to what he wrote in Titus 5;. Bishops should be blameless,, vigilant, not self-willed, sober, temperate, patient, given to hospitality and not greedy of filthy lucre, have control over his own house, not a novice, the husband of one wife. (better translated - faithful to his one wife. Married deacons? (3:11-12) In Paul's day a man would be 30 before considered qualified to take part in the ministry. Our church started with older deacons & lowered the age many years later only when there were numerous priesthood holders and when boys could receive regular supervision from experienced priesthood leaders. (See D&C 107:52-Noah was 10)
Chapter 4
1-3 - Latter-day apostasy  - Personal apostasy after the church has been restored    1Timothy 4:1-3 "Since eternal life may only be achieved through celestial marriage, Satan does all within his power to forbid men and women to marry. Celibacy, living together out of wedlock, homosexuality, adultery, abortion, and birth control are but a few of the many methods employed to pervert men's minds and prevent the creation and continuance of this holy union. In the words of President Harold B. Lee, Satan's greatest threat today is to destroy the family, and to make mockery of the law of chastity and the sanctity of the marriage covenant." (Church News Aug. 19, 1972) ; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Vs. 8 - Note the footnote. Some things mater a lot, but not for a long time
Vs. 12-13 - Favorites of President Hinckley
Chapter 5 - Welfare matters
Vs. 8 -Provide - "No true Latter-day Saint, while physically or emotionally able will voluntarily shift the burden of his own or his family's well-being to someone else. So long as he can, under the inspiration of the Lord and with his own labors, he will supply himself and his family with the spiritual and temporal necessities of life" (SWK CR. Oct. 1877 p. 124)
Vs. 14 - I have told many groups of young people that they should not postpone their marriage until they have acquired all of their education ambitions. I have told tens of thousands of young folks that when they marry they should not wait for children until they have finished their schooling and financial desires. Marriage is basically for the family, and when people have found their proper companions there should be no long delay. They should live together normally and let the children come.
There seems to be a growing feeling that marriage is for legal sex, for sex's sake. Marriage is basically for the family; that is why we marry--not for the satisfaction of the sex, as the world around us would have us believe. When people have found their companions, there should be no long delay. Young wives should be occupied in bearing and rearing their children. I know of no scriptures where an authorization is given to young wives to withhold their families and to go to work to put their husbands through school. There are thousands of husbands who have worked their own way through school and have reared families at the same time. Though it is more difficult, young people can make their way through their educational programs. On most campuses there are married student buildings for their living. It's a good experience to learn to save and to scratch and to economize." (SWK - "Marriage is Honorable" BYU Speeches 1973)

2 Timothy - During Paul's 2nd Roman imprisonment, shortly before his death about 67 AD.
Chapter 1
Vs. 7-8 I wish every member of this church would put those words where he might see them every morning as he begins his day. They would give us courage to speak up, they would give us the faith to try, they would strengthen our conviction of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that more miracles would happen. (GBH Ensign, Feb. 1996 p. 5)
Chapter 2
Vs. 15 - An admonition to study the scriptures. Not footnote b
Chapter 3
Vs. 7 “A number of years ago there was a student at Columbia University who was known as the ‘perennial student.’ He had been left an inheritance which stipulated that it should continue as long as he was engaged in collegiate study. Thereafter, the income was to go to a charity. “This man remained a student until he died. It was said that he had been granted every degree offered by Columbia University and had taken practically every course. No field of knowledge was foreign to him. He was probably more widely read than the best of his professors. He was described as the ‘epitome of erudition,’ But he could not possibly be described as educated. He fit the description of those spoken of in the scripture who are ‘ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth’ ("2 tim. 3:72 Timothy 3:7). He was inherently selfish. What a pity! What a waste!” (Packer, Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], 26.)
Chapter 4
Vs. 7-8 - Paul's words of triumph in the face of death, for him and us.
Titus - Between 63-66 AD- We don't know where Paul was when he wrote this letter
              A Greek convert. He is not mentioned in the Book of Acts. Paul took him to the Jerusalem Conference as an object lesson as to why gentile converts should not have to be circumcised. (Galatians 2) He was sent by Paul to Corinth 3 times when Paul was in Ephesus on his 3rd mission. He presided over the Churches in Crete. He visited Paul in Rome during Paul's 2nd imprisonment and then went on a mission to Dalmatia. (Today's Yugoslavia)
Chapter 1
Vs. 2 - We were promised Eternal life in the Pre-mortal world.
Vs. 14-16 People in the branches know what to say, but are not keeping the commandments.
Chapter 2
Vs. 3-4- Old women examples to the young women
Vs. 4-5 - The Young Women values as taught by Paul
212-11- The Pastoral Epistles
Called Pastoral Epistles because Timothy and Titus were priesthood leaders in Ephesus and Crete. They pick up where Acts 28 leaves off. Between 63-66 AD. It is unclear whether they were written before or after Paul's probable trip to Spain
First Timothy - Between 63-66 AD
Acts 16:1-3; Philippians 2:19-23, a tribute to Timothy; BD-Timothy; Paul was a convert from Lystra from Paul's 1st mission. He was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. His name means honoring god or honored by God. Paul loved Timothy (1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2) He became a constant and trusted companion and was present when Paul wrote at least 7 of his epistles.
Chapter 1
Vs. 3 - Teach sound doctrine (1:3-11; Titus 2:1: 1:16; 1 Tim. 6:20- "The Gnostics (knowledge) generally claimed secret doctrines to add to the Church's public message" (Richard Anderson, p. 315)
Vs. 4 -Whether we are talking about Jewish genealogical tables or imaginary lineages, the point remains the same -- some topics are not worth the breath to discuss.  I Timothy 1:6; 4:7;6:3-5; 6:20-21;II Timothy 2:14-18; 2:23; Titus 1:14).
"The purpose for seeking the names of our kindred and running the chain back as far as we can find it is to give something to our progenitors, not to get something from them." (Packer, Holy Temple, p, 235)
Question: If genealogies are as important as Latter-day Saints say, why does the New Testament tell Christians to avoid endless genealogies (I Timothy 1:4, Titus 3:
The warning by Paul against genealogy does seem strange—not so much in light of our teachings, but because of the Bible's emphasis on the importance of genealogies and because of the many genealogies of the prophets and of Christ himself recorded in the Old and New Testaments (Matt 1:2-17, Luke 3:23-38). See what the prophet Nehemiah wrote about genealogy and who put it in his heart to record genealogy. Did God change his mind on the subject?:
And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein (Neh. 7:5). This prophet then takes the next 55 verses to list the people's genealogy. The genealogy Paul was warning against was not genealogy per se, but the practice of making long lists of ancestors to justify a claim to greatness or righteousness by way of lineage. Many genealogies in his day were heavily embellished with heroic actions, capitalizing on the doctrinal falsehood that the righteousness of one's ancestors was a type of justification before God. For example, in Luke 3:8 John the Baptist chastised those who appealed to their genealogical connection with Abraham as justification for their lack of repentance: "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you. That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." Another example is John 8:31-33 where the Lord was trying to teach a group of Jews that his word would make them free. Those Jews, themselves followers of Jesus, answered, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man." They exhibited the prevailing attitude about their being righteous because of their important ancestors that prevented other Jews from turning to Jesus Christ. This is exactly what Paul was warning against in 1 Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9. This attitude is nothing like that exhibited by Latter- day Saints in their genealogical efforts today. Yet as it was in Christ's time with the children of Abraham, so it is today with some ex-Mormons who often appeal to their Mormon ancestry or genealogy ("I'm a fifth-generation Mormon!") to give supposed credibility to their fallacious statements. The recording of genealogy is not evil or to be avoided, for if it were, why would genealogical records be included numerous times in the Bible? God surely would never inspire Nehemiah (Neh. 7:5), Matthew (Matthew 1:1-16) or Luke (Luke 3:23-38) to do something evil! (Stephen Gibson)
Chapter 2
Vs.4- 5 - Note the JST of vs. 4 One Mediator. See D&C 45:3
Vs. 11-12 - The Gk word translated here as "silence" means quietness, tranquility. The intent is that women should support and not try to dominate or usurp authority over their priesthood leaders.
Vs. 14 - The Gk suggests that Eve's transgression consisted in her making a decision that affected both herself and Adam without consulting Adam. The Gk. parabasis meant literally to overstep.
Chapter 3 - What it took to be a bishop (1-7)or a deacon(8-13) - Nearly identical to what he wrote in Titus 5;. Bishops should be blameless,, vigilant, not self-willed, sober, temperate, patient, given to hospitality and not greedy of filthy lucre, have control over his own house, not a novice, the husband of one wife. (better translated - faithful to his one wife. Married deacons? (3:11-12) In Paul's day a man would be 30 before considered qualified to take part in the ministry. Our church started with older deacons & lowered the age many years later only when there were numerous priesthood holders and when boys could receive regular supervision from experienced priesthood leaders. (See D&C 107:52-Noah was 10)
Chapter 4
1-3 - Latter-day apostasy  - Personal apostasy after the church has been restored    1Timothy 4:1-3 "Since eternal life may only be achieved through celestial marriage, Satan does all within his power to forbid men and women to marry. Celibacy, living together out of wedlock, homosexuality, adultery, abortion, and birth control are but a few of the many methods employed to pervert men's minds and prevent the creation and continuance of this holy union. In the words of President Harold B. Lee, Satan's greatest threat today is to destroy the family, and to make mockery of the law of chastity and the sanctity of the marriage covenant." (Church News Aug. 19, 1972) ; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Vs. 8 - Note the footnote. Some things mater a lot, but not for a long time
Vs. 12-13 - Favorites of President Hinckley
Chapter 5 - Welfare matters
Vs. 8 -Provide - "No true Latter-day Saint, while physically or emotionally able will voluntarily shift the burden of his own or his family's well-being to someone else. So long as he can, under the inspiration of the Lord and with his own labors, he will supply himself and his family with the spiritual and temporal necessities of life" (SWK CR. Oct. 1877 p. 124)
Vs. 14 - I have told many groups of young people that they should not postpone their marriage until they have acquired all of their education ambitions. I have told tens of thousands of young folks that when they marry they should not wait for children until they have finished their schooling and financial desires. Marriage is basically for the family, and when people have found their proper companions there should be no long delay. They should live together normally and let the children come.
There seems to be a growing feeling that marriage is for legal sex, for sex's sake. Marriage is basically for the family; that is why we marry--not for the satisfaction of the sex, as the world around us would have us believe. When people have found their companions, there should be no long delay. Young wives should be occupied in bearing and rearing their children. I know of no scriptures where an authorization is given to young wives to withhold their families and to go to work to put their husbands through school. There are thousands of husbands who have worked their own way through school and have reared families at the same time. Though it is more difficult, young people can make their way through their educational programs. On most campuses there are married student buildings for their living. It's a good experience to learn to save and to scratch and to economize." (SWK - "Marriage is Honorable" BYU Speeches 1973)

2 Timothy - During Paul's 2nd Roman imprisonment, shortly before his death about 67 AD.
Chapter 1
Vs. 7-8 I wish every member of this church would put those words where he might see them every morning as he begins his day. They would give us courage to speak up, they would give us the faith to try, they would strengthen our conviction of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that more miracles would happen. (GBH Ensign, Feb. 1996 p. 5)
Chapter 2
Vs. 15 - An admonition to study the scriptures. Not footnote b
Chapter 3
Vs. 7 “A number of years ago there was a student at Columbia University who was known as the ‘perennial student.’ He had been left an inheritance which stipulated that it should continue as long as he was engaged in collegiate study. Thereafter, the income was to go to a charity. “This man remained a student until he died. It was said that he had been granted every degree offered by Columbia University and had taken practically every course. No field of knowledge was foreign to him. He was probably more widely read than the best of his professors. He was described as the ‘epitome of erudition,’ But he could not possibly be described as educated. He fit the description of those spoken of in the scripture who are ‘ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth’ ("2 tim. 3:72 Timothy 3:7). He was inherently selfish. What a pity! What a waste!” (Packer, Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], 26.)
Chapter 4
Vs. 7-8 - Paul's words of triumph in the face of death, for him and us.
Titus - Between 63-66 AD- We don't know where Paul was when he wrote this letter
              A Greek convert. He is not mentioned in the Book of Acts. Paul took him to the Jerusalem Conference as an object lesson as to why gentile converts should not have to be circumcised. (Galatians 2) He was sent by Paul to Corinth 3 times when Paul was in Ephesus on his 3rd mission. He presided over the Churches in Crete. He visited Paul in Rome during Paul's 2nd imprisonment and then went on a mission to Dalmatia. (Today's Yugoslavia)
Chapter 1
Vs. 2 - We were promised Eternal life in the Pre-mortal world.
Vs. 14-16 People in the branches know what to say, but are not keeping the commandments.
Chapter 2
Vs. 3-4- Old women examples to the young women
Vs. 4-5 - The Young Women values as taught by Paul
212-11- The Pastoral Epistles
Called Pastoral Epistles because Timothy and Titus were priesthood leaders in Ephesus and Crete. They pick up where Acts 28 leaves off. Between 63-66 AD. It is unclear whether they were written before or after Paul's probable trip to Spain
First Timothy - Between 63-66 AD
Acts 16:1-3; Philippians 2:19-23, a tribute to Timothy; BD-Timothy; Paul was a convert from Lystra from Paul's 1st mission. He was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. His name means honoring god or honored by God. Paul loved Timothy (1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2) He became a constant and trusted companion and was present when Paul wrote at least 7 of his epistles.
Chapter 1
Vs. 3 - Teach sound doctrine (1:3-11; Titus 2:1: 1:16; 1 Tim. 6:20- "The Gnostics (knowledge) generally claimed secret doctrines to add to the Church's public message" (Richard Anderson, p. 315)
Vs. 4 -Whether we are talking about Jewish genealogical tables or imaginary lineages, the point remains the same -- some topics are not worth the breath to discuss.  I Timothy 1:6; 4:7;6:3-5; 6:20-21;II Timothy 2:14-18; 2:23; Titus 1:14).
"The purpose for seeking the names of our kindred and running the chain back as far as we can find it is to give something to our progenitors, not to get something from them." (Packer, Holy Temple, p, 235)
Question: If genealogies are as important as Latter-day Saints say, why does the New Testament tell Christians to avoid endless genealogies (I Timothy 1:4, Titus 3:
The warning by Paul against genealogy does seem strange—not so much in light of our teachings, but because of the Bible's emphasis on the importance of genealogies and because of the many genealogies of the prophets and of Christ himself recorded in the Old and New Testaments (Matt 1:2-17, Luke 3:23-38). See what the prophet Nehemiah wrote about genealogy and who put it in his heart to record genealogy. Did God change his mind on the subject?:
And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein (Neh. 7:5). This prophet then takes the next 55 verses to list the people's genealogy. The genealogy Paul was warning against was not genealogy per se, but the practice of making long lists of ancestors to justify a claim to greatness or righteousness by way of lineage. Many genealogies in his day were heavily embellished with heroic actions, capitalizing on the doctrinal falsehood that the righteousness of one's ancestors was a type of justification before God. For example, in Luke 3:8 John the Baptist chastised those who appealed to their genealogical connection with Abraham as justification for their lack of repentance: "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you. That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." Another example is John 8:31-33 where the Lord was trying to teach a group of Jews that his word would make them free. Those Jews, themselves followers of Jesus, answered, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man." They exhibited the prevailing attitude about their being righteous because of their important ancestors that prevented other Jews from turning to Jesus Christ. This is exactly what Paul was warning against in 1 Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9. This attitude is nothing like that exhibited by Latter- day Saints in their genealogical efforts today. Yet as it was in Christ's time with the children of Abraham, so it is today with some ex-Mormons who often appeal to their Mormon ancestry or genealogy ("I'm a fifth-generation Mormon!") to give supposed credibility to their fallacious statements. The recording of genealogy is not evil or to be avoided, for if it were, why would genealogical records be included numerous times in the Bible? God surely would never inspire Nehemiah (Neh. 7:5), Matthew (Matthew 1:1-16) or Luke (Luke 3:23-38) to do something evil! (Stephen Gibson)
Chapter 2
Vs.4- 5 - Note the JST of vs. 4 One Mediator. See D&C 45:3
Vs. 11-12 - The Gk word translated here as "silence" means quietness, tranquility. The intent is that women should support and not try to dominate or usurp authority over their priesthood leaders.
Vs. 14 - The Gk suggests that Eve's transgression consisted in her making a decision that affected both herself and Adam without consulting Adam. The Gk. parabasis meant literally to overstep.
Chapter 3 - What it took to be a bishop (1-7)or a deacon(8-13) - Nearly identical to what he wrote in Titus 5;. Bishops should be blameless,, vigilant, not self-willed, sober, temperate, patient, given to hospitality and not greedy of filthy lucre, have control over his own house, not a novice, the husband of one wife. (better translated - faithful to his one wife. Married deacons? (3:11-12) In Paul's day a man would be 30 before considered qualified to take part in the ministry. Our church started with older deacons & lowered the age many years later only when there were numerous priesthood holders and when boys could receive regular supervision from experienced priesthood leaders. (See D&C 107:52-Noah was 10)
Chapter 4
1-3 - Latter-day apostasy  - Personal apostasy after the church has been restored    1Timothy 4:1-3 "Since eternal life may only be achieved through celestial marriage, Satan does all within his power to forbid men and women to marry. Celibacy, living together out of wedlock, homosexuality, adultery, abortion, and birth control are but a few of the many methods employed to pervert men's minds and prevent the creation and continuance of this holy union. In the words of President Harold B. Lee, Satan's greatest threat today is to destroy the family, and to make mockery of the law of chastity and the sanctity of the marriage covenant." (Church News Aug. 19, 1972) ; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Vs. 8 - Note the footnote. Some things mater a lot, but not for a long time
Vs. 12-13 - Favorites of President Hinckley
Chapter 5 - Welfare matters
Vs. 8 -Provide - "No true Latter-day Saint, while physically or emotionally able will voluntarily shift the burden of his own or his family's well-being to someone else. So long as he can, under the inspiration of the Lord and with his own labors, he will supply himself and his family with the spiritual and temporal necessities of life" (SWK CR. Oct. 1877 p. 124)
Vs. 14 - I have told many groups of young people that they should not postpone their marriage until they have acquired all of their education ambitions. I have told tens of thousands of young folks that when they marry they should not wait for children until they have finished their schooling and financial desires. Marriage is basically for the family, and when people have found their proper companions there should be no long delay. They should live together normally and let the children come.
There seems to be a growing feeling that marriage is for legal sex, for sex's sake. Marriage is basically for the family; that is why we marry--not for the satisfaction of the sex, as the world around us would have us believe. When people have found their companions, there should be no long delay. Young wives should be occupied in bearing and rearing their children. I know of no scriptures where an authorization is given to young wives to withhold their families and to go to work to put their husbands through school. There are thousands of husbands who have worked their own way through school and have reared families at the same time. Though it is more difficult, young people can make their way through their educational programs. On most campuses there are married student buildings for their living. It's a good experience to learn to save and to scratch and to economize." (SWK - "Marriage is Honorable" BYU Speeches 1973)

2 Timothy - During Paul's 2nd Roman imprisonment, shortly before his death about 67 AD.
Chapter 1
Vs. 7-8 I wish every member of this church would put those words where he might see them every morning as he begins his day. They would give us courage to speak up, they would give us the faith to try, they would strengthen our conviction of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that more miracles would happen. (GBH Ensign, Feb. 1996 p. 5)
Chapter 2
Vs. 15 - An admonition to study the scriptures. Not footnote b
Chapter 3
Vs. 7 “A number of years ago there was a student at Columbia University who was known as the ‘perennial student.’ He had been left an inheritance which stipulated that it should continue as long as he was engaged in collegiate study. Thereafter, the income was to go to a charity. “This man remained a student until he died. It was said that he had been granted every degree offered by Columbia University and had taken practically every course. No field of knowledge was foreign to him. He was probably more widely read than the best of his professors. He was described as the ‘epitome of erudition,’ But he could not possibly be described as educated. He fit the description of those spoken of in the scripture who are ‘ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth’ ("2 tim. 3:72 Timothy 3:7). He was inherently selfish. What a pity! What a waste!” (Packer, Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], 26.)
Chapter 4
Vs. 7-8 - Paul's words of triumph in the face of death, for him and us.
Titus - Between 63-66 AD- We don't know where Paul was when he wrote this letter
              A Greek convert. He is not mentioned in the Book of Acts. Paul took him to the Jerusalem Conference as an object lesson as to why gentile converts should not have to be circumcised. (Galatians 2) He was sent by Paul to Corinth 3 times when Paul was in Ephesus on his 3rd mission. He presided over the Churches in Crete. He visited Paul in Rome during Paul's 2nd imprisonment and then went on a mission to Dalmatia. (Today's Yugoslavia)
Chapter 1
Vs. 2 - We were promised Eternal life in the Pre-mortal world.
Vs. 14-16 People in the branches know what to say, but are not keeping the commandments.
Chapter 2
Vs. 3-4- Old women examples to the young women
Vs. 4-5 - The Young Women values as taught by Paul
Chapter 3
Vs. 1&2
Vs. 5 - Washing of regeneration=baptism.
Philemon - A wonderful story of Paul asking that a runaway slave who had converted to the gospel be accepted by his master who was also a church member.