1 Timothy

It all sounds like the start of a great new adventure for Tim. Paul gives him lots of advice on how to set up and run the church he’s planting or already running in Ephesus. It sounds as though Paul is foreseeing as many problems as he can in order to best prepare Tim in the six short chapters he has to write to him in. It would sound terribly exciting, but that I’m feeling kind of low as I type this, and running a church has never really appealed to me.

What does make me feel a bit more positive are Paul’s ‘latest’ words on exactly who Christ is saving.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

- 1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

- 1 Timothy 4:4-5 (NIV)

This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

- 1 Timothy 4:9-10 (NIV)

That second quote is out of context, being about avoiding false rules, but I think it has some relevance, as indeed does this final one:

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

- 1 Timothy 1:20 (NIV)

Could hell be a place of learning to stop sinning?

Or is that here?