The Teachings of Paul
The primary intent in the this lesson is to compile a comprehensive survey of the teachings of Paul (TOP) rather than to conduct an exhaustive discussion of each one. It begins by examining the book of Acts and then follows the order of the epistles. Because the first epistle of Peter duplicates many of Paul’s teachings and the second epistle of Peter refers to Paul, their teachings are included in the enumeration.
A subjective aspect of the present endeavor is deciding whether a later statement by Paul should be considered a new teaching or a nuance of a previously cited teaching. Where the nuance or wording seems to be significant, it is listed separately. Some of Paul’s statements seem meant for that historical occasion rather than for the purpose of teaching a doctrinal or moral truth (e.g., ACTS 13:10-11 & 22:1-21), so they are not mentioned.
This Bible student humbly offers minimal commentary, which incorporates common sense or logic as well as teachings found elsewhere in the Bible, hoping that it is inspired sufficiently enough to be helpful rather than contribute to confusion.
The first reference to the TOP is in Acts 9:20 & 22, in which Luke says Paul preached that Jesus is the Son of God and the Christ, but our list will begin with the first place Paul is quoted.
TOP #1: God chose Israel for the purpose of providing the Savior Jesus, who was crucified but raised from the dead in fulfillment of prophecy, and through whom the good news regarding forgiveness of sins by faith in Him is proclaimed. [ACTS 13:16-39, 1CR 15:4]
TOP #2: God offers salvation to the Gentiles. [ACTS 13:47, cf. IS 49:6] In Ephesians Paul says this truth was a mystery now being revealed (EPH 3:1-9, cf. COL 1:25-2:2, TOP #144).
TOP #3: God is manifested by His creation. [ACTS 14:16-17//RM 1:20] Nature shows God’s kindness and divine blessings provide joy.
TOP #4: Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. [ACTS 16:31] Acts 17:3 clarifies that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, who had to suffer and rise from the dead (cf. TOP #1). This question was also asked of Jesus (MK 10:17, LK 10:25 & 18:18).
TOP #5: God created the world including humanity, and in Him we have our being. [ACTS 17:24-28]
TOP #6: God commands repentance from ignorance and will judge humanity by means of Christ. [ACTS 17:30-31]
TOP #7: Keep watch and do not let wolves distort the truth. [ACTS 20:28-30a] Paul evinced awareness that the “gospel of God’s grace” (v.24) was a new and fragile revelation that risked being perverted.
TOP #8: It is more blessed to give than to receive. [ACTS 20:35] Paul cited a TOJ that is not recorded in the gospels.
Following the account of Paul’s mission in Acts, we now consider his teachings in Romans.
TOP #9: The Gospel of God is that Jesus was a descendant of David, who was revealed by His resurrection to be the Son of God and Christ the Lord. [RM 1:1-4] Paul says God graced him with apostleship for the purpose of calling all Gentiles to faith and obedience, including the Romans (v.5-6).
TOP #10: Although God’s creation reveals His power and love, godless people suppress truth and exchange it for the lie of idolatry. [RM 1:18-25, cf. #3] This is what Adam and Eve did. Paul says men are without excuse, both because God’s eternal power and moral nature (love) are manifested by creation (RM 1:20). Apparently, creation combined with conscience or moral sense (RM 2:14-16) that manifests a moral Authority TOP #23)–and combined with OT law for the Jew (TOP #22)–serves as a provisional or proto-gospel (CL 1:23, RM 10:13-18, GL 3:8), which is the revelational basis for divine salvation and judgment (TOP #24-26 & 281).
TOP #11: Sinful desires include sexual lusts or perversions. [RM 1:24-27] This may be why A&E became aware of being naked following their sin.
TOP #12: A depraved mind is manifested by wickedness. [RM 1:28] The following three TOP list several forms of depravity.
TOP #13: Wickedness or evil includes the sins of greed, murder, strife, deceit and malice. [RM 1:29] Jesus condemned the hatred of the Pharisees as akin to murder and lying in JN 8:44. and Paul said greed is a root of many sins in 1TM 6:10 (cf. 2TM 3:2).
TOP #14: Sins of God-haters or atheists also include gossip, slander, insolence, arrogance, and pride. [RM 1:30] Many OT passages identify pride as a root of many sins that precedes destruction (PR 16:18).
TOP #15: Additional sins include disobedience of parents and being senseless, faithless, heartless and ruthless. [RM 1:30b-31] Honoring one’s parents is one of the Ten Commandments (EX 20:12).
TOP #16: Those who sin deserve death. [RM 1:32, cf. 3:23]
TOP #17: God’s judgment of sinners is based on Truth. [RM 2:2]
TOP #18: Those who ignore God’s urging of repentance will reap divine wrath on the day of judgment. [RM 2:3-5]
TOP #19: On Judgment Day God will enforce just punishment via souls reaping what they have sown or done. [RM 2:5-6, cf. TOP #83] Punishment is just because God does not show favoritism (EPH 6:9, COL 3:25, 1PT 1:17).
TOP #20: Those who persevere in seeking God’s salvation will receive eternal life. [RM 2:7-8&10, cf. 3:22-24 & 6:23b] Paul explains in detail that seeking to earn salvation by obeying moral law perfectly is impossible, so we should accept God’s plan of salvation (POS) via faith in the Gospel of Christ’s atonement.
TOP #21: Those who are self-seeking, who reject God’s truth and do evil will experience divine wrath or spiritual death. [RM 2:8-9, cf. 6:23a] Self-seeking may be termed “I-dolatry”.
TOP #22: For Jews, obeying the Mosaic Law will serve as the basis of divine judgment. [RM 2:9-13&16]
TOP #23: For Gentiles, their moral consciences will serve as the equivalent of the Mosaic Law for divine judgment. [RM 2:12-16]
TOP #24: The only circumcision that is salvific is that which is inward or of the heart and done by the Spirit. [RM 2:25-29, COL 2:11-12] Paul said that physical circumcision according to a written code has value only if one obeys the law, meaning perfectly per RM 3:23 (cf. TOP #44). The second passage (TOP #203) indicates that water baptism replaced fleshly circumcision as the outward sign of faith in God/Jesus.
Paul spoke in terms of what a person MUST believe in order to satisfy GRFS/be saved and what an OT Jew must do to be a member of Messiah’s heritage (TOP #37, 115, 131, 132). In terms of the Gospel, a soul MUST have faith in Christ, and while persevering in such faith a Christian must strive for moral maturation.
TOP #25: All have sinned by breaking moral law but may be justified by God’s grace through faith in Christ’s redemption or atonement. [RM 3:9-26] The most familiar part of this passage is v. 23-24, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
TOP #26: Abraham is the spiritual father of all who have faith in God and Jesus. [RM 4:1-25]
TOP #27: Those who have been justified via faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ (LJC) receive the Holy Spirit in their hearts (HS). [RM 5:1-5]
TOP #28: Those who receive God’s grace of the HS rejoice in hope of salvation despite suffering. [RM 5:2-3] Paul commends rejoicing in the Lord always (PHP 4:4) and commands willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ (TOP #252). It is a main theme in the Psalms (cf. NEH 8:10).
TOP #29: The HS’s love while suffering produces perseverance and moral character. [RM 5:3-5] Without God’s love believers would lose hope and fail to keep on believing and developing moral maturity.
TOP #30: God demonstrates His love for sinners by means of Christ dying for the ungodly or atheists. [RM 5:6-11] This is called being “reconciled”.
TOP #31: Sin and death began with Adam and everyone else also sinned, so death reigned until the time of Moses over both Jews and Gentiles. [RM 5:12-14] Paul did not bother to state that this situation continued from Moses until the present.
TOP #32: God’s grace or salvation is provided to everyone who receives/accepts it. [RM 5:15-21] Paul does not explain how everyone may accept God’s gift.
TOP #33: Believers’ baptism indicates that they are one with Christ in his death and resurrection. [RM 6:1-10]
TOP #34: Believers should consider themselves dead to sin and serve God with their bodies. [RM 6:12-21]
TOP #35: The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [RM 6:23] For those who reject God’s gift, death is eternal.
TOP #36: Christians serve God in a new way of the Spirit rather than in the old way of the written code. [RM 7:1-6] Paul illustrated this truth by citing the case of a woman being released from marriage if her husband dies.
TOP #37: The law served to convict souls of sin, but the Spirit frees them from condemnation. [RM 7:7-8:8] Such release was made possible by the sin offering of Jesus (8:3).
TOP #38: God’s Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, who indwells those who are in Christ, making them God’s children. [RM 8:1&9-16] John refers to the indwelling of Jesus in RV 3:20.
TOP #39: As co-heirs with Christ, God’s children share in his sufferings and will share his glory. [RM 8:17-25] Paul described the time between present struggles and future liberation in terms of creation groaning like a woman giving birth as we hope for the redemption of our bodies (v.22-24).
TOP #40: When we don’t know what to pray, the HS intercedes on our behalf in accordance with God’s will. [RM 8:26-27] Praying for God’s will to be done was taught by Jesus in MT 6:10 and exemplified by Him in MT 26:39-42.
TOP #41: According to His purpose or plan of salvation (POS), God called those He foreknew or predestined to become siblings of Christ to be like/conform to Christ. [RM 8:28-30] Paul indicates in 1TM 2:3-4 that God calls everyone or wants all to be saved, but not everyone cooperates with His POS.
TOP #42: The God who gave up His Son for the salvation of sinners will work for the good, glorification and justification of those who reflect His love. [RM 8:28&30-34]
TOP #43: Saved sinners have Christ Jesus interceding for them, and nothing can separate them from the love of Christ. [RM 8:34-39] This truth does not mean souls are incapable of rejecting Christ and thereby separating themselves from salvation, which truth Paul will next lament (as Jesus lamented in MT 23:37 because of his love for “Jerusalem”) and discuss.
Romans 9 includes three overlapping TOP.
TOP #44: Although many Jews reject the Gospel/Christ, God’s covenant with Abraham did not fail, because the children of Abraham includes (spiritually circumcised) Gentiles. [RM 9:1-33, cf. TOP #24] Paul explained that the reason Israelites are not saved is because they ignored God’s purpose in election or POS involving mercy (v.11-15) on those having faith in Christ (who is to be praised or glorified forever as God over all, amen) and instead pursued righteousness by works or obeying the law (v.30-33).
TOP #45: God has the power to determine what is required for salvation, and He is just to destroy those who resist His will. [RM 9:16-29] Paul cites Scripture (EX 10:1) saying that God hardened Pharoah’s heart for the purpose of revealing divine power, and then he notes (v.20-21) that a potter has the right to make pottery for various uses.
TOP #46: Those who reject God’s will/POS will experience His wrath and destruction. [RM 9:22-29] Sodom and Gomorrah are cited as examples, and Paul cited Isaiah saying (in IS 10:22-23) only a remnant of Israel would be saved.
TOP #47: Christ is the end of the law and the beginning of righteousness by faith in Jesus as Lord. [RM 10:1-13, cf. HB 7:18-10:1] In Hebrews this truth is indicated by saying that the New Covenant supersedes the Old Covenant. Jesus indicated this truth (in MT 5:17-48) by saying that righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees, and that “You have heard it was said… But I tell you…”, and finally, “Be perfect.”
TOP #48: The Gospel is revealed to everyone in the world in various ways. [RM 10:14-18] Other verses indicating this truth include CL 1:23, RM 10:13-18 & GL 3:8 (cf. TOP #281). Apparently Paul affirms God revealed in creation (RM 1:20) and conscience (RM 2:14-16) or what has been termed “general revelation” as functioning as a provisional or proto-gospel as being sufficient for saving those who seek God and find Him via this means, so that souls are “without excuse”.
TOP #49: God may be found even by those who do not seek Him. [RM 10:19-20] This is because God is revealed through general revelation per the previous TOP.
TOP #50: God does not reject people, but He allows them to be obstinate and disobedient. [RM 10:21-11:2a] Even though souls may be unfaithful, God will remain faithful, although if believers commit apostasy or disown God, then He will also disown them (2TM 2:12-13).
TOP #51: Sadly, only a minority of humanity will be chosen by grace, while most will be hardened. [RM 11:2b-10] Whether God causes unbelievers to have hard hearts or allows them to become hardened is debated, because there are Scriptures that seem to support both understandings. Thus a systematic study and harmonization of Scripture must be attempted.
TOP #52: God’s inclusion of Gentiles in His plan of salvation is meant to motivate Jews/Israel to repent of unbelief. [RM 11:11-32]
TOP #53: God’s wisdom and judgments cannot be known or understood fully by finite and fallible minds. [RM 11:33-36]
TOP #54: Spiritual worship consists of offering one’s body to God as a living sacrifice of service. [RM 12:1]
TOP #55: Believers should renew their minds so that they will appreciate God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. [RM 12:2]
TOP #56: Believers have various gifts or functions in the body of Christ. [RM 12:3-8] These gifts include prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, charity, leadership and showing mercy. Spiritual gifts are also listed in 1CR 12:4-11.
At this point Paul gives several brief commands, which are worth listing separately.
TOP #57: Love one another, hate what is evil and cling to what is good. [RM 12:9-10] 1THS 5:21 says to test everything, hold on to the good, and avoid every evil.
TOP #58: Maintain zeal or fervor while serving the Lord. [RM 12:11] This attitude or emotion is called the Spirit’s fire in 1THS 5:19.
TOP #59: Be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. [RM 12:12a] This is akin to PHP 4:4&10-13, where patience is described as being content whatever the circumstances.
TOP #60: Be faithful in prayer. [RM 12:12b] Paul also encouraged prayer in 1THS 5:17&25.
TOP #61: Share with believers in need. [RM 12:13a] This is stated in EPH 4: 28 as working to earn something to share.
TOP #62: Practice hospitality. [RM 12:13b] This is mentioned also in 1PT 4:9 & 3JN v.8. It is enjoined for church leaders in 1TM 3:2 and TIT 1:8. Such help enabled house churches to meet (RM 16:23) and missionaries to spread the Gospel (ACTS 28:7).
TOP #63: Bless those who persecute you and overcome evil with good. [RM 12:14&19-21] This is reminiscent of Jesus saying that believers are blessed and rewarded in heaven when they are persecuted (MT 5:11, cf. 1PT 2:19-21).
TOP #64: Have empathy and live in harmony. [RM 12:15-16a &18] Peace and unity rather than arguing and divisiveness is a theme in Paul’s epistles, and James addressed this in JM 4:1-2. Jesus prayed that believers would be one in JN 17:23.
TOP #65: Do not be proud or conceited, unwilling to associate with those in a lower social class. [RM 12:16b] James also spoke about this in JM 2:1-7.
TOP #66: Governments or rulers that are not tyrannical toward rightdoers are ordained by God to punish wrongdoers and should be obeyed. [RM 13:1-5, TIT 3:1] Those who stop reading the Romans passage at verse two might misinterpret what it means. The reason for obedience should not only be fear of punishment but also because it is morally right.
TOP #67: Pay taxes to support good governors. [RM 13:6-7] Jesus taught this in MT 22:18-21.
TOP #68: God’s moral laws may be summed up by the command to love one another. [RM 13:8-10] Jesus taught in MT 22:37-38 that the greatest or primary commandment is to love God as Lord. TOP #138 calls love the fruit of the Spirit.
TOP #69: Stop sinning and become like Jesus. [RM 13:12-14] This TOP is equivalent to #68, which underlie other variations on this theme, such as #57-67.
TOP #70: Do not judge believers on the basis of secondary disputable doctrines. [RM 14:1-12] An example is whether or not it is right to eat meat. Another is whether the Sabbath is more holy than other days of the week (cf. CL 2:16). This TOP is akin to #204.
TOP #71: Try not to offend the moral views or conscience of a fellow believer. [RM 14:13-15:3]
TOP #72: Scripture was written to teach us to persevere in the hope of salvation. [RM 15:4-5a] Paul states this truth more fully in 2TM 3:14-17.
TOP #73: May God give believers a spirit of unity. [RM 15:5b-7&9] The opposite spirit of divisiveness is demonic and condemned in 16:17-18 and TIT 3:9-11. Jesus prayed for oneness in JN 17:20-23, by which they will glorify or bring praise to God.
TOP #74: Gentiles are included in God’s plan of salvation. [RM 15:8-12] This truth has been alluded to in TOP #9 & 23, and it is called a mystery in 16:25 (elaborated in Ephesians 2).
TOP #75: Saving faith is akin to hope provided by the Holy Spirit. [RM 15:13] God’s requirement for salvation is faith/hope rather than sight or assurance per 2CR 5:7, because miracles such as Paul’s experience with Christ on the road to Damascus (ACTS 9:1-9) are not normative.
TOP #76: Paul’s mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. [RM 15:15-20] (//1CR 1:17) This biographical passage is enumerated because it is foundational for understanding the TOP.
At the time Paul wrote these words he was on his way to Jerusalem with an offering for the poor while planning to visit Rome on his way to Spain (per v. 23-29). He asked the Roman Christians to pray that he would be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea (in v.30-32). The last chapter of Romans contains a long list of greetings for Paul’s fellow workers, including Priscilla and Aquila’s house church in Corinth (ACTS 18:1-19) and his relatives Andronicus and Junius, who became Christians before Paul.
The concluding verses (v.21-24) refer to Timothy as his fellow worker, to Tertius as his scribe and to Gaius as his host (baptized by Paul per 1CR 1:14). Paul ends with a paean to God and His revelation of the mystery, the gospel of Jesus Christ (v.25-27, cf. TOP #74).
We turn now to new TOP in his Paul’s first epistle to the church of God in Corinth (1CR 1:1-2), which was established with the help of Aquila and Priscilla, who were greeted in RM 16:3, and which met initially in the house of Titius Justus per RM 16:7. Paul began by wishing them grace and peace from God and the Lord Jesus Christ, sharing that he thanks God for their faith, which he has confidence will continue until the end or last day.
Whereas in the last chapter of Romans Paul had urged unity, Paul begins in the first chapter of 1 Corinthians by urging them also to have no divisions. Thus we find our first parallel teaching between two epistles in this survey, which is enumerated separately because ot being a major theme and elaborated emphasis.
TOP #77: Be perfectly united with no divisions or quarrels. [1CR 1:10-13] Paul said there were reports that people were following Paul, Apollos or Cephas instead of Christ, who was crucified for them and into whose name they were baptized (v.13-16).
TOP #78: The Gospel seems foolish to unbelievers, but it is the wisdom of God. [1CR 1:18-25]
TOP #79: God chose the weak to demonstrate His saving power so that no one should boast. [1CR 1:27-31 & 3:18-21]
TOP #80: God revealed His secret wisdom by His Spirit or the mind of Christ. [1CR 2:1-16] This TOP combines “mystery” (TOP #74) with “wisdom” (TOP #78), which may be in the context of opposing gnosticism that was common at that time.]
TOP #81: Believers who are infants in Christ need to be weaned, so they will not behave like sinful unbelievers. [1CR 3:1-6]
TOP #82: The community of believers is comparable to a building founded on Jesus Christ. [1CR 3:9-11&16-17]
TOP #83: On Judgment Day the quality of a person’s work will be revealed via testing with fire. [1CR 3:12-15 & 4:2-5] At that appointed time, the Lord will expose and judge men’s motives.
TOP #84: Do not go beyond what is written in Scripture. [1CR 4:6-7] Learning God’s Word requires teachability or humility to receive grace. Paul contrasted the wealthy believers with the poverty of himself, who was their spiritual father, as a warning against arrogance (v.8-19).
TOP #85: A community of believers should not associate with immoral people who claim to be Christians. [1CR 5:1-13, TIT 3:9-11] Sins cited include sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness and swindling (cf. TOP #13) in the first passage and arguing, quarreling and divisiveness in the second. Such excommunication is an appropriate of approved form of judging.
TOP #86: It disgraces Christ for Christians to sue one another. [1CR 6:1-8]
TOP #87: The wicked will not go to heaven. [1CR 6:9-10] This includes the same sinners listed in TOP #85.
TOP #88: Sinners who repent were baptized, sanctified and justified in the Lord Jesus Christ (LJC) by the Holy Spirit (HS). [1CR 6:11, cf. TOP #38]
TOP #89: Honor God by not committing sins with your body, in which His HS dwells. [1CR 6:12-20] This means by not engaging in sexual immorality.
TOP #90: Marriage is the right relationship for sexual intimacy. [1CR 7:1-5, 25-28 & 36-39] Jesus taught this truth in MT 19:4-6.
TOP #91: Marriage is optional for those having the gift of celibacy. [1CR 7:6-9] Jesus affirmed the option of celibacy in MT 19:11-12.
TOP #92: Believers must not divorce, although unbelievers cannot be forced to stay. [1CR 7:10-15] Jesus forbade divorce except for marital unfaithfulness in MT 19:8-9.
TOP #93: Believers should be content to serve God in whatever situation they were before conversion. [1CR 7:17-24] However, Paul approved of emancipation when possible peacefully (v.21).
TOP #94: Circumcision is not a moral commandment. [1CR 7:18-19] Paul indicates that some of his teachings are based on the TOJ, while others are his own trustworthy opinion (v.25&40).
TOP #95: Unmarried believers are freer from concerns that might prevent undivided devotion to ministry for the Lord. [1CR 7:29-35]
TOP #96: Christians may eat food sacrificed to idols unless it offends the conscience of brethren who think it is sinful. [1CR 8:1-13, 10:23-33] This principle might be applicable to other examples, such as drinking wine in the presence of an alcoholic. Paul applied it to himself by observing Jewish law when witnessing to Jews (1CR 9:19-20), by not observing such amoral laws when witnessing to Gentiles (1CR 9:21) and by behaving as weak when witnessing to weak brethren (1CR 9:22-23).
TOP #97: Apostles of Christ have the right to be supported by those to whom they minister God’s Word. [1CR 9:1-18] However, Paul did not exercise this right (v.15) in order to avoid accusation of profiting from preaching (v.18). This means churches should support their pastor/preacher (v.14, cf. TOP #242). Paul discerned this teaching of the Lord with regard to hospitality (in MT 10:10-15) also to be implied by the teaching of Moses not to muzzle an ox while it is treading out grain (v.9).
TOP #98: Christians should practice what they preach. [1CR 9:24-27 & 10:1-5] Paul illustrates this by comparing seeking heaven (a crown that will last forever) to competing for an earthly prize and to the Israelites who failed to qualify for entering Canaan. We might note that the rock which provided them water is viewed as equivalent to Christ. This implies that OT foreshadowings augment general revelation in serving as a proto-gospel (TOP #10).
TOP #99: The story of the Israelites in the wilderness following the exodus from Egypt is an example and warning for Christians not to be complacent and fail to persevere. [1CR 10:6-12]
TOP #100: God will provide a way to resist any temptation to test Him. [1CR 10:13, cf. v.9] James said to resist the devil, and he will flee (JM 4:7).
TOP #101: Flee from idolatry. [1CR 10:14-22] Compare v.14 with JM 4:7. Idolatry may be written and understood as I-dolatry or atheism, which includes being anti-Christ (1CR 8:46).
TOP #102: Freedom in Christ should be constructive or a good influence on others. [1CR 10:23-33] This significant reiteration of TOP #96 warrants being listed separately.
TOP #103: Freedom in Christ should not offend societal norms. [1CR 11:1-16] The norm Paul addressed in this passage was praying with the head uncovered for a man and covered for a woman. The argument employed is rather convoluted, and the norm differs in various societies, but gender roles should be harmonized with GL 3:28.
TOP #104: The Lord’s Supper should be observed in accordance with the example of Jesus. [1CR 11:17-34] This means for the purpose of memorializing Christ’s death rather than for eating a meal.
TOP #105: Christians serve the Lord using various gifts for the common good, and all are important. [1CR 12:1-14:40] These gifts may include wisdom, healing and speaking various languages (12:8-10).
TOP #106: Christians are baptized by one Spirit into one body of Christ. [1CR 12:13] Spirit baptism occurs at the moment of repentance/conversion/saving faith in Jesus as Lord, uniting them with His church (COL 1:18), because “if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” (RM 8:9) The indwelling of the HS may also be called the initial filling by the HS, because at this point a person is cooperating fully with God.
Confusion may arise because in Ephesians 4:5 Paul says there is only one baptism, but elsewhere the NT seems to refer to two types of baptism: one by water and another by the HS. Any confusion is resolved by understanding that baptism with water is a symbolic way of portraying baptism by the HS.
TOP #107: The most excellent way of serving God is by manifesting multifaceted love. [1CR12:31-14:1, 16:14] This is called the fruit of the Spirit in GL 5:22-23 (TOP #138). Love will remain after tongues cease and new knowledge (the NT?) is canonized.
TOP #108: The gift of prophecy/preaching is better than speaking in unintelligible words. [1CR 14:1-33] By saying that five intelligible words are preferable to 10,000 words in glossalalia (14: 19), Paul seems to be hinting that the latter practice is problematic and should cease, but he does not want to offend anyone (cf. 8:11-13).
TOP #109: Women should remain silent in church meetings. [1CR 14:34-35] This may be another concession to societal norms (cf. TOP #103) rather than a permanent moral command.
TOP #110: Christ died for sins, was buried, raised on the third day, appeared to believers, lastly to Paul. [1CR 15:1-8] Peter’s summary of the mission of Christ is recorded in ACTS 2:22-24&32 thusly: Christ was a man, crucified, raised from the dead, and appeared to witnesses.
TOP #111: The crux of the Gospel is that Christ has been raised from the dead. [1CR 15:12-20]
Paul admits (in v.19) that if Christ is not raised, then there is no hope of heaven.
TOP #112: When Christ comes again at the end, those who belong to him will be resurrected, thereby destroying death. [1CR 15:21-28] At this point Paul alludes to an apparent practice of baptizing for the dead (v.29), which is nowhere approved in the NT. He also mentions risking death continually because of assurance Christ is risen (v.30-32).
TOP #113: Bad company or friends can corrupt those who began with good character. [1CR 15:33-34] Such people ignore God.
TOP #114: The resurrected body will be changed into a heavenly or immortal body. [1CR 15:35-54, PHP 3:21] This transfiguration will happen in a flash (v.52).
TOP #115: The law empowers sin, and sin results in death, but Christ conquers both. [1CR 15:55-57] As Paul said in RM 7: 7&11, “I would not have known what sin was except through the law… and sin seized the opportunity afforded by the law… and through the commandment put me to death.” (Cf. TOP #22, 23 & 25.)
TOP #116: Stand firm in doing the Lord’s work. [1CR 15:58 & 16:13, 2CR 1:21&24, GL 5:1] Such perseverance is a major theme in the writings of Paul, always implied and often specified, and so it warrants a second citing in terms of standing firm to augment the mention of persistence in TOP #20 (RM 2:7&10).
At this point Paul mentioned collecting a donation for the poor in Jerusalem, although he does not state a command or teaching (except by example). Paul ended this epistle by commanding love (16:14) and expressing his love (16:24, cf. TOP #106).
Paul began 2CR by telling of trouble and suffering while he travelled in the province of Asia (1:3-11). He also said that he had planned to revisit Corinth on his way to and from Macedonia but did not because it would have been a painful experience, apparently involving disciplining a man for some serious sin (1:15-2:4). Paul opined that the punishment assigned by the majority is sufficient, so now he should be forgiven and assured of their love (2:5-11). Then Paul referred to his ministry of the new covenant—of the Spirit—which is veiled whenever the Torah is read, except for a few who are freed by the Spirit of the Lord (2:12-3:18). He compared Moses’ radiant face to Christians reflecting the Lord’s glory as they are being transformed into his spiritual likeness (TOP #54).
TOP #117: Those who reject the Gospel of Christ are blinded by the god of this age. [2CR 4:1-15] Despite preaching the truth plainly or without deception, the light is veiled to the minds of those who are perishing because the grace of God does not reach them. Why some souls are blinded by a “god”or not reached while others believe in the one God is not explained.
TOP #118: Earthly troubles are outweighed by eternal glory. [2CR 4:16-18]
TOP #119: Although we live by faith that we will go to heaven rather than by sight or already being there, God’s Holy Spirit gives us confidence and motivates us to please the Lord as we await the Judgment. [2CR 5:1-10, 2TM 1:12, HB 9:27] This TOP combines several others regarding saving faith (#4&20), immortality in heaven (#111&113), the gift of the Holy Spirit (#24&27), cooperating with God (#105&106) and the day of Judgment (#19&83).
TOP #120: God’s normative method of conversion is via persuasion. [2CR 5:11] This method was practiced by Paul in the synagogue at Thessalonica (ACTS 17:1-4) and in Athens at a meeting of the Areopagus (ACTS 17:16-34)
TOP #121: God’s love for all motivates the ministry of reconciliation. [2CR 5:14-21] Believers receive God’s love via the gift of the Holy Spirit per TOP #29 (cf. #119).
TOP #122: Do not receive God’s grace in vain. [2CR 6:1-2] HB 4:7b says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
TOP #123: Do not be yoked with unbelievers. [2CR 6:14] This applies not only to marriage but also to friendships as mentioned in TOP #112.
TOP #124: Godly sorrow motivates repentance or confession of sins that leads to salvation rather than to regret. [2CR 7:8-12] The apparent context for this TOP is Paul’s reproof of sin involving his command of excommunication in a previous epistle, perhaps 1CR 4:18-5:13 (TOP #85).
TOP #125: Christians who have plenty should share with believers who are needy. [2CR 8:12-15] This passage (8:1-9:15) refers to Paul’s collection for the Christians in Jerusalem mentioned in 1CR 16:1-4, which is stated as a desire rather than as a command (8:8&13), referencing the example during the Exodus when the Israelites gathered manna in the desert (EX 16:16-18).
TOP #126: Charity should be given willingly, because God loves a cheerful giver. [2CR 9:6-7] Paul said that God will bless those who are generous with continued prosperity in every way that will result in much thanksgiving to God.
TOP #127: Spiritual warfare involves demolishing thoughts that are ungodly and anti-Christ. [2CR 10:3-5] Paul referred to his authority as an apostle of the Lord for building up believers, especially in the churches he had established by sharing the gospel of Christ (in 10:8-18).
TOP #128: Satan can masquerade as an angel of light and his servants as apostles and righteous-ness. [2CR 11:14-15] Paul defended his apostleship by boasting about his credentials, including being flogged, put in prison and enduring dangers such as shipwrecks and bandits (in 11:21-33). Then he described being caught up to the third heaven, presumably during the Damascus Road encounter with Christ (12:1-10). He also mentioned signs or miracles that mark an apostle being done in Corinth and that he never was a burden or exploited them (12:11-18), along with fear that he will be grieved by finding strife and lack of repentance when he visits (12:19-21).
TOP #129: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the Christian faith. [2CR 13:5] Apparently, the self-test includes aiming for perfection (v.9).
TOP #130: Aim for perfection. [2CR 13:11, PHP 3:12-15, COL 1:10] This does not refer to having righteousness via spiritual circumcision or faith (TOP #24&47), justification, redemption (TOP #25) or reconciliation (TOP #30) that is obtained or imputed at the moment of conversion/repentance, but rather to actual righteousness, moral renewal (TOP 34,36&55), conforming to Christ (TOP #41), becoming loving and ceasing to sin (TOP #68&69).
The epistle to the churches in Galatia has the typical greeting or wish for grace and peace from God and the LJC before expressing concern that a false gospel is confusing folks regarding GRFS.
TOP #131: Do not pervert the Gospel of Christ by reverting to belief that salvation is earned via observing the law. [GL 1:6-9, 5:1-12] Such doctrine is anathema or condemned (1CR 16:22). The purpose of the law of Moses was to lead people to faith in Christ (GL 3:22-24). This truth is akin to TOP #37.
The reference to an angel from heaven deserving condemnation to hell is reminiscent of TOP #128 (GL 1:1-10). As a reason to believe the true Gospel, Paul described how he received it from Christ via revelation even though he had been a zealous anti-Christian. There are discrepancies between the account of Paul’s activities in this epistle and that of Luke (in Acts 9, 11:25-30, 12:25, & 13-15), but GL 2:1-9 seems to refer to the meeting in Acts 15 regarding a dispute with “believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees”, who said that Gentiles must obey the law of Moses, beginning with external circumcision. Verse 10 refers to the request for Paul to collect alms for the poor in Jerusalem (cf. TOP #125). Verses 15-21 refer to living by faith in the Son of God rather than by obeying the Mosaic law (cf. 2CR 5:7).
In chapter three Paul illustrated obtaining salvation via faith by sharing the example of Abraham that is also cited in RM 4 (TOP #26). Paul said we are redeemed from the curse of the law because by faith believers receive God’s Spirit (cf. TOP #27). He also stressed that the promise or covenant made with Abraham included his “seed”, referring to Christ, and the law Moses introduced 430 years later cannot annul it, so the purpose of the law was to specify sins rather than to serve as the means of attaining righteousness (GL 3:15-22).
TOP #132: Now that the Gospel has been revealed, the Mosaic law no longer keeps us prisoners. [GL 3:25] This truth is also taught in HB 7:18-10:1 by saying the old Mosaic law or covenant (not Abrahamic) has been superseded by the new covenant of Christ, the Gospel. Saving faith makes souls sons/children of God (TOP #38).
TOP #133: All who are baptized into Christ are equally saved. [GL 3:27-29] There is no basis for discriminating on the basis of nationality, social status or gender.
At this point Paul returns to his concern that his preaching is being perverted before citing the example of Sarah and Hagar as figuratively representing the Gospel of Christ versus the law of Moses (GL 4:8-31), which Scripture commands to “get rid of” (in GN 21:10, cf. #132).
TOP #134: Continue to be free of the law by having faith in Christ so that you will not be “alienated” and become “fallen away from grace”. [GL 5:1-5] This indicates the possibility of apostasy or intentionally repudiating saving faith (cf. HB 6:4-6).
TOP #135: The only thing that matters with regard to satisfying GRFS is having faith that is expressed through love. [GL 5:6&14, cf. TOP #27-29 & TOJ #129] Love in its various forms manifests the fruit of the Spirit (called the “new creation” in 6:15). Those who pervert this truth, thereby leavening the Gospel with heresy, deserve their penalty including emasculatiion (5:7-12).
TOP #136: Do not cite freedom in Christ as an excuse for commiting sins. [GL 5:13] These sins or “acts of the sinful nature” include: sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, rage, drunkenness… and conceit (5:16-20&26). These evil behaviors manifest the opposite of saving faith and love or living/being led “by the Spirit”.
TOP #137: Those who claim to believe in Christ but habitually commit gross sins are not bound for heaven. [GL 5:21, cf. #141] This is the basis for viewing some sins as venial or forgivable rather than as mortal, referring to evil habits rather than to isolated incidents (cf. TOP #135).
TOP #138: The fruit of the Spirit is love in various manifestations. [GL 5:22-23] This teaching elaborates #135. The varieties of love include such qualities as joy TOP #189), peace (#64), patience (#155), kindness (#166), goodness (#187&188), faithfulness (#9&15), gentleness (#192) and self-control (TIT 2:2-12 = TOP #214), which seems to mean sobriety. Paul pointed out that there are no laws against these attributes.
TOP #139: Saving faith consists in cooperating with God’s Word/Spirit. [GL 5:25] This is described as keeping “in step with the Spirit” and the “new creation” (in 6:15, cf. TOP #135).
TOP #140: The temptation to have sinful pride in one’s spirituality should be resisted. [GL 5:26 & 6:1-5] This may be done by reproving other’s sins gently/lovingly while testing one’s own actions and attitudes.
Paul said that those who LGW should share “all good things” or support the ministry of their teacher, which is TOP #97.
TOP #141: A person reaps what he or she sows. [GL 6:7-10] This truth (cf. TOP #137 & 139) serves as a warning against what is called “cheap grace” or viewing God’s forgiveness as a license to sin. This TOP is akin to EPH 2:10. Thus, genuine Christians will “do good to all people”, especially to fellow believers.
Paul concluded Galatians by referring to the large letters he uses when writing, perhaps indicating that he did not have an amanuensis or scribe for this epistle.
In Paul’s next epistle, the words “in Ephesus” are not in some early manuscripts, possibly because this letter was intended to be circulated among all of the saints and churches in that western region of Asia Minor. After the greeting, verses 4-10 are one long sentence in the earliest Greek versions.
TOP #142: Because of His love God chose believers in Christ from before the creation to be adopted as His children through faith in Jesus Christ, in whom believers have redemption or forgiveness of sins because of his death. [EPH 1:3-8, 2TM 1:10-12] This plan of salvation (POS) is called being “chosen” or “predestined” (v.4-5&11). It sounds as though the entire universe was created solely in order to carry out God’s POS. This mention of predestination to holiness is a significant restatement of TOP #41.
TOP #143: “In him/Christ” refers to those who elect to become elect or chosen by understanding and believing/hoping in Jesus for salvation. [EPH 1:4-15] IOW, election involves cooperation between the will of God and the volition or limited free moral will of human souls. God creates and initiates; humans cooperate—or not.
TOP #144: God’s POS to save all who accept the Gospel of Christ including Gentiles was a mystery until revealed to Paul. [EPH 1:9-10, 3:2-11] This is an elaboration of TOP #2 & 9. Paul said that this truth was a mystery, although we find hints of it in a few OT writings, especially in Isaiah (e.g., IS 42:6, 49:6 & 60:3).
TOP #145: Those who learn the Gospel truth and believe in Jesus receive the Holy Spirit as a foretaste of heaven. [EPH 1:13-14, 2TM 1:14] In the second verse, Paul told Timothy to guard the deposit (apparently the Gospel and other sound teaching) with the help of the HS. This teaching is echoed in HB 6:4-5, which hints at Pauline authorship of that anonymous epistle.
TOP #146: New believers need revelation beyond the Gospel in order to grow in knowledge of God. [EPH 1:15-17] The way for Paul’s prayer to be answered is indicated in EPH 4:11-16.
TOP #147: God appointed Christ to be head of his spiritual body, which is the church or community of all believers in Him. [EPH 1:18-23] This teaching is reiterated in CL 1:18, and such similarities are the reason these two epistles along with Philippians are believed to have been written at the same time when Paul was in prison (EPH 4:1, PHP 1:13, CL 4:10).
TOP #148: Those who follow the spirit of disobedience or atheism are spiritually dead and bound for experiencing divine wrath. [EPH 2:1-5] This refers to all sinners before they repent and are saved or made alive with Christ because of God’s grace.
TOP #149: Sinners are saved by God’s grace through their faith, which is not a meritorious work. [EPH 2:8-9] This precludes any grounds for boasting that one deserves salvation because of a person’s own goodness (cf. TOP #250).
TOP #150: Saving faith is followed by doing good or loving works in accordance with the will of God. [EPH 2:10] This relationship between saving faith and good works is taught also in JM 2:14-26.
TOP #151: God has revealed that Gentiles are included with Jews in God’s plan of salvation via the Gospel of Christ. [EPH 2:11-3:6] This is a significant elaboration of TOP #144. God revealed this mystery or insight (3:4) to Paul for the purpose of him making the Gospel (3:7) known through the church (3:10).
TOP #152: The Gospel is God’s peace plan for humanity. [EPH 2:14-17] Paul commanded peace in RM 5:1, 8:6, 12:18 & 14:19, 1CR 7:15 and 2CR 13:11.
TOP #153: The body of Christ or God’s household may be viewed as a spiritual edifice founded on Scripture and with Christ as the cornerstone. [EPH 2:18-22] Jesus is also called the capstone and the stumbling-stone in 1PT 2:6-8. The body metaphor is also employed in 4:15-16. The edifice is called “church” in 3:10.
At this point in the epistle Paul shared more of his prayers for the Ephesians (cf. 1:15-19), which serves as his next teaching that is surely meant for all members of God’s family.
TOP #154: Through faith Christ may dwell in believers, enabling them to know the infinite love of God and be filled with His power. [EPH 3:16-19] This is the miracle for which Paul prays and which he cites in 5:18.
TOP #155: Christian behavior should be worthy of their calling by Christ, which means being humble, patient and loving. [EPH 4:1-2, PHP 1:27, COL 1:10, 2THS 1:5&11] Paul did not claim to be perfect, but he pressed on toward this goal (PHP 3:12-16).
TOP #156: Strive for spiritual unity or oneness, because there is one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God/Father. [EPH 4:3-6] Achieving oneness answers the prayer of Jesus in JN 17:20-23.
TOP #157: Christ gave various gifts regarding teaching God’s Word so that God’s people would grow spiritually and become mature. [EPH 4:7-15, cf. TOP #202 &255] Although salvation is by faith, becoming spiritually mature is by good works or continuing to cooperate with the loving Spirit of God (cf. 2:10).
TOP #158: Spiritual maturity is manifested by speaking the truth in love. [EPH 4:14-16] This is contrasted with the sinful lifestyles of many Gentiles (4:17&19).
TOP #159: Separation from God (and thus condemnation) is caused by willful darkness, futile thinking, ignorance and hardening of the heart. [EPH 4:18] Paul noted that his readers were once such but are now children of light (5:8), because they were taught (and chose to believe) the Gospel truth (4:20-24).
TOP #160: God’s normative method of conversion is via the gifts related to teaching His Word/Truth. [EPH 4:2024] Jesus indicated (in JN 14:26, 15:26 & 16:13) that GW is taught by the indwelling HS. This truth jibes with TOP #119 & 120.
TOP #161: Christians must speak the truth. [EPH 4:25a] The reason Paul gives for this teaching is because they are members of one body (v.25b). This is a nuance akin to TOP #158.
TOP #162: Christians should not have unrighteous rage. [EPH 4:26a] A way to avoid wrongful rage is to make things right by night (v.26b-27). James also teaches this (in JM 1:19-20).
TOP #163: Instead of stealing, Christians must earn a living and share surplus with worthy needy brethren. [EPH 4:28] We can infer that lazy folks do not deserve to have such sin abetted but must reap what they do not sow (cf. TOP #226).
TOP #164: Christians should not speak coarsely or unlovingly, but rather helpfully. [EPH 4:29 & 5:4] James states this teaching in terms of moral filth and controlling one’s tongue (JM 1:21 & 3:8-10).
TOP #165: Do not grieve God by exhibiting any form of hatred. [EPH 4:30-31] The forms of hatred include bitterness, rage, brawling and slander.
TOP #166: Imitate God/Christ by being kind, compassionate and forgiving. [EPH 4:32-5:2] These are forms of love (cf. TOP #138).
TOP #167: Those who claim to be Christians but typically sin are I-dolaters bound for divine wrath. [EPH 5:3&5-6, PHP 3:18-19] Paul said not to be partners or associate with such pseudo-Christians (v.7).
TOP #168: Sinfulness is signified by darkness and savedness by light, which is goodness and truth. [EPH 5:8-9]. Such imagery is significant enough to include and view as a teaching.
TOP #169: Find out what pleases God, which is radiating the light of His Word. [EPH 5:10&17] This is the opposite way of stating TOP #165. The way to please God is by exposing the deeds of darkness, although they are shameful to mention (v.11-12). Paul connected light with awaking from the dead and living wisely (5:14-17a). Jesus taught Christians to be the light of the world (MT 5:14-16).
TOP #170: Do not get drunk on wine (alcoholic spirits), but instead be filled with the Holy Spirit. [EPH 5:18] This command certainly would apply to any other type of drug or medicine.
TOP #171: Sing spiritual songs and make music in your heart to the Lord. [EPH 5:19, COL 3:16] This may be the only NT reference to what was a theme in Psalms.
TOP #172: Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our LJC. [EPH 5:20, COL 3:15-17] This is also commanded in 1THS 5:18.
The following series of commands through TOP #178 is found also in COL 3:18-4:1.
TOP #173: Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. [EPH 5:21-33, COL 3:18-19] Paul elaborates by saying wives should respect husbands, and husbands should love wives.
TOP #174: Marriage is a man and woman leaving their parents and becoming one flesh. [EPH 5:31] Paul compares the marital relationship to that of Christ and the church. Jesus taught this concept of marriage in MT 19:4-6, citing GN 2:24.
TOP #175: Children should honor and obey their parents in the Lord. [EPH 6:1-3, COL 3:20] The phrase “in the Lord” may refer to Christian parents who are assumed to give godly guidance. Paul notes that this OT commandment is accompanied by the promise that obedience will result in prosperity and long life.
TOP #176: Fathers (parents) should not exasperate their children but instead raise them in accordance with the instruction of the Lord. [EPH 6:4, COL 3:21] That “fathers” includes mothers is implied by v.1, and the the “instruction of the Lord” implies loving discipline like that described in HB 12:5-11.
TOP #177: Slaves (employees) should obey their earthly masters (bosses) as though they were obeying God/Christ. [EPH 6:5, COL 3:22, 1TM 6:1-2, TIT 2:9] Slavery was common when Paul wrote, but his hope for Onesimus to be freed (in PHN v.8-18) as well as the reference to being free in v. 8 indicates that this command should apply to freed slaves or employees.
TOP #178: Masters or bosses should treat their slaves or employees the way Christ would. [EPH 6:9, COL 4:1] Christ/God is the Master of both without favoring either.
TOP #179: Be strong in the Lord by putting on the armor of God in order to defeat the devil’s schemes. [EPH 6:10-17, 2PT 1:5-9] Each piece of armor relates to the word of God as follows: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.
TOP #180: Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers. [EPH 6:18-20, COL 4:2-4] The kinds of prayers found in Scripture include: confession, praise, thanksgiving, petition and intercession, which is the type of petition Paul requests be done for him.
Paul ends Ephesians by saying that he is is sending Tychichus, presumably the bearer of the epistle. He begins Philippians by greeting the saints, especially the overseers and deacons, by saying that his prayers for them express joy and thanksgiving because of their faith, and by praying that their love and insight may increase, so they will have discernment and be filled with the fruit of righteousness (PHP 1:1-11). He refers to being in chains because of his defense of the gospel of Christ (which is called apologetics) and to some who preach Christ motivated by envy and rivalry (1:12-18). Then he expressed a belief that can serve as a teaching for all to emulate.
TOP #181: To live provides the opportunity to witness for Christ and edify believers, but to die means that we gain heaven. [PHP 1:21-26] Paul said he was convinced he would remain alive and be with the Philippians again.
TOP #182: Conduct consistent with Christian faith begins with perseverance and spiritual unity. [PHP 1:27-28] This truth is like TOP #155 but combines two main themes in the TOP (cf. #134 & 64).
TOP #183: Faith in Christ may result in struggle and suffering for him. [PHP 1:29-30] Peter taught that it is better to suffer for Christ’s sake than for being a criminal (1PT 4:12-19).
TOP #184: Christians should have the humility or selfless attitude exemplified by Christ’s obedience. [PHP 2:3-8] Selfishness may be termed I-dolatry (cf. TOP #21).
TOP #185: Christ shared God’s eternal Spirit, but humbled Himself by becoming a mortal human for the purpose of paying the penalty for humanity’s sins, which is death. [PHP 2:5-8] “Spirit” seems to convey the essence of God better than translating the word as form or nature. Regarding Christ’s atoning death, see TOP #30 & 35.
TOP #186: God the Father resurrected Christ and exalted Jesus to be the Lord in heaven. [PHP 2:9-11] This is why God’s requirement for salvation may be succinctly stated as “believe in Jesus as Messiah or Christ and Lord” (cf. ACTS 16:31, 2CR 4:5 & CL 2:6).
TOP #187: Those who have saving faith cooperate with God’s good works. [PHP 2:12-13] This is a significant reiteration of TOP #150. God works in believers via His Holy Spirit (cf. TOP #28).
TOP #188: The goal of Christian faith is to become blameless. [PHP 2:14-16] Note that being indwelt by the HS does not result in immediate actual perfection, which remains a lifelong goal (as Paul will teach in 3:12).
TOP #189: Christians should be glad or rejoice despite circumstances involving suffering. [PHP 2:17-18, 3:1, 4:4 & 10-12] This is the theme in PHP, beginning with 1:4, and it echoes PS 9:14.
At this point Paul mentioned sending Timothy and Epaphroditus to Philippi and reiterated his belief that he will be released soon. Paul also warned them about those who are Judaizers or teach salvation via works, stating that he was such a person before his conversion to faith in Christ (PHP 3:2-9, cf. GL 1:6-9, 2:4-5 & 14-16, 3:1-5 & 18-25 and TOP #24 & 25).
TOP #190: Hope for heaven is the proper motivation for having faith in Christ. [PHP 3:9-11] This is why faith and hope (not sight, cf. 2CR 5:7) are regularly mentioned together or interchangeably (RM 8:24-25, 1CR 13:13, 1TM 6:17, TIT 1:2, HB 11:1).
TOP #191: Christians should behave in accordance with what they have learned as they continue to learn God’s will/word. [PHP 3:15-17] Paul cites himself as an example. Those who habitually sin indicate that their profession of Christ is false (cf. TOP #167 & 211).
TOP #192: Gentleness should be evident to all. [PHP 4:5] This brief command is a fruit of the Spirit cited in GL 5:23 and is also found in 1PT 3:15.
TOP #193: Do not be anxious about anything, but instead pray to God. [PHP 4:6-7] This is similar to TOJ #41: Do not worry.
TOP #194: Focus on the positive and put it into practice. [PHP 4:8-9] As a song from the 1940s said, “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative…”.
TOP #195: Learn to be content whatever the circumstances. [PHP 4:11-13] God will enable believers to endure anything.
Paul concluded PHP by thanking the Philippians for their material support, and he greeted all of the saints from all of the saints, including those in Caesar’s household.
Paul began the epistle to the brethren in Christ at Colosse (whose conversions he had not been involved with per 1:4 & 2:1) with his typical greeting, which was also from Timothy, and he said that he thanks God in his prayers for their faith in Jesus and love for the saints. He referred to the gospel as producing fruit “all over the world”, which surely was hyperbole meaning the Roman empire, and he credited Epaphras with teaching them about God’s grace “in all its truth”, probably referring to didachaic moral doctrines (cf. JN 16:13). Paul prayed that their knowledge of God’s will would continue to increase (v.10, TOP #81, 130 & 191) until they were filled with spiritual wisdom (v.9, TOP #78) and bearing fruit in every good work (cf. GL 5:22-23, TOP #138), having perseverance (TOP #134) as they anticipated sharing in the “inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light and of God’s Son” (v.11-13). At this point Paul shared our next new teaching.
TOP #196: Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of creation by whom everything else was created. [COL 1:15-17] This TOP echoes JN 1:1-3, 10&14. “Image” seems synonymous with “incarnation”, and it refers to humanity being created in God’s image (GN 1:26-27). Because God is invisible rather than physical, the term must mean having God-like spiritual attributes such as moral consciousness, which animals do not possess. “In him all things hold together” seems akin to what Paul said to the Athenians, “In him we live and move and have our being” (ACTS 17:28, TOP #5).
TOP #197: Christ is head of his spiritual body or church, because God is most fully revealed in the human dimension by him. [COL 1:18-19&24, 2:19] This teaching concerns the doctrine of the Trinity. The church was also mentioned in EPH 3:10.
TOP #198: Christ’s death on the cross is God’s way of reconciling all things to himself. [COL 1:19-20] Not only are souls saved, but all of creation is thereby redeemed from its fallen state.
TOP #199: Sin is both mental attitude and physical behavior. [COL 1: 21] Probably Adam and Eve sinned by believing the devil before they ate the forbidden fruit. Therefore, spiritual renewal begins with faith before wrong habits are eliminated (cf. RM 12:2, TOP #55).
TOP #200: God’s salvation is conditional upon persevering faith in the Gospel. [COL 1: 22-23, 2TM 2:11-13] These verses are part of the doctrine of perseverance implied by the kerygma, because it is necessary in order to achieve TOP such as #191 & #195 (cf. TOP #182 & 211).
TOP #201: Being saved does not mean no longer struggling or experiencing earthly suffering. [COL 1:29-2:1, cf. TOP #28] These trials may be caused by natural disasters, disease, war and other sins of humans. This passage is preceded and followed by verses alluding to the gospel as a mystery (TOP #144&151).
TOP #202: Repentance or conversion should be followed by learning more of God’s Word (LGW) in order to avoid being deceived by atheist philosophy. [COL 2:7-8, cf. TOP #255]. This truth, called discipleship or sanctification, is akin to TOP #155&157. The part of GW that is necessary to believe for salvation is the Gospel (which may be called the kerygma or preaching), and the additional learning that needs to occur for spiritual maturation is the “all truth” in JN 16:13 and the “all things/everything” in MT 28:20 (which may be called the didache or teaching).
TOP #203: Christians receive God’s fullness (which is the Holy Spirit) and forgiveness of sins at the moment of conversion. [COL 2:9-15, cf. TOP #154] We infer that fullness refers to the HS by remembering TOP #27, and we know that fullness/imputed righteousness or forgiveness of sins does not obviate the need to LGW per TOP #155 and strive for actual perfection per TOP #191. Conversion is professed outwardly by the rite of water baptism, which replaced fleshly circumcision (TOP #24) as the outward sign of faith in God/Jesus.
TOP #204: Observing the Sabbath or other laws not reaffirmed in the NT is optional. [COL 2:16-17 & 21-23, cf. RM 14, TOP #70] Such laws are optional because they are not part of the eternal moral code, but even observing those is not the way to obtain salvation and the HS.
TOP #205: Do not be led astray by those who advocate humility, angel worship or seeing visions. [COL 2:18-19] This surely applies to those who elevate monasticism, adoration of saints and mysticism above faith in Christ.
TOP #206: Focus on heavenly life and stop sinning. [COL 3:1-14] The sins Paul cited included: sexual immorality, greed/I-dolatry, rage, malice, slander, filthy language and lying (cf. TOP #136). The heavenly behavior he mentioned included: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience forgiveness and love (cf. TOP #138).
At this point Paul’s commands duplicate those we have already encountered: for the peace of Christ to rule in His body (cf. #198), for Christians to be thankful (#172) and for them to include spiritual songs along with teaching God’s Word (#171). Also, for wives to submit to husbands and for husbands to love wives (#173), for children to obey parents (#175) and fathers not to embitter children (#176), for slaves to obey masters (#177) and for masters to treat slaves as God treats them (#178). Paul also commands prayer (#180).
TOP #207: Be wise with outsiders, making the most of opportunity, salting conversation. [COL 4:5-6, 1THS 4:12 & 1TM 6:12] Presumably, the opportunity and salting Paul has in mind is that of witnessing for Christ (cf. TOP #181, 1PT 3:15-16 & MT 5:13).
Paul concluded this epistle by instructing that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that the letter he sent to them be read to the Colossians. Now we consider the two epistles sent to the church of the Thessalonians. 1THS begins with the usual greeting and mention of praying for the recipients.
TOP # 208: Faith produces works, love prompts labor and endurance is inspired by hope of salvation in the LJC. [1THS 1:3] The first phrase echoes EPH 2:10 (TOP #150), the second connects working faith with loving fruit (#138) and the third equates saving faith with perseverance (#200). These are also connected with “joy given by the HS” (#138 & 189). All of these elements are facets of the same spiritual precious gem, and as a song lyric said, “You can’t have one without the others.”
TOP #209: God raised Jesus from the dead to save believers from the coming wrath. [1THS 1:9-10 & 5:9] Paul spoke about what we are saved to (eternal life, as in ACTS 13:46) more than what we are saved from (judgment, ACTS 17:31, RM 2:2-3), and he did not elaborate on what wrath (RM 1:18, 2:5) will entail, except to say that it will mean death and distress (RM 1:32 & 2:9), which would seem to mean eternal death after suffering appropriate punishment (RM 2:6).
Similar to 1CR 9, at this point in the epistle Paul defends his ministry by noting that his motives were pure and he was not a burden (1:3-6), even though he claimed the right as an apostle to be supported (1:7-9). Paul described his ministry as encouraging folks to live lives worthy of God (cf. 4:1 & EPH 4:1), and he again referred to his prayers expressing thanks to God for them accepting his preaching as the word of God (1:13), which works in believers (PHP 2:13).
TOP #210: God’s Spirit and God’s Word are essentially synonymous. [1THS 1:13 & 4:8, PHP 2:13] This is a significant nuance of TOP #187, reminding us of their nexus indicated by Jesus in JN 14, 15 & 16 (TOJ #197 & #203).
At this point Paul referred to his sending Timothy to visit the Thessalonians while he remained in Athens (3:1-6, cf. ACTS 17:14-18:5), and he expressed his relief to hear that they were standing firm in the Lord, so that he might visit and supply what is lacking in their faith, which implies the next TOP.
TOP #211: Saving faith in the Gospel should be augmented by faith in the fullness of God’s Word. [1THS 3:10] This truth teaches the difference between the essential kerygma regarding God’s requirement for salvation and secondary or subsequent teaching regarding spiritual growth toward maturity.
The distinction between kerygma/saving faith and didache/working faith was made by Jesus when He commissioned His original twelve disciples minus Judas (MT 28:19-20). This “Great Commission” speaks of both types of information. The kerygma is indicated by verse 19, in which Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”. The didache is implicit in verse 20, in which Jesus continues by saying “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This speaks of the “all truth” that is taught by the Spirit referred to in John 16:13.
Here in his letter Paul specifies a sin that should be avoided listed previously: sexual immorality (cf. TOP #11, 89, 136, & 206).
TOP #212: Do not be dependent on anybody. [1THS 4:12] This TOP is akin to #163.
Now Paul shares his belief regarding the Lord’s Second Coming, which is the next TOP.
TOP #213: The dead in Christ will rise first and be joined in the air by Christians who are living at that time. [1THS 4:13-18] Regarding the times and dates, “the end will come like a thief in the night” (5:1-4, cf. MT 24:36-44/TOJ #144), so the children of light (TOP #168) should be alert or ready rather than asleep or drunk (5:5-7).
TOP #214: Self-control must cooperate with GW/HS. [1THS 5:6-8, 2THS 1:11, TIT 2:2-12, TOP #138] Christians may exercise their God-given will or volition to have faith, love and hope. This TOP gives Calvinists fits!
TOP #215: Respect those Christians who are over you in the Lord. [1THS 5:12-13] This must refer to church leaders, and their authority must be what Paul alluded to in v. 11, to “encourage one another and build each other up” (cf. 2CR 10:8 & 13:10). Such encouragement refers to the timid or weak in v.14.
TOP #216: Warn those who are idle. [1THS 5:14] This is elaborated in Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians.
TOP #217: Christians should always be joyful (cf. PHP 4:4), prayerful (EPH 6:18) and thankful (COL 3:15) in all circumstances. [1THS 5:16] This is akin to TOP #195, but it is a significant connecting of these three attitudes as related conscious choices.
TOP #218: Do not put out the Spirit’s fire or treat prophecies with contempt. [1THS 5:19] This apparent affirmation of emotion as a valid spiritual attribute connected with prophecy seems related to 1CR 12:7, although in 1CR 14:3-4 prophecy is described as edifying the church and is juxtaposed with tongues, which may be the fire that is spoken of here.
TOP #219: Test everything and hold on to the good but avoid every evil. [1THS 5:21] Everything could include elements in extra-biblical cultures, which may have true insights regarding God and morality perceived via general revelation (cf. TOP #10 & 23). An example of Paul doing this may be seen when he was in Athens, where he commended religion, but then proclaimed what God commands and the day of judgment (ACTS 17:22-31).
TOP #220: Christians need to be completely sanctified. [1THS 5:23-24] Elsewhere sanctification is spoken of as though it occurred completely at conversion (RM 15:16, 1CR 1:2 & 6:11), but here it seems to be an ongoing process beginning at conversion and continuing toward perfection until death, which makes sense or jibes with TOP #188 & 191.
At this point the epistle ends with a brief charge for it to be read to the brethren. The second epistle begins with a greeting almost identical with that in the first and also by mentioning the prayer of thanksgiving by “we”, referring to Silas and Timothy who are also cited as co-senders of this letter. They are thankful for the Thessalonians’ perseverance (TOP #200) despite being persecuted, which proves they are worthy of the kingdom of God (TOP #155), who will “trouble” the troublers.
TOP #221: God is just. [2THS 1:6, HB 6:10] The second verse says that God is not unjust, EPH 6:9 defines justness as not showing favoritism and RM 3:25-26 says that God demonstrates his justice.
TOP #222: Those unsaved will be punished with everlasting destruction and separation from the Lord on Judgment Day. [2THS 1:7-10] This passage elaborates a little on TOP #209.
TOP #223: The Day of the Lord will not come until the man of lawlessness is revealed, who will claim to be God and work counterfeit miracles. [2THS 2:1-10] This teaching adds to what was said regarding the Second Coming in 1THS (TOP #213). The reference to the temple must echo MT 24:15.
TOP #224: God sends those who refuse to love the truth a delusion so they will believe the lie. [2THS 2:10-12] This is akin to RM 1:18-32 (TOP #10), and it also indicates the opposite of cooperation between human volition and divine will (TOP #214).
TOP #225: From the beginning God chose to save those who believed the true Gospel and thus received the Spirit who sanctifies them as they persevere in learning GW. [2THS 2:13-17&3:5] Such sanctification involves being encouraged. This teaching adds to #210 by connecting GW and HS to the Gospel truth and persevering sanctification (#211&220).
TOP #226: He who will not work shall not eat. [2THS 3:6-15] In this passage Paul elaborates on the warning against idleness he gave in 1THS 5:14 (TOP #216) and against stealing in EPH 4:28 (TOP #163). In practical political terms, this teaching supports workfare.
Paul wrote the epistle’s closing in his own hand (per 3:17). At this point in the NT we encounter four epistles that Paul wrote to individuals rather than to churches. After the greeting, 1TM mentions the occasion when Paul told Timothy to remain in Ephesus while he went on to Macedonia (ACTS 16:1-10, 16:19 & 17:15), for the purpose of commanding certain Ephesians not to teach false doctrines, which will serve as the next TOP.
TOP #227: Christians must not teach false doctrines about myths, geneologies and the law. [1TM 1:3-7, 4:7, 6:3-5, 2TM 4:4 & TIT 1:14] Such doctrines promote controversy rather than faith in the Gospel and love.
TOP #228: Teaching about the law is good if it condemns the ungodly. [1TM 1:8-11] Ungodly people includes: murderers, adulterers, perverts, slavers and liars. Paul inclusion of slave traders indicates that God does not condone slavery, which will be corroborated in Philemon. Paul admitted that he was ungodly and the worst sinner before he was shown mercy (1:12-16).
TOP #229: God is eternal, immortal and invisible. [1TM 1:17, 6:15-16] The teaching about God being invisible is elaborated in 1JN 4.
TOP #230: Christians should pray for everyone, including the authorities. [1TM 2:1-2] This harks back to TOP #66.
TOP #231: God wants everyone to be saved or believe the true faith that there is one God and one mediator, who is the man, Christ Jesus. [1TM 2:3-7] This is perhaps the most foundational passage in the TOP. All interpretation of Scripture should conform with this manifold teaching: 1. God loves everyone including His enemies including Satan (cf. MT 5:44&48), 2. Thus God prevents no one from choosing to believe the truth as revealed and be saved or elect (MT 23:37, ACTS 28:26-27), 3. The full truth is the gospel that Christ paid the ransom for sin and thus is the Way to heaven (JN 14:6).
TOP #232: Women should dress modestly and speak discreetly. [1TM 2:9-15, TIT 2:4-5] The devil is in the details of this teaching. Should women wear a shroud and muzzle? Should men not dress modestly, and are all men better teachers than all women? Does the story of Adam and Eve teach dictatorship rather than partnership?
It would seem that Paul’s concern at this point is akin to that in 1CR 9-11 (TOP #96,102&103), which was that freedom in Christ not become a license to sin or to offend societal sensibilities, which at that time viewed the role of married women to be that of mother.
Applying this teaching to today, what might be appropriate to wear at home or on the beach is inappropriate on the street or at school or work. Regarding authority, the command in EPH 5:20, “Submit to one another”, should be the rubric and consensus or peace the goal (RM 14:9, 1CR 14:33, 2CR 13:11, 1THS 5:13, etc.).
TOP #233: Overseers and deacons of churches along with their wives must be mature Christians. [1TM 3:1-13, TIT 1:5-9] The parameters cited by Paul include: monogamy, temperate, self-controlled, able to teach, hospitable, sober, peaceable, not a lover of money, able to manage his own family, not a recent convert and having a good reputation with nonbelievers.
TOP #234: Christians may abandon their faith or commit apostasy if they are deceived by demons. [1TM 4:1] This is why the need for perseverance is an implicit part of the Gospel (TOP #20, 29, 50, 72, 99, 115, etc.).
TOP #235: False teachings include forbidding marriage and abstaining from good food. [1TM 4:2-5, cf. TOP #227] The issue regarding food sacrificed to idols is TOP #96, but perhaps this teaching includes dietary restrictions Moses gave the Israelites, which Paul called “godless myths and old wives’ tales” (v.7).
TOP #236: God’s POS includes all souls potentially but is effective for those who believe His Gospel. [1TM 4:8-10] Paul called cooperating with GW “godliness” and said its training is superior to physical exercise because it goes beyond earthly health by resulting in heavenly life.
TOP #237: Until Christ returns believers should keep on learning Scriptural doctrine. [1TM 4:13-16] Although this command was given to Timothy in terms of what to do until Paul’s arrival, surely it applies to all Christians awaiting the Second Coming. Regarding laying on hands, see TOP #245.
TOP #238: Christians should view themselves as members of one spiritual family. [1TM 5:1-2] This family is the body of Christ (COL 3:18).
TOP #239: Christians who are poor through no fault of their own should be supported by their families. [1TM 5:3-4&8] Paul said that those who do not help members of their families have denied the faith, apparently because it contradicts the compassion of Christ. This is yet another teaching emphasizing that faith without loving fruit is false (TOP #87, 138, 208, etc.), or dead per JM 2:17. That this does not apply to those who are not really poor or are poor because of laziness (TOP #226) is indicated by the phrase “really in need”.
TOP #240: Poor Christian widows (and others, presumably) should be helped by the church only if they meet certain criteria. [1TM 5:5-6&9-10] These criteria include: Having no family to help, not spending on pleasure, not being young or healthy enough to earn income, and having a reputation for good deeds.
TOP #241: A younger (child-bearing aged) poor Christian widow should remarry and help older widows in her family. [1TM 5:11-16] We can assume that such teachings by Paul may be inspired opinions in the same vein as those in 1CR 7:25, and that this passage regarding widows is a sort of parallel to–or extension of–that regarding virgins.
TOP #242: Church leaders including preacher-teachers deserve material support. [1TM 5:17-18] Paul cites DT 25:4 in this regard (cf. LK 10:7). This is akin to TOP #97 regarding supporting apostles.
TOP #243: Accusations against church leaders must be supported by at least two witnesses. [1TM 5:19] This teaching is included in TOJ #100, both of which are based on DT 19:15.
TOP #244: Church leaders who are found guilty of a serious accusation should be rebuked publicly as a warning to others. [1TM 5:20] Paul and Jesus also commanded excommunication (TOP #85, TOJ #102).
TOP #245: Carefully vet folks before affirming their ministry by laying on hands. [1TM 5:22] Paul wanted to avoid guilt by association. Jesus laid hands on people when healing them (LK 4:40), and the apostles imparted the Holy Spirit by laying on hands (ACTS 8:18), but Paul said Timothy received power to love and witness for Christ when he laid hands on him (1TM 4:14, 2TM 1:6-8).
TOP #246: Christians may imbibe alcohol for medicinal purposes (and in moderation). [1TM 5:23] Moderation was indicated in TOP #170.
TOP #247: Christians should be content with the blessing of bare necessities for life, because the love of money causes all kinds of evil. [1TM 6:5-10, 2TM 3:2] Those who preach godliness in order to make money are corrupt and stray from faith in Christ (cf. 6:21 & TOJ #38&40). All kinds of evil are listed in 2TM 3:2-4.
TOP #248: Christians should fight the good fight of faith by pursuing godliness. [1TM 6:11-12, 2TM 2:3-7] Godliness connotes righteousness, love, gentleness and persevering faith. By means of saving faith that produces godly fruit, souls cooperate with their calling to eternal life. This “fight” is called being a good soldier in the second passage, where it is also compared to athletic training and working as a farmer.
TOP #249: Christians who are rich should be rich in good deeds by generously sharing their wealth. [1TM 6:17-19] By doing this they lay up treasure in heaven (TOJ #38).
Paul concluded his first epistle to Timothy by saying simply “Grace be with you”, and he began his second epistle with the same format used for the letters to the churches: from himself, to the recipient, wishes for grace and peace, and prayer of thanks to God for the recipient’s faith. Paul noted that such faith was in Timothy’s grandmother and mother, who presumably witnessed to Timothy before Paul met him and enlisted his help with the Gospel ministry—for which Paul encouraged Tim not to be ashamed but to be willing to suffer. What Paul said next surely applies to all Christians and so is the next teaching.
TOP #250: From the beginning God planned to grace souls with salvation to heaven who believed in the Gospel that Jesus is Christ. [2TM 1:8-10]
TOP #251: Souls who know Jesus should not be ashamed of Christian faith, because they may be convinced that God is able to resurrect souls on “that” day. [2TM 1:10-12] That day must refer to the day of Judgment (2CR 5:10, HB 9:27).
TOP #252: Christians should be willing to suffer persecution because of witnessing for Christ. [2TM 2:8-13, 1:8, 3:12] Suffering is akin to the struggling mentioned in TOP #201. It is mitigated or compensated by the joy of salvation (TOP #28).
TOP #253: Christians should do their best to correctly handle the word of truth. [2TM 2:14-19] The parameters mentioned in this passage include: 1. Warning against and avoiding quarreling about words, 2. Avoiding godless chatter or teaching, 3. Denying the resurrection has already occurred, 4. Turning away from wickedness, 5. Pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace, 6. Teaching those who disagree with the truth gently.
TOP #254: In the last days people will reject God and be lovers of themselves (I-dolaters). [2TM 3:1-9] Symptoms of this terrible time include: love of money, pride, abusiveness, disrespect for parents, ingratitude, lack of love, forgiveness and self-control, slander and love of pleasure rather than of good. Such idolatry and its symptoms is related to TOP #10-15, 21, 101, etc.
TOP #255: By learning Scripture Christians may be wise regarding correct doctrine, rebuking and righteousness, becoming equipped for doing good works. [2TM 3:14-17&4:5] This a significant nuance or elaboration of TOP #157 & 202. Paul applies it by charging Timothy with preaching God’s Word, correcting false doctrine, rebuking sin and encouraging persevering faith.
TOP #256: The time will come when many will reject true teachings in order to do what they desire. [2TM 4:3-4, TIT 1:14] Instead, they will believe human traditions (cf. TOP #202, 204, 205), which Paul called “myths” here and in TOP #227 & 235.
Paul ended 2TM by referring to his departure from earthly life as “being poured out like a drink offering” and having “fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith”, so he looked forward to receiving a heavenly crown on the day of Judgment. Then he gave some instructions and greetings.
Paul began Titus more elaborately than typical, although not mentioning thankful prayer. Much of Titus echoes what Paul wrote to Timothy, including the qualifications for being a church leader (TOP #233) and reference to those teaching false doctrine (TOP #235 & 256), which he identified here as the circumcision group, who claim to know God but deny Him by their actions and false doctrine. However, his instruction that sound doctrine should be taught to four groups is a new teaching.
TOP #257: Teach older and younger men and women sound doctrine. [TIT 2:1-8] For older men this doctrine includes temperance, respectability and self-control that are listed for church leaders in TOP #233, plus faith, love and endurance that are listed as fruit of the Spirit in TOP #138. For older women the doctrine includes reverence (cf. #173), not slandering (cf. #165), sobriety (synonymous with self-control) and training younger women. Doctrine the younger women should be taught include love for husbands and children (cf. #173), self-control, purity (cf. MT 5:8, 2CR 11:2 & #245), industry at home, kindness (#138 & 166) and submission to husbands (TOP #232). The younger men should be taught including by example: self-control, doing good (#141), integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech (#164).
Paul’s instruction to slaves is TOP #177, and that God’s grace teaches us to live godly lives is in the vein of the relationship between saving faith and spiritual fruit (TOP #107, 130, 138, etc.). His charge to Titus is similar to what Paul told Timothy (TOP #255). Thus, the only other new teaching in Titus is the following.
TOP #258: Warn a divisive or argumentative person twice and then excommunicate him/her. [TIT 3:9-11] This teaching is akin to TOP #85.
The conclusion of Titus mentions Artemas, Tychicus, Zenas and Apollos as connected somehow to Paul’s ministry, and he said that believers must lead productive lives so they may provide for daily necessities. He planned to spend the winter in Nicopolis. The greeting in Philemon is unusual, because of the adjectives Paul attaches to the folks he named: brother Timothy, friend Philemon, sister Apphia, and fellow soldier Archippus. The epistle is also to the church that meets in Phil’s home, and it begins with the typical greeting and reference to prayers of thanks because of their faith and love. The main purpose of the letter is to request that when its bearer Onesimus arrives that he would be welcomed as a Christian brother rather than as Phil’s slave and that Paul be charged with what he maight owe. Thus, we may glean one new teaching from this epistle to be applied generally.
TOP #259: Slavery may be permitted by God when masters are not harsh or unfair, but emancipation is ordained by God when circumstances permit. [PHIL v.15-19] Paul’s instructions for slaves and masters are found in EPH 6:5-9, COL 3:22-4:1, 1TM 6:1-2 & TIT 2:9 (TOP #177).
Paul concluded Philemon by requesting that a guest room be prepared for a visit if he is released, and he mentioned a fellow Christian prisoner named Epaphras and fellow workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke. The epistle of Hebrews has no greeting, so its author and recipients are not named, but the quality of its content suggests Paul wrote it anonymously, because his ministry was supposed to focus on Gentiles. Thus, this enumeration will conclude by including presumed TOP in Hebrews.
TOP #260: Jesus is God’s Son, the manifestation of God’s Being and co-creator of the universe, which is sustained by God’s Word. [HB 1:1-3a] This verse seems akin to JN 1:1-3, 14-18 & 34, 3:16-18, etc., but John also calls Jesus the Son of Man (JN 1:51, 3:13-14) and equates these Sonships in JN 5:25-27.
TOP #261: After providing humanity purification for sins, Jesus returned to reign in heaven over the angels as God’s firstborn Son. [HB 1:3b-14, 2:5-9] Paul referred to Christ’s reign in 1CR 15:20-28 (cf. Jude v. 25).
It might be noted at this juncture that there seems to be some duplication or overlap regarding the function of angels as ministering spirits associated with wind and fire (v.7) and the Holy Spirit, whose presence is signified in ACTS 2:2-3 by wind and fire. Also, the role of serving the saints (v.14) seems analogous to the HS taking from Jesus and making it known to Christ’s disciples (JN 16:12-15). Similarly, the reference to angels of believers being with the Father in heaven (MT 18:6&10) would seem to true of the Holy Spirit interceding for the saints (RM 8:26-27). Thus, we will include mention of this connection as the next TOP.
TOP #262: The ministry of the Holy Spirit is associated with the function of angels. [HB 2:1-4] The Holy Spirit convicting the world of guilt and judgment (JN 16:8-11) is akin to the message of angels regarding just punishment, which is attested by miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Do individual angels comprise or manifest the whole Holy Spirit?
TOP #263: Jesus became human and shared their temptation and suffering so that his death could atone for the sins of humanity. [HB 2:14-18] Therefore Jesus is worthy of greater honor than Moses.
TOP #264: Believers may commit apostasy. [HB 3:6-4:11, 6:4-6, 10:19-39, 2PT 2:20-21] Apostates will never repent, and thus it must be the unpardonable blasphemy against the Holy Spirit referred to by Jesus in MT 12:31-32.
TOP #265: The word of God judges every soul’s motivation. [HB 4:12-13, 1THS 2:4] Motivation means volition or will or desire, which is signified by the heart (RM 1:24). Sinful desire is lust (EPH 4:19). Righteous desire is faith/belief in God (RM 10:8-10).
TOP #266: Jesus was tempted to sin, but he did not sin or was made perfect. [HB 4:15, 5:7-9, 7:26-28 & 10:14] Jesus learned submission or obedience to God the Father from what he suffered as God the Son, culminating in his crucifixion.
TOP #267: Believers should be confident that they are saved and may pray to God. [HB 4:16] This is called walking by faith in 2CR 5:7.
TOP #268: Jesus was represented or foreshadowed in the OT by Melchizedek. [HB 5:6&10, 6:20, 7:1-17] The name in Hebrew means “king of righteousness”. In GN 14:18-20 Mel is called the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blessed Abram. PS 110:4 said the Lord will be a priest forever in the order of Mel.
TOP #269: Immature Christians need to be weaned from the Gospel of imputed righteousness via saving faith and learn teachings reguarding actual righteousness via working faith. [HB 5:11-6:3] This is a thematic teaching in the vein of perseverance and the process of sanctification (cf. TOP #6, 10-16, 20-21, 29, 34, 41, 47, 50, 54-65, etc.).
TOP #270: Believers who commit apostasy (TOP #264) are like the unproductive soil in the Parable of the Sower and soils. [HB 6:4-8] This Parable was told by Jesus in MT 13:3-23 (TOJ #81).
TOP #271: Although God is not unjust (TOP #221), salvation should not be taken for granted. [HB 6:10-12] Paul called this attitude being “lazy”, which is also called treating grace as “cheap”.
TOP #272: God’s purpose or plan of salvation is eternal. [HB 6:13-19] Pauls said this truth is indicated by God’s oath to Abraham in GN 22:15-18, “…through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed…”.
TOP #273: The OC is set aside because salvation via law was imperfect, and it is replaced via Jesus by a better NC able to save completely. [HB 7:18-25, 8:6-13, 10:1-9] In 8:8-12 Paul quoted JER 31:31-34, and in 8:13 he called the OC “obsolete” and soon to disappear. In 10:1 he called the OC a shadow of the coming NC. Another way of saying this truth is that the NC surpassed (MT 5:20) and superseded the OC.
TOP #274: The OC sacrifices were ceremonial external regulations applicable until the NC was revealed. [HB 9:9-10] Such regulations should not be confused with moral teachings reaffirmed by the NT.
TOP #275: Jesus mediated the NC by offering himself as the unblemished sacrifice for the sins of those who are called. [HB 9:11-26, 10:10-18] Paul called Christ’s atonement a “ransom” and noted that without the shedding of Christ’s blood there would be no forgiveness. Jesus said in MT 22:14 that many are called, and in JN 12:32 that when he was crucified he would draw all of humanity to believe in him.
TOP #276: Christ’s sacrifice made perfect forever those who are being made holy. [HB 9:26-28, 10:10-15] Just as each soul will die once and then be judged, so also Christ was sacrificed once to bring salvation. Paul did not dwell on the fate of those judged to be anti-Christ. The emphasis of this teaching is on the one sacrifice being salvific for all humanity, presumably efficacious reaching back to the beginning, indicated by mention of the Holy Spirit inspiring Jeremiah. Verse 14 teaches via two tenses both that righteousness is imputed at conversion and that converts need to strive for actual righteous behavior the rest of their lives. Verse 18 means “…there is no longer any further or additional sacrifice for sin needed.
TOP #277: Christians may have confidence or assurance of God’s forgiveness of their sins as they persevere in professing faith in Christ, do loving deeds and encourage each other in meetings. [HB 10:19-31, 12:1-3] However, if Christians deliberately continue to sin, then they will be punished in hell as enemies of God. This TOP combines #267 & 264.
TOP #278: Faith enables us to be sure or certain of our unseen hope for heaven. [HB 11:1-3] This verse should be harmonized with 2CR 5:7 in order to avoid misinterpretation. Faith serves as spiritual eyesight by providing understanding of ultimate truth (11:2&4-40, cf. TOJ #182).
TOP #279: Faith pleases God, who rewards those who earnestly or genuinely seek Him with salvation. [HB 11:6&13-16] This is TOJ #44 (cf. #49). Pre-NT Gospel believers are saved because they sought the Way to heaven.
TOP #280: Abraham’s offer of his only son as a sacrifice prefigured or foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection. [HB 11:17-19, TOP #48] One might have expected Paul to say it foretold Christ’s atonement, but he goes beyond death to the crux of the cross in the context of TOP #111.
TOP #281: Moses’ choice to be included in the people of God is equivalent to the cooperation with God of those who hear the Gospel and believe in Christ. [HB 11:24-28] Christ’s atonement is signified by the shedding of blood at the original Passover. This is another passage in the vein of teachings about a provisional or proto-Gospel being in effect until the NT atonement occurred and the full Gospel was revealed (TOP #10), and this chapter connects saving faith with cooperative deeds, even by Rahab (cf. TOP #28, 39, 48, 54, etc.).
TOP #282: OT saints will not go to heaven or be made perfect until they join NT saints who are raptured. [HB 11:39-40] The rapture is TOP #213, and it involves bodily transfiguration per #114.
TOP #283: The Lord disciplines those He loves for their good. [HB 12:5-13] By means of hardship and pain, God’s children learn to be righteous and share in His holiness.
TOP #284: Make every effort not to be godless like Esau and thereby commit apostasy. [HB 12:14-17] This harks back to 6:4-6 (TOP #270).
TOP #285: The New Jerusalem is the Church of Christ that will be consummated at the Judgment. [HB 12:22-29] God’s “once more” or final judgment is signified by fire, and the fire that warms or saves and purifies believers (1CR 3:12-15) also burns or condemns to hell those who do not pass God’s test on earth. “What cannot be shaken” is God’s kingdom, which includes all souls who cooperated with His plan of salvation by believing the Gospel of Christ on earth before dying. They will “remain” by being resurrected to eternal life and joy in heaven.
Paul concluded Hebrews with a list of brief commands or teachings, most of which have been listed previously, including: keep on loving each other (#135), do not love money or be greedy (#13), support and cooperate with Christian leaders (#215), avoid strange or heretical teachings that pervert the Gospel (#131), offer prayer of praise and thanks to God for Jesus (#180&217), do good (#138&187) and share with others (#163). However, there are a few that are new.
TOP #286: Remember those in prison wrongfully. [HB 13:3] Jesus mentioned this desire in MT 25:36&43.
TOP #287: Marriage should be honored by all and spouses should be faithful. [HB 13:4] This positive command commends marriage as good (whereas TOP #90 seems more like a concession to avoid bad). It is the opposite of the commands against adultery and sexual immorality.
TOP #288: Jesus is the great Shepherd, and believers are his sheep. [HB 13:20, 1PT 2:25] Peter’s wording has the nuance that before entering the fold by accepting Christ, all souls were like straying sheep. He also called Christ the Overseer of souls.
The closing reference to Timothy and the epistle being sent from Italy (probably Rome) confirms Paul’s authorship.
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At this point we begin comparing the TOP with the teachings of Peter, who was aware of Paul’s epistles (per 2PT 3:15-16) and apparently included some of Paul’s teachings in his own epistle. Thus, it is appropriate to append the teachings of Peter to this enumeration of the TOP using the same acronym. The main problem will be discerning new teachings of Peter from previous TOP. When the teachings are the same, the number assigned to Paul is repeated and the equivalent verses in Peter’s epistles are listed first, as in the teaching that follows.
TOP #41: Christians are God’s elect, chosen according to divine foreknowledge. [1PT 1:1-2&20 = RM 8:28-30] Jesus (in MT 24:22-31) also referred to his disciples as elect (cf. RM 11:7, 11:28 & 2TM 2:10), and Jesus’s crucifixion is connected with God’s foreknowledge by Peter (in ACTS 2:23). Paul told Titus that God promised eternal life before the beginning (TIT 1:2).
Divine foreknowledge is part of omniscience. When affirming this doctrine it must be maintained that God’s foreknowledge does not predetermine a person’s spiritual choice regarding the satisfaction of God’s requirement for salvation or else moral responsibility would be abrogated (cf. 1TM 2:3-4 & MT 23:37). While God’s love is unconditional (JN 3:16, MT 5:44&48), His salvation is conditional upon a souls’ repentance, which many refuse to do (MT 22:14, ACTS 28:26-27). Although it is easier to understand how God could know future human behavior by viewing people as robots than as free moral agents, it is more difficult to explain how God could force people to return His love without abrogating their humanity. If God were to zap the elect in order to force their conversions, then He would need to prevent people from behaving hatefully and thinking evilly, which would make the biblical plan of salvation from sinfulness a farce.
TOP #111: Christians are given new birth into a living hope because of Christ’s resurrection. [1PT 1:3&21 = 1CR 15:12-20] Being born again is TOJ #168.
TOP #145: Christians have an inheritance kept in heaven that will be revealed in the last time. [1PT 1:4-9 = EPH 1:13-14, 5:15, COL 1:12, 3:24] Heaven means life that is both eternal (MT 19:29, HB 9:15) and joyful (JN 16:20-24, PHP 4:4, RV 21:4).
TOP #179: Through faith Christians are shielded or kept safe during earthly grief and trials by God’s power until the end. [1PT 1:5-6 = EPH 6:10-17] The Ephesians passage includes the shield of faith in a list of other spiritual armor.
TOP #83: Like gold that is purified by fire, faith is proved to be genuine as it endures trials. [1PT 1:6-7 = 1CR 3:12-15] Peter described his addressees as those who love Jesus even though they have not seen him, and Jesus said those who suffer persecution because of righteousness should rejoice, because they will be blessed with the kingdom of heaven (MT 5:10-12).
TOP #289: The prophets spoke of God’s future grace, because the Spirit of Christ in them revealed his sufferings and the glories that would follow. [1PT 1:10-12] They foretold the gospel that is being preached because of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. This is the first teaching by Peter that does not merely echo Paul’s epistles. It indicates that the Holy Spirit indwelt believers before Pentecost, although this truth was not realized until taught by Jesus (JN 14-16) and Paul (cf. TOP #27-29).
TOP #290: Christians should prepare their minds for action by being self-controlled as they await Christ’s second coming. [1PT 1:13-16 = RM 12:2 & TIT 2:2-13] These verses by Peter combine TOP #55 & 214 by associating preparing the mind with becoming self-controlled, and so it is assigned its own number as a meaningful nuance. Instead of conforming to evil desires sinners had when ignorant of the Gospel, they should be transformed into godly or holy persons. The combination/collaboration with Paul’s teachings is indicated also by the reference to awaiting Christ to appear or be revealed in both passages.
TOP #19: God judges impartially or without showing favoritism. [1PT 1:17 = RM 2:11] In TOP #221 God is described as just.
TOP #266: Jesus is the unblemished lamb whose death redeemed sinners. [1PT 1:18-19 = HB 4:15 & 5:9] This reference is an instance indicating that the OT foreshadowed the NT. Verse 20 is part of TOP #41, and verses 21&23 are part of #111. The reference to “these last times” indicates the age from Christ’s resurrection until the resurrection of Christians, “glory” (cf. v.11) signifies heavenly joy, and “born again” means being spiritually reborn.
TOP #135: Christians should love one another. [1PT 1:22 = GL 5:6&14] Enough said.
TOP #291: God’s Word/Gospel exists eternally. [1PT 1:23-25] This teaching is akin to the prologue of John’s gospel as well as to what Paul wrote in EPH 6:17, PHP 2:16 & HB 4:12 (cf. TOP #179, 188 & 264).
TOP #13: Christians should rid themselves of every kind of sin, including malice and deceit. [1PT 2:1 = RM 1:29] Jesus taught this truth in MK 7:20-23 (TOJ #76).
TOP #81: New Christians should crave pure spiritual milk. [1PT 2:2 = 1CR 3:2] In Paul’s teaching he said that Christians should not remain babies but rather grow beyond belief in how to be saved and crave spiritual meat or teachings regarding how to become mature morally, like Christ.
TOP #270: Those who have tasted the Lord’s goodness should become mature or strive for complete sanctification. [1PT 2:2-3 = HB 6:4-6] Saving faith (imputed righteousness) not only endures but also strives for moral perfection, although this goal will not be attained until heaven (cf. PHP 3:7-16).
TOP #153: Christians comprise a spiritual edifice built on Christ as the cornerstone and capstone. [1PT 2:4-8 = EPH 2:18-20] This house is called the church or body of Christ (EPH 3:10 & 4:15-16).
TOP #167: Those who reject Christ are bound for a fall and destined to damnation. [1PT 2:8 = PHP 3:18-19, EPH 5:5-6] What Peter implied, Paul specified.
TOP #292: Christians may be described as chosen people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation or people belonging to God. [1PT 2:5&9, cf. RV 5:10] What Peter specified, Paul implied by referring to Jesus as the high priest (HB 2:17, 3:1, 4:14-15, 6:20, etc.). “Chosen” is part of TOP #41. Being holy or godly correlates with being indwelt by the Holy Spirit (cf. TOP #36, 38, 41, etc.).
TOP #151: Gentiles are included in God’s plan of salvation. [1PT 2:10 = EPH 2:11-3:6] This truth was described as a mystery in TOP #144.
TOP #293: Christians are spiritual aliens on earth. [1PT 2:11] Paul described Gentiles as alienated from Israel (EPH 2:19 & 3:6), but Peter redefines this term.
TOP #179: Sinful desires war against souls in a spiritual struggle. [1PT 2:11 = EPH 6:10-17] Such desires are described as the devil’s schemes by Paul.
TOP #207: Pagans should be able to see that Christians’ lives are a good witness or reason to believe in God. [1PT 2:12&15 = COL 4:5-6, 1THS 4:12, 1TM 3:7] We will see that good lives may include suffering for Christ.
TOP #66: Submit to governmental authorities, kings or governors who are sent by God to punish wrongdoers and commend those who do right. [1PT 2:13-14 & 17 = RM 13:1-5] This does not mean Christians should obey those who command sinful behavior (cf. ACTS 5:27-29).
TOP #136: Freedom in Christ does not mean having a license to sin. [1PT 2:16 = GL 5:13] “Respect” seems to be almost synonymous with submission in EPH 5:21 (TOP #173).
TOP #177: Slaves should submit to masters, considering their suffering to be commendable as following the example of Christ. [1PT 2:18-21 = EPH 6:5, COL 3:22, etc.] Paul said slavery should be viewed as obedience to God.
TOP #294: Christ suffered insults and crucifixion without retaliating or committing any sin so that by his wounds we might be healed. [1PT 2:21-24] While this is similar to TOP #265, its description adds a few details.
TOP #173: Wives should be submissive to husbands, and husbands should in the same way be considerate and respect wives. [1PT3:1&5b-8 = EPH 5:21-33, COL 3:18-19] While submission implies subservience to some, Jesus taught that in the kingdom of God a slave is greater (MT 20:25-28, TOJ #120).
TOP #232: Women should focus on unfading beauty rather than outward adornment. [1PT 3:3-5a = 1TM 2:9-10] An outwardly beautiful woman who lacks inner beauty is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout per PR 11:22.
TOP #64: Live in harmony. [1PT 3:8-9 = RM 12:16-17] This involves being humble rather than seeking revenge. Peter quotes PS 34:12-16 in this regard.
TOP #295: Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right. [1PT 3:13-14, 3:16-17, 4:1&12-16] Paul spoke of suffering for the gospel (2TM 1:8) and sharing Christ’s suffering (RM 8:17-18), but this is a theme in 1PT (cf. #299) that does not seem to depend on something Paul wrote.
TOP #296: Always be prepated to answer those who ask for the reason for hope of heaven. [1PT 3:15] This means that Christians should be willing to share their testimonies or explain why they believe Jesus is Messiah and Lord.
TOP #276: Christ died for sins once for all and then made alive by the Spirit. [1PT 3:18 = HB 9:26-28, 10:10-15] At this point Peter alludes to Christ preaching to “the spirits in prison” (cf. 4:6), which is a problematic reference possibly related to Paul’s mention of being “baptized for the dead” in 1CR 15:29, so it is not enumerated as a definite teaching. However, it may be Peter’s equivalent to Paul’s teaching about a proto-gospel (TOP #10). Peter also said that the flood in the days of Noah symbolizes baptism that saves because of the resurrection of Jesus (3:20-21).
TOP #147: Christ is ruling in heaven at God’s right hand. [1PT 3:22 = EPH 1:18-23, HB 1:3] TOP #259 says that the universe was created through Christ, and in TOP #196 & 197, Paul called Christ the firstborn of creation and head of the church.
TOP #297: Cooperate with the will of God rather than for evil human desires. [1PT 4:2-3] Paul had similar teachings (#136, 165 & 206), but it is worth considering Peter’s list separately: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and idolatry.
TOP #298: Christians will be thought strange and suffer abuse by atheists. [1PT 4:4&12-16] This is a variant of TOP #295. Paul did not seem to include this teaching in his epistles, but he did refer to sharing in Christ’s suffering (TOP #39 & 189), and Jesus said to rejoice when persecuted as a prophet, because those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed by heaven (TOJ #18).
TOP #299: The end is near. [1PT 4:7a = 1CR 7:29] Paul’s equivalent statement is that “the time is short” and that “this world is passing away” (1CR 7:31), but his teaching was not enumerated.
TOP #300: Be self-controlled, which means using God’s gifts for His glory. [1PT 4:7b-11] Self-control probably means the same in Paul’s epistles, because he viewed it as a fruit of the Spirit (TOP #138), but Peter elaborates by associating it with prayer, love, God’s grace and witnessing for God. Gifts that are specified include hospitality (TOP #62), speaking/prophecying (TOP #108), and serving (TOP #56).
TOP #301: The Gospel of Christ is not only good news to be believed but also moral commands to be obeyed. [1PT 4:17-19] This teaching speaks both of God’s requirement for salvation, which is faith in Christ as Messiah/Savior and all that implies, and of God’s requirement that saving faith persevere unto sanctification. This is akin to TOP #149, 150 & 213, that we are saved by grace through faith to do good works, which are subsumed under the heading of divine love (TOP #135 & TOJ #130).
This does not imply “salvation via works”, because there is no qualitative difference between faith that accepts God’s saving grace at conversion and faith that accepts God’s working grace while walking or being sanctified (EPH 2:8-10, 2CR 5:7, 2THS 2:13), but only a quantitative difference as each additional moment passes–and faith remains non-meritorious during the saint’s entire lifetime (cf. RM 1:17).
TOP #233: Church leaders/overseers or elders should serve as shepherds (pastors). [1PT 5:1-4 = 1TM3:1-13, TIT 1:5-9] Elders are those who are older in the faith, and as overseers they should exemplify willingness to serve rather than be dictatorial or desire to make money. Jesus taught about spiritual authority with reference to his mission as the Son of Man (TOJ #120). Paul equated pastors with teachers for the purpose of leading the body of Christ toward unity and spiritual maturity (TOP #157).
TOP #257: Young men should have humility or be submissive toward their elders. [1PT 5:5-6 = TIT 2:6-8] Humility connotes teachability.
TOP #193: Cast all anxiety on Christ, because he cares about his sheep. [1PT 5:7 = PHP 4:6-7] Jesus taught about worry in MT 6:25-34/TOJ #41, saying that folks should seek God’s kingdom and righteousness and live day by day. Paul said that when anxious one should pray, whereby receiving the peace of God.
TOP #214: Be self-controlled and alert. [1PT 5:8 = 1THS 5:6-8, TIT 2:2-12] Self-control is correlated with alertness that comes from sobriety or not being inebriated.
TOP #302: Stand firm and resist the devil, who prowls like a lion looking for prey. [1PT 5:8-10] Paul referred to the devil’s trap in 1TM 3:7 & 2TM 3:26 (TOP #233 & 253). Both Jesus (in TOJ #60) and Paul (in TOP #116 &134) taught the need to stand firm or persevere in having saving faith, and James said to resist the devil by submitting to God (JM 4:7).
Peter concluded his first epistle by acknowledging the help of Silas and the presence of Mark, which explains why so much of the letter draws from the writings of Paul, and the second letter concludes by referring to Paul’s letters. Thus, the enumeration continues.
Peter’s greeting in his second epistle calls Jesus “our God and Savior” and refers to the addressees having “received a faith as precious as ours… through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord”.
TOP #303: God has given believers everything necessary for them to be godly or participate in the divine nature. [2PT 1:3-5] This grace simultaneously enables Christians to escape corruption and evil desires.
TOP #138: To saving faith Christians should add spiritual fruit. [2PT 1:5-9 = GL 5:22-23] Peter lists goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love, whereas Paul mentions love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The main difference seems to be Peter’s inclusion of knowledge and perseverance and Paul’s inclusion of joy and peace.
TOP #304: Christians can be sure of their calling, election and salvation if they manifest such traits. [2PT 1:10-11] Note that all are called, but few are chosen/elected (MT 22:14, TOJ #44). Jesus said that love is the sign of saving faith (JN 13:35. TOJ #149), and Paul taught that loving works will follow saving faith (TOP #150). James said that those who lack loving deeds fail the test of faith (JM 2:14-26).
TOP #305: Christians should always be reminded of the truth/Gospel. [2PT 1:12-18] Peter and other apostles were eyewitnesses to the revelation of Jesus as God’s Son.
TOP #306: The prophets who spoke of a future Messiah were inspired by the Holy Spirit. [2PT 1:19-21] Jesus explained to his disciples about the messianic teachings in the prophets (LK 24:44-48, MT 5:17, TOJ #20)
TOP #307: False teachers of heresy who deny Christ will be condemned and destroyed for exploiting the Gospel because of ungodly greed. [2PT 2:1-3, cf. 1PT 5:2] Denying Christ was something Peter knew about from personal experience, but it was motivated by fear and he repented (MT 26:69-75). Paul also wrote about those who preach Christ from false motives (PHP 1:18), and he said that God will expose and judge men’s motives (1CR 4:4-5).
TOP #308: God judges both angels and humans both while on earth and on the day of judgment. [2PT 2:4-9] The great flood and the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah serve as examples that warn against succumbing to evil desires.
TOP #309: Arrogant souls who blaspheme the Lord have committed apostasy and are accursed. [2PT 2:10-22] Peter called them brutes, adulterous, disciples of Balaam, dry springs, lustful, slaves of depravity, and dogs returning to their vomit. Verses 20-21 are in the same vein as HB 6:4-6 (TOP #264).
TOP #310: Atheists will scoff at Christian faith until Christ returns in judgment and destroys ungodly souls. [2PT 3:1-7] This passage extends the previous teaching by referring to a reason for doubt. Paul described scoffers as depraved and said they are without excuse (RM 1:21-32, TOP #10-16) and storing up divine wrath for the day of judgment (RM 2:1-6, TOP #17-19). Paul described judgment or hell as reaping what was done or self-condemning karma (RM 2:1-6, TOP 18&19). After justice is achieved, souls are destroyed (per RM 9:22, GL 6:8a, PHP 3:19a and 2THS 1:9a, TOP #46, 141, 209 & 222).
TOP #311: One day for us is like 1,000 years for God, so judgment day will occur when He desires. [2PT 3:8-9] This teaching is unique and may be applicable to understanding the days of creation.
TOP #231: God desires that no one perish. [2PT 3:9&15 = 1TM 2:3-4] Thus, God is patient, wanting as many souls as possible to repent and be saved while there is still time.
TOP #213: The end will come suddenly and unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. [2PT 3:10 = 1THS 5:2] This is TOJ #144.
TOP #312: Elements will melt and the heavens will disappear when Judgment occurs. [2PT 3:10-12] This language is found in AM 9:5, IS 51:6 & JL 2:30-31.
TOP #313: Live godly lives as you look forward to a new home and heaven on earth. [2PT 3:1-14] This is how people can be ready for the second coming of the Son of Man (MT 24:42-44, TOJ #146).
TOP #314: Although some of Paul’s doctrine may be difficult to understand, his wisdom is inspired by God. [2PT 3:15-16] Paul claimed to preach the wisdom of God and have the mind of Christ (in 1CR 1:23-25 & 2:6-16, TOP #78 & 80).
TOP #315: Ignorant and unstable people distort or misinterpret Scripture to their own destruction. [2PT 3:16]
TOP #134&264: Guard against being tempted by ungoldy people to commit apostasy. [2PT 3:17 = HB 6:4-6] Apparently this was becoming too common as time passed.
TOP #81&191: Grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [2PT 3:18 = 1CR 3:1-3 & COL 1:10] Knowledge increases as a believer learns the didache, and grace grows as what is learned is applied or manifested as spiritual fruit (GL 5:22-23).
TOP #73&44: May Jesus be praised/glorified now and forever, Amen! [2PT 3:18 = RM 9:5] Amen!