Category Archives: BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED

BAPTISM, BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, What does 1 Corinthians 15:29 mean?, What does 1 Corinthians 15:29 mean?

What does 1 Corinthians 15:29 mean?

WHAT DOES 1 CORINTHIANS 15:29 MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?” This is probably the most mysterious verse in all of the Pauline epistles—yea, in all the Bible. I doubt there is a person on earth who could fully explain it. This is partly because religion has done a very thorough job in making it extremely complicated by offering their various, and sometimes foolish, guesses as to what it means. Yet, we can use the context to shed much light on this verse. Brethren, to the Scriptures we go to be illuminated!

Some groups—Mormons, for instance—use 1 Corinthians 15:29 to teach that we should water baptize for the dead. (Hence, that organization is well known for keeping the most systematic genealogical records in the world.) The technical terms for this teaching are “baptism by proxy” and “baptism in abstentia.” That is, one individual being water baptized in the place of a dead person—especially a “non-churched” blood relative—in hopes of getting the deceased into heaven. Years ago, one local Roman Catholic priest slyly attempted to use the verse to say “early Christians” practiced it as some type of cleansing for the afterlife. He twisted the verse all out of shape just to advance his church’s (fabricated) tenet of “purgatory.” We will come right out and say it. Although this “baptism by proxy” or “baptism in abstentia” can be traced back to the second century A.D., these doctrines are flat-out heresies and completely false. They certainly are not the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:29. The earliest Christians never practiced “baptism by proxy” and “baptism in abstentia” because the Bible never commands it! Furthermore, you would have to be blind and desperate to make 1 Corinthians 15:29 teach the notion that a judgmental fire cleanses souls in the afterlife before they reach heaven!

Others claim the verse refers to people who were water baptized because of the testimony of those who had died. A “scholar” writes, “A reasonable view seems to be… living believers who give outward testimony to their faith in baptism by water because they were first drawn to Christ by the exemplary lives, faithful influence, and witness of believers who had subsequently died.” Another explanation of the verse is that new converts in the church were water baptized to take the place of members who had died. These two interpretations are also useless. They too are spoken by denominational people advancing their churches’ traditions by forcing water baptism into this the Dispensation of Grace (Ephesians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Corinthians 1:17)!

With these opening thoughts divulged, we proceed to determine exactly what the Apostle Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 15:29. Firstly, the context cannot aid us in defining that term “baptized for the dead.” We have no idea what “baptism” this is—and even those people who enjoy using 1 Corinthians 15:29 to prove their denomination right, they have no idea what the verse is saying. The Corinthians were once pagan (1 Corinthians 12:2). Pagan religions have their water rituals and rites. Whatever “baptism” that is in 1 Corinthians 15:29, it was something the Corinthians knew (from the time when they were lost). Remember that the same pagans who baptize for the dead today existed then in Paul’s day, so Paul may be referring to that. (?)

Secondly, if we look at the verse, we see, “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead” and “why are they then baptized for the dead?” Because Paul uses the pronoun “they,” we know he does not associate himself with this baptism (he would have used “we”) and we know that the Christians at Corinth are not related to that baptism (he would have used “you” or “us”). The word “they” indicates that no member of the Body of Christ was performing this baptism of 1 Corinthians 15:29—this was not something for Christians. Despite what religion says today, 1 Corinthians 15:29 was not describing a Christian practice. The verse involves a third party—it was not Paul (writer) and it was not the Corinthians (audience). That fact rules out Christians from the verse entirely. End of story.

Thirdly, if you come across people who want to discuss 1 Corinthians 15:29, point out to them that Paul never condoned whatever “baptism” it was, and we are never commanded to administer it. The expression “baptism for the dead” appears nowhere else in Scripture, which makes it more mysterious. What we know is that Paul was simply making a point, not giving a command to the Corinthians (or to us). If it were such a big deal, something that we ought to believe and practice, Paul would have repeated it in other epistles. He would have given instruction on how to do it instead of making a single, vague reference to it. The Holy Spirit would have provided more details had it been worth discussing and practicing. There are no such details so we have no reason to get involved in it. (But, of course, people looking to advance pet denominational tenets will use anything and everything to defend themselves, with no regard for God’s precious Word.)

Ultimately, the whole argument of 1 Corinthians 15:29 is not that “baptism” at all. Religionists miss the theme of the context and just pick on an appealing phrase found in it. It is typical of denominations to “use the verses you want and ignore the ones you don’t!” The purpose of 1 Corinthians chapter 15 is to prove the doctrine of resurrection as valid, not water baptism as valid, and certainly not this “baptism for the dead” as valid. Paul was defending the doctrine of bodily resurrection, which the Corinthians were denying (verse 12). The Apostle was arguing that, if there were no such thing as resurrection, those being baptized for the dead were wasting their time, for the dead would never be resurrected. There is no approval of the practice, just an affirmation of the doctrine of bodily resurrection. Imagine, there are 58 verses on resurrection in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, and the only thing religious people focus on is one silly baptism verse and one silly baptism doctrine. Shame, shame, shame!! Insane, insane, insane!!

Also see:
» Should we be water baptized—for salvation, for a testimony, or not at all?
» Why was the Lord Jesus baptized?
» Why did Paul water baptize?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, Who is the “them” of Romans 5:14?

Who is the “them” of Romans 5:14?

WHO IS THE “THEM” OF ROMANS 5:14?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Brother Shawn, who were the people ‘who had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression’ in Romans 5:14? ‘Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.’”

Who are the “them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression?” In the context, it would be the people who lived between the time of Adam and the time of Moses, roughly 2500 years. That would be Genesis chapter 5 onward until the book of Exodus, when the Law was given at Sinai.

Those people did not actually partake of forbidden fruit (Adam did that), but they had—like Adam—fallen short of God’s standard of righteousness (Romans 3:23—“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”). Thus, sin and death affected them the same way it affected Adam, for they were Adam’s descendants (Romans 5:12—“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned”).

The Law given to Moses was the first time that code of God’s righteousness (that condemned mankind as sinful) was systemized, written in the tables of stone, for people to actually see and hold in their hands (Exodus 31:18; Exodus 34:4). Prior to that, God’s laws were only known to people via their invisible conscience, according to Romans 2:14-15: “[14] For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: [15] Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)”

Also see:
» Was God “unfair” to punish us for Adam’s sin?
» Did Adam die a saved man?
» Could you please explain Romans 2:14?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, What does 2 Corinthians 7:5 mean?

What does 2 Corinthians 7:5 mean?

WHAT DOES 2 CORINTHIANS 7:5 MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 7:5: “For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.” What does this mean? We will look at verses that describe this most distressing time of Paul’s life and ministry, and then we will better understand that Scripture.

We can estimate that the Apostle Paul wrote this in the early verses of Acts chapter 20, when he was passing through Macedonia (northern Greece). You must remember that Paul had just barely survived a very violent riot in Ephesus (see Acts 19:21-41). Acts 20:1 calls it an “uproar.” Paul was just as human as we are, and he had times of intimidation, discouragement, and depression. See Ephesians 6:18-20, for example: “[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Or, see 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, the context of the verse you are asking about. The riot in Ephesus (Acts chapter 19) and the period that followed were the lowest point in Paul’s life and ministry up to that point. Note especially 2 Corinthians 1:8, how Paul and Timothy wrote, “We were pressed out of measure,” squeezed/pressured, “above strength,” “insomuch that we despaired even of life.”

Whenever Paul went into a new city or region, he always wondered what types of people and troubles he might encounter. Would the people receive him, or abuse him? Would they believe and be saved unto eternal life, or would they mock the preaching of the cross of Christ? Would he escape with his life, or would he be imprisoned and/or killed? Having just left the mob in Ephesus, the mob trying to injure or kill him, he entered Macedonia (Acts 20; cf. 2 Corinthians 7:5) all shaken up in mind and spirit. He had just survived some violent attacks (“without were fightings”) and he was deeply troubled (“within were fears”). Up to that point, he had already suffered some major difficulties and sufferings in the ministry (see 2 Corinthians 11:22-33). He had the ordeals/trials/sufferings of Acts 20-28 and beyond, still ahead of him, after writing the epistle of 2 Corinthians! What we can learn from this is simple, brethren. If God’s grace was sufficient for the Apostle Paul to endure all his troubles in ministry, we can endure all of ours for the Gospel’s sake!

Also see:
» Should we pray for “safe trips” and “traveling mercies?”
» What does Colossians 1:24 mean?
» How did Satan “hinder” Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:18?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, What does Colossians 1:24 mean?

What does Colossians 1:24 mean?

WHAT DOES COLOSSIANS 1:24 MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“[I Paul] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church.” Colossians 1:24 can be misread (misconstrued) to teach that the Lord Jesus did not suffer enough on Calvary’s cross. It is sometimes assumed that the Lord Jesus only paid for some sins, and that Paul was suffering for the sins Christ did not expiate. Even today, we are urged to “do penance”—suffer for our sins, make up for the wrongs we have done. Of course, these statements are good religion for people who do not read the Bible for themselves. It endorses denominational tenets and church agendas but it does not convey Bible truth. Read your Bible, friends!

Colossians 1:24 can be understood in light of two extremely simple facts. Firstly, Jesus Christ is not physically here on Earth. He is in the third heaven at His Heavenly Father’s right hand (Colossians 3:1). No one can mistreat Him anymore. They cannot scourge Him, or beat Him, or spit on Him, or crucify Him. That all happened long ago, never to happen again. They can touch Him no longer. He can no longer be abused. “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Secondly, we Christians are physically here on Earth. We are Christ’s “ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20), His representatives, or “outposts from the third heaven.” While unbelieving people cannot harm Jesus Christ, they can and do mistreat us, His people. Lost people did not like Jesus Christ when He lived in His flesh, and they will not like Him when He lives in our flesh. These are the “afflictions of the gospel” that Paul spoke of 2 Timothy 1:8. Read the book of Acts. Immense opposition and persecution come with preaching the Gospel of God’s Grace to this lost and dying world.

Colossians 1:24 simply means that Paul was suffering tremendously for the Church the Body of Christ. As 2 Corinthians 11:22-27 said, he was beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned, scourged, and so on, all for the sake of Jesus Christ’s ministry to the Gentiles. Jesus Christ’s enemies could not abuse Him, but they could (and did) harm His servant, the Apostle Paul. Hence, Paul was “[filling] up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church.” Likewise, they persecute us Christians today, to varying degrees— name-calling, shunning, physical violence, imprisonment, and execution. But, Paul said that he rejoiced in his sufferings for the grace believers in Colosse. It was well worth his trials and tribulations to have them learn about Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (see Colossians 1:28-29). Brethren, may we say that with our Apostle!

Also see:
» Is the indwelling Christ the mystery of Colossians 1:27?
» Does God chasten us when we sin?
» Should we pray for “safe trips” and “traveling mercies?”

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, Do John 5:31 and John 8:14 contradict each other?

Do John 5:31 and John 8:14 contradict each other?

DO JOHN 5:31 AND JOHN 8:14 CONTRADICT EACH OTHER?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Lord Jesus said, “If I bear record of myself, my witness is not true” (John 5:31). Later, He said, “Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true” (John 8:14). These two verses have been known to appear on just about any and every list of Bible “mistakes.” Scoffers and skeptics take great delight in parading two of the handful of verses they actually know! Is there a contradiction between these two verses? It will be a greater delight to let the Bible answer its critics. We just have to look at the Bible for ourselves.

“At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death” (Deuteronomy 17:6). In the Mosaic Law system, in order to determine a person worthy of death, two or three independent witnesses were needed. That is, a single witness was not enough to carry out the death penalty. The reason being that the testimony of one person may or may not be true. Having a second person, or even a third person, to bear witness of events is more advantageous because lies can be manifested and the truth can be established more confidently. Any honest distorted/hazy perception of one witness can be corrected by the other parties’ testimonies.

We can now proceed to letting the Bible answer this “contradiction” charge.

JOHN 5:31

When Jesus said in John 5:31, “If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true,” He was reminding the Jews of Moses’ words quoted above. Jesus did not simply want them to take His word for it. For all they knew, Him simply saying, “I am Messiah,” was a lie. (Note at Christ’s crucifixion, “Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews” [John 19:21]). They wanted to say Jesus was a “self-professed Messiah,” someone who had no validation apart from His own testimony. The Lord Jesus wanted Israel to see that He was Messiah, not merely because He claimed that He was, but because John the Baptist was another witness of that reality. John had water baptized Jesus and they had both heard the voice of Father God from heaven: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). We read in John 1:31 that John the Baptist’s water baptism identified Jesus as Messiah for all of Israel to see: “And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.” You may also cross-reference that with John 1:1-30.

However, John the Baptist was only one witness. John 5:36 says that Jesus had “greater witness than that of John.” It was the works that Jesus did, the works that His Heavenly Father had given Him to finish, they also demonstrated who He was (see Isaiah 35:3-6, for example, or Isaiah 61:1-2). “But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.”

Additionally, the writings of Moses verified Jesus as Christ. The Jews had such great respect for Moses and the Law, supposedly, and yet they were totally unaware that Moses had predicted Jesus Christ in the various elements of that Law system they worshipped! Note the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in John 5:39-47: “[39] Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. [40] And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. [41] I receive not honour from men. [42] But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. [43] I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. [44] How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? [45] Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. [46] For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. [47] But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”

The Lord Jesus sternly rebuked Israel, especially her religious leaders, for being ever so ignorant of the Scriptures they professed to honor and know. (What would He say about the so-called “Christian church” today?) Had Israel really believed Moses, they would have believed Jesus Christ, for Moses wrote of Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies contained in the writings of Moses. Had Israel really paid attention to and believed the writings of Moses that they read every Sabbath day in their synagogues (cf. Acts 13:15; Acts 15:21), they would have recognized and accepted Jesus as their Messiah!

JOHN 8:14

When Jesus said in John 8:14, “though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true,” this in no way contradicts His previous words (John 5:31). As we mentioned earlier, one witness was not enough to bear testimony of the truth under the Mosaic Law economy. Still, this is not to say that the one witness was necessarily lying. For example, if you witnessed a struggle and saw someone being murdered, and then you saw the victim before dying kill his or her murderer, you would be the only living witness to those events. If you sat in a court of law and reported what you had seen, would you be telling the truth? Sure, but there is no other living person to corroborate your story. You would need other evidence—fingerprints, murder weapon, surveillance footage, et cetera. With or without that physical proof, your spoken testimony would be true, but your audience would have no way of knowing with absolute certainty the reliability or faultiness of your claims. That external, independent proof would strengthen your claims. So, whether or not Jesus had the witnesses (see previous section), His testimony was still reality. He was still who He said He was—the Son of the living God, Israel’s King and Messiah!

See John 8:14-20: “[14] Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true; for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. [15] Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. [16] And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. [17] It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. [18] I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. [19] Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. [20] These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.”

The Lord Jesus said in John 8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” Ultimately, it was up to them to believe on Him as Messiah-King. His words and deeds fit Moses and the other prophets of old. They were to decide for themselves whether He was whom they and their patriarchs had long waited for. If they wanted to die in their sins and go to hell, He would not stop them. He was the only Way to eternal salvation, but He would not force Himself on them!

Also see:
» Why does Acts 2:35 use “foes” but Psalm 110:1 use “enemies?”
» What about Romans 10:9-10?
» Does Hebrews 10:25 really teach we must attend church?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, Does Galatians 1:23 disprove dispensational Bible study?, Does Galatians 1:23 disprove dispensational Bible study?

Does Galatians 1:23 disprove dispensational Bible study?

DOES GALATIANS 1:23 DISPROVE DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.” What is “the faith” that Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul) preached here in Galatians 1:23? If he preached “the faith” which he once destroyed, does that mean that he was preaching the same message that Peter and the 11 were preaching? (Some claim “yes.”) As long as we do not have a denominational system to defend or a theological speculation to retain, we will define the term “the faith” of Galatians 1:23 as the context defines it.

While Paul certainly preached a different message than what Peter and the 11 preached (see our study linked at the end of this article), there was some overlapping doctrine. Whether in Israel’s program or our program, Jesus was still the Son of God, Christ/Messiah. Whether in Israel’s program or our program, Jesus was still resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:11-12). It is the same Jesus Christ, the same Redeemer, but different ways of viewing Him and differing roles He plays in Father God’s plan of reconciling the heaven and the earth back to Himself.

Let us first read Galatians chapter 1, verses 21-24, which historically, is near the beginning of Saul’s apostolic ministry: “[21] Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; [22] And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: [23] But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. [24] And they glorified God in me.”

In verses 11-20 of Galatians chapter 1, Paul discussed his conversion on the road to Damascus and other events early in his ministry. Luke recorded this in Acts 9:1-29. Now, in verses 21-24 of Galatians chapter 1, Paul begins to describe what Luke explained in Acts 9:30-31. Acts 9:30-31 says: “[30] Which when the brethren knew, they brought him [Saul/Paul] down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus [in Cilicia; cf. Acts 22:3]. [31] Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” These churches in Judaea were Israel’s Little Flock, those Jewish believers from Christ’s earthly ministry and the early Acts period. They had heard, as Paul wrote in Galatians 1:22-24, that he was now a saved man, a believer in Jesus Christ. Saul, the man who had been leading the Israel’s rebellion against Jesus, was now preaching Him! Israel’s Little Flock was amazed to hear such extreme news.

Since Acts 9:30-31 parallels Galatians 1:21-24, whatever “the faith” was that Paul preached in Galatians 1:23, it would be found prior to Acts 9:30-31. Even a casual scanning of Acts chapter 9 will cause us to see exactly what was “the faith” that Paul was preaching, the same basic information that Peter and the 11 were preaching:

“[19] …Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. [20] And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. [21] But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? [22] But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. [23] And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: [24] But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. [25] Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. [26] And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. [27] But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. [28] And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. [29] And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.”

What was Paul preaching in the synagogues in Acts chapter 9? Was he not preaching that Jesus was the Son of God, the Christ/Messiah, the Anointed One of God? That is exactly what Peter and the 11 apostles of Israel preached. While Paul preached more than that about Jesus Christ (as his epistles of Romans through Philemon indicate), Jesus’ Messiahship and His resurrection were two points of doctrine common between Peter and Paul. These doctrines meant different things in Peter’s ministry and Paul’s ministry. Please see our related studies linked below for more information.

Also see:
» Did Peter and Paul preach the same Gospel?
» Does 1 Corinthians 15:11 disprove dispensational Bible study?
» Can you compare and contrast Peter’s ministry with Paul’s ministry?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, What does Romans 16:20 mean?, What does Romans 16:20 mean?

What does Romans 16:20 mean?

WHAT DOES ROMANS 16:20 MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” What is Romans 16:20 talking about? Some suggest this verse is the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15, the promise of the seed of the woman bruising the serpent’s (or, Satan’s) head. Others say that Romans 16:20 is talking about us Christians bruising Satan. Still others suggest this is a reference to Christ’s Second Coming when He defeats Satan. None of these explanations seem likely. Let me show you some verses that adjusted my thinking concerning this “cryptic” verse. Perhaps they will shed light on this verse for you as well.

Genesis 3:15 was fulfilled at Calvary’s cross. The seed of the woman, Jesus Christ, triumphed over Satan’s policy of evil through His finished crosswork. We know this because Colossians 2:15 says: “[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” When Paul wrote Romans, Calvary had already happened. Romans 16:20, however, is speaking of a future event. “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” Thus, Calvary is not the meaning of Romans 16:20.

Verse 19—but also verses 17 and 18—are the keys to interpreting and understanding Romans 16:20. We would do well to look briefly at all three preceding verses.

ROMANS 16:17-18

“[17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. [18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

Friends, these verses are straightforward. We have nothing to do with people who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine that we have learned from the Apostle Paul. If they do not preach Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, the Bible commands us to avoid them. Doctrine most definitely divides, and as one brother recently put it, doctrine divides truth from error—the Bible-believing Christians from the apostates and heretics. That is a harsh truth but it is the truth nonetheless.

Paul instructed Timothy in 1 Timothy chapter 6: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (For more information on us separating unto truth, and not uniting in error with the religious system, please see our studies linked at the end of this article—“Did Paul quote 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 out of context?” and our very lengthy study “Does doctrine really matter?”)

People who disagree with the Apostle Paul, his books of Romans through Philemon, these individuals are neither prophetic nor spiritual. That is, they are neither speaking on God’s behalf nor being led by God’s Spirit. Again, it is a harsh reality, but reality nonetheless. “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37). People who do not acknowledge and preach Jesus Christ’s special ministry through Paul, the Bible says they are serving themselves and doing whatever they want to do. We need to be honest. They are not God’s servants. They are serving self, and that describes the vast majority of so-called “preachers” and “teachers” in “Christian” churches today. If we want to serve God, we had better not listen to their “good words” and “fair speeches,” sermons that dazzle and impress but are void of anything eternal.

ROMANS 16:19

“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”

Paul knew the testimony of these Roman believers had spread throughout the whole then-known world. Like the Thessalonians (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:3-10), they were maturing in the doctrines of grace. They knew the Gospel of Grace, but they could still use some spiritual insight concerning practical daily Christian living. Every Christian has more room to grow, more progress to make in the Christian experience. Even Paul learned that about himself in Philippians chapter 3. There are times when we will fail. No Christian is perfect, sinless. Paul was concerned that the Romans stayed doing right, that they not slip off into error and sin. That is the purpose of the book of Romans.

Remember, Paul wrote an epistle to the Romans because he was physically hindered from visiting Rome. In some way or another, Satan was probably responsible (see 1 Thessalonians 2:18-19 for a possible explanation). So, Paul wrote to these believers in Rome instead. Romans 1:10-13 is Paul’s prayer and labor for these Roman Christians: “[10] Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. [11] For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; [12] That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. [13] Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.”

The doctrine contained in the book of Romans would enable these Roman believers—and, by extension, all believers in the Body of Christ, including us nearly two millennia later—to guard their hearts and minds from Satan’s policy of evil. Paul’s epistle of Romans allows us to have the same knowledge, faith, and understanding that Paul had. We will thus be “established” spiritually, firmly fixed, that the Adversary not cause us to be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). The Devil has information he uses to deceive us—especially religious tradition (see Galatians) and human philosophy (see 1 and 2 Corinthians)—but if we have the book of Romans, we have a good foundation for our Christian lives. The Galatians wound up in their spiritual mess because they had ignored the doctrine in Romans. The Corinthians wound up in their spiritual mess because they had also ignored the doctrine in Romans. Satan was defeating both the Galatians and the Corinthians. Brethren, we must be careful not to fall into the trap into which these Christians fell.

If we are grounded in the book of Romans, the most basic doctrinal book for this dispensation, Satan does not have a chance in distracting us. As long as Paul could not visit Rome in person, Satan was winning, and the Romans were not established. They were vulnerable to Satan’s wiles/tricks/schemes. But, now that that epistle to the Romans was being finished, and shortly going to Rome, Satan could no longer keep these Roman believers ignorant of God’s will for them. They would be “wise [knowledgeable] unto that which is good.” Moreover, they would be “simple [inexperienced] concerning evil.” The doctrine contained in Romans allows us to understand that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and He can give us this peaceful mentality when we study and believe His Word to us, especially the book of Romans. We can see how our Christian life started and how it functions on a daily basis.

CONCLUSION

Romans 16:20 is certainly not a reference to Calvary. Calvary had already occurred and Romans 16:20 speaks of something future. Us bruising Satan is also a wrong idea because the verse says, “the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” God is doing the “bruising” here. Christ’s Second Coming can also be ruled out here because that event has yet to occur, and Paul wrote that God would “bruise Satan under [the Roman believers’] feet shortly.” God bruised Satan just after Romans was written by Paul and received in Rome by the Christians there.

Upon considering the book of Romans as a whole, we conclude that Romans 16:20 means that the bruising of Satan is something God will do in the Christian’s life if he or she will simply study, believe, and apply the book of Romans to life. All the more reason, brethren, to spend some time reading through Romans, over and over, over and over, over and over, et cetera. Do not get bogged down with trying to apply the Old Testament, the Four Gospels, and so on. Start in Romans! If you do grasp any other Bible book, please get Romans! Get Romans! Get Romans! Your Christian life will never be the same! 🙂

Also see:
» Should we use the book of John to evangelize lost people?
» What is the Lord’s will for my Christian life?
» How did Satan hinder Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:18?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, Why did Paul write “I lie not?”, Why did Paul write “I lie not?”

Why did Paul write, “I lie not?”

WHY DID PAUL WRITE, “I LIE NOT?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

On four occasions (Romans 9:1; 2 Corinthians 11:31; Galatians 1:20; 1 Timothy 2:7), the Apostle Paul wrote, “I lie not.” Why pen such a “weird” statement—especially four times? Was he implying that he was lying all the other times in his epistles? Dear friends, this puzzling phrase is quite easy to understand. Whenever we approach the Bible, God expects us to use a little common sense. It will go a long, long way. (I lie not!)

Let us pause and consider the meaning of, “I lie not.” Think about expressions we often use in our speech or writing. When we say to someone, “I am being serious,” are we implying that every other time we speak we are joking? Of course not! It is just that we want people to pay special attention to the words we have just spoken or the words we are going to speak shortly thereafter. The same is true of the expressions “I am being honest” and “I am telling you the truth.” In that light, we appreciate Paul’s phrase, “I lie not.” The Apostle Paul is endeavoring to tell us some very important truths. Yet, people are calling him a liar. They are not taking his words seriously. They are making light of God’s Word to them. The Holy Spirit is putting great stress on these four instances, so we need to look at them and see why these truths are just so difficult for people to grasp.

ROMANS 9:1-2
“[1] I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, [2] That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.”

As Saul of Tarsus, the Apostle Paul had gained a notorious reputation for mercilessly imprisoning and slaughtering Jews who followed Jesus Christ (Acts 9:13-14; Acts 26:9-11; Galatians 1:13,23; Philippians 3:5-6; 1 Timothy 1:13). Once he came to trust Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, he realized just how wrong he had been for all those years. Now, a saved man, he was filled with regret, having killed his own brethren for believing the truth of their fathers’ God. For ever so long and ever so hard, he had fought against the JEHOVAH God he had thought he was serving in killing Messianic Jews. Many years were wasted serving Satan. Saul, a religious leader, was the primary figure for leading Israel’s rebellion against Jesus Christ, probably during the Four Gospels but especially during the early Acts period. We can read the closing verses of Acts chapter 7 and the opening verses of chapters 8 and 9 to see just how ruthless Saul was!

As the Apostle Paul, he was now preaching that Israel had fallen, and that salvation was now going to the Gentiles through his ministry without Israel (Acts 13:46-48; Acts 18:6; Acts 28:28; Romans 11:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). That infuriated unbelieving Israel. No wonder they persecuted him during his Acts ministry. The thought that Israel was no different from the pagan Gentile “dogs” that she had looked down upon for centuries. How offensive! The lost Jews called Paul “anti-Semitic,” some renegade Mosaic scholar now gone insane. They called him a “Jew-hater,” some “crazy man” with an “outlandish message.” (Do they not call us that today when we preach Pauline truths?) So, the Holy Spirit through Paul conducted his ministry during Acts so that unbelieving Israelites could be enticed to join the Body of Christ (Romans 11:13-14). Paul did not hate Israelites. Rather, he hated what he had done to them as a lost man, how he had led them to embrace such error. So, he would passionately preach in their synagogues, hoping to save them from that apostasy. Paul had such a heavy heart that his nation was literally going to hell, and worst of all, he had played a very vital role in it! (The unbelieving Jews were saying Paul hated them, but he reassured them, even saying that the Holy Spirit bore witness, that he was not lying when he said how he felt so sorry for them and felt so sad about their spiritual condition.)

2 CORINTHIANS 11:30-31
“[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. [31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.”

It was very ridiculous. Whenever people ridiculed the Apostle Paul as being a “nobody,” he would defend himself, and then they would call him egotistical. (Sounds just like how people react to us today when we preach Jesus Christ according to Paul’s ministry!) In this chapter, Paul described the immense sufferings he endured to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God to lost and dying Gentiles. He was beaten, imprisoned, stoned with rocks, shipwrecked, and suffered various deprivations (hunger, nakedness, sleepless nights, et cetera). Read it for yourself, in the verses preceding:

“[22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. [23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. [24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. [25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; [26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. [28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. [29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?”

So, what are the “infirmities” that Paul found worth in in 2 Corinthians 11:30? It was all his troubles and hindrances delineated in the previous eight verses! He did not find value in being praised by men, receiving religionists’ approval, et cetera. He found value in remembering that Jesus Christ was strong when he was weak (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). In the grand scheme of things, Paul’s suffering was nothing. Gentiles were being saved from idolatry and hell, and God’s grace that was saving them from sin was saving him from misery and defeat! “[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. [31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.”

GALATIANS 1:20
“Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.”

Throughout the first 19 verses of chapter 1, Paul discusses his special apostleship and message. He continued this into chapter 2. We will only focus on chapter 1 here. In verses 1, 11-12, 15-16, 17-18, and 19, we see Paul giving five reasons why his apostleship and message are totally separate from the 12 apostles’ ministry and message.

“[1] Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)… [11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. [12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. [15] But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, [16] To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: [17] Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. [18] Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. [19] But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.”

Paul did not have contact with any of the 12 apostles for the first three years of his Christian life. He received divine revelation directly from the risen, ascended, and glorified Jesus Christ. The 12 apostles taught Paul nothing. Rather, he taught them something (Galatians 2:2,6-8). This “lie not” statement is related to the final “lie not,” which we now discuss.

1 TIMOTHY 2:7
“Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”

There were various people—especially false teachers in Corinth (see 2 Corinthians chapters 10-13)—who denied Paul’s apostleship to the Gentiles. Jewish false teachers would especially try to discredit Paul, since his ministry was so radically different from the Old Testament prophetic program. Whenever Paul would claim that he was an apostle of Jesus Christ, his critics would call him a liar. Hence, he wrote “I lie not” in 1 Timothy 2:7. He lied not in that he was indeed—in faith and in verity—truly “a teacher of the Gentiles.”

CONCLUSION

Regarding these four instances, Paul was being accused of lying. He was affirming that he was telling the truth concerning these four issues. They were important truths that needed to be believed instead of being casually brushed off as falsehoods.

Also see:
» What about Romans 10:9-10?
» Why did Jesus forbid others from preaching that He was Christ?
» Who was Judas’ replacement—Matthias or Paul?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, Why are all the tribes of Israel not listed in Revelation 7?

Why are all of Israel’s tribes not listed in Revelation 7?

WHY ARE ALL OF ISRAEL’S TRIBES NOT LISTED IN REVELATION 7?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Dan is named in Genesis 49:17 and Numbers 13:12 as one of the twelve tribes of Israel, but in Revelation 7:5-8 the tribe of Dan is omitted. Levi is named in Dan’s place. What would be the reason for this?”

Okay, great question! This can get a little tricky, but hopefully, we will be simple to understand here. You are asking about one of two challenges people experience with this passage. Enlightenment concerning both issues is necessary, especially if we are to answer those who like to pick on Revelation chapter 7 and say it is “riddled with errors.”

Abraham’s grandson Jacob (Israel) had 12 sons—Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher (1 Chronicles 2:1-2; cf. Genesis 35:22-26; Genesis 49:1-28). This is the origin of Israel’s 12 tribes.

However, when it came to organizing Israel for military purposes, God told Moses He did not want the priestly tribe of Levi fighting wars with the rest of Israel. So, since Joseph had two sons—Manasseh and Ephraim (Genesis 48:1,5,9)—that division in Joseph’s tribe created a new “tribe” to make up for the Levites’ absence (Numbers 1:32-35, 47-50). Recognizing that division in the tribe of Joseph helps us to partly understand the odd list of Jewish tribes in Revelation chapter 7.

Revelation chapter 7 talks about 12,000 Jewish preachers from each of Israel’s 12 tribes. These 144,000 men will evidently convert other Jews to form the Little Flock, Israel’s believing remnant. Revelation 7:4-8 is a list of the 12 tribes, their names transliterated from Greek, which explains the spelling differences between the New Testament and the Old Testament (Hebrew)—Juda, Reuben, Gad, Aser, Nepthalim, Manasses, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zabulon, Joseph, and Benjamin. Note that “Ephraim” and “Dan” do not appear here. See how “Levi,” “Joseph,” and “Manasses” (Manasseh) are mentioned. Why this deviation from the standard Old Testament lists of the 12 tribes? The answers lie in understanding the Old Testament.

WHY THE NAME “DAN” IS NOT FOUND IN REVELATION CHAPTER 7

According to the book of Judges, chapter 18, Dan was the first tribe to wholly embrace Baal worship (pagan idolatry). Being one of the 10 northern tribes, Dan was influential in polluting the Northern Kingdom with false religion. Since Dan was the first tribe to be unfaithful to God’s Word, God will not use any of the Danites to form the 144,000. The Levites, as you noted, will take Dan’s place in that special ministry. Remember, being the (special) priestly tribe, Levi was normally not mentioned when the 12 tribes were named in the Old Testament. Joseph’s two sons—Manasseh and Ephraim—formed two tribes instead of one. This division allowed Levi to be removed and yet Israel would still have 12 tribes for her army. Because the Danites are not part of the 144,000, thus causing the total to be 12,000 short, there are the 12,000 Levites to make up for the missing tribe of Dan.

WHY THE NAME “EPHRAIM” IS NOT FOUND IN REVELATION CHAPTER 7

You did not seem to notice, so let me point out to you that the name “Ephraim” is also absent from Revelation chapter 7. However, Ephraim is implied. “Joseph” and “Manasseh” are mentioned by name (verses 6 and 8), and that terminology forces “Joseph” to be Ephraim. (Joseph can only be divided into his two sons of Manasseh and Ephraim, and Manasseh was already named in the passage.) Evidently, God eliminated the name “Ephraim” here since Ephraim was another idolatrous tribe. With Dan, Ephraim was the other major tribe of the Northern Kingdom that eventually embraced idolatry and refused to abandon that paganism (Hosea 4:17). Nevertheless, there are still 12 tribes in Revelation chapter 7, with a different way of dividing Jacob’s descendants.

SUPPLEMENTAL: ONE FINAL CLARIFICATION

The list in Revelation chapter 7 has nothing to do with salvation unto eternal life and nothing to do with salvation into heaven. The Russellites—commonly called “the Jehovah’s Witnesses”—are probably best known for their “only 144,000 will be taken from earth into heaven” doctrine. Revelation chapter 7 is their favorite passage. The context, however, is not salvation unto eternal life. We know this because Revelation 14:4 says these 144,000 “were not defiled with women; for they are virgins.” In other words, the 144,000 are Jewish men who never had sexual relations with women!

Are only 144,000 men going to heaven? What about women? See, the 144,000 are not as the Jehovah’s Witness people tell us. The 144,000 are Jewish men whom God will use to preach to other Israelites during Daniel’s 70th Week, commonly called the seven-year Tribulation. These men, when their preaching ministry to Israel on Earth is over, will be taken into heaven (Revelation 14:1-5). The 144,000 are certainly not “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” and the 144,000 are not the only individuals going to heaven. In fact, we see others going into heaven during that Tribulation period—the two witnesses, for example (Revelation 11:12). Furthermore, we see the Church the Body of Christ destined for the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6-7). I think it is quite safe to say more than 144,000 Christians have lived on Earth during the last 2,000 years who died and went to heaven, no? Revelation chapter 7 has nothing to do with a limited number of people in heaven. Ridiculous!

Also see:
» Why does Israel have 12 apostles?
» Did David’s father Jesse have seven or eight sons?
» How many daughters did Lot have?

Are Galatians 3:28 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12 contradictory?, Are Galatians 3:28 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12 contradictory?, BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, THE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST

Are Galatians 3:28 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12 contradictory?

ARE GALATIANS 3:28 AND 1 TIMOTHY 2:11-12 CONTRADICTORY?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“How should we understand Galatians 3:28 & 1 Timothy 2:11-12?”

Hello, friend. I presume that you are inquiring about how gender is a non-issue in Galatians 3:28 while it is an issue in 1 Timothy 2:11-12. Are they contradictions? Not at all, dear friend. These verses sit in two different contexts. Both passages say exactly what they mean, and they mean exactly what they say. Let us look at these verses within their contexts and they will become amazingly clear. “For what saith the Scriptures?”

GALATIANS 3:28

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Whether Jew or Gentile, all members of the Church the Body of Christ are equal before God. Verses 26-27 say: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” They are all equally “blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). They are all “complete in [Christ]” (Colossians 2:10). Today, there is no merit before God if you are a Jew. (This was not true in time past, Romans 9:4-5 says). Today, there is no disfavor before God if you are a Gentile. (This was not true in time past, Ephesians 2:11-12 says.)

No matter your ethnicity (Jew or Greek/Gentile), regardless of your social class (bond/servant or free), and no matter your gender (male or female), if you have trusted Jesus Christ alone as your personal Saviour, you are united with all other members of the Church the Body of Christ. All Christians are one in Jesus Christ. It may be hard for some to believe, but God has no “favorite” Christians. He does not bless some Christians while cursing other Christians. He does not love (or bless) some Christians more than He does other Christians. He does not put the pastors and teachers on a level higher than He does the ordinary church members. All people who have believed Paul’s Gospel of Grace, they are all equally accepted in God’s beloved, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:6). Whether king or peasant, a Christian is a Christian, saved by the same blood of Jesus Christ. Whether rich or poor, black or white, male or female, there is complete and total equality in the Church the Body of Christ (cf. Colossians 3:11). No one in Christ is disadvantaged. Only those outside of Jesus Christ are disadvantaged.

While there is no difference in the Body of Christ between skin colors, genders, or social statuses, there are still physical distinctions that make us separate and unique. That is okay because that is the way God designed creation. Our skin color does not change when we trust Christ as our personal Saviour. We do not get an increase in salary simply because we become a Christian. Our gender does not change when we become a member of the Body of Christ. We still drive different classes of automobiles and live in different types of houses, right? People still look down on us whether our skin is light or dark, correct? We still have men’s restrooms and women’s restrooms in our local church buildings, right? See, these physical and material distinctions still exist. But, God does not look at them and pick favorites based on these criteria. He blesses all Christians in Christ equally. That is the teaching of Galatians 3:28. The Galatians thought they had to behave a certain way or become a certain type of person for God to accept them. They thought they had to keep the Law of Moses (and physical circumcision) to be pleasing in God’s sight (see Galatians 5:1-5). “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love” (verse 6). Paul had to remind these precious saints that God was already pleased with them because they were in Jesus Christ, His Son. It did not matter whether they were physically circumcised or physically uncircumcised (or Jew or Gentile, or male or female, et cetera).

1 TIMOTHY 2:11-12

“[11] Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. [12] But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”

Now, when we come to the first epistle to Timothy, this is delineating the order of the local church assembly. How has God designed a local grace church to function? Chapter 3 describes how God has established the offices of bishops (verses 1-7) and deacons (verses 8-13). Church members in general are given instructions in verses 14-16.

But just before that, in chapter 2, Paul discussed acceptable behaviors of men and women in the local church. While there is no gender distinction when it comes to spiritual blessings (cf. Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11), there is a gender distinction when it comes to leadership in the local church. The offices of bishop and deacon are reserved only for men (1 Timothy 3:1,2,11,12). Why? Because long before the Church the Body of Christ existed, God had already established the order of the sexes in creation. In other words, the husband is to be the spiritual leader in the family (Genesis 3:16). Eve was drawn away from Adam’s spiritual headship, and that caused her to be open to Satan’s attack.

Note 1 Timothy 2:13-15, the verses that immediately follow 1 Timothy 2:11-12: “[13] For Adam was first formed, then Eve. [14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. [15] Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”

God does not want the local church to be vulnerable to the Devil’s wiles as Eve was when she eventually led to man’s fall. There is “salvation” (deliverance) from Satan’s deception when men lead the local assembly. This is why gender is an issue in 1 Timothy 2:12. It is not that God picks on women. Rather He is safeguarding Christian women from deception, for Satan is the one who likes to pick on women (remember Eve?).

Also see:
» Should Christian women wear head coverings in the local church?
» What is the role of women in the ministry?
» What about unmarried, divorced, and remarried men in the ministry?