I Timothy 5, Caring for Those in Your Church

In the previous chapter, Paul has emphasized correct teaching and careful treatment of Scriptural concepts. In this chapter his emphasis is on ministry to particular groups of individuals.  This includes concerns about physical needs and poverty.

1 Timothy 5:1-2, Treat others with gentleness

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Timothy is to treat the congregants in his care with compassion and respect.

Paul's advice to Timothy about the treatment of women is sound; they are sisters and mothers.  Not potential conquests.  (I write this living in a country where the president and a variety of politicians and Hollywood producers have all been revealed to have made "lewd comments" about women. There is no room for lewd talk -- or even lewd thoughts -- among men active in the kingdom of God.)

1 Timothy 5:3-10, Treatment of older widows

Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.

Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

Widows were often the the most obvious case of poverty and need.  In a culture that tied women to husbands and family, the loss of a husband and the accompanying poverty was devastating.  The church should be the cutting edge in taking over the provisions for these women.  But in a world of considerable basis poverty, Paul is careful that the needs of widows not overwhelm the church.  So he seems to focus on the most extreme cases.

The translation of verse 9 is unclear; the NIV footnotes say "has been faithful to her husband" could be translated "had but one husband".  

1 Timothy 5:11-16, Treatment of young widows 

As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.

So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

Paul has concerns about younger widows being put on the support rolls when they may change their minds later and decide to marry and have children.  I don't really understand Paul's concerns, some of which are surely cultural and not reflected in our society.

1 Timothy 5:17-19, Treat the elders with justice and care

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.

There are two quotations here, one from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 25:4) and one from the New Testament (Luke 10:7.)  This is a rare case in the New Testament in which another New Testament passage is apparently quoted.

1 Timothy 5:20-23, Steady maturity

Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.

I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

Here Paul gives a sequence of brief instructions. Rebuke those (within the church) who refuse to turn away from sin. Don't act on favoritism. Don't be hasty.  ("Laying on of hands" is an act of appointment and endorsement; a pastor should be careful about endorsing a junior minister if he/she has not had time to mature.)

The final sentence is personal advice about health. Apparently Timothy was regularly ill and Paul suggests a little wine as medication. This bit of advice makes it clear that Paul's instructions vary from general principles to specific situations. As the church, over the centuries, has institutionalized his instructions, it is not clear which of his many instructions (in over a dozen letters) are universal and which instructions are cultural or even personal. "Culture" versus "universal principle" is an active area of debate in the modern church.

1 Timothy 5:24-25, Eventually we see good and bad deeds

The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.

Paul echoes the thoughts of Jesus (Luke 8:17) as he insists that what is done in darkness, whether good or evil, eventually comes out.  Sometimes quickly, sometimes much later.  But good deeds cannot be hidden.

Paul wraps up his advice in the next chapter.

First published October 10, 2016, updated October 4, 2026

I Timothy 4, Correct Teaching

Paul is giving Timothy advice on leading the church in Ephesus.

1 Timothy 4:1-5, Fall teaching and abstention

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.
  
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Paul predicts that people will follow a variety of hypocritical teachers who focus on outward actions and asceticism.  Over 2000 years, despite this passage, a variety of sects have emphasized their asceticism as evidence of some type of spirituality. Paul's last statement is a direct confrontation to the ascetic's claim to some spiritual discipline.

1 Timothy 4:6-11, Godly training, not gossip

If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

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

Command and teach these things.

Paul's focus in on correct understanding and knowledge, not rumors, myths, old stories.  Every community has its own versions of "old wives' tales", popular stories that have little in touch with reality.

1 Timothy 4:12-16, Devoted to Scripture, preaching and teaching

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

In this passage we learn that Timothy is young (still young) and so this letter is fairly early.  Paul reminds Timothy to be an example and to keep his focus.  Like the church leaders in Acts, he is to focus on teaching from the Scriptures (the Old Testament, at that time) and be a model of the follower of Jesus.

In the next chapter Paul gives advice on pastoral care.

First published October 9, 2016, updated September 27, 2026

I Timothy 3, The Character of Church Leaders

Paul has been giving advice to Timothy on ministering in Ephesus. In this passage he lays out expectations of church leaders.

1 Timothy 3:1-7, Deacons

Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.  Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

The term "overseer" has been translated "bishop" or possibly "elder". An overseer should be one whose spiritual life is mature and stable; their home life should also be reasonably stable. (Whose home life is completely stable? Not anyone I know.)

This is another passage where people argue about cultural tags. Although most Christians today would not argue that this passage says overseers should be married, some say this passage teaches overseers should be male. I think this passage reflects practice: in that culture overseers did tend to be married men. If so, here is how they should act....

1 Timothy 3:8-13, Deacons and deaconesses

Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The word translated deacon here is literally "servant", a concept that probably showed up first in Acts 6:1-7. The passage about wives of deacons is unclear; according to the NIV footnotes, it could be speaking about women who are deacons.  "Their wives" could also be translated "deaconesses."

1 Timothy 3:14-16, Mystery of godliness

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: 

He appeared in a body, 

was vindicated by the Spirit, 

was seen by angels, 

was preached among the nations, 

was believed on in the world, 

was taken up in glory.

In some manuscripts "He appeared in a body" is instead "God appeared in a body" (NIV footnotes.) The last part of this passage has the feel of an early creed or hymn.

More pastoral advice follows in the next chapter.  

First published October 8, 2016, updated September 20, 2026

I Timothy 2, Peaceful and Quiet Lives

Paul continues to instruct Timothy on church leadership.

1 Timothy 2:1-4, Prayer for those in authority

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

Paul's request for prayer for government leaders is based on a desire for ordinary peaceful lives.  Paul has no desire to shake up society, unless it is through the (slow) progress brought by changed hearts and "knowledge of the truth".

1 Timothy 2:5-7, One mediator, one ministry

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle--I am telling the truth, I am not lying--and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

Paul concludes the instruction about prayer with a strong statement about the true role of Jesus, as Savior-Mediator.  And, as he often does, Paul follows this with a statement about his own calling to preach about the Messiah to the non-Jews.

1 Timothy 2:8-15, Pastoral advice

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing--if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

After the first sentence, this passage becomes increasingly difficult for the modern reader. Paul begins with desire for prayer and peace, followed then by an emphasis (for the Gentile untrained by Judaism) on modesty and inner beauty. But after that, he seems to be very patriarchal, emphasizing female submission.

This passage is laden with the culture of the first century and one wonders how much of it deals with working within the first century culture. I won't elaborate on the various positions taken by the church today ("complementarianism" and "egalitarianism", among others) but I do want to point out that the first verses in the chapter clarifies Paul's desire for peaceful lives of quiet change and quiet spiritual development. He has no plans to overthrow society. Eventually, over several centuries, Christianity did become the dominant religion in Europe (at least officially) and did indeed overturn society. But that is not Paul's goal here.

The NIV footnotes allow the last sentence to be translated "But she will be restored through childbearing..." presumably relating back to the divisions created by the Fall. Neither phrasing is compatible with other statements about women and men being equal before God (i.e. Galatians 3:28)

More pastoral advice is given in the next chapter.

First published October 7, 2016, updated September 13, 2026

I Timothy 1, God's Work on the "Chief Sinner"

Paul's letter to Timothy is the first of three pastoral letters preserved in the New Testament. The term "pastoral" (first used in the eighteenth century for the three letters 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) identifies these letters as written to young men active in Christian ministry. The letters are personal but also lay out some of Paul's principles of ministry.

1 Timothy 1:1-2, To Timothy, grace, mercy and peace!

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

This begins as a standard ancient greeting, with Paul's added emphasis on the role of Jesus in the universe and in his relationship with Timothy.

Timothy was probably led to belief in Jesus by Paul. Identify himself as commanded by God. The term Christ is just a Greek translation of Messiah, that is the anointed one prophecy of old in the Old Testament.

Paul emphasizes that the kingdom that He and Timothy proclaim advise provides grace, mercy and peace all very important and beautiful characteristics.

1 Timothy 1:3-5, Pure doctrine in Ephesus
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith.

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Timothy stayed in Asia Minor (now Türkiye) while Paul crossed the Aegean Sea to northern Greece. Paul is concerned here, as in many of his letters, with the popular philosophies that the people attached to the Christian message.

The ancient city of Ephesus was on the western shore of ancient Ionia in Asia Minor, along the Adriatic sea. It was destroyed by the Goths in the third century and an earthquake in the seventh century. The land along that shoreline has changed over the centuries and now Ephesus is about five miles inland and is merely an archaeological site. 

Paul told Timothy to stay in Ephesus sometime back. It is not clear if Timothy is still in Ephesus at the writing of this letter.

1 Timothy 1:6-7, Sound doctrine vs. meaningless talk

Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

There will always be some who use religious conversation to promote themselves and "puff themselves up", acting as "experts."  This was apparently true in the first century; surely it is common now.

https://www.nae.org/clinging-to-truth/

1 Timothy 1:8-11, Sound doctrine vs. meaningless talk

We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers--and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

There will always be some who use religious conversation to promote themselves and "puff themselves up", acting as "experts."  This was apparently true in the first century; surely it is common now.

Conspiracy theories.

The Law is a measuring tool.

1 Timothy 1:12-14, The blasphemer forgiven

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.  Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Paul expresses gratitude for his own conversion and renewed life.

An example of grace and mercy.

1 Timothy 1:15-17, The central message

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Paul ends this passage with exuberant praise, first to God for saving himself, a "blaphemer", and second for God's eternal acts, including forgiveness offered to all.

This passage sounds like a goodbye, but Paul will continue writing for five more chapters.

1 Timothy 1:18-20, Your calling

Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. 

Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Paul gives specific advice to Timothy, reminding him of his divine calling. Paul also gives warning about two very specific individuals who have a "shipwrecked faith".

In the next chapter, Paul begins to give precise pastoral advice.

Some Random Thoughts

Why do Christians fall for conspiracy theories? The National Association of Evangelicals has some thoughts here.

First published October 6, 2016, updated September 6, 2026

James 1, True Religion

There is another letter (in addition to the book of Hebrews) aimed at Jewish believers -- the letter of James.

This short book is a little depressing (to me) at times, since it assumes that Christian believers are struggling and suffering under some persecution.  That they are always financially very poor!  Yet there are benefits to reminding us (yes, even us rich Americans) of this point of view.

Here we examine the first chapter of the letter (epistle) of James.  This letter is written to Jewish believers and contains numerous "wisdom" teachings, short pithy sayings, similar to the book of Proverbs.

James 1:1, Greetings to the Jews far away,
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.          

Although tradition has it that James was the brother of Jesus (and leader of the church in Jerusalem), the author merely claims to be a servant of God.  Right away we see that this letter is aimed at Jewish believers, that is, remnants of the twelve tribes of Israel. It is intended for a variety of groups, many of them presumably not in the area around Jerusalem. But no more details are given.

The word "servant" is sometimes translated "bondservant" or "slave".

The Messiah Jesus is not mentioned much in this letter. Only here and one other time.  (If James is the brother of Jesus, why does he not mention this?)

The Greek word translated "Greetings" here is chairein, and occurs only two other times in the New Testament as part of a greeting. One of those times is in Act 15, in a letter written by James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem. This is apparently a fairly standard (and secular) greeting.

James identifies himself very simply, as a servant (‘doulos’ = servant or slave) of God and Jesus Christ. ‘Servant’ is a significant, serious term, indicating permanent commitment. It the same word that is translated "bondslave" at the beginning of Philippians.

James 1:2-4, Trials and Temptations

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.          

Apparently trials (testing, struggles) are to be expected in human life and have some type of goal.  If so, we are develop perseverance, endurance -- it is more of a marathon than a sprint -- and James encourages us to allow the struggles to strengthen us, to create a stable, mature individual, someone who is complete.

In the Star Wars science fiction world, young Luke (or anyone seeking to be a Jedi master) must be developed.  They must mature.  Luke groans and struggles against master Yoda's statements that he is "not yet ready".  Luke is impatient.  James would agree with Yoda -- let time and training build you and don't quit early.

What are we to consider joyous?  Is the author deliberately slapping us with an opposite?  Rejoice in pain??  How healthy is that?  Why are we doing this?

There does seem to be a goal here – that suffering brings perseverance and (here is the point) that if we persevere, perseverance will “finish” its work and bring us maturity.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be “mature and complete, lacking in nothing”?

Perseverance is personified, as if Perseverance were looking over our shoulder, working on our character.

James 1:5-8, Seeking wisdom in faith
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;  he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. 

We are encouraged to ask for wisdom from God who is willing to give it generously, without chiding us for past mistakes or past stupid actions.  But then there is an aspect to this request; after asking for wisdom, we should trust that it is being given to us (although possibly given rather slowly, in my experience!) and we should move on in confidence, not timidly blown around like seafoam.

But what about those of us who ask while doubting?  Indeed, won’t most of us have doubts the first time we try to apply James 1:5?  This doesn’t seem fair.  Or maybe something else is meant by doubting here – the doubter is describe in further detail as someone of two minds, unstable, blown and tossed by the wind.  Instead we are to be steady, to persevere.  So doubting may be more closely linked to our long-term action?  

Obviously there are several types of doubts.  If one is being encouraged to believe something, a certain type of doubt is acceptable, or we would not even do the encouraging.  Any transition from one set of opinions to another includes a place where new beliefs are challenged.

James 1:9-11
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.  But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.  For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. 

A major theme of James: chiding and scolding the rich.  Here the rich are viewed as unrealistic, expecting their "blossoms" to last awhile, when instead they collapse in the summer heat. The humble and the proud are sharply contrasted, as is one’s status and God’s development of it.  God lifts the humble, reduces the proud and rich.

James is about to bring an accusation against these believers; it will run throughout the book.  These believers have become too complacent and comfortable.

There is a sharp tone to all of this that I now find a bit disconcerting.  Am I now too content?  Too rich?  What should I do?

James 1:12, Transition
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 

Instead, we (the people of humble circumstances) are to patiently endure, completing our marathon, a demonstration (in some way?) of God's love.  I'm not sure that this is especially encouraging to me....What does it mean to receive “the crown of life”?  (What is that?)

James 1:13-15, Birth of sin
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;  but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 

What does it mean, that God does not tempt anyone?   Isn’t God in charge?  Is it really any different to say, “God allows temptation”?

We are told not to blame our difficulties and temptation on God.  Apparently much of it is our own faults, deeply embedded in our own selfish desires.  (Notice the progression of sin, as something that comes to life and grows.)

Surely, if we examine ourselves carefully, much of our own suffering is due to our selfishness and unwillingness to look up and care for others. But not all of it....  Some of it is part of the "natural" living in a broken world.

James 1:16-18, Heavenly lights
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. 

Verse 16 (“Don’t be deceived…”) may be a transition verse.  But both Barclay and Jensen split the paragraph before it.  (I am reading a commentary by William Barclay, as I study the letter of James.)

James 1:17-20, True religion
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

James digresses to emphasize "true religion".  The phrase “change like shifting shadows" might remind us of verse six, where we are told not to be unstable.  We are reminded that although we might be unstable, constantly shifting, God is constant.

Firstfruits is an Old Testament term, used for the best things, put forward as a tithe.  So this is our role as the Church…..Verse 19 – more brief pithy advice.  Quick to listen, slow to anger ….  Note the simple, short contrasts.  Jensen has 19 as a new paragraph.

James 1: 21-25, Applying the Word of God
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.           

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.

It is better to know the truth, even when it is painful, and begin to respond to it, than to conveniently forget.James’ metaphor:  what good is it to have a mirror if you look at it and then forget what you saw?

How does the Law give freedom?

James 1: 26-27, More short proverbs
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.            

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Verse 27 seems to have a positive and a negative component.  The positive: reach out to the vulnerable and help them.  The negative: avoid the world’s “pollution.”

Matthew 28, Easter Sunday

After Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, the first day of a new week.

Matt 28:1-7
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: `He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

An empty tomb greets the women.

Matt 28:8-15
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.  Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." 

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a  plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, `His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among  the Jews to this very day.

Confusion and cover-up.

Matt 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the  age."

The book ends suddenly, with the resurrection and appearances of Jesus to his followers, followed by the "Great Commission", given here at the very end, as if a summary of Matthew's gospel.