What Still Counts? - 29

We don't do that anymore!

Sometimes it is difficult to determine when the Biblical writer is writing to the universal church (to be understood and obeyed by everyone for all time) or to a person or church in particular (to be obeyed by the few for a limited time and based upon the circumstances they found themselves in). Sometimes it is not so hard to figure out.

The question is whether the writer means his words to be applied merely to the people in the situation he is addressing, or whether he means for his words to be applied beyond that situation and permanently.

For example, Paul wrote a letter to Timothy. In the letter he writes many important things that the church has applied universally since people began reading his letter. Paul urged prayers for kings and others in positions of authority. He warned against men being angry and quarreling with one another. He provided character requirements for men to hold the office of elder. He did the same for deacons. These things seem like they should still count.

But, in the same letter, Paul also instructed women to “adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:9-10)

And, “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” (1 Timothy 2:11-12)

He also wrote, “This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1 Timothy 1:18-20)

Also, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” (1 Timothy 5:23)

The question for the reader/interpreter is, “What did Paul mean to be obeyed only by Timothy and some in the early church, and what did he intend to go beyond them and become universal, a timeless teaching to be applied even to the church today?”

Without question, some Scripture text appears bound to the audience receiving the letter, while other Scripture text was intended to become a norm for everyone. How do we tell the difference?