Paul

Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God.

From our perspective, 1 Timothy is written to a vestry member or any church leader. 2 Timothy is written to someone whose faith has lagged, who is burned out on church and God, and who is spiritually tired. 2 Timothy is written for most every one of us.

Like slavery in Roman society, the very basis of our economic system is wealth accumulation. Although no other economic system has brought more people out of poverty, how do we reconcile our American capitalist system with the teachings of Scripture?

How are we to handle these verses supporting slavery? 

The question is how to separate out the practical teachings which are given to a specific people at a specific time in a specific place from the underlying universals which are applicable to all people, at all times, in all places.

As we have discussed before, what happens when people take advantage of the church’s sacred duty?

God’s creation is good, and that God has given us every plant for food. (Gen 1:29-31). . . . for “it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out the mouth.” Matt 15:10-20.

He was revealed in the flesh,
and justified in the spirit,
He appeared to the angels,
and was announced to the nations,
He was believed in the world,
and elevated into glory.

Paul’s concern is that congregational leadership must represent Christ to his flock and also must be a good witness for Christ in the larger community.