My three favorite books of the Bible in regards to the work I do, that of a minister of the gospel, undoubtedly are 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus, collectively known as the Pastoral Epistles. Paul writes to inexperienced pastors of young churches, instructing them on practical ways to live together in Christ.

Timothy faced a particularly sticky issue in his ministry assignment. People in the church found themselves attracted to myths and genealogies and speculations. Mystery religions swirled through the Mediterranean world, infecting the church in Ephesus. The desire for secret knowledge undercut Timothy’s teaching.

Paul, always the clever communicator, delved into the language of the mysterious to share the path to true spirituality:

Beyond all question, the mystery form which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by the angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory (1 Timothy 3:16).

If mysteries lead me away from Jesus, then I’m deceived. If myths and speculations fail to help me follow Jesus, then I’m lost. If the church members in Ephesus continued to listen and engage with false teachers, then they chose poorly.

Paul reminds Timothy, and he reminds me and you, that there’s really no mystery at all, no secret knowledge, but rather—there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).

Chose wisely.

1 Timothy 2 & 3 in week twenty-six of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Stefan Steinbauer