From Stephanie Slater

Hi Amy,

Here's some thoughts. With regard to Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom Paul handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. Paul refers to Hymenaeus again in II Tim 2:17-18. It seems from the text that he, along with another friend, are poisoning the church with the doctrine of Gnosticism. So it appears Hymenaeus has not changed, therefore he had yet to learn his lesson. He is mentioned with a different companion, and both times he is mentioned first. Suggesting to me that he is perhaps the leader. Just a little side thought.

Now as to "handing him over to Satan..." and what that may mean. 5:15 says, "For some have already turned aside after Satan." (speaking of widows) indicating that we make the choice to go away from Jesus towards Satan. However, I believe our text in I Tim. is more like I Cor. 5:5. In reference to the son who had his father's wife writes, "Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the lord Jesus." This passage strongly suggests that there is a response by the faithful towards the unfaithful, in way of discipline by way of dis-fellowshipping, in hopes that they will feel the distance, figure it out, repent and return to their God.

Steph

From Stephanie Slater

Greetings Bloggers,

Well, I don't know how you all felt about the chapters and verses missing in the letter to Timothy. Myself, I loved the reading without them, but it was harder to reference. What do you all think?

Check this out and see what you think too. 6:3 "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing." coupled with last months - Galatians 5:10 "I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view."

For me, these verses assure me that I can be confident in the truth, and not believe as the world would have me believe - that I am not closed minded, or intolerant, or even self righteous because my thinking and actions are in line with God's truth and opposite of the world view. Like Romans 12 our minds need to be transformed into His will, His thinking, His views. We can not conform to this world, but rather we need to prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Steph

From Amy (soon-to-be Jackson) Quinliven :)

Dearest sisters,

I hope everyone is having a great week! I really enjoyed reading our letter for I Timothy. It's amazing how just taking the verse numbers out of the letter made the read more clear to me and made me feel as though I was reading a true snail mail letter. Although I value the purpose of verse numbers, this method really helped me remember more. This first comment is more to get feedback from my sisters because I have a few questions.

After reading this (1st page, 2nd to last paragraph) "Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenacus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme."

Question 1: Does anyone know more history on Hymenacus and Alexander? It says that they were "handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme." Did they learn their lesson and come back to God. Or rather, did God receive them back after they learned their lesson? I'll do some searching while I wait for some responses.

Question 2: On page 2 (2nd paragraph) Paul says "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent..." How do we as women in the church know our boundaries when this passage is so firm as to our position in the church? I know that many stories have been documented in the bible of great women who have dome wonderful things in the church. Can anyone give me more scriptures to help me with this one? Can anyone expand on this? Thanks :)

Ok sistas ... that's it for now. Thanks for your help! Can't wait to learn more.

Love,
Amy