1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Hebrews (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary | CBC)

Top Highlights

“The terms ‘first’ and ‘afterward’ in Paul’s writings define a historical sequence and not a hierarchical relationship (3:10; 1 Cor 15:46; 1 Thess 4:16–17).” (Page 55)

“The point is that our subjective faith is clear and adequate evidence (to us) that ‘what we hope for’ but ‘cannot [yet] see’ is objectively real and will in fact come to pass. In faith, ‘things hoped for take on reality’ (BDAG 1040).” (Pages 426–427)

“And yet Father and Son are not simply interchangeable. The Son does one thing that God the Father never did and never will do: He functions as a priest to deal with our sins and reconcile us to God, or, as the NLT puts it, he ‘cleansed us from our sins’ (1:3). The Son of God can create and sustain the universe without becoming human. He can act as prophet, that is, as the source of revelation, without becoming human. But he cannot be a priest without becoming human. A priest’s job is to make purification for human sin from the human side by offering a sacrifice to God on humanity’s behalf. The only way God can do this is by becoming a human being, and this is the mission of God the Son (see 10:5–7).” (Page 330)

“The Greek article in verse 15 points the way to the most plausible reading: ‘But women will be saved through the birth of the Child’—that is, Jesus Christ. Although the NLT has ‘but they,’ it is actually the singular ‘but she’—the historic Eve.” (Page 62)

“So, while Paul’s language in verse 9a could be understood in terms of modest attire (NLT, ‘I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing’), well-considered demeanor better fits the context. The sense of verse 9 would then be ‘I want women to behave with respectability and sound judgment.’ Paul here was not concerned with the first-century equivalent of plunging necklines, tight-fitting clothes, and short skirts. The issue was flaunting one’s wealth in public. The well-to-do came to worship with gold-braided hair, pearls, and expensive clothes (2:9b). In so doing, they drew attention to themselves (2:9) and distracted from worship of God.” (Page 52)