History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Religion
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1
Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844
But it is in Paul's pastoral letters that we get a deeper insight into
corruptions threatening the early church, and even beginning to lay
the foundation for that subsequent apostasy which overwhelmed it. The
Apostle sent Timothy to the saints at Ephesus to represent him, that
he might charge some to teach no other doctrines than those which
he had delivered to them: "Neither give heed to fables and endless
genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying
which is in faith," for some had turned aside from the commandment
of charity, out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and faith
unfeigned, unto "vile jangling, desiring to be teachers of the law,
understanding neither what they say nor whereof they affirm." [58]
Others concerning faith had made shipwreck, of whom were Hymenaeus and
Alexander, whom Paul had delivered unto Satan that they might learn
not to blaspheme. [59] Others had "erred concerning the faith" and
had "given heed to vain babblings, and opposition of science falsely
so called." [60] In his second letter to Timothy, Paul informs him
that all the saints in Asia had turned away from him, "of whom were
Phygellus and Hermogenes." [61] He admonishes Timothy again to shun
"profane and vain babblings," "for," said he, "they will increase unto
more ungodliness, and their word will eat as doth a canker; of whom is
Hymenaeus and Philetus; who, concerning the truth, have erred, saying
that the resurrection is passed already, and overthrown the faith of
some." [62] Demos, once a fellow-laborer with Paul, had forsaken him,
"having loved this present world;" [63] and at Paul's first answer,
that is, when arraigned before the court at Rome, no man {XLVIII} stood
with him, but all men forsook him; he prays that God will not lay this
to their charge. [64]
Paul admonished Titus to hold fast to the faith, for there were
many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the
circumcision; who subverted whole houses, teaching things which they
ought not, for filthy lucre's sake; and were giving heed to Jewish
fables and commandments of men and turning from the truth. [65]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account