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NASB | 1 Timothy 3:15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 3:15 in case I am delayed, so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. |
Subject: The church as the pillar of Truth? |
Bible Note: My understanding of these verses is as follows: Matthew 16:18. In these words, Christ promises to build His church on the truth of Peter's and the other disciples' confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus uses a play on words here. He calls His disciple "Peter", meaning a small stone, but goes on to say "upon this rock I will build my church," i.e. He will build His church on Peter's solid confession. It is Jesus Christ who is the Rock, the first and great foundation of the church. Peter states in his first letter that Jesus is the living stone . . . a chief corner stone . . . the stone which the builders disallowed. At the same time, Peter and all other Christians are living stones who become part of the structure of the spiritual house which God is building. Nowhere in Scripture is it stated that Peter would be the supreme and infallible authority above all other disciples. Nor is it stated that Peter should have infallible successors who would represent Christ and function as the official head of the church. Respectfully, Janae Whitlock |