Word studies

I was in a strange situation the other day. I ran into a couple who had been part of a difficult situation in my past. For the wife’s part, she had been actively involved in slandering me.

Most of the requirements for church leadership are straight forward. Each person is to be above reproach, and among other things this means they are faithful in marriage, self-controlled, manage their household well, etc.

Perhaps the most difficult requirement to interpret is found in Titus 1:6, where Paul says that the children must be εχων πιστα, “having faithful.” πιστος can mean “faithful, reliable, trustworthy.”

That is the question of Galatians 3:24. I was reminded of this question this morning as I listen to my nephew preach a good sermon on Galatians 3.

Dave preaches from the NIV, so in v 24 he read, “So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.” “Put in charge” is a colorless phrase that conveys a very basic meaning of authority, but it does convey meaning to almost any reader.