The Pillar and Foundation
Matthew 16:13-20;
1 Timothy 3:14-16
"...if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in...the church..., the pillar and foundation of the truth."
(1 Timothy 3:15)
If you have ever taken a stroll through Rome, Athens, or any other ancient city, you'll know that their early in-habitants were serious about architecture. Just think of the Pantheon and its massive pillars: almost 2,000 years old and still standing today. This is the image Paul wants to come to our mind when we hear the church described as "the pillar and foundation (or buttress) of the truth." At first, this image might seem surprising. Why would God's truth need pillars to uphold it? Is it not strong enough itself?
Yet, these questions get at the great privilege the Church has in God's plan for this world. He has created it to be the bearer, the "upholder," of His gospel truth (see 1 Timothy 3:16) to a world that needs it. God's promise to guard and protect His Church guarantees that there will always be a church on this earth to proclaim the good news of Christ. One day the Parthenon will no longer be standing. But, through His church worldwide, God's truth always will be.
INSIGHT
"Lift high the cross The love of Christ proclaim Till all the world adore His sacred name!"
(George W. Kitchin, 1887)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 41-42
Psalm 122
1 Corinthians 16
Matthew 16:13-20
New International Version (NIV)
Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[c] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[d] loosed in heaven." 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 16:18 The Greek word for Peter means rock.
b. Matthew 16:18 That is, the realm of the dead
c. Matthew 16:19 Or will have been
d. Matthew 16:19 Or will have been
1 Timothy 3:14-16
New International Version (NIV)
Reasons for Paul’s Instructions
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,[a]
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
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