The church in Ephesus was troubled with distractions. So Paul gave Timothy this charge to put an end to the foolish talk bombarding this church: command certain men not to teach strange doctrines derailing them from the purpose of God to sanctify and lead His people to holy love.

No man is a match for death and its sting, because we all descend from Adam. But God has provided another man, “the last Adam” who unlike the first gives life (v45), not takes away life. Indeed, all who are “Christ’s” will like Him be raised from the dead when He comes (v23). Christ is the firstfruits, and we the harvest after Him (v20). All who are one with Christ by faith share in His victory over death.

Many reject the call of the gospel, but some receive it. God’s elect will heed and live in holiness before God who throughout Scripture has called sinners through a sanctifying message.

A genuine love for the church shows that a person is in Christ. The necessary consequence is that they are used by Him to build up fellow believers through their speech.

The cross where the Savior died is also where Jesus calls us to crucify the flesh and follow Him.

John assures us this is true to embolden our faith. All who truly believe follow the Savior and find life; all who deny Him face death.