1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God… I. THAT THE CHURCH IS THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF TRUTH. — 1. That by the Church in this text he does not mean only the ministers. 2. It is far from concluding that one Church is the pillar of truth to another. 3. It is plain from all reason as well as Scripture, that truth is the pillar and growth of the Church, and not the Church of truth (Ephesians 11:20, 21; 1 Corinthians 3:9, 10, 11).Here we may inquire what that truth is which the apostle speaks of. There is a truth of history that we take delight in; to know what is doing in distant countries, or has been done in former ages, but this is rather our entertainment than our concern. There is a truth of argument. This is still more engaging, as it is the proper food of our reason. There is also a truth of conversation; which is what we call integrity. Besides these, there are truths of philosophy, that have no con-tern with the doctrine of Christ Jesus. But the truth that our apostle means is of another kind. 1. It is about the greatest concerns. 2. It comes with the fullest evidence. 3. It is always the same. 4. It is followed with the best effects. (T. Bradbury.) Parallel Verses KJV: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. |
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