Ques. 9.-In 1 Tim. 11. 8, does not "holy hands" refer to what the hands are practically; and "without wrath or doubting" equally the state of the heart as towards man (wrath) and towards God (doubting) ?

Ans.-"Holy hands" reminds us of the passage in the Psalms "I will wash my hands in innocency so will I compass thine altar" (Ps. 26:6). It no doubt refers to the practical life; "He that hath clean hands" just as "a pure heart" would include the remaining words " without wrath or doubting." This last word might better be rendered " reasoning "; but human reasoning leads to doubt. The "wrath" would naturally be toward man, and would differ from that suggested in Eph. 4:26, 27, " Be ye angry and sin not:let not the sun go down upon your wrath."

Ques. 10-Please explain the change from " supplication, prayers" in 1 Tim. 2:1, and 5:5, to prayers, supplications, in Eph. 6:18 and Phil. 4:6. What is the difference between supplication, prayers, intercession and mediation in 1 Tim. ii?

Ans.-Doubtless the order, as all else in the word of God, is perfect though we may not always be able to see the reason. Here, however, we would suggest that as supplication is the stronger word, the expression of need, it might fittingly have the first place in the epistle which speaks of the individual rather than corporate position. As has frequently been noticed the word " mercy" is introduced in these individual epistles, in the salutation, and for a similar reason. As to the meaning of the words, supplication is the expression of need. Prayer the offering to God of the requests (this is the more common word). Intercession might be translated "intercourse." The thought seems to be to have communion with God about anything or person and thus to intercede for, as in Rom. 8:27, 34, where it is applied both to Christ and the Spirit. Mediation goes deeper, and is applied only to Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man, the Mediator of the New Covenant. It thus includes and is based upon His work on the cross, " Who gave Himself a ransom for all."