Question 17.-Why does the apostle Paul, in the epistles to the individuals, speak of God as our Savior 1 (Titus 1:3, etc.).
Answer.-In the epistles to the assemblies, the perfect standing of believers is as a rule brought into prominence, and salvation in its absolute aspect is the thought. In Philippians, however, we have it as deliverance from the daily straits through which the believer passes. In Titus we have presented the One who will bring His people through, who is their Savior or deliverer from everything through which they pass.
Ques. 18.-In 1 Tim. 1:12, does the word "faithful" refer to Paul's faithfulness in persecuting the Church before his conversion ? If it does, can God ever own anything in man that may be good, before his conversion ?
Ans.-We would say most decidedly that the apostle's zeal in persecuting the Church, had not the slightest connection with his faithfulness in the ministry. God in His mercy chose him as a servant, and foresaw his faithfulness.
Ques. 19.-Please explain Luke 22:36-38, where the Lord speaks of the sword. What could have been His meaning in using that word, which is the emblem of judgment and violence, if His disciples were to practice meekness ?
Ans.-The immediate context shows that our Lord did not intend to be understood literally. They said, " Here are two swords." And He said, "It is enough." One of those swords was used by Peter to cut off the ear of Malchus-a work immediately undone by the Lord. What would two swords avail against the numbers of enemies by whom they would be assailed ? Evidently it was their unbelief that failed to grasp His meaning, as in the case of the leaven (Matt. 16:6-12).
The meaning of the passage seems to be this:Our Lord was about to leave them. While He was with them He had cared for them; He was to be no longer personally with them; and if that were all, then they must now look out for themselves. We know it was not all, and that the same power which had kept them heretofore would still be engaged in their behalf, though visible now only to faith. It was a vivid way of telling them that He was about to be crucified, and to leave them.