BY JOHN BLOORE

(The reader should always turn to the Bible and read the passage referred to.)

QUES. 1.-In what respect is "the Church of the living God the pillar and ground of the truth?" As it now reads is there not confusion of metaphors? – for the "house" seems to be identified with the "pillar" and "base" (1 Tim. 3:15).

ANS.-Such a use of metaphors may at first sight appear confusion, but there is no doubt that the words "pillar" and "base," or "support," as some prefer, are in apposition with Church. Vincent remarks that "the idea is that the Church is the pillar, and, as such, the prop or support of the truth." The change in metaphors may be explained by the context just before and after them. First, the apostle is speaking of behavior or conduct, and associates with this the figure of "house" in reference to that company in which the conduct is to be manifested-"the assembly of God" (compare ver. 5 of the chap.). This shows that primarily the local assembly is in view, in this case Ephesus, where Timothy was then living (chap. 1:3); and this may call to mind the apostle's word in Ephesians 2:22, "In whom ye also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit." It is quite true that the local assembly is to be the expression of the whole, but one's conduct must have specific reference to the local thing, since the whole Church, or Church universal, is never assembled in one place on the earth.

In the second place, the context (ver. 16) treats of the great mystery of godliness – the truth of the Person, work, and glory of Christ as there stated. With this the Church, or assembly, is most intimately identified, but its relation to this could not be presented under the figure of a "house," hence the change of metaphor, as the transition is made from speaking in reference to the conduct of those responsible to exercise care and ministry among God's people, to speak of "the truth" which is enshrined in the Person, work, and glory of Christ – of this the assembly is the pillar, and as such the support. This each local assembly is in its own place. It is to hold up "the truth" that all may know that God sent His Son into the world not to condemn the world but that it might be saved through Him. Compare John 17:21.

As we consider how these things are brought together, what a serious aspect it gives to the subject of our conduct in God's house. Our conduct thus becomes at once related to what the assembly bears up in the world as the pillar and support of the truth, and should be such as suits the great mystery of godliness.