Paul, to Timothy: Father or Brother?
@mythociate (21437)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
March 27, 2011 6:32pm CST
I read a little of Apostle Paul's letter to Timothy, telling him to 'treat elder men as if they were your father, and younger men as if they were your brother.' I wonder how today's judgmental Christians take that, adding Jesus' command to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"?
Would they retranslate that 'treat elders as if they were your older brothers and -younger men as if they were your younger brothers'? or would they retranslate it 'treat your elders as if they were your fathers, and younger men as if they were your immature uncles?' 
3 responses
@joe153 (9)
• United States
29 Mar 11
The bible always means what it says! It's great that you're reading the bible, but may I suggest you pray before, during and after and let the Holy Spirit of God show you what those questions mean?!? How it reads to me is, one word,(respect). In the book of Proverbs 1:8 it talks about fathers instructing the children or the case of Proverbs, son!
1 person likes this
@mythociate (21437)
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
29 Mar 11
I'm sure I know what Paul is talking about when I study alone. You could also say that studying alone makes me the wrongest I can get 
If Jesus teaches 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you,' how should you 'do unto' your younger brethren if you wan them to 'do unto you' as they would do unto their fathers?
If Jesus teaches 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you,' how should you 'do unto' your younger brethren if you wan them to 'do unto you' as they would do unto their fathers?
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
28 Mar 11
I tend to treat all and at any age with utmost respect and if the role applies to being mother/father, sister/brother or whatever I will do so. However if undeserving I am still respectful just not so apt to over showering.
1 person likes this
@mythociate (21437)
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
28 Mar 11
@vonmac Kinda an extreme 'turn the other cheek' goin` on there?
@toyota4k (1208)
• Philippines
31 Mar 11
Literally, It is good to obey this advice. However Apostle Paul's letter to Timothy was referring to the Elders of the Church or officers for there were rankings during that time, Apostles, lead by Apostle james, then ministers and so on...acc. to my opinion
@mythociate (21437)
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
25 Apr 11
But it was to them regarding their treatment of followers, so ... meh
