Expert: Paul Walker - 7/10/2006

Question
1 Timothy 3:15 "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". What is Paul saying is the pillar and ground of truth? God or the Church?  

Answer
Dear Johann,

1 Timothy 3:14-15  These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:  15  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.

The Church, body of Christ (all belivers), is the pillar and ground of the truth. It is the vehicle through which God is working to take the truth of the gospel to the world. It is not speaking of a building on the corner nor of any congregation or denomination. However, if one wants to be saved one needs a member of the church to preach the word.

1 Corinthians 1:21  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God BY THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING to save them that believe.

Romans 10:14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and HOW SHALL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER?

Our main concern as those that have trusted in the shed blood of Christ Jesus is to get the truth to others.

Hope this helps.

Your Servant In Christ Jesus,
Paul Walker
www.aficj.org