"Filthy Lucre"
Context: The writer, sometimes identified as Paul, but generally conceded to be a pseudonymous writer using Paul's name, addresses his letter to Timothy, probably a name used to indicate a church official who was closely related to the writer as Timothy was closely related to Paul. Calling upon his brother in Christ to preach the true doctrine and noting the value of the Old Testament law for the unrighteous, he argues that the Christian is redeemed through Christ. Paul and Timothy are praised as strong men of God, effective in their preaching. Declaring that Christianity is the faith for all men, the writer presents rules for worship and describes the good bishop:
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous. . . .
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