Christians sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for missionary work in Iran

Christians sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for missionary work in Iran

Wed 05 Jul 2017

By Eno Adeogun

A judge in Iran has sentenced four Christians to 10 years imprisonment each for engaging in missionary activities and "conducting activities against national security", according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Iranian national Nasser Navard Goltape, and Yusif Farhadov, Eldar Gurbanov and Bahram Nasibov from the Republic of Azerbaijan were arrested on 24th June 2016, after traveling to Tehran to visit their Christian friends.

They were released on bail from Evin Prison more than four months later, with the Azeri men returning to their home country.

Mansour Borji, advocacy director of Article 18, an organisation that defends persecuted Christians in the Shia Muslim majority country said: "This recent verdict by Iran's revolutionary court is particularly alarming, as many other Iranian Christians are still awaiting trial for exercising their right to worship as Christians in privacy of their homes."https://www.premier.org.uk/News/World/Christians-sentenced-to-10-years-imprisonment-for-missionary-work-in-Iran?utm_source=Premier%20Christian%20Media&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8456601_daily%20news%206%2F7%2F17&utm_content=Iran&dm_i=16DQ,5195L,619EF3,J7Z5L,1

The Spirit of Freedom, 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 ESV, The Indepth Series

 

 2 Corinthians 3:12-18English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK)

12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains un-lifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one[a] turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord[b] is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,[c] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the  Lord who is the Spirit.

Our Scars,  Matt Redman

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Verses 12-18

In these verses the apostle draws two inferences from what he had said about the Old and New Testament:—

I. Concerning the duty of the ministers of the gospel to use great plainness or clearness of speech. They ought not, like Moses, to put a veil upon their faces, or obscure and darken those things which they should make plain. The gospel is a more clear dispensation than the law; the things of God are revealed in the New Testament, not in types and shadows, and ministers are much to blame if they do not set spiritual things, and gospel-truth and grace, in the clearest light that is possible. Though the Israelites could not look steadfastly to the end of what was commanded, but is now abolished, yet we may. We may see the meaning of those types and shadows by the accomplishment, seeing the veil is done away in, Christ and he is come, who was the end of the law for righteousness to all those who believe, and whom Moses and all the prophets pointed to, and wrote of.

II. Concerning the privilege and advantage of those who enjoy the gospel, above those who lived under the law. For, 1. Those who lived under the legal dispensation had their minds blinded (2 Cor. 3:14), and there was a veil upon their hearts, 2 Cor. 3:15. Thus it was formerly, and so it was especially as to those who remained in Judaism after the coming of the Messiah and the publication of his gospel. Nevertheless, the apostle tells us, there is a time coming when this veil also shall be taken away, and when it (the body of that people) shall turn to the Lord, 2 Cor. 3:16. Or, when any particular person is converted to God, then the veil of ignorance is taken away; the blindness of the mind, and the hardness of the heart, are cured. 2. The condition of those who enjoy and believe the gospel is much more happy. For, (1.) They have liberty: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, and where he worketh, as he does under the gospel-dispensation, there is liberty (2 Cor. 3:17), freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, and from the servitude of corruption; liberty of access to God, and freedom of speech in prayer. The heart is set at liberty, and enlarged, to run the ways of God’s commandments. (2.) They have light; for with open face we behold the glory of the Lord, 2 Cor. 3:18. The Israelites saw the glory of God in a cloud, which was dark and dreadful; but Christians see the glory of the Lord as in a glass, more clearly and comfortably. It was the peculiar privilege of Moses for God to converse with him face to face, in a friendly manner; but now all true Christians see him more clearly with open face. He showeth them his glory. (3.) This light and liberty are transforming; we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory (2 Cor. 3:18), from one degree of glorious grace unto another, till grace here be consummated in glory for ever. How much therefore should Christians prize and improve these privileges! We should not rest contented without an experimental knowledge of the transforming power of the gospel, by the operation of the Spirit, bringing us into a conformity to the temper and tendency of the glorious gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

The Freedom of the New Covenant Minister (3:18)

Verse 18 is the capstone of Paul's reflections in this chapter. It picks up the too major ideas of verses 12-17, namely, the open conduct of the gospel minister and the Spirit as the prime mover of the new covenant, and weaves them together into a clinching argument against those who would depend on the way things were under the Mosaic covenant. To start with, Paul introduces a final point of contrast between Moses and the new covenant minister. We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory.

We . . . all might well be Paul's way of broadening his point of reference to include all believers. Even so, the focus is still on the new covenant minister. With unveiled faces invites comparison with Moses, but Moses in which role? Moses with unveiled face in the tent of meeting? Or Moses with his face veiled before Israel? Much depends on how one translates katoptrizomenoi. The verb is a rare one, and in the middle it can mean either "to behold oneself in a mirror" or "to serve as a mirror"—that is, "to reflect." Transfiguration through beholding God's glory is an attractive idea that a number of translators have opted for (KJV, NKJV, RSV, REB). Yet if Paul is continuing his commentary on the Exodus 34 narrative—with verse 35 being next in line—then he is thinking of how Moses habitually veiled his face on leaving the tent of meeting until his next encounter with Yahweh. New covenant ministers, by contrast, leave their face unveiled and in so doing reflect God's glory. Paul is drawing on the function of a mirror to pick up the light rays from an object and to reflect that light in the form of an image. The image that the new covenant minister reflects is identified in the text as the Lord's glory. This is a familiar phrase in Scripture. Here it anticipates "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God reflected in the face of Christ" (4:6) and, by association, [reflected] in the faces of Christ's representatives.

As gospel preachers do their job of reflecting knowledge of God to those around them, transformation occurs. The text reads, And we who reflect the Lord's glory are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory (v. 18). The word transformed means "to take on a different form or appearance." It can refer to an outward change or, as here, to an inward change. The present tense denotes an ongoing process: We are "constantly being transformed." Transformed into his likeness is literally "transformed into the same image." It is taken as a matter of course by many that the image Paul has in view is Christ's image (NIV into his likeness). He could also be thinking of how gospel ministers should be carbon copies of one another, if they are truly carrying on Christ's ministry of reflecting God's glory to a dark world.

Transformation is not a one-shot affair. It is transformation into a likeness that is with ever-increasing glory (v. 18). With ever-increasing glory is literally "from glory to glory." The phrase denotes a splendour that steadily grows, in contrast to the short-lived glory of Moses' face. It was the property of mirrors back in those days (which were made of a flat, circular piece of cast metal) that the more polished the surface, the clearer the image. Continuous elbow grease was needed to keep away corrosion. The picture is a provocative one. The life and ministry of the believer are depicted as a mirror that is in need of continual polishing so as to reproduce to an ever-increasing extent the glorious knowledge and truths of the gospel.

This ever-increasing glory, Paul states, comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. As the unveiled glory of Moses' face is ascribed to his coming before Yahweh, so the unveiled, glorified face of the gospel minister is attributed to the activity of the Spirit. It is the third member of the Trinity and his work that take center stage in this chapter. The Spirit brings about understanding regarding the temporal character of the Mosaic covenant (3:13-17) and makes known in unveiled or plain fashion the truths of the gospel through the preaching and transformed life of the new covenant minister (vv. 2, 18). It is also because of the Spirit that the gospel minister has the freedom, unlike Moses—and perhaps unlike Paul's opponents—to unveil his or her face (v. 17). This durable glory, according to Paul, stems from the new covenant as a covenant of the life-giving Spirit rather than a death-giving letter (3:6-11).

The Bible Panorama

2 Corinthians 3

V 1–3: SELF-COMMENDATION Paul refers to letters of introduction, often used to assure new churches that those coming to them are authentic Christians. Initially, the false apostles commended themselves. Paul says he needs no letter of commendation when coming to the Corinthian church, because they themselves are his letter of commendation. They are saved because he has been there with the gospel.

V 4–6: SPIRIT’S CONFIDENCE He quickly adds that his confidence is not based on self-effort, but on what the Holy Spirit has done. His confidence comes because of God’s action through Christ.

V 7–11: STRIKING COMPARISON He then compares the fading glory on Moses’ face after the Ten Commandments were given, with the surpassing lasting glory through the gospel. The Ten Commandments condemn men, but the gospel saves them

. V 12–18: SUPERIOR COVENANT The Old Testament covenant can never unveil a person’s spiritual blindness. That only happens through God the Holy Spirit, when He gives understanding, transforming power, and glory through faith in Christ.

Dictionary of Bible Themes

8349 spiritual growth, means of

God has provided various means by which believers may grow spiritually.

God supplies the resources for spiritual growth

Php 2:13; 2Pe 1:3 See also Jn 1:16; Jn 4:14; Jn 15:2,5; 1Co 10:13; 2Co 3:18; 2Co 9:10; Gal 5:22-23; Php 1:6; Col 2:19; Jas 1:17; Jas 4:6; Jude 24

Philippians 2:13New Living Translation (NLT)

13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

God’s people must make efforts to grow spiritually

Php 2:12; 2Pe 1:5-9 See also Ro 6:19; 2Co 7:1; Gal 5:16,25; Eph 5:15-16; Eph 6:11-13; 1Ti 4:7; 1Ti 6:11-12; 2Ti 1:6; 2Pe 3:14; 1Jn 3:3; Jude 20

Specific means of spiritual growth

Death to self-interest Col 3:5 See also Mt 16:24 pp Mk 8:34 pp Lk 9:23; Ro 6:6,12; Ro 8:13; Eph 4:22; Col 3:9; 1Pe 1:14; 1Pe 2:11

Colossians 3:5New Living Translation (NLT)

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

The Scriptures 2Ti 3:16-17 See also Jos 1:8; Ps 19:7-8; Ps 119:9-11; Jn 17:17; Eph 6:17; Col 3:16; 1Pe 2:2; 1Jn 2:14

Prayer Mt 6:13 pp Lk 11:4 Col 4:2 See also 1Ch 16:11; Mt 7:11 pp Lk 11:13; Mt 26:41 pp Mk 14:38 pp Lk 22:46; Jn 16:24; Ac 4:29-31; Eph 6:18; 1Th 5:17; Jas 1:5

Focusing on Jesus Christ Heb 3:1 See also Mt 11:29; Jn 13:15; Ro 15:5; Php 2:5; Heb 12:2-3; 1Pe 2:21; 1Jn 2:6

The role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual growth

Eph 3:16-18 See also Eph 1:13-14,17; Eph 2:19-22

Christian leadership Eph 4:11-13 See also 1Co 4:16; 1Co 11:1; Php 1:25; Php 3:17; Heb 13:7,17; 1Pe 5:2-3

Faith in God Eph 6:16 See also Heb 11:6; 1Jn 5:4

Suffering and testing Ro 5:3-4 See also Job 23:10; Ps 119:67; Zec 13:9; Heb 12:10-11; 1Pe 1:6-7; Jas 1:2-4

Blair Humphreys

Southport, Merseyside, England

SOVEREIGN GOD, Thy cause, not my own, engages my heart, Valley of Vision, Banner of Truth

SOVEREIGN GOD,

Thy cause, not my own, engages my heart,

      and I appeal to thee with greatest freedom

  to set up thy kingdom in every place

    where Satan reigns;

Glorify thyself and I shall rejoice,

  for to bring honour to thy name is my sole desire.

I adore thee that thou art God,

  and long that others should know it, feel it,

    and rejoice in it.

O that all men might love and praise thee,

  that thou mightest have all glory

    from the intelligent world!

Let sinners be brought to thee for thy dear name!

To the eye of reason everything respecting

    the conversion of others is as dark as midnight,

But thou canst accomplish great things;

  the cause is thine,

  and it is to thy glory that men should be saved.

Lord, use me as thou wilt,

  do with me what thou wilt;

    but, O, promote thy cause,

  let thy kingdom come,

  let thy blessed interest be advanced

    in this world!

O do thou bring in great numbers to Jesus!

  let me see that glorious day,

  and give me to grasp for multitudes of souls;

  let me be willing to die to that end;

  and while I live let me labour for thee

    to the utmost of my strength,

    spending time profitably in this work,

    both in health and in weakness.

It is thy cause and kingdom I long for,

    not my own.

Valley of Vision, Banner of Truth

Sovereign God,  Banner of Truth.

Words for The Wise, Godly Living, Titus 3 Nasb.

 

 

Titus 3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Godly Living

3 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Saviour and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs [a]according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Personal Concerns

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. 14 Our people must also learn to engage in good [b]deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

The Church in the World (3:1-8)

Biblical Christians are by definition in a predicament. Christians must live in this world, but they are not of this world. As the Father sent Christ into this world to minister, so he sends believers to be ministers in the world (Jn 17:14-18).

Titus 2:1—3:8 is concerned with living in this world. The previous passage stresses engagement in the world, by enforcing Christian respectability in a way that shows sensitivity to accepted social rules and relationships. At this point the question of the Christian's general attitude toward all people and political institutions is raised. What is the Christian's obligation in relation to the world—that is, to its unbelieving inhabitants and its political structure? The early church had to deal with this question (1) because it was compelled by Christ's missionary mandate to reach the world with the gospel, a task that requires interaction, and (2) because the political system was generally opposed to the exclusive claims of Christianity.

What Paul has to say in Titus 3 is not new, but reflects agreement with both his own earlier thinking and that of 1 Peter 2:13-17. The instruction in 3:1-8 divides into three parts: verses 1-2 give the instructions; verses 3-7 give the theological foundation for the behaviour that is prescribed; and verse 8 adds a missionary motive.

Christian Living in the World (3:1-2)

Christian conduct outside of the church is to be sensitive in two directions, to government authorities (v. 1) and to all people (v. 2).

Paul's injunction to recognize the state is firmly embedded in the New Testament church's ethical code. Here we find a command common to other New Testament "household codes" at the head of a list of virtues (see 1 Tim 4:12; 6:11; 2 Tim 2:22; 3:10). It is likely that Paul and other New Testament writers drew on and adapted teaching from a common source to which the "household code" belonged (see on 1 Tim 2). This aspect of the teaching encouraged the church to respect the government; a form of the verb "to be subject to" is typical of this kind of teaching (Rom 13:1, 5; 1 Pet 2:13). Essentially, the instruction calls for Christians to participate in this level of the social structure (as far as possible) according to society's rules.

Participation as such takes two courses. "Obedience" is left unexplained, but presumably it corresponds to Romans 13:6 where a specific example of doing what is obligatory (paying taxes; in 1 Tim 2:2, obedience takes the form of praying for—and thereby expressing loyalty to—government leaders) underlines the need to do what the "system" requires. Subjection to the state—that is, adherence to and recognition of this institution—means obeying the rules.

Yet subjection also necessitates the more active expression of the Christian life which is (according to the early church's code) traditionally termed "doing good" (Rom 13:3; 1 Pet 2:15). This was the attitude of the respectable, loyal citizen. As with the other two passages cited and throughout the Pastorals, "doing good" is Christian existence portrayed in tangible ways in the life of the believer or the community (collectively) as the observable manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Paul has stressed in other contexts that this "expression of the Spirit" will include socially responsible behaviour (Tit 2; 1 Tim 2:8-15; 5:1-2, 9-14; 6:1-2).

At verse 2 the church's responsibility toward all people comes into view. The tradition seems to have influenced Paul here to connect this responsibility and the responsibility to the state (compare 1 Pet 2:13, 17). Essentially, the instructions advise the Cretan Christians to make as few waves as possible by living in a way that fosters good relations. In the area of speech, Christians are not to be known as those who slander others. Rather, in speech and conduct (that is, in the totality of life; see discussion at 1 Tim 4:12) they are to be known for peace able ness, gentleness (NIV considerate) and meekness (humility) toward all people.

Misunderstanding these qualities leads to what has been called "doormat Christianity." But in reality they have nothing to do with passivity. Peaceableness is a conscious mode of response that allows one to resist taking a violent course in difficult situations, often sacrificially, in order to save relationships. Gentleness (or consideration) is an attitude that quiets personal concerns to make room for the concerns of others. And meekness (humility) is that balanced perception of oneself that makes it possible to regard others as more important (compare Phil 2:3-4). In fact, the last two qualities describe Christlikeness, the basic disposition of Christ toward others (2 Cor 10:1; compare 1 Tim 3:3; 2 Tim 2:25). Paul's language portrays Christian living in relation to all people as reasoned forbearance in every aspect of life, the putting of the concerns of others ahead of one's own.

The Bible Panorama

Titus 3

V 1–2: ACCEPT AUTHORITY Church members are to be told to accept lawful authority and to be ready to do good works. They must live peaceably and gently, speaking no evil and showing humility to all men.

V 3–8: CONVERSION CONDUCT Paul reminds Titus of the shameful and wicked ways that he and they lived before coming to know Christ. But God’s kindness and love in Christ have changed that, through His mercy, His cleansing and the work of His Holy Spirit in response to faith in Jesus Christ. Because of God’s grace, which has justified repentant sinners, they should now maintain good works, and Titus must teach this because it is good and profitable for them all.

 V 9–11: DAMAGING DIVISIONS Foolish disputes and unprofitable discussions which are going nowhere, and lead to strife, are to be avoided. A person causing division is to be warned twice only. If he still continues in his selfishness and sin, he is then to be rejected. The implication is that church discipline should then exclude him until repentance and faith are manifested.

V 12–14: SUPPORTING SAINTS Paul looks forward to a visit from Titus soon, and briefs him on the itineraries of some of his co-labourers in the gospel. He urges Titus to make sure that God’s saints are supported in their needs, lacking nothing. The church people must also maintain good works to meet their needs, and thus be fruitful.

V 15: GRACIOUS GREETINGS Again, Paul ends one of his letters by sending the greetings of all with him and asking Titus to greet all who love him in the faith. They need what he wants for them, namely God’s grace.

Dictionary of Bible Themes

4018 life, spiritual

Life embraces more than physical existence; it includes humanity’s relationship with God. Human beings come to life spiritually only through faith in the redeeming work of God in Jesus Christ. This spiritual life is a foretaste of the life which believers will finally enjoy to the full in the new heaven and earth. Life in the Spirit means keeping in step with the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and always being open to his gifts and empowerment.

The nature of spiritual life

It is new life Ac 5:20 See also Ac 11:18; 2Pe 1:3; 1Jn 3:14

It is true life 1Ti 6:19

It is eternal life Ro 5:21 See also Da 12:2; Mt 19:29; Jn 6:27; 1Jn 5:11,20

It is abundant life Ps 16:11; Jer 17:8 See also Ps 1:3; Jn 10:10

The origins and nature of spiritual life

Spiritual life is the work of the Holy Spirit Jn 3:6,8 See also Eze 36:26; Jn 3:3,5-7; Ro 8:11; Tit 3:5-7

Spiritual life unites believers to Jesus Christ Eph 2:4-5 See also Ro 6:3-5; Ro 8:10; 1Co 12:13; Col 2:13; 1Jn 5:12

Spiritual life makes believers the children of God Jn 1:12-13 See also Dt 30:20; Mt 6:9; Ro 8:15; Jas 1:18; 1Jn 4:7; 1Jn 5:1

Spiritual life brings people to know God Jn 17:3 See also Mt 11:27

Spiritual life brings about faith Jn 3:15; Jn 20:31 See also Jn 3:16,36; Jn 5:24; Jn 6:40; Jn 11:25

Keeping in step with the Spirit

A new way of life is made possible Gal 5:25 See also Ro 8:5-6,9-16; Gal 5:16-18,22-24

Bondage to the written law is ended Ro 2:29 See also Ro 7:6; Ro 8:2; 2Co 3:6; Gal 5:17-18

Obedience to God is made possible Ro 8:4 See also Eze 36:27; Ro 8:13; Gal 5:16; 1Th 4:7-8

Deepening unity is encouraged Eph 4:3 See also Col 2:13; Php 2:1-4

Strength and encouragement are received Ac 9:31

Gifts for those living in the Spirit

Gifts are given for building up the church 1Co 12:4-11 See also Ro 12:6-8; 1Co 12:27-30

Visions are given Ac 2:17; Joel 2:28; Rev 1:10,12-13; Rev 4:2; Rev 17:3; Rev 21:10

Miracles are worked Mt 12:28 See also Ac 10:38; Ro 15:19; Gal 3:5

Ministry is enhanced 2Co 3:6 See also 2Co 3:7-9

Those living in the Spirit receive revelation and guidance

God is revealed as Father Gal 4:6 See also Ro 8:14-16

God’s purposes are revealed 1Co 2:9-10 See also Ro 15:13; 2Co 5:2-5; Gal 5:5; Eph 1:17-18

Guidance is given to believers Ac 8:29 See also Ac 10:19; Ac 11:12; Ac 13:2; Ac 16:6-7; Ac 20:22-23

Help is given to pray Ro 8:26-27; Eph 6:18; Jude 20

The Holy Spirit sanctifies those in whom he lives

Through the Spirit, Jesus Christ lives in believers Eph 3:16-17

The Spirit transforms believers 2Co 3:18 See also Ro 15:16; 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2

The fruit of the Spirit is seen in believers’ lives Ac 13:52; Ro 5:5; Ro 8:6; Ro 14:17; Ro 15:30; Gal 5:22-23; Col 1:8; 1Th 1:6

Examples of life in the Holy Spirit

Jesus Christ Mt 4:1 pp Mk 1:12 pp Lk 4:1; Mt 12:18,28; Lk 4:14,18; Lk 10:21; Ac 10:38

Simeon Lk 2:25-27

Peter Ac 4:8; Ac 10:19,44

Stephen Ac 6:5,10; Ac 7:55

The first Christians Ac 4:31; Ac 6:3-5; Ac 11:24,27-29; Ac 13:1-3; Ac 15:28

Yours by His Grace

Blair Humphreys

Southport, Merseyside,  United Kingdom

31^st July 2015