The Saints in Christ Jesus
“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (Philippians 1:1)
In the Old Testament, many things were set apart for God’s own purpose. The tabernacle (Exodus 25:8), and later the temple (1 Kings 6:13), were set apart to serve as a place where God would dwell among His people, where sacrifices were offered, foreshadowing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The tribe of Levi were set apart to serve God in the tabernacle and later the temple, “thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine” (Numbers 8:14). The nation of Israel was set apart as God’s chosen people, “the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6). Likewise, tithes and offerings were set apart as a means for God’s people to demonstrate their love towards the Lord and support the temple ministries, “bring all the tithes into the storehouse” (Malachi 3:10).
Continue reading “The Saints in Christ Jesus”