The goal of our instruction

passerby, just before the verse docs gave is a warning. In fact, the entire context is a warning.

Paul had some extremely volatile situations, yet he never attacked anyone, personally. Paul disputed with the Jews on a daily basis. I don't see where it ever got personal on Paul's part.

Act 17:17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market DAILY with them that met with him.

They treated him badly and ridiculed him but he persevered.

Act 17:18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this BABBLER say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

The Jews would stir up others emotions when they heard people were receiving what Paul was saying.

Act 17:13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and STIRRED UP THE PEOPLE.

Ahhh, to be as noble as the Bereans were with Paul. They did not take things personally and attack Paul. They simply searched the scriptures with a ready and willing mind.

Act 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

I would have loved to be a "fly on the wall" and listen to Paul and the Bereans go back and forth on many issues. I'll take that coffee! :-)

Acts 17:5-8 If they could not refute Paul, they troubled the rulers and the people of the city as they sought to marginalize him and the other disciples in a very bad way. History always repeats itself when it comes to fallen human nature.

Reminds me of this with Jesus:
John 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

Well, they did not leave Jesus alone, but the Romans did not take away their "place" or nation. I think you gave the verse earlier regarding that.

Yes, there is to be always a goal of our instruction, correcting in meekness, etc.

I think to bring out proper counterbalance so that people don't miss apply this to everything, it should also be said that there are many instances where John the Baptist, Jesus, the apostles actually call people out publicly for their false teachings, call people out by name, and even call them names in certain instances. And these are always of course when the gospel itself is being maligned and/or twisted, and not what we would call a "non-essential", even though some of these things are also very important. And of course these were all by prophetic inspiration of the spirit and some people think they are operating in this to some degree when they are just operating and judgment on this and criticalness, so let one look close with the Lord and analyze his ways always.

What I mean, is that John the Baptist called this Pharisees and Sadducees a brood of vipers, snakes etc. and Jesus called them whitewashed times and sepulchers, sons of their father the devil, etc.

Paul called out by name one who left him to return to his love for this world, called Peter out publicly for the sake of the purity of the gospel when the code to cho called out by name one who left him to return to his love for this world, called peter out publicly for the sake of the purity of the gospel when the cowered to the Jews, etc., etc.

So " there is a time & season for everything under the sun", but very often what you see more than a true prophetic calling out of these things head on, is a swinging of the sword of the flesh in pride, arrogance, & vitriolic self defense like The sons of thunder who "didn't know what spirit they were of", or Peter chopping off years while trying to chop off heads and being review sword away. Let each one be humble & be marked overall By meekness, love, graciousness, kindness, gentleness and truth.

And of course "instruction" & rebuke can be two totally different issues also obviously (I don't want to do semantical gymnastics, & I think I know & understand/agree with the OP, but just felt further clarity might be helpful?).

God Bless!
Jeff

That's right, Jeff. Jesus called out the hypocrites, confronted them head-on. But, to those who knew they needed a physician, He did not hammer them and drive them into the ground. "A bruised reed He would not break".

Amen

Hey docs,

I think Jesus' letters to the seven churches in Revelation is a starting point for revival.

Ephesus - return to thy first love (Jesus). The left it.

Smyrna - Do not fear persecution or death

Pergamos - They hold fast the name of Christ, repent for holding the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

Thyatira - Hold fast that which you already have.

Sardis - They were not watching and praying. Not alert to the days they were living in. Remember what thous hast received and heard and hold fast and repent.

Philadelphia - They have kept Christ's word and not denied His name.

Laodiceans - Their love for Jesus grew lukewarm. Neither cold nor hot, but indifferent. Thought they were rich and in need of nothing. Self-assurance, false security.

I see that Revelation repeats the phrase "hold fast", three times. I thought I would look up other occurrences. I think they are illuminating and am going to meditate on them. Thought you might like to see them.

Other occurrences of "Holding fast" and "Holding".

1Th_5:21 Prove all things; hold fast THAT WHICH IS GOOD.

Tit_1:9 HOLDING FAST the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
2Ti_1:13 HOLD FAST the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Heb_3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we HOLD FAST the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Heb_4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us HOLD FAST our profession.
Heb_10:23 Let us HOLD FAST the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Php_2:16 HOLDING FORTH the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Col_2:19 And not HOLDING THE HEAD, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
1Ti_1:19 HOLDING FAITH, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1Ti_3:9 HOLDING the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
Tit_1:9 HOLDING FAST the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Blessings to all.