#william barcley

The Apostle Paul had many coworkers and close companions. But most likely Paul’s closest companion was Timothy. Timothy is prominent in Paul’s ministry and letters. In six of Paul’s thirteen letters, he links himself with Timothy in the opening greeting section, as if Timothy were coauthor of the letters (2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon). Timothy is mentioned in two other letters (Romans and 1 Corinthians). Two letters are addressed to him. So, of the thirteen Pauline letters, Timothy appears in ten of them.

The Bible uses a number of striking agricultural images when speaking about God’s people and God’s relationship with them. Isaiah 5 includes the song of God’s vineyard that yields only wild grapes, and God gives it over to be destroyed. The psalmist compares the righteous man to a fruitful tree planted by streams of water (Ps. 1:3). Jesus tells parables about a sower, seed and soil, about wheat and tares, and about a mustard seed.

William Barcley

William Barcley

In the northeast section of St. Petersburg, Fla., there is a neighborhood called Barcley Estates. It is an area developed and built by Barcley Builders, a company started and operated by my father and his brother. It is known to be a desirable, family-friendly neighborhood in the city, one where houses maintain their value. The homes are well built. My dad was a meticulous man who sought to do his work well. Recently, a high school friend who lives in Barcley Estates sent me a note saying, “I’m thankful for the quality homes your dad and your uncle built.”

The Bible uses a number of striking agricultural images when speaking about God’s people and God’s relationship with them. Isaiah 5 includes the song of God’s vineyard that yields only wild grapes, and God gives it over to be destroyed. The psalmist compares the righteous man to a fruitful tree planted by streams of water (Ps. 1:3). Jesus tells parables about a sower, seed and soil, about wheat and tares, and about a mustard seed. He also compares Himself to a vine and His disciples to branches. These images are powerful tools, not only because they are memorable, but also because they vividly portray how God works and how His people are to respond.