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1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. The Pastoral letters. Introducing the Pastoral Letters. Why called Pastoral Letters or Epistles? Written by Paul to those involved in pastoral roles 1 Tim and Titus include information about setting up pastors or elders and deacons
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1 & 2 Timothy and Titus The Pastoral letters
Introducing the Pastoral Letters • Why called Pastoral Letters or Epistles? • Written by Paul to those involved in pastoral roles • 1 Tim and Titus include information about setting up pastors or elders and deacons • These 3 books are rejected by many critical scholars as being from the Apostle Paul • Because of differing vocabulary and style • Because of perceived historical discrepancies • For the first 17 centuries the pastoral epistles were not questioned. The reasons for rejecting Pauline authorship are only speculation.
Introduction of 1 Timothy • Written by Paul after his Roman imprisonment in the mid-60’s, possibly in Macedonia. (1:3) • Written to Timothy, Paul’s faithful companion. Paul called him “my true son in the faith.” (1:2) • Very personal letter warning about false teachings, reminding Timothy of his task, teaching about leadership in the church, and reminder of proper conduct in the church.
Themes in 1 Timothy • Grace on Paul (1:12-17) • Instructions to men and women (2:8-15) • Elders and Deacons (3:1-13) • False teaching (1:3-11; 4:1-8) • Love of money (6:3-10, 17-19)
Introduction to 2 Timothy • Written by Paul in prison during his second and final imprisonment in Rome (66-67). He feels near to the time of his death. • If he is near execution, then he is probably not under house arrest but rather in a prison cell. • It is a very personal letter to Timothy which includes many last instructions to his beloved son in the faith to not be ashamed of the gospel and to execute his duties in the Lord.
Themes in 2 Timothy • Be strong in grace of Jesus (2:1-7) • Be strong in your youth (2:22-26) • The last words (3:10-4:22)
Introduction to Titus • Addressed to Titus in Crete • Paul had worked in Crete at some point (1:5) • Written during the same period as 1 Timothy (mid 60’s) • Cretans were known for evil (1:12)
Themes in Titus • Long Introduction (1:1-3) • Practical teaching (2:1-8) • Doing what is good by grace (2:11-14; 3:3-8)