NEW TESTAMENT FOUNDATIONS

THE INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH

PASTORAL EPISTLES

Introduction

A. Distinctiveness of collection

B. Background to letters1. Addressed to Timothy & Titus

2. Delegated authority to deal with issues arising in the churches of Ephesus (Timothy) & Crete (Titus)

3. Appointment of church leaders & to provide pastoral care

4. Christian spirituality & authenticity

C. Question of Authenticity: complex issue1. Difficulties

a. Language & style:i. words & language otherwise

unknown in Paul ii. style differs from other Pauline letters

b. Historical problems: how to fit these letters

into what we already know of Paul’s life

c. Theology & ethicsi. church organization, it is claimed, is too

developed

ii. “faith”, “law”, and “righteousness” appear to be differently nuanced

iii. eschatological ethics? 2. General consensus 3. Some unresolved questions

D. Reasonable assumption: “Pauline” in flavor therefore assumes they were “written” by Paul.

The 3rd Missionary Journey of Paul

I TIMOTHY

A. Timothy’s personal history

1. From Lystra

2. Mother a Jewess & father was a Greek

3. Led to Christ by Paul (1 Cor. 4:14-17; 1 Tim. 1:2); circumcised & is taken on 2nd missionary journey

(Acts 16:1-3)

4. Timothy raised in the OT Scriptures (1 Tim. 1:5; 3:13-15)

5. Paul said of Timothy: “my son whom I love” (1 Cor.

4:17); “my true son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2); “my dear son” (2 Tim. 1:2).

6. Timothy’s age (a matter of concern)

Lystra in Asia Minor

B. CharacterTender, affectionate (1 Cor. 4:17; Phil. 2:20-21)Timid, tactful (1 Cor. 16:10-11; 1 Tim. 4:12; 2

Tim. 1:6-7)Faithful, loyal (1 Cor. 4:17)Conscientious (Phil. 2:19-23)Devoted to God (1 Tim. 6:11)Sickly or with a physical infirmity (1 Tim. 5:23)

C. Timothy’s relationship with Paul

Occasion & Purpose

A. Traditional description: a “church manual” to install proper church order

Problems with this view B. Alternative characterization

1. Central problem is false teachers (1:3-4; cf. 1:5- 11, 18-20; 4:1-5; 6:3-10, 20-21).

2. False teachers:a. Identity

i. from within the community (cf. Acts 20:17ff)ii. they are teachers of the Scriptures (= Law; 1:3-7)iii. that:

(a) considerable emphasis on nature of leadership (3:1-16)(b) discipline & appointment of elders (5:20-25)(c) along with the letter being addressed to Timothy - suggests the problem is with elders in the church

b. Contenti. myths & “endless” genealogies (1:4; 4:7; cf. 1:7;

2:11-15; Titus 1:14-16; 3:9; OT speculations?)

ii. involved a call for asceticism (4:3-4, 8; maybe also 5:22f)

iii. proffered as “gnosis” (6:20)

iv. comparable to Colossians, Ephesians

c. Behaviori. controversialists (1:6; 6:4; 2 Tim 2:14, 16,

23; 4:3-4)

ii. self-styled teachers of the Law (1:7-11; cf. Titus 3:9)

iii. apparently offered prayers only for select

groups (2:1-6)

iv. motivated by greed (6:3-10) v. making inroads in individual homes, particularly among

younger widows (5:11-15) vi. apparently the behavior of many involved is

occasioning slander (3:1-12; 5:14; 6:1-2)

3. “New Roman woman” ideology (cf. Winter, Roman Wives, Roman Widows)

i. Wives & widows were addressed – in 1 Tim. 2:9-10, 15; 5:3-16; Titus 2:1-8.

ii. Women were busybodies: gadding about, instead of

getting on with their duties. iii. Extravagance (1 Tim. 2:9). iv. Led astray (1 Tim. 4:17).

v. Reflection of contemporary society: Recent works on epigraphic & literary evidence point to the emergence of a “new Roman woman.” She exercised her mobility, freedom & opportunities to participate in public life (politics, law, business, patronage, benefaction). She also flouted the culturally-accepted dress code & sexual propriety.

Paul’s concern: a. socio-cultural influence of “new Roman woman”

on the behavior of Christian women.

b. missionary witness of the church in secular society.

4. Paul’s response to the crisisa. regards as ultimately demonic (4:1-2)

b. excommunicated Hymenaeus & Alexander (1:20; cf. 1 Cor 5)

c. concerned about Timothy’s ability to cope (4:12 -

5:2)

d. emphasis on good public witness & responsible domestic responsibilities & propriety (social

conservatism)

5. Purpose of the letter:a. Message is to the church: on how it ought to conduct itself (3:15): bad theology bad behavior

Paul grounded this life in Christ’s salvation (Tit 2:11-12).

Note “godliness” (eusebeia, I Tim 2:2; 3:16; 4:8; 5:4; 6:3, 5, 6, 11; 2 Tim 3:12; Tit 1: 1; 2:12). Faith in God/Christ leads to appropriate response of love & service. Godliness = Faith + Deeds

In summary, the church is to: i. reject false teachers

ii. hold fast to the truth in both word & deed (i.e. godliness)

iii. maintain good witness & public respectability.

Good Public Reputation credibility of Gospel = Effective Evangelism

iv. respect Timothy as though he were Paul himself

c. Message is to Timothyi. to stop the propagation of the false teaching

(1:3-4)

ii. conduct yourself appropriately (4:16)

iii. be strong in your task

Outline & Content

A. Introduction1. Brief greeting

2. Issues laid out (1:3-20)

a. reminding Timothy (and the church) of his task (vv. 3-7, 18-20)

b. dealing with false teachers

(1) they are in error (vv. 3-11)(2) by way of contrast, Paul’s gospel (vv. 12-17)

B. Worship (2:1-15; always a good clue to the health of a church)

1. Prayer: is to be for ALL (vv. 1-7)a. Disunity & heresy hinder prayer

b. Prayer reflects the character of God who wants ALL to be saved

c. Is evident in Jesus, mediator who gave himself a ransom for ALL people.

d. and in Paul’s ministry to ALL

e. Why pray for those in authority?(1) That we might live “peaceful & quiet lives” (2:2b)

(2) That we might live “in all godliness and seriousness/holiness” (2:2c)

2. Prayer: demeanor (vv. 8-10)

a. Men: raise holy hands (standard Jewish stance) to God

Mal. 1:11: “For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering; for my name is great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts” Church’s prayer: Fulfillment of God’s eschatological reality to save the nations.

b. Women: with modesty & adornment of good deeds, including homemaking (v. 15; 5:10, 14) Paul’s concern: “physical adornment” versus “spiritual adornment;” “outward beauty” versus “inward beauty.”

Elaborate hairstyle & hair jewelry

Hallmarks a Christian lady: dress modestly; live a life of self-control and doing works of Christian service.

3. A specific dimension of the problem (vv. 11-15): some women propagating myth, and doing so in a particularly violent & domineering manner A mixture of false teaching & the secular influence of the “new woman.”

C. Church leaders (3:1-16): given the leadership problems, what qualifies someone to leadership in the church?

1. Particular polemical focus

2. Three groups discussed:a. Overseers (vv. 2-7)

i. Age: presbyteroi (“elders”)

ii. NT role of elders:(1) Teaching/Shepherding (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2)(2) Protecting believers from heresy (Acts 20:17, 28-31; Titus 1:5, 6, 9)(3) Leading/Governing believers (as an overseer) (Acts 20:28; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:2)(4) Praying (for the sick) (James 5:14)(5) Testifying to the church as representative (e.g. Acts 11:30 in the distribution of money; Acts 15:22 as officials of the church)

iii. Qualities (from I Tim & Titus 1:6-9)(1) Negative/disqualifying behavior: not arrogant, not

quick-tempered, not violent, not quarrelsome, not a heavy-drinker, not greedy for gain, not loving money.

(2) Positive virtues & abilities: faultless, above reproach, hospitable, gentle, loving good, devout, just, showing good sense, self-controlled, sober, dignified.

(3) Life situation (as an example to community): good reputation with outsiders, ‘one-woman’ man (i.e. marital faithfulness), his children are believers (or faithful/submissive), he is not a recent convert.

(4) Skills (related to his function): manages well his

household, able to teach.

b. Male deacons/ministers (vv. 8-10, 12-13) c. Female deacons/ministers (v. 11)

3. “Husband of one wife” (lit. “one-woman man”, v. 2). 4 major views:

i. The elder must be married.

ii The elder must be married only once.

iii. The elder must be monogamous.

iv. The elder must a faithful husband.

D. Personal instructions to Timothy (4:1—5:2)1. Appearance of false teachers is not surprising;

the Spirit already foretold it (vv. 1-5; cf. Acts 20:29f)

2. Timothy’s appropriate response to the false

teachers (vv. 6—5:2)a. In general (vv. 6-10): avoid profane myths, train in godliness

b. Be an example, with regard to his manner of life (vv. 11—5:2):

(1) speech & conduct

(2) reflecting love, faith, and purity

E. Two particular problem groups (5:3-25)1. On younger widows (vv. 3-16): by way of

contrast between true widows & othersa. First, what characterizes a genuine widow

i. over a given age, marital faithfulness, no other means of support (family)

ii. led a godly life

5 typical examples of good works: a. She had reared her children responsibly (assuming she had children)

b. She had been hospitable.

c. She had humbly served her Christian brothers & sisters.

d. She had helped people in special need.

e. She had “devoted herself/being zealous” to goodworks.

b. Advice to young widows

2. On elders (vv. 17-25)a. double honor

b. discipline of elders

4 hallmarks of sound disciplinary procedure:i. Admissible evidence (5:19)

ii. Actual sin (5:20)

iii. Appropriate discipline (5:20)

iv. Absolute impartiality (5:21)

F. Conclusion1. Brief comments on the behavior of slaves (vv. 1-2)

2. Final censure of false teachers (vv. 3-10)

3. Final charge to Timothy (vv. 11-21)

4. I Tim’s view on materialism

i. Real “gain” is godliness with contentment

ii. Because material things are transient (6:7-8)

Prov. 30:8-9:… give me neither poverty nor riches,

but give me only my daily bread.

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you

and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’

and so dishonor the name of my God.

iii. Greed opens the door to temptation (6:9-10)

TITUS

A. Titus’ identity

1. Data:a. A Gentile (Gal 2:1-3)

b. Association with Paul back to at least AD

48

c. Involved in handling Corinth crisis & overseeing the collection (2 Cor 7:6-16; 8:6ff; 12:17-18)

2. Characteristics:a. Perhaps older & more confident

b. Also called Paul’s “true child in the common faith” (1:4)

c. diplomatic

d. later tradition

B. Occasion1. Timing & history

2. Motivating concern

Primary concern seems to be the stability of the newly established communities; therefore…

a. Appoint elders

b. Exhort various social groups to Christian behaviori. live as Christ, for the sake of those on the

outside

ii. apparently Cretans did not have a good reputation around the Mediterranean (1:12-13)

c. Address false teachers; similar issues as Ephesus d. To motivate change Dominant theme in Titus: good works (1:8, 16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14) and exemplary Christian behavior for the sake of outsiders (2:5, 7, 8, 10, 11; 3:1, 8).

C. Content1. Introduction (1:1-4)

2. Appointment of elders (= overseers; 1:5-9)

“Having children who believe” (Gr. tekna echon pista, v. 6)2 possible views:

(i) Elders/leaders must have children who believe (i.e. Christians) (Marshall, Mounce, Towner)

(ii) Elders or leaders whose children are “faithful

or trustworthy” (i.e. obedient & submissive) (Knight)

3. General censure of false teachers (1:6-10)

4. Exhortations to the church (2:1-14)a. various groups in the church & reminders to

Titus (vv.1-10)i. Older men (2:2)

ii. Older women (2:3)

iii. Young women (2:4-5)

iv. Young men (2:6-8)

v. Slaves (2:9-10)

b. theological basis: the grace of God as the ground of the exhortations (vv.11-14)

Christian living = rejection of the past (idolatry, self-centered desires) + good works + eschatological hope

5. Living in society (3:1-8a) 6. Final exhortation and personal remarks (3:8b-11)

Structure of 3:4-7:But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior appeared (Time)

Not because of deeds which are done in righteousness (Means negated)

But because of his mercy (Means affirmed)

He saved us (Main action)

Through/by the washing of rebirth (Means of salvation) And Renewal by the Holy Spirit

Whom he poured out upon us richlyThrough Jesus Christ our Savior

So that, having been justified by his grace (Purpose)We might become heirs

in accordance with the hope of eternal life

3:6: Rebirth & Renewal: the work of the SpiritRebirth is a coming back to life from death “Rebirth” = baptism & conversion Renewal synonymous with “re-creation” (cf. 2 Cor 5:17). “Renewal” = new beginning or transformation & renewal brought about by the Holy Spirit.

2 TIMOTHYA. Introduction

1. Remaining matters as they were in 1 Tima. Timothy is still in Ephesus (1:15; 2:16-17; 4:12- 13; cf. 1 Tim 1:20; 6:20)

b. Paul continues to encourage Timothyi. not to loose heart in his ministry (1:6-7, 13-14; 2:1-7, 15-16, 22-26; 3:10—4:5)

Timothy to depend on the gift of the Spirit which was given to him and which takes away fear (1:6-7).

How can we be strong? Let Christ’s grace empower us (2:1)

Our roles:(1) Teacher(2) Soldier(3) Athlete(4) Farmer

Am I a strong Christian in the grace of Christ/Spirit?

ii. to continue to combat false teaching (2:14-26; cf. 3:1-9; 4:3-5)

How to be God’s approved workman? (2:15) How can the church continue to exist?By affirming the Lord’s sovereign control (2:19)

The church with 2 types of people: (a) Those who hold to the truth & to godliness are

therefore destined for honor (gold/silver honorable purposes) (b) Those who persist in error & ungodliness are destined for judgment (wood/clay ignoble purposes)

The permanence of the church rests in God’s effective knowledge (God’s choice) which finds its visible expression in the life of God’s people.

2. Alarming developmentsa. Paul again in prison (1:8; 2:9; 4:16)

b. The false teachers are gaining in influence

(1:15; 2:14-18; 3:1-9, 13; 4:3-4)

c. In stark contrast to I Tim, the church is hardly mentioned (2:14; cf. 2:2), the letter abounds in admonitions to Timothy

i. keep persevering in his ministry, in his loyalty to Christ, and to Paul, in spite of

(a) persecution

Paul’s suffering & OT theme of the “righteous sufferer”

Ps. 33:18 (LXX; MT 34:17-19): “The righteous ones cried out, and the Lord heard them and delivered them from all their afflictions.”

Ps. 33:20: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, and yet he will rescue them from them all.” (b) others’ desertion

ii. be strong, and endure hardship for the sake of the elect

iii. continue to resist false teaching and to instruct them

d. Finally, now Timothy is to entrust his mission in Ephesus to others (Tychicus) and to return to Paul (II Tim 2:2; 4:9)

B. Purpose1. Paul’s final word: passing on the baton (4:6-8)

2. Reasons for his call for Timothy

3. Reminders to Timothy so that he does not fall away

a. of his heritage in the gospel & the gift which God has put within him (1:5-7, 13-14; 3:14-17)

b. of Paul’s example, as one who followed that of

Christ (1:8-12; 2:1-7, 8-13; 3:10-13; 4:5-8)

c. of God’s faithfulness both to keep & in the transforming power of the gospel (1:7, 14; 2:9, 13, 19; 3:14-17; 4:1-5)

3:16-17: Every/All Scripture is God breathed (divinely inspired) and is useful/profitable for …

“teaching/education” and “conviction/correction”

4 prepositional phrases on Scriptures’ usefulness:

i. “for teaching”ii. “for rebuking”iii. “for correcting”iv. “for training in righteousness”

Every/All Scripture is useful for doctrine (what is right) for rebuking (what is not right) for correction

(how to get right) and for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right).

Model for evangelism & discipleship: Knowing the truth (“teaching”) conviction of sin (“rebuking”) need for positive change (“correcting”) growth in godliness (“training in righteousness”)

Goal: “so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (3:17).

To preach the Word & be prepared in & out of season (4:2)5 imperative verbs from 4:2:

i. “Preach the Word”

ii. “Be prepared”Modifying adverbial phrase: “in season & out of season”Translation: “when the time is convenient (and) when the time is inconvenient.”

iii. “Correct”

iv. “Rebuke”

v. “encourage”

Given all of this: he summons Timothy to loyalty

to Christ,

to the gospel,

to Paul,

to his own calling.

4. Final words on avoiding false teachers – since Timothy must soon depart (2:14—3:9; 3:13; 4:3-4)

C. Outline1. Introductory matters (1:1-2)

2. Encouragement to remain loyal (1:3—2:13): reminds Timothy of…

a. His heritage of faith

b. His gift by the Spirit & its outworking

c. Importance of enduring, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, suffering & shame

d. Hope of future glory

3. Admonition to stand firm over against false teachers (2:14—3:9); two issues

a. Live in a manner befitting his call in contrast to ...

b. The futility of false teaching during the last days

4. Final exhortation (3:10—4:8)a. Those who seek to live godly lives will suffer

persecution

b. Hold fast to the Word that is able to save you

c. Preach the Word, be prepared in and out of season

d. Last words: there is the victor’s “foliage” crown 5. Tidying up (4:9-18)

Pastoral Epistles

What is Christian Spirituality?Spirituality = Faith + Godliness Authentic spirituality is grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Spirituality:

I. Personal

Purity, reverenceSimplicity of lifestylePerseverance of faithCourage in ministry/evangelismPrayer

II. Inter-personal

i. Home:Marital faithfulnessResponsible child-raising

ii. Church: Respect for older men/womenPropriety towards younger womenSupport & care for the needy & eldersGodly leadership

iii. Society: Workplace ethics (cf. slaves & master relationship)Respectability & good public reputationGood deedsSocial conservatism