Pastoral Epistles
Pastoral Epistles
The Roman Emperor Nero martyred the Apostle Paul in the year 68 AD. Among Paul’s last letters are what we call the Pastoral Epistles: 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; and Titus.
They were given this name because Paul originally wrote them to pastors of the nascent church.
The key themes are: the qualifications required of church leaders, how to organize worship services, how to maintain authority within the church, and how to recognize false teachers and purge them from the congregation.
1 TIMOTHY
Paul instructs Timothy to love his flock with a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith. Pastors are to avoid gossip and legalism. Paul writes that the law is not made for the righteous but for the ungodly, unholy, lawless, insubordinate and profane; those who are murderers, fornicators, sodomites, kidnappers, and liars. A distinction is made between those who sin through ignorance and those who willfully rebel against what they know to be right.
Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. He is the mediator between God and men; he gave Himself as a ransom for us. Christ desires all persons to come to the knowledge of the truth and gain eternal life. Believers are to live quiet, peaceable lives of constant prayer, godliness and reverence. Women are to adorn themselves in modest apparel.
Paul also lays down the necessary qualifications for a man to become a leader within the church. Such a man must be beyond reproach among believers and non-believers alike in the community. He must have been married only once; and may not be violent, quarrelsome, greedy, or a drunkard. A leader in the church must be a teacher who is not a recent convert; someone who is well behaved and whose children are well behaved. Paul ordained an office between the leaders and the congregation called deacons; a deacon must meet these same qualifications.
Paul gives these instructions to Timothy so that he will conduct himself properly regarding the house of God—which is the church of the living God. Paul is very concerned about false teachers and false doctrines. He warns that some will depart from the faith, give heed to deceiving spirits, and in turn, teach demonic doctrines. Pastors are to set an example for their flock in their words, conduct, faith and purity.
Older men are not to be sharply criticized, but rather encouraged as we would a father. Young men are to be treated as brothers; older women as mothers; younger women as sisters. Widows are to be honored; they are to be taken care of by their children and grandchildren. If they have none, the church is to care for them—provided they are godly women and over sixty years of age.
If a church leader is living a sinful life or teaching false doctrines, he is to be rebuked publicly in the presence of the congregation. Paul declares that false teachers will have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels over words that will produce conflict among the faithful. False teachers will often show an inordinate and inappropriate focus on money, and they will enjoy the idle babblings they will call knowledge.
We bring nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. A Christian is to be content with adequate food and clothing; therefore he should not covet earthly wealth because the love of money is the root of all evil.
Paul commands Timothy to pursue moral uprightness; serve the will of God; exhibit gentleness, patience, faith and love. He was instructed to fight the good fight, lay hold of everlasting life, and to confess his Christian faith to many witnesses.
TITUS
Paul opens his letter to Titus by describing himself as owned by, and serving only, God; as an apostle of Jesus Christ; as a believer in God's promise of eternal life for faithful Christians.
He goes on to instruct Titus that leaders of the church must not be quick-tempered or greedy. Church leaders must be hospitable, love what is good, exhibit self-control, and be disciplined. They must teach sound doctrine, and be able to refute fallacious doctrines while convicting those who promulgate them. False teachers claim to know God, but their actions are detestable and disobedient.
Older men are to be moderate and worthy of respect. They should be patient, faithful and loving. Older women are to be deeply respectful, and not slanderers or heavy drinkers. They should train younger women to love their husbands and children; to be pure and kind. Paul exhorts Titus to be an example to young men by showing himself to be a man of integrity who is serious and sound of speech.
Christians should say "No" to worldly lusts because Jesus gave Himself for us in order to redeem us from wickedness and to purify for Himself a people who are His very own, people who are eager to do what is good.
Christians are to speak evil of no one; they are to be humble and respectful to all persons regardless of station. Those who are lost are foolish, deceived, disobedient, envious, malicious, hateful, lustful and hedonistic. Christians are not saved—resurrected after death to live forever—because they are good people who do good deeds but solely due to the mercy and grace of God, who saves us by transforming us through the power of His Holy Spirit.
A divisive person in the church is to be warned twice and after that, ignored.
2 TIMOTHY
2 Timothy is the last letter Paul wrote. He wrote it from prison in Rome while awaiting martyrdom.
He calls on Timothy to be strong and courageous in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells inside us. God has saved us and called us to a holy life—for His own purposes. His grace has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, who opened the door to immortality through His death and resurrection. We are to teach others this gospel.
Paul likens the Christian life to an athletic competition where we must compete for the crown according to the rules to avoid being disqualified. Salvation is for those united by faith with Christ. Believers are saved by grace not works, but nonetheless will serve God faithfully as a demonstration of the grace of God at work. Those who deny Christ will be denied by Him.
Christians are to present themselves to God as servants of Him who need not be ashamed; who have rightly handled His Word of Truth—the gospel. The Lord knows those who are His.
Anyone who claims to be a Christian must turn away from wickedness to distinguish himself from the lost. Flee from the lusts of youth and pursue peace, virtue, faith and love with a pure heart. Be kind to everyone, but gently correct those who are lost in the hopes that they might come to know the truth and turn from their wicked ways.
False teachers will come who appear to be Christians, but they will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemous, disobedient, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slandering, out of control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, arrogant, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; they will have a form of godliness but deny its power. From such people turn away! They creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, women led away by various lusts, women who are always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, correcting, reproving, and training in moral rectitude, so that a man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. God is the source and ultimate author of Scripture. Human hands have written the word of God, but they are God’s words, and they ultimately carry the weight of His authority.
Christ Jesus will judge the living and the dead. Preach the Word. Encourage with great patience and careful instruction. The time will come when humankind will not want to know the Truth. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them teachers who say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their backs on the Truth, and turn toward fables and myths.
Paul knew he was soon to be martyred, and he understood God’s purpose for his life. He wrote to Timothy (and to us) that he had fought the good fight, that he had finished his race, and that all throughout he had kept the faith. He died knowing that there is stored up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Righteous Judge, the Lord, will award him come Judgment Day—not only for him, but also to all who long to see Jesus and be with Him for eternity.
Comments
Very good read. Unchained referred to these Epistles as "operations manuals" and I think that is write on. You have explained and clarified these writings and opened many things up to thought, many that need to be revisited by the clergy in the Church (Catholic Church.) "The time will come when humankind will not want to know the Truth." I tend to think that is now. Voted up.
Excellent hub which presents great truths from the Bible. These pastoral letters indeed contains great instructions for christian living. Thank you for bringing out the truths of these epistles in this hub. Blessings to you and best regards.
Hi James, caught myself again reading another one of your interesting hubs, blessed again to be reminded how much the word of God is so relevant for our times. It is my prayer that all the ministers of Gods word will hold this light of truth up against theyre lifestyles and fleshly desires, praise the Lord for this truth.
Every blessing to you James
As I read this hub I started to think "This is the abridged version of the actual letters." If God wanted them abridged He could easily have chosen your exact words. I am especially fascinated by 2 Timothy. It was written at a (the) moment of truth. It was the equivilent of "Any last words?". We learn a lot about the true character of a person at a time like that. We learn what matters MOST to them. He wanted us to know that he was certain beyond the shadow of a doubt that true faith is never in vein. He wanted us to see that he faced his earthly fate with confidence and dignity. That it is possible to look death squarely in the eye with no fear. That he was certain death could not truly harm him. For so many, even those who profess faith, death is still something that is feared. His example is beyond inspiring. His last words prove true his statement in Phillipians "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far"
I wonder how many of us today really echo that sentiment. Those words are easy to say, much harder to prove true. A life fully given over to the will of God, willing to pour out all in His service is the only true proof. If we are truly willing to die for Him we will be equally as willing to live only for Him. I always feel blessed to read what God has given you. You are a remarkable person and teacher.
James I really enjoyed this teaching, because if many Christians would read Timothy and Titus they would not be giving all their money away, then feeling rob, after they find out that the person they trusted was not a legitimate person of the Lord, this is what I was thinking as I read this teaching. The Bible teaches us what to look for in our leaders, they must have a life of constancy in Christ. This was a very good hub and it got the point across. In an indirect way, I was picking up; know whom you are submitting to in Christ. Look here are the guidelines, in whom I have pick to lead you, is all in the Word of God is what I could hear God saying to me as I read your Hub. Thank you I could hear God speaking to me in this Hub.
James:
As always very thorough. Keep it up Bro. I have nothing to add but wanted to let you know that I enjoyed this hub.
In Christ
ABR
Dear James: Very impressive Hub as all your work is. The proufound amount of knowledge must be read more than once to learn what is involved in regard to Christ. As a fan of God my knowledge is shallow, but my faith is sincere when such fine words have much to do with our master of Heaven and Earth. According to God, those that read of his words, as in the Bible, will go to Heaven. That is your path one day. God Bless you.
You have published another great piece, I respect you for your good presentation skills. Your hubs are highly informative, and this one is not an exception to that fact.
James, Though I do not know you personally, whenever I read your hubs I always find myself wishing I did. What began for me as a clear rebuke to the modern church soon reminded me of my personal standing with God. Thank you for this clear and gentle rebuke to those of us that become entangled in worldly cares and pleasures.
Your writing - and you - are a blessing.
Concise and perspicacious. Another triumph, James.
In John 16:12, Jesus said: 'I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.'
In Paul's epistles we learn what those things were that Jesus had in mind.
Excellent writing. I especially enjoyed your summation of Paul's instruction to Timothy. Can you say R-E-L-E-V-A-N-T for today's church? Many blessings on your head!
Thanks James. All newly ordained pastors most probably studied the epistles for they contained essential doctrines on the qualifications required of church leaders, how "to organize worship services, how to maintain authority within the church, and how to recognize false teachers and purge them from the congregation."
I am sure the ordinary Christians would love the hub as well for you have explained it so effectively and precisely. You have also reminded the reader that the pastor must be respected in the church as well as the world at large.
You are so well versed in many areas, whether in religion or otherwise. We all benefit from your expertise.
Blessings!
I have always found, as an aetheist, Paul a most interesting man. Certainly, without him (his energy and single-mindedness) I have doubts that Christianity would ever have survived - let alone have grown to what it has become. Is this a fair assessment?
This is such a wonderful hub for people who would otherwise never read God's word. I love the reminder that men wrote down the words of the bible but they were "bourne along by Holy Spirit" so the bible really IS Gods' word not mans'. Thanks James. Look forward to you writing hubs at full speed again soon.
Thanks for the summary of these important books. We could definately use some more preachers that actually lived by the advice Paul gives in these epistles.
Paul's Epistles have to be among the favorites of all Bible-reading people. You have acquitted yourself very well with this very informative and delightful Hub. Thanks, James.
Don White
James-
Nice clear hub.
I'm glad you acknowledged good and holy priests and nuns who have done so much to spread His Word!
James, I&II Timothy as well as Titus appears to be "The Operations Manual" written by Paul with respect to church development and maintenance. In many ways, with respect to pastoral conduct, I liken it to Jeremiah 23 which speaks heavily as to God's critical rebuke of prophets and pastors who abuse and divide their flock in the name of their own agendas.
I would like to go back into certain Hubs I have already written and establish a link to this one. Your presentation is to the point, descriptive and the scripture is showcased through your writing style.
The Pastoral Epistles are indeed a guidepost to be followed.
There are those who say that we live in a time now which is more disruptive than ever, though I disagree only because the attitudes haven't changed. Just the technology. This, by the way, can be a dangerous thing in that false teachers can cover more area quicker than ever.
Like so many other things, it's not the car, but who sits behind the wheel that results in the corruption, injury and death to innocents who unfornutely find themselves in the path of that oncoming vehicle. Great Hub!
James, very well done. It contains much as to which I must apply in my mirror as I look at myself. It holds much reason why in the past after being offered certain positions with in a church that I've had to respectfully decline as I admitted freely that by these standards I fell short of the criteria required in these scriptures. I am not ashamed of them as I have made peace with them and still hold other duties that I may participate in. I find completeness in this hub of the fact that "the end does not justify the means" and there is a biblical direction we must follow to reach our goal.
Thank you for again reminding me as I often measure my self to the standards, of the right and wrong ways to move forward.
Hi Sir James, a wonderful piece to know that we need to go back to what we really should do as humans, women, men etc, and of course to fully understand what Jesus undergone too for our sins.We sometimes err as humans but then it is always to be on track and be fully equipt for salvation purposes, You always write with well "thoughtful academic brilliance" and with passion too, Thank you, Maita
James, I thought this was an excellent hub. We certainly hear a lot about churches that don't meet those requirements spelled out in the Scriptures. On a personal level, it is important for us to discern and be wary of false teachers also. I find the best thing to do is pray and always go back to the Word if I am looking for an answer to any problem. God Bless.
I had heard that term but it means nothing to me without the great explanation and the organization and the photos! And maps too! 5 Stars - excellent! God Bless You and Your Family!
James,
Once again you have related an inspirational message. The message in 2Timothy when Paul knew he was going to die reminds me of Martin Luther King's "I've been to the mountaintop" sermon. It's almost like he had a vision of his impending death.
Bro. James,
Yours was the first hub I read this morning, and it was a really good read. Paul planted many churches, ordained many leaders, and drew a portrait of Holiness and Righteous for all to see and follow.
Great hub.
God Bless
Hi James - just dropping by to say Happy New Year!
Being born into the Catholic Church this letter was an eye opener. According to all the don't most of the church would be empty. Paul also wrote about the teacher and mentioned that his children should be of good behaviour. That indicate to me that marriage and family is allowed. I am really uptight about priest not be married because I am sure it would make a complete different atmosphere in the church. Also it makes it look like as if marriage and family is something dirty. Thank you for a great hub.
James A Watkins, This is an excellent commentary! You have once again done a marvelous presentation. Wonderful illustrations as usual, Professor! The Lord truly has gifted you with a unique style. In my opinion your presentations are usually quite unbiased! These Pastoral Epistles have a wealth of information to help one navigate properly, how to take care of the affairs of God's Church and provides practical wisdom to do so. As well as the benefits of "Godliness with contentment"
You have presented the Pastoral Epistles in a way that encourages one "to study and show themselves approved to God..."
As you stated: "Christians are to present themselves to God as servants of Him who need not be ashamed; who have rightly handled His Word of Truth—the gospel. The Lord knows those who are His. Anyone who claims to be a Christian must turn away from wickedness to distinguish himself from the lost. Flee from the lusts of youth and pursue peace, virtue, faith and love with a pure heart. Be kind to everyone, but gently correct those who are lost in the hopes that they might come to know the TRUTH and turn from their wicked ways."
Again great job! Thank you for sharing, In His Love & Blessings!
I thank you James for this overview of Paul's "pastoral" epistles. Reading your hubs is always like taking a brief journey through knowledgeville and inspiration valley.
I have a deep appreciation for these letters for they were written to provide God’s answers, through Paul, to church leadership in addressing spiritual and doctrinal concerns of the second generation church. They are (or should be) of particular spiritual value to 21st century church for they illuminate many of the same ecclesiastical issues.
Forever His,
King James:
I often wonder if others get the same quiet pleasure I do out of reading your Hubs.
As I had noted in an earlier post, you give us a bit of moral direction, historical narrative, socio/geopolitical commentary and humorous observation all in one. Kind of like the 'Swiss Army Knife' of the Hub community.
I know things have been a bit distracting for you of late (such irksome trifles as making the mortgage and actually putting food on the table), but I miss the frequency of your posts.
I'll give you a call later today and we'll catch up in person again.
Thank you James for your hub on the epistles, I'm very partial to the majority of them, they teach truth. Thank you for sharing. Godspeed. creativeone59
The first thing that struck me when I started reading this was that Paul showed Timothy how to organize the church services. In this day we live in, very few want to meet with other christians for worship or anything else.
I wrote a hub a little over a year ago concerning the church. Many have been so down on church and such so I decided it was time to show something good about it. I hope you don't mind me putting the link here.
https://hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Right-About-the-C...
This is a great hub and I love your writing as always. You really know how to put things in perspective.
hallo friend, this is a fabulous HUB. I didn't know about it! I'm putting it on my facebook ok?
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