(Apr 2012: "Pastoral Epistles": Essay paper "Evaluation of diffrences made on writing letters to individuals rather than congregation")
I.
INTRODUCTION
The
Pastoral Epistles (PE) are Paul’s instructions addressed to Timothy and Titus, whom
he considers as true sons in their common faith (1Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:2), reminding
them purposes of being left behind in Ephesus (1Timothy 1:3 to refute false
teachers and to teach sound doctrines) and Crete (Titus 1:5 to put in order
what is left unfinished and to appoint elders in every town) respectively. Internal
evidences found in the text, especially the plural personal pronounce “you” used
in 1Timothy 4:6 and the closing salutations of 1Timothy 6: 21, Titus 3:15 and
2Timothy 4:22 reveal that these letters are more than for personal reading. Gordon
Fee, John Stott and C. Michael Moss have unanimously agreed
that PE are written by Paul directly to Timothy and Titus with an intention of
their contents being recited to the congregation as a whole.
The
following section of evaluation helps us to understand why Paul writes these
three letters to individuals rather than to the entire church, and the
differences caused by such intentional writing and arrangement.
II.
EVALUATION
ON PE
The
PE makes certain impacts on all three parties, the writer Paul, the individual
recipients Timothy and Titus, and the churches in Ephesians and Cretans. I will
further elaborate these in three aspects.
1. PE SERVES AS INSTRUCTION
MANUALS FOR TIMOTHY AND TITUS AS PASTORS OVER CHURCHES IN EPHSUS AND CRETE
The
PE can serve as instruction manuals for Timothy and Titus who pastor the
churches in Ephesus and Crete, so that they could teach and monitor the church,
in order that the people of God know how to conduct themselves in His household,
the Church of living God (1Timothy 3:15), devoting themselves in good works and
living productive lives (Titus 3:14) as witnesses to the world.
1.1 IN TERM OF TEACHERS AND THEIR TEACHINGS
Firstly,
the letters deal extensively against false teachers, their doctrines and agendas
(1Timothy 1:3-11, 4:1-5, 6:3-10; 2Timothy 1:13-14, 2:16-19, 3:6-9 & Titus
1:10-16, 3:9-11). Paul charges both Timothy and Titus to forbid and rebuke
those false teachers and their error teachings. Timothy and Titus are commanded
to hold on to the truth imparted to them, to live their lives in godliness and
to teach sound and healthy doctrines in line with the gospel of Jesus Christ
(1Timothy4:11-16, 6:11-12, 20; 2Timothy 1:8, 13, 2:15, 4:2-5; Titus 2:1).
Paul
does not indicate in details the content of sound and healthy teaching, but he
does describe throughout the letters some positive behavioral products this
teaching will bring forth. He may perceive Timothy and Titus who have been with
him for years in mission and ministry to understand what these teachings mean. These
healthy teachings will ultimately lead them to proper Christian behavior, love
and good work, and eliminate negative effects of controversies, abusiveness,
arrogance and strife caused by diseased teachings of the false teachers.
The
content of false teachings and contrasting behavioral measurements in
accordance with false and sound teachings listed down by Paul could be used as
references for both Timothy and Titus. In observing community living, they
could then take necessary and wise actions to protect the church from contamination
and destruction. Thus the church as a whole could also differentiate the
conditions and identify who their real shepherds are.
1.2 IN TERM OF LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENT AND
QUALIFICATIONS
Titus
is entrusted with the task to appoint elders in every town under the direction
of Paul. Though Church in Ephesus is a well established congregation with
elders functioning actively, it seems obvious that some of the elders are the
very exact false teachers who lead the church astray, as elders are given
authority to teach the Word of God. In those days, the position of an
authoritative teacher is almost equal to a modern day pastor. Therefore it seems that
there is a possibility for Timothy to remove existing elders who spread false
teachings and to re-appoint those who are qualified for the office.
In
order to give guidelines for young Timothy and Titus to discern, so that they
will be effective in their roles of selecting, appointing and training of the
upcoming overseers/elders, deacons etc in the two churches, Paul does lay down
his requirements clearly in 1Timothy 3:1-13 & Titus 1:6-9. These leadership
qualifications also serve as personal guidelines for Timothy and Titus who are
currently pastoring the churches when the letters are written. What Paul
emphasizes and requires of elders/overseers are their godly character and temperament,
ability to manage their families, good relationship both with people inside and
outside of the church and their ability to teach. He is more interested in the
reliability rather than the status of those men who will be chosen.
1.3 IN TERM OF RELATIONSHIP
AND RIGHT LIVING IN THE CHURCH
Paul
spends another section coaching Timothy and Titus the skills of leadership in
relating to different people groups in their churches. One of the requirements
of being overseers/elders is their ability to relate to those under their care.
In 1Timothy 5:1-2 and Titus 2:1-8, Paul makes it clear they are to relate with
elderly men and women as well as younger men and women as a family, treating
them like parents and siblings and teach them in the way of the Lord. Further
instructions are given for Timothy to deal with young and old widows (1Timothy
5:3-16) and elders who deserve of double honor (1Timothy 5:17-20), and for
Timothy and Titus to deal with slaves (1Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10).
2. PE SERVES AS
AFFIRMATION TOWARDS THE AUTHORITY GIVEN TO TIMOTHY AND TITUS OVER THE CHURCHES
THEY PASTOR
The
letters sent by Paul speaks of his apostolic authority over the receiving
churches. The fact that Timothy and Titus receive Paul’s letters and are inquired
to read aloud these letters signifies that they are representatives of Paul and
they too carry apostolic authority. They are fully aware of the content of
Paul’s gospel,
and are obliged to teach the two churches as instructed. The churches will
recognize and be assured once again of their delegated authority upon hearing
the letters.
2.1 IN TERM OF TIMOTHY
& THE EPHESIANS
Paul
exhorts Timothy not to be despised by others though he is young but to live an
exemplary life and speech in love, faith and purity (1Timothy 4:12). He
admonishes Timothy not to be timid, instead possessing Spirit of power and love
and of sound mind (2Timothy 1:7) as God has ordained him minister over
Ephesians. Regardless of his sense of inadequacy, Timothy is reminded by Paul
of his spiritual gift bestowed by God and confirmed through prophecy and laying
on of hands by the elders, and he is to be rekindled by the fire of his call,
and to carry out his mandate faithfully (1Timothy 4:14; 2Timothy 1:6).
Due
to his timidity and youth, Timothy might see himself improper to function as
spiritual leader over the Church of Ephesus which is quite well established and
with elders already functioned in place. He might not be courageous enough to
rebuke those false teachers. Paul’s letter to him affirms him of his delegated
authority received from the apostle. His personal letters to Timothy and his
repetitive indication of his name are great encouragement to fearful Timothy.
By affirming Timothy’s genuineness, Paul aims to reinforce his authority in the
church too.
The church will be awakened by Paul’s warning and be sensitive to risks exposed
to her. The false teachers and their false teachings will then be scrutinized
by the entire church.
2.2 IN TERM OF TITUS &
THE CRETANS
The
Cretans are widely known as liars, evil brutes and lazy gluttons (Titus 1:12). By
stating these, Paul reminds Titus of his great challenge ahead, and Cretan
believers of their nature and a need to be transformed by the grace and love of
Christ.
In
fact, Titus has encountered opposition from the Hellenistic Jewish converts who
emphasize circumcision (Titus 1:10-11), and he is entrusted by Paul to teach
what is appropriate in sound doctrines (Titus 2:1). Paul spurs Titus to
encourage and rebuke with authority and do not let others despise him (Titus
2:15). Thus Titus is probably busy in settling internal conflicts arisen within
the church itself.
In
addition, Titus’ task as revealed by Paul’s letter is to lead the church to
live a community life doing good works and being a testimony to the outsiders.
The good works will provide a means for the minister and his church to make a greater
impact on the non-believers. By writing such letter,
Paul provides Titus direction to build up those Cretan believers. They will
come to know the importance of living a godly life. The letter gives comfort
and strength to Titus who is perhaps at odd with the behavioral trend found in
the church. As a pastor who is new to his environment, Paul’s words definitely
bring light and hope to him.
3. PE SERVES AS A PERSONAL
EXPRESSION OF FATHER-SONHOOD LOVE AND COMMITMENT BETWEEN PAUL AND TIMOTHY/TITUS
Paul
functions more than a comrade to Timothy and Titus in their missionary
endeavors. He is a more of a spiritual leader as well as spiritual father to
his young apprentices. They have travelled long enough to understand one
another, and they have experienced hardships together to come to know the price
they have to pay.
Thus
Paul could share freely in these letters incidents and people with the trust
that Timothy and Titus could identify with. The PE could be seen as directives
given by Paul who perceive his impending death without any further opportunity
to give orally to his two collaborators.
3.1 THE DESIRE OF PAUL TO HAVE THEM ALONGSIDE WITH
HIM
Paul
desires of Titus’ presence to be with him in Nicopolis. He intends to arrange
Artemas or Tychicus to replace Titus in Crete and to relieve him to Nicopolis
in the winter. Winters might be the season Paul uses to regroup, rethink,
reconceive his mission. Therefore Paul wants
Titus to be there to strategize together.
In
2 Timothy Paul perceives a sure death sentence for him from the Roman
government, he urges Timothy to go over to him before close down of sea
transportation during the winter. Timothy has been Paul’s closest disciple and
fellow-worker, and they have been through thick and thin. Timothy is present in
most of Paul’s eventful moments, e.g. in Athens, Corinth and Ephesus, and he is
sent by Paul to Corinth, Thessalonica and Macedonia etc. Most of the times, he
is one of co-writer for Paul’s epistles.
The
PE expresses Paul’s desires to be with his beloved disciples. It is heart-felt
sharing of Paul’s personal needs for the presence of his followers.
3.2 THE DESIRE OF PAUL TO PASS THE BATON OF GOSPEL
TO HIS TRUE SON TIMOTHY
Paul
urges for Timothy’s loyalty towards him by illustrating contrasting examples
between Onesiphorus the faithful, and Phygelus and Hermogenes
the unfaithful towards his own leadership (2Timothy 1:15-18), spurring him to
join in sufferings for Christ (2Timothy 2: 1:13). He demands of Timothy not to
be ashamed of the Gospel and not to be ashamed of him who is in chain.
Paul wants to make sure that after his
departure, Timothy will be faithful in continuing his journey of faith, to be
faithful to preach sound doctrines which derives from the gospel of Jesus
Christ (2Timothy 1:13-14, 2:15) and to entrust to reliable men who will also be
qualified to teach others (2Timothy 2:1-7).
It is common for an old man like Paul
who thinks occasionally of transferring his apostolic office and passing his
leadership baton unto someone he could trust. Timothy may rank the highest
priority in his choice as he is seen by Paul possessing the same heartbeat with
him for Philippians, and maybe towards all the churches they have co-planted.
Through the PE, Paul demonstrates his deepest concern towards the future and
ministry of Timothy.
III.
CONCLUSION
The
PE definitely is Paul’s pastoral concerns and requests in words towards Timothy
and Titus prior to his concerns for churches under them. In writing to Timothy
and Titus individually, he has indeed strengthened the faith and affirm of
their spiritual authority over Ephesians and Cretans. The PE shows how to guide
the churches in righteous communal living pertaining to right relationship,
behavior and teachings. The churches in turn will learn how to honor and
respect their leaders and their authority and to follow the footsteps of their
shepherds as they follow Paul who follows Christ unconditionally.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barclay,
William. The Daily Study Bible: The
Letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon,
Translator:
Man Kok Wai. Kowloon: Chinese Christian Literature Council, 1986.
Fee,
Gordon D. New International Biblical
Commentary: 1&2 Timothy & Titus.
Peabody :
Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1984.
Harding,
Mark. Tradition and Rhetoric in the
Pastoral Epistles. New York: Peter
Lang Publishing,
Inc., 1998.
Lea,
Thomas D. & Hayne P. Griffin, Jr. The
New American Commentary, 1 & 2
Timothy,
Titus. Nashiville:
B&H Publishing Group, 1992.
Moss,
C. Michael. The College Press NIV
Commentary: 1, 2 Timothy & Titus. Joplin:
College Press
Publishing Company, 1997.
Oden,
Thomas C. First and Second Timothy and
Titus Interpretation: A Bible
Commentary
for Teaching and Preaching. Louisville: John Knox Press, 1989.
Pierson,
Lance. In the Steps of Timothy.
Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1995.
Stott,
John R.W. The Message of Timothy &
Titus. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1997.
Young,
Frances. The Theology of the Pastoral
Letters. New York: Cambridge
University
Press, 1994.
