Pastoral Epistles Q&A Study

(Apr 2012: "Pastoral Epistles": Q&A study exam)

Q1: From the Pastoral Epistles, discuss in detail Paul’s relationship with Timothy?
A1: Paul’s relationship with Timothy is vividly depicted through his instructions, admonitions and encouragements given to Timothy, and sharing to Timothy about his personal burden, loneliness, needs, passion and sufferings. Three aspects we could observe from the Pastoral Epistles about their relationship:
      Firstly, it is of father-son relationship. Timothy was called by Paul to be his true son in the faith (1Tim 1:2) and his dear son (2Tim 1:2). William Barclay explained “true” (gnesios) as a formal address towards one’s legitimate son or genuine son. Paul acts like a spiritual father to Timothy. While Eunice and Lois couched Timothy in the way of the Lord, Paul is the father who enhances Timothy’s spiritual growth in God.
      Secondly, it is of master-servant (or discipler-disciple) relationship. They are co-workers in the Lord. Timothy has been one of Paul’s closest assistants and followers, and Paul trusts that Timothy possesses the same heartbeat and faithfulness towards the churches and the gospel of Christ. Thus Timothy is entrusted by Paul to remain in Ephesus to guard and defend the Truth. In 2 Timothy 1:8-14, Paul demands of Timothy’s loyalty towards him and the gospel he preaches. Paul always says Timothy “knows all” about his teachings and happenings. Gordon D. Fee denotes this to be close relationship of a disciple to his master.
       Thirdly, there is a strong personal friendship between Paul and Timothy. Paul could share his heart-felt needs and struggles to Timothy, especially when he is in chain and without friends. He desires of Timothy’s companionship and presence in the midst of his imprisonment waiting for execution (2 Tim 4:9, 13). 

Q2: What role do metaphors of the family and household play in the Pastoral Epistles?

A2:   The word “oikos” as explained by John R. Stott can mean either a physical house or building, or a family or household who occupies the building. In the Pastoral Epistles it denotes to Christians who gather themselves to worship at houses they stay in or the community they live in. Thus 1 Timothy 3:15 refers God’s household as the church of the living God.
      Gordon D. Fee says that the metaphors of family and household help people to recognize the authority of God as the Father, believers as brothers and sisters and apostles as stewards or household managers. Each has a role to play in the family.
      As household of God, people are to behave in accordance with family rules and conduct codes laid down, under the guidance and leadership of the apostles, and to relate daily with one another in such a way demonstrating God’s love and grace. Therefore Paul’s exhortations towards Timothy is that he is to treat the older men like father, the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers and the younger women as sisters, with absolute purity (1 Timothy 5:1-2). And as stewards or household managers, the apostles are to teach the Word of God so that people are able to be instructed in the Way of the Lord to live a godly community life which edifies and builds up one another. The elders over the households are to function as spiritual guardians for the family members. Those who are underprivileged in the family (e.g. the real widows) are to be taken care of by the household of God.

Q3: From the Pastoral Epistles, discuss Paul’s view of the role of leaders in the churches under his care.

A3: The leaders in the churches mentioned in the Pastoral Epistles under Paul’s care are overseers or elders (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos). According to John Stott, an Episkopos is God’s household manager or steward, who is in charge for dispensing spiritual food to the people of God under his care and leadership. He is to act as a mouthpiece or spokesman for God, ministering and pasturing in care and love like a shepherd over his flock. Thus an elder or overseer should possess gift of teaching in rebuking, correcting and training His people in righteousness (2Tim 3:16). In the cases of Timothy and Titus, they are to teach sound doctrines in accordance with the gospel Paul preached and to refute the false teachings in the churches they pastor.
      Diakonos is referred to a waiter who serves at the table. Therefore a deacon is someone who assists the overseer in some specialized ministries or administration of a church.
      In order to perform their pastoral and leadership roles, the overseers (or elders) and deacons have to demonstrate first their leadership and pastoral care towards their family, managing their household under proper condition. They have to live a godly life with requirements listed in 1Tim 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9, inclusive of good character and disciplined exemplary lifestyle, so that they could be role models for the whole church to imitate. They have to run the church with integrity and live a consistent life within and without the church, so that they could gain a good name among outsiders to facilitate the spread and advancement of gospel too.       

Q4: Analyze and elaborate on Paul’s understanding of “sound teaching” in the Pastoral Epistles?

A4: Paul’s understanding of “sound teaching” in the Pastoral Epistles possesses few characteristics in terms of its source, its content, its intention and its result. According to Gordon D. Fee it is a medical metaphor to the “healthiness” of teaching found in the gospel of Jesus Christ:
a)      The source and content of “sound teaching” are based on the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ (1Tim 6:3) which is inherited by the apostles and passed on to generations of believers. It is gospel message which is like a good deposit given to Timothy which he is to guard and to teach with faith and love in Christ Jesus (2Tim 1:13-14). It is contrasted to the false doctrines taught by certain men, who devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies promoting controversies rather than faith (1Tim 1: 3-4), which sources from deceiving spirits and demons (1Tim 4:1-3).
b)      The intention and result of “sound teaching” are to make the proper and good use of the law (1Tim 1:8), to prevent ungodliness and law-breaking (1Tim 1:9) and promote the glory of God in the church. It enhances faith level of the believers, increases godliness in their characters, makes them wiser and produces righteous living and behaviors etc. The aim and product of “sound teaching” shall be good works done in love towards Christ and towards one another, and a hope towards eschatological salvation in Christ Jesus (2Tim 3:15-16). “Sound teaching” is in contrast to false teaching which is of form without power. It is life-giving and live-transforming, not seeking of self-interest but interest of others.