INTRO TO THE PASTORALS
The Opening Statement
A. The geographical locations mentioned in 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus, and do not fit into the chronology of either Acts or Paul’s letters.
1. visit to Ephesus (1st Timothy 1:3..."As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines..." (NASB))
2. visit to Troas (2nd Timothy 4:13..."When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments." (NASB))
3. visit to Miletus (2nd Timothy 4:20..."Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus." (NASB))
4. mission to Crete (Titus 1:5..."For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you..." (NASB))
5. mission to Spain (from Clement of Rome, 95 A.D. and the Muratorian Canon, 180 – 200 A.D.).
B. The purpose of these letters has generally been thought to have been administrative (church organization).
1. visit to Ephesus (1st Timothy 1:3..."As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines..." (NASB))
2. visit to Troas (2nd Timothy 4:13..."When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments." (NASB))
3. visit to Miletus (2nd Timothy 4:20..."Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus." (NASB))
4. mission to Crete (Titus 1:5..."For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you..." (NASB))
5. mission to Spain (from Clement of Rome, 95 A.D. and the Muratorian Canon, 180 – 200 A.D.).
B. The purpose of these letters has generally been thought to have been administrative (church organization).
The Author
A. The letters themselves claim to be from Paul the Apostle to his two apostolic representatives, Timothy and Titus.
B. The issue of authorship of the Pastoral Letters began to be debated in the 19th and 20th centuries. The rejection of Paul’s authorship is usually based on...
1. a developed church organization
2. a developed Gnosticism
3. a developed theology and a variation of vocabulary and style
C. These differences can surely be explained by...
1. the fact these are Paul’s last writings possibly using Luke as a scribe
2. vocabulary and style are dependant on the occasion
3. Gnostic ideas were a development of first century Jewish thought (Dead Sea Scrolls)
4. Paul was a brilliant theologian and creative writer with a large vocabulary
D. There is a growing understanding of the historical precedent concerning...
1. Paul’s use of a professional Christian scribe
2. Paul’s use of co-writers (1st Timothy 1:5..."But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." (NASB))
3. Paul’s use of liturgical or hymnic quotes included in his writings . Suggestions that portions of the Pastoral Letters are quotes by Paul from other sources help explain the numbers of hapax legomena (words used only one time in the New Testament), non-Pauline idioms, and unique use of Pauline terms. Some suggestions are:
a. doxologies
1st Timothy 1:17..."Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, {be} honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (NASB)
1st Timothy 6:15 – 17..."...which He will bring about at the proper time--He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him {be} honor and eternal dominion! Amen. Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." (NASB)
b. list of vices
1st Timothy 1:9 – 10..."...realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching..." (NASB)
c. appropriate conduct for wives
1st Timothy 2:9 – 3:1a..."Likewise, {I want} women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, {and} then Eve. And {it was} not Adam {who} was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But {women} will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint. It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer..." (NASB)
d. appropriate qualifications for ministers
1st Timothy 3:1b – 13..."...it is a fine work he desires {to do.} An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. {He must be} one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), {and} not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside {the church,} so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise {must be} men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, {but} holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women {must} likewise {be} dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of {only} one wife, {and} good managers of {their} children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus." (NASB)
e. hymnic confessions
1st Timothy 2:5 – 6..."For there is one God, {and} one mediator also between God and men, {the} man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony {given} at the proper time." (NASB)
1st Timothy 3:16..."By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 1:9 – 10..."...who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel..." (NASB)
Titus 3:3 – 7..."For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and {His} love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to {the} hope of eternal life." (NASB)
4. hymns (1st Timothy 6:11 – 12,15 – 16; 2nd Timothy 2:11 – 13; Titus 2:11 – 14)
a. Old Testament midrash (1st Timothy 1:9 – 10; 2:9 – 3:1a; 5:17 – 18; 2nd Timothy 2:19 – 21; Titus 3:3 – 7)
b. formula...(1) “faithful is the word” (1st Timothy 1:15; 2:9 – 3:1a; 2nd Timothy 2:11 – 13; Titus 3:3 – 8)...(2) “knowing this that” (1st Timothy 1:9 – 10; 2nd Timothy 3:1 – 5)...(3) “these things” (1st Timothy 4:6,11; 2nd Timothy 2:14; Titus 1:15 – 16; 2:1)
5. quote from a Greek poet (Titus 1:12..."One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." (NASB))
E. It is surprising that a supposed 2nd century “Paulinist” would write such specific occurrences as people’s names (Hymenaeus, 1st Timothy 1:20; 2nd Timothy 2:17; Alexander, 1st Timothy 1:20; Zenas, Titus 3:13) and events (Trophimus’ illness at Miletus, 2nd Timothy 4:20; or the widow’s role, 1st Timothy 5:9) that are not mentioned elsewhere in Paul’s writings. How would this add to the pseudographisity?
B. The issue of authorship of the Pastoral Letters began to be debated in the 19th and 20th centuries. The rejection of Paul’s authorship is usually based on...
1. a developed church organization
2. a developed Gnosticism
3. a developed theology and a variation of vocabulary and style
C. These differences can surely be explained by...
1. the fact these are Paul’s last writings possibly using Luke as a scribe
2. vocabulary and style are dependant on the occasion
3. Gnostic ideas were a development of first century Jewish thought (Dead Sea Scrolls)
4. Paul was a brilliant theologian and creative writer with a large vocabulary
D. There is a growing understanding of the historical precedent concerning...
1. Paul’s use of a professional Christian scribe
2. Paul’s use of co-writers (1st Timothy 1:5..."But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." (NASB))
3. Paul’s use of liturgical or hymnic quotes included in his writings . Suggestions that portions of the Pastoral Letters are quotes by Paul from other sources help explain the numbers of hapax legomena (words used only one time in the New Testament), non-Pauline idioms, and unique use of Pauline terms. Some suggestions are:
a. doxologies
1st Timothy 1:17..."Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, {be} honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (NASB)
1st Timothy 6:15 – 17..."...which He will bring about at the proper time--He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him {be} honor and eternal dominion! Amen. Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." (NASB)
b. list of vices
1st Timothy 1:9 – 10..."...realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching..." (NASB)
c. appropriate conduct for wives
1st Timothy 2:9 – 3:1a..."Likewise, {I want} women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, {and} then Eve. And {it was} not Adam {who} was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But {women} will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint. It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer..." (NASB)
d. appropriate qualifications for ministers
1st Timothy 3:1b – 13..."...it is a fine work he desires {to do.} An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. {He must be} one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), {and} not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside {the church,} so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise {must be} men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, {but} holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women {must} likewise {be} dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of {only} one wife, {and} good managers of {their} children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus." (NASB)
e. hymnic confessions
1st Timothy 2:5 – 6..."For there is one God, {and} one mediator also between God and men, {the} man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony {given} at the proper time." (NASB)
1st Timothy 3:16..."By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 1:9 – 10..."...who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel..." (NASB)
Titus 3:3 – 7..."For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and {His} love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to {the} hope of eternal life." (NASB)
4. hymns (1st Timothy 6:11 – 12,15 – 16; 2nd Timothy 2:11 – 13; Titus 2:11 – 14)
a. Old Testament midrash (1st Timothy 1:9 – 10; 2:9 – 3:1a; 5:17 – 18; 2nd Timothy 2:19 – 21; Titus 3:3 – 7)
b. formula...(1) “faithful is the word” (1st Timothy 1:15; 2:9 – 3:1a; 2nd Timothy 2:11 – 13; Titus 3:3 – 8)...(2) “knowing this that” (1st Timothy 1:9 – 10; 2nd Timothy 3:1 – 5)...(3) “these things” (1st Timothy 4:6,11; 2nd Timothy 2:14; Titus 1:15 – 16; 2:1)
5. quote from a Greek poet (Titus 1:12..."One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." (NASB))
E. It is surprising that a supposed 2nd century “Paulinist” would write such specific occurrences as people’s names (Hymenaeus, 1st Timothy 1:20; 2nd Timothy 2:17; Alexander, 1st Timothy 1:20; Zenas, Titus 3:13) and events (Trophimus’ illness at Miletus, 2nd Timothy 4:20; or the widow’s role, 1st Timothy 5:9) that are not mentioned elsewhere in Paul’s writings. How would this add to the pseudographisity?
The Date
A. If it is true that Paul was released from prison (after the close of the book of Acts, possibly 59 – 61 A.D.), then is there any early tradition of his post-prison activities (preaching in Spain, Romans 15:24, 28..."...whenever I go to Spain--for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while...Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain." (NASB))
1. the Pastoral Letters (2nd Timothy 4:10..."...for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens {has gone} to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia." (NASB))
2. 1 Clement 5
a. Paul preached in the east and west (Spain)
b. was killed under “the prefects” (Tigellinus and Sabinus under the last year of Nero’s reign, 68 A.D.
3. the introduction to the Muratorian Fragment
4. Eusebius’ Historical Ecclesiasticism 2:22:1 – 8 that Paul was released from Roman imprisonment
B. It seems that 1st Timothy and Titus were written close together between 63 – 64 A.D. 2nd Timothy is Paul’s last writing and good-bye around 65 A.D.
1. the Pastoral Letters (2nd Timothy 4:10..."...for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens {has gone} to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia." (NASB))
2. 1 Clement 5
a. Paul preached in the east and west (Spain)
b. was killed under “the prefects” (Tigellinus and Sabinus under the last year of Nero’s reign, 68 A.D.
3. the introduction to the Muratorian Fragment
4. Eusebius’ Historical Ecclesiasticism 2:22:1 – 8 that Paul was released from Roman imprisonment
B. It seems that 1st Timothy and Titus were written close together between 63 – 64 A.D. 2nd Timothy is Paul’s last writing and good-bye around 65 A.D.
The Recipients
A. The name, Pastoral Epistles, comes from D. N. Berdot’s commentary of 1703 A.D., because of their unique character and content, but Timothy and Titus are not pastors, but apostolic delegates.
B. These letters were written to churches, but under the literary form of letters to Paul’s coworkers, Timothy and Titus. Paul addresses the congregations as he addresses his leadership team. Hints of Paul’s wider audience are...
1. the formal introductions mentioning his apostleship
2. the plural “you” in the final close of all three letters
3. Paul’s defense of his call (1st Timothy 2:7..."For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." (NASB))
4. Paul’s writing to Timothy about things already known (1st Timothy 3:15..."...but in case I am delayed, {I write} so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." (NASB))
B. These letters were written to churches, but under the literary form of letters to Paul’s coworkers, Timothy and Titus. Paul addresses the congregations as he addresses his leadership team. Hints of Paul’s wider audience are...
1. the formal introductions mentioning his apostleship
2. the plural “you” in the final close of all three letters
3. Paul’s defense of his call (1st Timothy 2:7..."For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." (NASB))
4. Paul’s writing to Timothy about things already known (1st Timothy 3:15..."...but in case I am delayed, {I write} so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." (NASB))
The Occasion / Purpose
A. The Old Testament gives specific guidelines for the organization of the community of faith. The New Testament does not contain specific instructions concerning the organization or polity of the church. The Pastoral Letters (1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus) are as close as it comes to guidelines.
B. Another purpose beside the general organization of churches was to combat the emerging heresies (1st Timothy 1:3..."As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines..." (NASB)). The specific heresy may be a combination of Jewish and Gnostic tendencies.
C. 1st Timothy was written...
1. to request Timothy to stay on at Ephesus (1st Timothy 1:3)
2. to deal with the false teachers
3. to help organize the leadership (1st Timothy 3)
D. Titus had a similar assignment to deal with heresy and organization on Crete (1:5..."For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you..." (NASB))
E. 2nd Timothy finds Paul in prison with little hope of release (4:6 – 8, 16 – 18)
F. There is a strong sense of “sound teaching” (correct doctrine) that rings through these letters (1st Timothy 1:10; 4:6; 6:3; 2nd Timothy 1:13; 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1) or “sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13; 2:2). God entrusted this “sound teaching” to Paul (1st Timothy 1:11); Paul entrusted it to Timothy (1st Timothy 6:20) and Timothy was to entrust it to faithful men (2nd Timothy 2:2..."The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (NASB)). This shows the early development both of the plurality in the churches and the growth of destructive heresies.
B. Another purpose beside the general organization of churches was to combat the emerging heresies (1st Timothy 1:3..."As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines..." (NASB)). The specific heresy may be a combination of Jewish and Gnostic tendencies.
C. 1st Timothy was written...
1. to request Timothy to stay on at Ephesus (1st Timothy 1:3)
2. to deal with the false teachers
3. to help organize the leadership (1st Timothy 3)
D. Titus had a similar assignment to deal with heresy and organization on Crete (1:5..."For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you..." (NASB))
E. 2nd Timothy finds Paul in prison with little hope of release (4:6 – 8, 16 – 18)
F. There is a strong sense of “sound teaching” (correct doctrine) that rings through these letters (1st Timothy 1:10; 4:6; 6:3; 2nd Timothy 1:13; 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1) or “sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13; 2:2). God entrusted this “sound teaching” to Paul (1st Timothy 1:11); Paul entrusted it to Timothy (1st Timothy 6:20) and Timothy was to entrust it to faithful men (2nd Timothy 2:2..."The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (NASB)). This shows the early development both of the plurality in the churches and the growth of destructive heresies.
The False Teachers
A. It is difficult to discuss the false teachers because of our lack of specific first century information. Paul is writing to those who knew these false teachers firsthand. He, therefore, does not fully discuss their theology, but usually condemns their lifestyle and motives (as does Jude).
B. The main interpretive issue relates to whether they were
1. Jewish
2. Greek
3. a combination
C. The false teachers seem to be a mixture of Jewish and Gnostic elements. But how did these totally divergent religious movements merge?
1. Judaism always incorporated some dualistic elements (Dead Sea Scrolls)
2. Gnosticism of the 2nd century only developed these common near-eastern philosophical/theological themes
3. there is a 1st century precedent for a Jewish-Gnostic heresy in the book of Colossians
D. Some of the elements that Paul mentions are...
1. Jewish aspects
a. false teachers teachers of the Law (1st Timothy 1:7..."...wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions." (NASB)) and the circumcision party (Titus 1:10..."For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision..." (NASB))
b. false teachers warned about Jewish myths
1st Timothy 3:9..."...{but} holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." (NASB)
Titus 1:14..."...not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth." (NASB)
c. false teachers concerned with food laws (1st Timothy 4:1 – 5..."But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, {men} who forbid marriage {and advocate} abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer." (NASB))
d. false teachers concerned with genealogies
1st Timothy 1:4..."...nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than {furthering} the administration of God which is by faith." (NASB)
1st Timothy 4:7..."But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness..." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 4:4..."...and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." (NASB)
Titus 1:14 – 15..."...not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled." (NASB)
Titus 3:9..."But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." (NASB)
2. Gnostic aspects
a. asceticism forbid marriage (1st Timothy 2:15..."But {women} will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint." and 4:3..."...{men} who forbid marriage {and advocate} abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth." (NASB)) and exempt certain foods (1st Timothy 4:4..."For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude..." (NASB))
b. sexual exploitation
1st Timothy 4:3..."...{men} who forbid marriage {and advocate} abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 3:6 – 7..."For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (NASB)
Titus 1:10,15..."For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision...To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled." (NASB)
c. emphasis on knowledge
1st Timothy 4:1 – 3..."But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, {men} who forbid marriage {and advocate} abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth." (NASB)
1st Timothy 6:20..."O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly {and} empty chatter {and} the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge"..." (NASB)
B. The main interpretive issue relates to whether they were
1. Jewish
2. Greek
3. a combination
C. The false teachers seem to be a mixture of Jewish and Gnostic elements. But how did these totally divergent religious movements merge?
1. Judaism always incorporated some dualistic elements (Dead Sea Scrolls)
2. Gnosticism of the 2nd century only developed these common near-eastern philosophical/theological themes
3. there is a 1st century precedent for a Jewish-Gnostic heresy in the book of Colossians
D. Some of the elements that Paul mentions are...
1. Jewish aspects
a. false teachers teachers of the Law (1st Timothy 1:7..."...wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions." (NASB)) and the circumcision party (Titus 1:10..."For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision..." (NASB))
b. false teachers warned about Jewish myths
1st Timothy 3:9..."...{but} holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." (NASB)
Titus 1:14..."...not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth." (NASB)
c. false teachers concerned with food laws (1st Timothy 4:1 – 5..."But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, {men} who forbid marriage {and advocate} abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer." (NASB))
d. false teachers concerned with genealogies
1st Timothy 1:4..."...nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than {furthering} the administration of God which is by faith." (NASB)
1st Timothy 4:7..."But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness..." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 4:4..."...and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." (NASB)
Titus 1:14 – 15..."...not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled." (NASB)
Titus 3:9..."But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." (NASB)
2. Gnostic aspects
a. asceticism forbid marriage (1st Timothy 2:15..."But {women} will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint." and 4:3..."...{men} who forbid marriage {and advocate} abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth." (NASB)) and exempt certain foods (1st Timothy 4:4..."For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude..." (NASB))
b. sexual exploitation
1st Timothy 4:3..."...{men} who forbid marriage {and advocate} abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 3:6 – 7..."For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (NASB)
Titus 1:10,15..."For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision...To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled." (NASB)
c. emphasis on knowledge
1st Timothy 4:1 – 3..."But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, {men} who forbid marriage {and advocate} abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth." (NASB)
1st Timothy 6:20..."O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly {and} empty chatter {and} the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge"..." (NASB)
The Canonicity
A. Paul’s letters were gathered together into one volume called “the Apostle” and then circulated among all the churches. The only Greek manuscript of Paul’s letters that lacks 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus (also 2nd Thessalonians and Philemon) is a papyrus manuscript from the 200's, called P46. Even this is conjecture because the manuscript is missing several concluding papyrus pages. All other Greek manuscripts contain what came to be called “the Pastoral Epistles.”
B. Here is a list of ancient sources which quote, allude to, or mention the Pastoral Letters
1. early church fathers
a. Pseudo-Barnabas (70 – 130 A.D.), 2nd Timothy and Titus
b. Clement of Rome (95 – 97 A.D.), alludes to 1st and 2nd Timothy, quotes Titus 3:1
c. Polycarp (110 – 150 A.D.), alludes to 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus
d. Hermas (115-140 A.D.), 1st and 2nd Timothy
e. Irenaeus (130 – 202 A.D.), quoted from 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus
f. Diognetus (150 A.D.), Titus
g. Tertullian (150 – 220 A.D.), 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus
h. Origen (185 – 254 A.D.), 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus
2. List of canonical books which includes the Pastoral Letters
a. Muratorian Fragment (from Rome about 200 A.D.)
b. Barococcio (206 A.D.)
c. Apostolic List (300 A.D.)
d. Cheltenham List (360 A.D.)
e. Athanasius’ Letter (367 A.D.)
3. early versions which contain the Pastoral Letters
a. old Latin (150 – 170 A.D.)
b. old Syriac (200 A.D.)
4. early church councils which affirmed the inspired status of the Pastoral Letters
a. Nicea (325 – 340 A.D.)
b. Hippo (393 A.D.)
c. Carthage (397 and 419 A.D.)
C. It was a process of a consensus among the early Christian congregations of the Roman Empire that developed the canon. This consensus was surely affected by internal and external social pressures. The basic requirements for inclusion in the canon seem to have been...
1. related to an Apostle
2. a message consistent with other Apostolic writings
3. the changed lives of those who encountered these writings
4. a growing agreement in the lists of accepted writings among these early churches
D. The need for a canon developed because of
1. the delayed Second Coming
2. the geographical distance between churches and Apostles
3. the death of the Apostles
4. the early rise of false teachers from:
a. Judaism
b. Greek philosophy
c. other Greco-Roman mystery religions
This occurred as the gospel spread to different cultures.
E. The issue of canonicity was historically related to authorship. The Pastoral Letters were accepted as Paul’s writings by the early church. The question of Paul’s authorship does not affect inspiration and canonization.
B. Here is a list of ancient sources which quote, allude to, or mention the Pastoral Letters
1. early church fathers
a. Pseudo-Barnabas (70 – 130 A.D.), 2nd Timothy and Titus
b. Clement of Rome (95 – 97 A.D.), alludes to 1st and 2nd Timothy, quotes Titus 3:1
c. Polycarp (110 – 150 A.D.), alludes to 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus
d. Hermas (115-140 A.D.), 1st and 2nd Timothy
e. Irenaeus (130 – 202 A.D.), quoted from 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus
f. Diognetus (150 A.D.), Titus
g. Tertullian (150 – 220 A.D.), 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus
h. Origen (185 – 254 A.D.), 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus
2. List of canonical books which includes the Pastoral Letters
a. Muratorian Fragment (from Rome about 200 A.D.)
b. Barococcio (206 A.D.)
c. Apostolic List (300 A.D.)
d. Cheltenham List (360 A.D.)
e. Athanasius’ Letter (367 A.D.)
3. early versions which contain the Pastoral Letters
a. old Latin (150 – 170 A.D.)
b. old Syriac (200 A.D.)
4. early church councils which affirmed the inspired status of the Pastoral Letters
a. Nicea (325 – 340 A.D.)
b. Hippo (393 A.D.)
c. Carthage (397 and 419 A.D.)
C. It was a process of a consensus among the early Christian congregations of the Roman Empire that developed the canon. This consensus was surely affected by internal and external social pressures. The basic requirements for inclusion in the canon seem to have been...
1. related to an Apostle
2. a message consistent with other Apostolic writings
3. the changed lives of those who encountered these writings
4. a growing agreement in the lists of accepted writings among these early churches
D. The need for a canon developed because of
1. the delayed Second Coming
2. the geographical distance between churches and Apostles
3. the death of the Apostles
4. the early rise of false teachers from:
a. Judaism
b. Greek philosophy
c. other Greco-Roman mystery religions
This occurred as the gospel spread to different cultures.
E. The issue of canonicity was historically related to authorship. The Pastoral Letters were accepted as Paul’s writings by the early church. The question of Paul’s authorship does not affect inspiration and canonization.