NEW TESTAMENT HANDBOOK: A Guided Approach to Understanding the New Testament by Brown Dr. Aleck A

Author:Brown, Dr. Aleck A. [Brown, Dr. Aleck A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Xulon Press
Published: 2015-08-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

The Pastoral Epistles

(Paul’s Ecclesiastical Letters)

T he term “The Pastoral Epistles” is used to designate the scriptural writings of I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus. Appropriately named, these three letters were sent from Paul to Timothy and Titus, his apostolic representatives concerning pastoral care of the church at Ephesus and Crete, respectively. Some scholars question Pauline authorship of these letters, in comparison to other letter written by Paul. The tone and delivery of these three letters can be differentiated from Paul’s other letters and thus justified as his own, due to the maturity of Paul in the ministry and the his concern for the ministry of both Timothy and Titus.

Although labeled as pastoral letters, the message of these letters was definitely intended to be shared with the congregation at large. Additionally, these writings also serve a greater purpose than being simply handbooks for pastoral duties. The Apostle Paul made it quite clear that they were to be shared and closely adhered to. These letters not only carry Paul’s personal flavor, but serve to address practical issues within the church. In previous writings, Paul had not addressed church order at such length, yet these three letters speak volumes in that regard.

Although some scholars doubt Pauline authorship, the vocabulary, grammar, and style of these writings make them highly attributable to the Apostle Paul. As noted in his letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul sensed an urgency to deal with the organizational structure within the Church. He set out to address doctrinal issues from an ecclesiological perspective. He further provided instruction to attend to the heretical issues experienced within the Church.

As such, Paul’s general purpose for the writing of the Pastoral letters is:

1. To warn against false teachings, while encouraging the establishment and practice of sound doctrine.

2. To instruct on certain matters of church organization.

3. To promote high standards of Christian character.

4. To certify his approval of the ministerial authority of Timothy and Titus.

5. To encourage his associates to remain faithful in the ministry.

COMMON THEMES FOUND IN THE PASTORAL LETTERS

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