Part 13 (2/2)
+Princ.i.p.al Divisions and Chief Points.+
1. Greeting (1:1, 2).
2. The True teaching of the gospel (ch. 1). Timothy is warned against false teachers and reminded of the aim and end of life in Christ.
3. The order and regulation of public wors.h.i.+p (ch. 2). (a) Prayer, for those in authority and for all men. (b) Instruction. There is one G.o.d and one Mediator (Christ) between G.o.d and man. (c) Conduct of men and women in the church a.s.semblies.
4. Qualifications of the church officers (ch. 3). (a) The ideal minister. (b) The ideal deacon and the ministering women. (c) Conclusion of chapter. Paul declares his intention to visit Timothy.
An ascription of praise.
5. The government of the Christian church and community (ch. 4-6). In these three chapters Timothy is charged by Paul to keep before him a high view of the church and its grand destiny. (a) Timothy, as a teacher, is reminded of his commission to put the church on guard against errors of doctrine and life (ch. 4). (b) Timothy is shown how he should bear rule and conduct himself towards the elders and women of his congregation. Paul adds instructions in regard to a man's care for his family, support of the ministry, discipline of offenders, etc. (ch.
5). (c) Relations of masters and servants. Right att.i.tude of believers in Christ toward riches. The chief thing is to follow after righteousness, G.o.dliness, faith, love, patience, meekness, and to fight the good fight of faith (6:1-19). (d) Closing charge to Timothy with benediction (6:20, 21).
THE EPISTLE TO t.i.tUS
+t.i.tus+ was a beloved disciple of Paul. He was a Gentile and was taken by Paul to Jerusalem and was made a test case of the freedom of the gospel and was not compelled to be circ.u.mcised (Gal. 2:1-5). He is mentioned by name, by Paul, twelve times in four of the Epistles (2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6, 13, 14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; Gal. 2:1, 3; 2 Tim. 4:10; t.i.tus 1:4). The early church tradition is that t.i.tus was descended from the royal family of Crete. He was an able and capable missionary.
We have no account of his conversion. He might have come first in contact with Paul and been converted when the Great Apostle visited Crete on his way to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:7-13). Some time was spent at this island by Paul's company (Acts 27:9). Paul again visited Crete after his first Roman imprisonment and when he went away he left t.i.tus in charge of affairs (t.i.tus 1:5), ”To set in order things that are wanting and to ordain elders in every city.” This message of Paul to t.i.tus not only shows the confidence which Paul reposed in him, but also how widespread Christianity was in Crete. After t.i.tus had completed his special work in Crete he was to rejoin Paul at Nicopolis (t.i.tus 3:12).
+The Purpose+ of this letter is to show t.i.tus what he is to do, in his work with the churches, and how to do it.
+Time and Place of Writing.+--It is thought that this Epistle was written from Corinth in 66 A.D.
+Princ.i.p.al Divisions and Chief Points.+
1. Greeting and subject of the Epistle (1:1-5). t.i.tus is left in Crete to accomplish certain things (1:5) after which he is to rejoin Paul (3:12).
2. The kind of officers to be appointed in the Cretan churches (1:5-16). Special moral and spiritual fitness is set forth as necessary in view of the peculiar character of the Cretans and certain forms of doctrinal error.
3. The instruction to be given to the Cretans (2:1-3:11). (a) ”The things which become sound doctrine.” (b) Practical teaching for the proper regulation of the conduct of all cla.s.ses. (c) The foundation of the instruction rests upon Christ. (d) Proper att.i.tude of the Christian community toward the Pagan world; magistrates and those who have not yet believed in Christ. Kindness and gentleness and the avoidance of foolish questions best reveal the spirit of Christ by those who profess His name. (e) Parting requests and benediction (3:12-15).
THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
+The Last Words of Paul.+--This Epistle is of special interest as it contains the last recorded words of Paul to his faithful disciple, Timothy. The Great Apostle is writing from a strict prison confinement (1:16, 17; 2:9). He has had a first preliminary trial (4:16) and this was of such a dread nature that none of his friends dare to stand with him, yet he rejoices in his Lord that He stood by him and strengthened him. He feels however that his end is near and gives a magnificent testimony of his faith (4:6-8). He urges Timothy to come to him in Rome and bring Mark with him (4:9, 11).
+Time and Place of Writing.+--It was written by Paul in prison at Rome 67 A.D.
+The Purpose.+--Paul shows here his care for the churches, their upbuilding in the faith and their proper regulation of the things that pertain to wors.h.i.+p and organization. Timothy, as a preacher of the Word, has his personal responsibility, for the upbuilding of the churches, presented to him.
+Princ.i.p.al Divisions and Chief Points.+
1. Greeting and thanksgiving (1:1-5).
2. The Christian conduct of Timothy (1:6-2:14). Paul exhorts Timothy not to allow himself to be daunted by fear of opposition or suffering in doing his work for Christ. He encourages him by, (a) The great revelation and power of the gospel. (b) His own work. (c) The sure hope of a great reward.
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