Well we've been in the Old Testament for a little while and now we're coming back to the New Testament. The next section that we are going to be studying is called the Pastoral Epistles by most commentaries. From our viewpoint they are letters of instruction to some young ministers, written by Paul an old teacher who is near the end of his ministry and desires to pass on the torch to younger individuals. These letters can be applied to all young people who desire to serve the Lord, and they have a value to all who appreciate the study of the Word of God. The first two of these epistles are to young Timothy and the third is to Titus.

Paul opens this epistle by establishing his authority as an apostle by appointment directly from God. He continues by greeting Timothy as though he were his own son.

(chpt:  1 Vs: 001)  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 002)  Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Beginning with verse 3 he reminds Timothy of his reasons for leaving him at Ephesus. He is told to teach them to keep the Word simple and not to argue over complicated issues which only bring division within the church. The point that Paul is trying to make is that we should observe the spirit of the law rather than the letter. He further states that many teachers get tangled up in the complex nature of the law and to put it bluntly they don't have any idea what they're talking about.

(chpt:  1 Vs: 003)  As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 004)  Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 005)  Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 006)  From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 007)  Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 

Beginning with verse 8 Paul tells us that the law as good and its primary purpose is to teach those who were ignorant concerning what is right and wrong in the eyes of God.

(chpt:  1 Vs: 008)  But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 009)  Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 010)  For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 011)  According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 

Beginning with verse 12 Paul tells us that he knows he was a sinner .He tells us that, as so many others, he was ignorant of what God required. We are told the Christ came into the world to save sinners and that Paul received God's mercy and grace which qualified him for the responsibilities that he carried.

(chpt:  1 Vs: 012)  And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 013)  Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 014)  And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 015)  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 016)  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 017)  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

Timothy is told that he is to inherit Paul's responsibilities, and that he should not be like some others which are named at the end of the chapter.

(chpt:  1 Vs: 018)  This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 019)  Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 020)  Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. 

The first eight verses of this chapter are instruction from Paul concerning intercessory prayer for all peoples everywhere. This instruction does not leave us free to pick and choose those for whom we will pray. The put it bluntly we are to pray for all including those who hate us and are our enemies.

(chpt:  2 Vs: 001)  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 002)  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 003)  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 004)  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 005)  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 006)  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 007)  Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 008)  I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 

The last 7 verses of this chapter deal with the conduct of women within the framework of the church. These are hard verses to accept in this day and age. The role of women has changed, and many small churches would not exist if women did not accept responsibility . I know this for a fact because I have been Pastor of a number of them. But the fact of the matter is God still wants men to accept full responsibility for conduct of church affairs.

(chpt:  2 Vs: 009)  In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 010)  But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 011)  Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 012)  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 013)  For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 014)  And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 015)  Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. 

The first seven verses of this chapter give the qualifications for the office of Bishop, simply the overseer of spiritual matters within the framework of the church. These qualifications are rigid and self-explanatory.

(chpt:  3 Vs: 001)  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 002)  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 003)  Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 004)  One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 005)  (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 006)  Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 007)  Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 

Verses 8 through 13 give the qualifications for those we call deacons. These are the individuals who are given responsibility for handling the physical affairs of the church.

(chpt:  3 Vs: 008)  Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 009)  Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 010)  And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 011)  Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 012)  Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 013)  For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

The last three verses Paul tells Timothy he is giving him these instructions if he is unable to come and see him soon.

(chpt:  3 Vs: 014)  These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 

(chpt:  3 Vs: 015)  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 

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