Foundations (Year Two)

“Encountering the New Testament”

Session #6. Encountering

1 & 2 TIMOTHY and TITUS.

The NT Writings

Letters of Paul:Galatians (48/49 CE)1 & 2 Thessalonians (51-

52)1 & 2 Corinthians (53-57)Romans (56-57)Prison letters (61-62):

(Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon & Philippians)

Pastoral letters (64-66): (1, 2 Timothy & Titus)

Written earlier:Letter of James

(40’s/50’s)

Written later:Letters of Peter (64-66)Mark (68-70 )Matthew (70-80)Luke-Acts (70-80)Hebrews (50’s/60’s?)Letter of Jude (50’s ?)Writings of John:

Gospel, Letters & Revelation (90-96)

The latter days of Paul:The journey to Rome 58-60/61

CE

The end of Acts

“When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him... For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.

Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (28:16, 30-31)

But what happened next?Imprisonment in Rome ends 62/63 CE“Prison letters” written and sent out

cf. Phil. 1:19, 25-26; 2:24 & Philemon 22 62/63 CE

Off to Spain? (Romans 15:19-24, 28)Back to Macedonia/ Greece? (1 Tim. 1:3)A visit to Crete? (Titus 1:5)Winter in Nicopolis (Titus 3:12) – by which time

he has written 1 Timothy & Titus.Arrest & 2nd Roman imprisonment 65 CE2 Tim. 4:6-8 (The end is near)Death (beheaded) under Nero 66/67

CE

Pastoral Letters?

1 & 2 Timothy; Titus

Context: Roman imprisonment 60/61-62/63 CESubsequent release & period of ministry:

1 Tim. c. 65-66 CE (From Macedonia?)Titus c.65-66 CE (From Macedonia?)2 Tim. c.67 CE (From prison in Rome)

“Together, they form an early manual for pastoral theology and church discipline.”

Pastoral Letters - Distinctives

The final letters of PaulAddressed to individuals (closest friends)Many instructions & very personalCharge to teach/ keep “the faith”Instructions to “pass on” to the next

generation of leaders (2 Tim. 2:2)Faithful sayings & rules of faithInstructions on leadership structures

The Purpose

“I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (1 Tim. 3:14-15)

“Watch your life and doctrine closely” (1 Tim. 4:16)

Timothy & Titus

Stain glass window of Titus (right) and Timothy (left) at Concordia Seminary Chapel in St. Louis.

Timothy (Ephesus), Titus (Crete)

Who was Timothy?

A convert from Lystra (1st miss. journey)Mother (Eunice) & Grandmother (Lois) Jewish/

believers, father a Greek. Taught the scriptures “from infancy” (Acts 16:1; 2 Tim. 3:15)

“my true son in the faith” (1 Tim.1:2, 18; 2 Tim.1:2; 2:1)Joins the mission team (2nd miss. journey – Acts 16:1)Circumcised (by Paul)! – Acts 16:3Received spiritual gifts for ministry (1 Tim.4:14/ 2 Tim.1:6)Paul’s trusted co-worker (Phil.2:22; 1 Thess.3:2; 1 Cor.16:10)Experiences in Ephesus (3rd miss. Journey Acts 18-19)Commissioned to Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3)

Who was Titus?A Greek convert (from Antioch?)“my true son in our common faith” (Titus 1:4)Accompanies Paul to Jerusalem Council (Gal. 2:1)Though, not circumcised! – Gal. 2:3Connections to Corinth: “my brother Titus”

(2 Cor. 2:2; 7:6, 13-15; 8:6, 16-24; 12:18)“my partner and co-worker” (2 Cor. 8:23)Mission to Crete (remains there) – Titus 1:5Sent to Dalmatia (NE of Macedonia/ modern

Croatia) by Paul near end of life (2 Tim. 4:10)

Pastoral letters (setting)

Pastoral letters

Basic problems:

Increasing threat of false teaching (mix of Jewish Legalism & Early Gnosticism)

Need to establish mature leadership & orderly structure within the churches

What is Gnosticism?

‘Gnostic’ = from Gk. gnosis (knowledge)A synthesis of religion, philosophy & mythThe second major heresy to confront

Christianity (2nd Century)Yet it was already starting to emerge in the 1st

Century (ie. Colossians, the Pastoral letters & the Writings of John)

Because the gospel had penetrated pagan culture(infiltration – transformation – contamination)

Origins of Gnosticism

Confusing, varied & debatable.

From an ancient Oriental religion? Persian (Zoroastrian/ Mesopotamian), Indian.

From pre-Christian Judaism? Apocalyptic, mystical (Yahweh, angels, salvation).

From non-orthodox Christianity? Jesus & “Christian” terminology.

From late Hellenistic (Greek) philosophy? Plato (d. 348 BCE) & Dualism.

Gnosticism Characterized

1. This world (inc. the body) is unredeemably bad.2. God is completely transcendent (& unknowable).3. Between God & the world are numerous

intermediate spirit-beings, called aeons, one (or more) of whom made this world.

4. Somehow, some of the divine spark was trapped in the world and remains in (some) humans.

5. The Redeemer (last aeon) came down to give knowledge by which some humans may be saved.

6. Salvation = escaping from the world, by means of self-knowledge & access to secret mysteries.

Gnosticism – a summaryDualism

God is transcendent & impersonal

Separation of spiritual from material

Salvation through knowledge

Good (God) & Evil

Spirit/ spiritual

Body/ material

World (inc. humanity)

Categories of humanity

Humans are divided into 3 classes: Hylic – earthly, material

Incapable of salvation Psychic – animal, soulish, spiritual

Capable of salvation Need to accept Gnostic teachings Usually orthodox Christians are put in this

class Pneumatic – spiritual

Already saved by nature of being “spiritual” Typically, the Gnostic leaders

Early “Christian” Gnostics

Gnostic “gurus”:

Simon MagusMenanderSatorninusBasilidesCarpocratesCerinthusMarcionValentinus

Gnostic groups:

The NicolaitansThe EbionitesThe EncratitesThe SethiansThe Cainites

Acts 8:4-25

c.100-160 CE

Key defender: IRENAEUS

(d. 202) “Against

heresies”

c.85-160 CE

Gnostic “Aeons”in the system of Valentinus

THE OGDOAD:

ProarcheEnnoeaNousAletheiaLogosZoeAnthroposEcclesia

THE DECAD:

BythiusMixisAgeratosHenosisAutophyesHedoneAcinetosSyncrasisMonogenesMacaria

THE THE DUODECAD:DUODECAD:

ParacletosParacletos PistisPistis ElpisElpis MetricosMetricos AgapeAgape AinosAinos SynesisSynesis SophiaSophia

Gnostic “Aeons”in the system of Valentinus

These various categories make up the PLEROMA.

Lady Sophia, also called Acamoth (Wisdom), consists of spirit, animal, and matter.

Her child is the Demiurge (or “craftsman”), the creator of everything outside the Pleroma, (the Creator-god in Genesis).

Christ = the answer to our hunger

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness (pleroma) dwell in him” Colossians 1:19

“For in Christ all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” Col. 2:9

see also John 1:1-18 (“from the fullness of his grace we have received one blessing after another”)

1 Timothy – an outline

GreetingsExplanation of Timothy’s task (1:3-20)Prevent the spread of heresy vv.3-11Preach the gospel/ keep the faith vv.12-20Emphases to help accomplish task (2-3)Prayer (that pleases God) 2:1-7Holy living (men & women) 2:8-15Committed leadership 3:1-15Right doctrine (about Christ) 3:16The Charge (4-6)Pastoral instructions (4:1-6:10)Practical actions (6:11-21)

Paul’s charge (Chs. 4-6)

Pastoral instructions for a good shepherd:

• Learn to discern false teaching (4:1-5)• Train yourself to be godly (vv.6-8)• Remember your hope is in God (vv.9-10)• Don’t neglect your gift (vv.11-14)• Watch your life & doctrine closely (vv.15-16) Be gentle with the elderly (5:1-2) Take care of widows (vv.3-16) Respect your (church) elders & employers

(5:17-6:2) Watch out for the love of money (6:3-10)

Paul’s charge (6:11-21)

Practical actions, for a good shepherd:

1.Flee…(v.11)2.Pursue…(v.11)3.Fight…(v.12)4.Take hold of…(v.12)5.Keep…(v.14)6.Command…(vv.17,18)7.Guard…(v.20)8.Turn away from…(v.20)

2 Timothy – an outline

Key message: “Be faithful”

To the Church & it’s message (ch.1)“guard the gospel”

To the Church & it’s members (chs.2-3)“be a good soldier, athlete & farmer”

discipline training patience

To the Church & it’s ministry (ch.4)“know the faith” “preach the word”

Titus – an outline

Greetings (1:1-4)“Finish what was started” (1:5-16)“Teach what is good” (2:1-15)“Do what is right” (3:1-11)Closing remarks (3:12-15)

Christian living: “the truth that leads to godliness” (1:1)

Theological basis (“The grace of God”)Ethical outworking (“Be ready to do whatever is

good”)

How to spot a heresy and what to do about it.

Heresy = (GK. haeresis “ a choice, course of action…leads to a school of thought”)

Orthodoxy = (ortho – straight; doxa – belief)

Therefore a heresy = a deliberate choice to deviate from an accepted belief, and continue to pursue that choice until it leads to an entrenched unorthodox position.

How the early church dealt with heresy

The place of scripture - 2 Tim. 3:16-17

The rule of faith - 1 Tim. 3:16

The role of the bishop (episcopos) & pastor/priests (presbyter) - 1 Tim. 3/ Titus 1

The early Christians

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore having gone, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’”

“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching/doctrine.” (Acts 2:42)

Emergence of right theology

The rule of faith

Short summary of doctrine to shape or knowledge and beliefs.

The faithful sayings

Short statements of truth to shape our attitudes and values.

The “Rule of faith”

Keep the pattern of sound teaching/ doctrine (2 Tim. 1:13)

The time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. (2 Tim. 4:3)

Watch your life and doctrine closely. (1 Tim. 4:16)

You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1)

Sound doctrine/ teaching

What we believe about God, the trinityFather Jesus the Christ Holy Spirit

What we believe about salvationPast Present Future

What we believe about the people of GodOne people (Israel-Church)One, holy, catholic & apostolic body of Christ

The mystery of godliness

The heart of good theology:

“He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” (3:16)

Church leaders & good theology

They (overseers) must hold firmly to the trust-worthy message as it has been taught, so that they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9)

Deacons, likewise...must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

(1 Tim.3:9)

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP

Biblical terms for leaders:

ELDER (presbuteros)

OVERSEER/ BISHOP (episkopos)

SHEPHERD/PASTOR (poimen)

SERVANT/ DEACON (diakonos – not doulos)

Qualifications for leaders

Character

Competence

Commitment

Chemistry

cf. Acts 14:23Acts 20:27, 281 Tim. 3:1-71 Tim. 5:17-20Titus 1:4-91 Peter 2:251 Peter 5:1-4James 5:14-16

“Overseers”1. “If anyone sets their heart

on being an overseer, they desires a noble task”

2. above reproach3. the husband of but one wife4. temperate5. self-controlled6. respectable7. hospitable8. able to teach9. not given to drunkenness10.not violent but gentle11.not quarrelsome12.not a lover of money

They must manage their own family well

and see that their children obey them with proper respect.

(If anyone does not know how to manage their own family, how can they

take care of God's church?)

They must not be a recent convert, or they may become conceited

and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

They must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into

disgrace and into the devil's trap.

“Deacons”Deacons, likewise, are to be:1.worthy of respect2.sincere3.not indulging in much wine4.not pursuing dishonest gain

Summary: I am writing you these instructions

so …you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. (vv.14-15)

They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience

They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well

Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Women in leadership?

“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.” (1 Tim. 2:11-15)

Women in leadership?

Principles:

1.Get the big picture first.2.Start at the beginning (Genesis 1-2).3.Remember we are fallen (Gen. 3:16).4.Look for the norm (& exceptions) in the OT.5.How did Jesus treat/ teach women.6.The Spirit has come/ the church is formed (Acts 2).7.“In Christ there is no male or female” (Gal. 3:28).8.The list of Paul’s “co-workers” (Romans 16).9.Interpret the unclear in light of the clear.10.Where is scripture heading?

Women in leadership?

A woman should learn with a quiet disposition and complete submission (to those gifted to teach). I am not permitting a woman to teach or to assume (for herself) authority over a man; such a woman must be quiet.

For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.

But they (women) will be saved through the childbirth—if she continues in faith, love and holiness with propriety. (1 Tim. 2:11-15)

Women in leadership?

“As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.” (1 Cor. 14:33b-35)

“Every women who prays or prophesies…” (1 Cor. 11:5)

“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.  29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the congregations of the saints.

34Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.  36Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37If anyone thinks they are a prophet or spiritually gifted, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38If they ignore this, they themselves will be ignored.

 39Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (1 Cor. 14:26-40)

THE FAITHFUL SAYINGS

The “Faithful Sayings”

1. 1 Tim. 1:15Having a right understanding of Christ2. 1 Tim. 3:1Having a right understanding of church

leadership3. 1 Tim. 4:8-9Having a right understanding of spiritual

disciplines4. Titus 3:4-8Having a right understanding of our salvation5. 2 Tim. 2:11-13Having a right understanding of discipleship

#1. 1 Tim.1:15

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst.”

Faithful saying #1.

A crucial statementTrustworthy…Deserving full acceptance

A condescending saviourChrist…came into the world,Jesus…to save sinners

A chief sinner(of whom) I am the first/ worst/ chief.

#2. 1 Tim. 3:1

“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.”

This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (KJV)

#3. 1 Tim. 4:8-9

Bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things…(KJV)

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that

deserves full acceptance (NIV)

Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. (The Message)

#4. Titus 3:4-8

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

#5. 2 Tim. 2:11-13

Here is a trustworthy saying:        If we died with him,        we will also live with him; if we endure,        we will also reign with him.If we disown him,        he will also disown us; if we are faithless,        he remains faithful,        for he cannot disown himself.