Lesson 17: The Pastoral Epistles

Antioch Bible Institute

Spring/Summer 2014

Rev. Christopher J. Respass

Pastoral Epistles

The Pastoral Epistles—1 & 2 Timothy and Titus— were written by the Apostle Paul to guide Timothy and Titus in their roles as pastor and elder of the churches in Ephesus and Crete, respectively.

Pastoral Epistles

I. Date

A. 1 Timothy & Titus: Paul was given relative freedom to do additional missions work 63-65 AD following his initial imprisonment. It is believed that these epistles were written during that time.

B. 2 Timothy: Paul was imprisoned at this time and makes mention of his thoughts of his impending martyrdom. It is believed this epistle was written in the mid to late 60s.

Pastoral Epistles

II. Purpose of Writing the Epistles

Paul’s chief purpose was to urge Timothy and Titus to deal effectively with the issues of moral failure and heresy in the Ephesian and Cretan churches. To Timothy, Paul urged him to overcome his timidity and boldly proclaim the gospel. To Titus, he instructed him to be firm in the fulfillment of his responsibility as elder.

1 Timothy

Theme: God’s Standard for Church Conduct

I. God’s standard for Doctrine & Worship (1:1-2:15)

II. God’s Standard for Service & Living (3:1-4:16).

III. God’s Standard for Church Ministry (5:1-21)

1 Timothy

I. Warning Against False Teachers (1:3-11)

II. Paul’s Charge to Hold to the Faith (1:12-20)

III. Qualifications of Pastors & Deacons (3:1-13)

IV. Being a Good Servant of Jesus (4:1-16)

2 Timothy

Theme: Serving as God’s Minister

I. God’s Minister must be Strong (1:1-2:26)

II. God’s Minister must Stand Strong (3:1-4:22)

2 TimothyI. Guard What has been Entrusted to you

(1:3-14)

II. Be a Good Soldier for Jesus (2:1-10)

III. Continue is what You Have Been Taught (3:10-17)

IV. Preach the Word! (4:1-8)

Titus

Theme: Correction of Church Problems

I. Correction by Sound Doctrine (1:1-16)

II. Correction by Godly Living (2:1-3:15)

Titus

I. Qualifications for Elders (1:5-9)

II. Instruction to Rebuke those who teach error (1:10-16)

III. Teach & Preach Sound Doctrine (2:1-8)

IV. Be Ready for Every Good work (3:1-11)

Questions?