The Pastoral Epistles

GOLDEN TEXT: “Now the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” —I Timothy 1:5

I TIMOTHY 1:11

PAUL’S letters to Timothy and Titus are often referred to by scholars as “pastoral epistles.” He speaks of both of these consecrated followers of the Master as his “sons” in the faith. They were, by comparison with Paul, young men, and doubtless he was hopeful that they would continue on with the ministry of the Gospel long after he had finished his course in death.

In the epistles Paul stresses the importance of sound doctrine, of preserving order in the church through the proper election of faithful servants, and of maintaining a high standard of righteousness among the brethren. These instructions are good for all the Lord’s people, and especially important for those who are leaders and teachers in the church.

Paul mentions some very important points in this lesson. Timothy was to see to it that those in Ephesus taught no other doctrine than the truth they had heard from Paul. This, of course, was the Gospel of Christ, which is “the power of God unto salvation.” (Rom. 1:16) This was the message which Paul preached everywhere he went. The Gospel of Christ, properly and fully presented, includes a presentation of the wonderful prophecies and promises of the Old Testament concerning the coming of the Messiah, his miraculous birth, his ministry, his sacrifice for sin, his resurrection from the dead, and his return to establish his kingdom for the blessing of all the families of the earth.

All of these points—and there are more—constitute the sound doctrine of the Gospel, the glad tidings of great joy proclaimed by angels the night Jesus was born. Nor should a faithful servant of the Lord ever become weary of presenting such a satisfying and glorious message. They should be, as one of our hymns states, delighted to “repeat the story o’er and o’er.”

Paul told Timothy not to give heed “to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith.” There have been those in every part of the age who have associated with the Lord’s people, apparently accepting the Gospel, yet whenever possible have endeavored to introduce “fables,” or unproved theories, and other worthless ideas among the brethren. Any theories, speculations, or traditions which cannot be proved by a “thus saith the Lord” are unprofitable for discussion among the Lord’s people.

In the Early Church one of the troublesome teachings was that Christians should practice the ordinances of the Law, such as circumcision, and to feel themselves still bound by the Law in other respects. It was difficult to combat teachings of this nature without appearing to be against the Law of God. But Paul uses a good approach by explaining that the Law was not made for righteous persons, but for sinners. One who loves God, and is dedicated to doing his will and to laying down his life in the service of others, does not need to be told that he must not commit murder and must not steal.

The Golden Text sums up the matter very nicely: “The end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” “The end of the commandment,” that is, the result of the commandments, should be love—love for God and for man. Quoting from Moses, Jesus summed up the intent of all the commandments as being wholehearted love for God, and love for our neighbors as we love ourselves.

And Jesus carried the thought of love in the Christian life even further when he said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) Jesus’ love led him to lay down his life for us, and for the world also. And if we come under the control of the same love, it will cause us to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Thus we will be planted together with Jesus in his sacrificial death, and if faithful until death, will be in the likeness of his resurrection. The purpose of this is that we might live and reign with Christ for the blessing of all mankind. This great truth is a part of the Gospel of Christ.

QUESTIONS

Why are Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus called pastoral epistles?

What should always be the message proclaimed by God’s servants?

Is there any value in speculation?

Are Christians under the Law?

Explain the Golden Text in the answer to the last question?

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