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1984

Bible book by book : Ephesians-Philemon

G. Michael Cocoris

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Recommended Citation Cocoris, G. Michael (1984). book by book : Ephesians-Philemon. Los Angeles: Church of the Open Door. https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/faculty-books/434

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THE BIBLE Book by Book

Ephesians - Philemon

G. Michael Cocoris

l\ INTRODUCTION

In the Sunday evening services at the Church ' of the Open Door, I preached through the Bible one book per evening. In each message I covered the same 5 points: Author, Recipients, Subject, Structure and Purpose. These messages were later edited for release on our daily broadcast called THE OPEN DOOR. This booklet was prepared to help radio 1 isteners study with us on that program.

This is the 6th volume in a set of 7 and contains notes on the books of Ephesians through Phi lemon.

The messages, as originally preached at the Church of the Open Door, are available on cassette tapes in convenient albums. Or, you may order individual tapes if you desire. There is an Order Form at the back of this booklet for your convenience which will give you complete informa­ tion on how to order.

It is my desire that these messages will give you an introduction to the basics of each book of the Bible, and you will then be able to read, 11THE BIBLE: BOOK BY BOOK study and apply your Bible more intelligently. EPHESIANS - PHILEMON"

- G. Michael Cocoris G. Michael Cocoris

Cover Design: Larry McMillion Copyright (c) 1984 G. Michael Cocoris

Scripture References: New King James Version. Copyright (c) 1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Ne 1 son, Inc., Pub 1 i she rs

,\

l\. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Ephesians

Philippians ...... • . 11

Colossians •...... 16

I Thessalonians ...... 22

I I Thessalonians ...... 32

I Timothy . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • - • 37

I I T i mo t h y . • • • . . . . • • • • • • . . 4 5

Titus ...... 52

Philemon ...... 5 7 .

EPHESIANS

Several books of the Bible have been praised

\ with superlatives. Ephesians is one of them.

Robert Lee says, 1 1 It has been we 11 said that, 1 This surpasses all others in sublimety of style, and is pre-eminent, even amongst the apostle's writings, for the sustained maj­

esty of its theme, and for certain spiritual1 splendour, both in conception and 1 language. 1 ,.,.. Dr. Pierson has called it: Paul s third heaven epistle' for in it he 'soars from

the depth1 of ruin to the heights of redemp­ tion. It has been cal l·ed 'the Alps of the , for here we are bidden by God to mount, step by step, until we reach

the highest possible point where man can 1 ,I' stand, even the presence of God Himself. 11 1

J. Sidlow Baxter says, "Although not: nearly 11Although not nearly the longest of Paul's , Ephesians is generally conceived to be the profoundest. There is a grandeur of conception about it, a majesty, a dignity, a richness and fullness which are particular to it. 112

1 ' ln the depth of its theology," says Dean Farrar, "in the loftiness of its morals, in the way in which the simplest moral truths are based upon the profound­ est religious doctrines--the epistle is unparalleled. 11 3

I, - 1 - I"""

II

·IIII I. Author. 111 11 recorded in Acts 28:30-31. The basic Twice the author of the epistle support for this view comes from the identifies himself as Paul (1:1; 3:1). fact that Paul says the had ' The language is clearly Pauline. Tradition spread to the whole "Praetorian Guard11 " is unanimous that Paul wrote Ephesians. (Phil. 1 :13), and that "the sai nts Lewis says, "None of the epistles which are in Caesar's household greet you ascribed to St. Paul have a stronger chain (Phil. 4:22). Furthermore, he of evidence to their early and continued anticipated that his case would soon be settled resulting in his release use than that which11 we know as the Epistle to the Ephesians. 4 (Phil. 1:23-24). Onesimus would have been more likely to go to a great city I I. Recipients. like Rome where he would have had a much better chance to lose himself A. Their date. among the teaming multitudes (even as a runaway today flees to a big city There is no doubt that Paul was in like Los Angeles). prison when he wrote Ephesians (4:1). Some commentators, however, have The problem is that he was in and out favored the Caesarean imprisonment as of prison many times. So during which the time of composition of these four imprisonment did he pen Ephesians? epistles. But the facts do not fit. It should be pointed out that four For example, Paul indicates that the of Paul's epistles refer to his im­ outcome of the verdict would be either 1 ife or death (Phil. 1 :20ff). That 1, prisonment (Eph. 3:1; 4:1; 6:20; Phi 1 . 1 : 7, 13, 1 4; Col . 4:3, 10, 1 8; Phl m. would not be the case at Caesarea where 9,10, 13,23). At least three of the he could always appeal to Caesar, which four were no doubt dispatched at the he actually did. same time (Eph. 6:21-23; Col. 4:7-9; A few have held to an Ephesian Phlm. 10-12). Thus, these four view.1 This hypothesis is based on epistles are commonly referred to as Paul s statement in I I Cor. 11 :23 the prison epistles. written shortly after11 his ministry in But the question remains, which which says in prisons more imprisonment? Three theories have abundantly." It is a novel theory, but been advocated: Roman, Caesarean as Hiebert says, "The arguments for and Ephesian. Ephesus bristle with difficulties and often raise more questions than they 11 The prevailing view is that all answer. 7

four 1 were written from Rome during Paul s two year imprisonment there as Assuming, then, that Paul wrote from Rome, the date for Ephesians is - 2 - - 3 -

_.... - 61 A.O. absolutely incapable of rational explanation without the words en B. Their description. Ephesoi, yet it cannot be denied

\ that there is definite question The question of date depends on .as to its interpretation without where Paul wrote from, but the issue them. It must be admitted that in of the description of the recipients parallel passages the expression is hinges to some degree on to whom he often used with a place designation wrote. :1 says he wrote to (Rom. 1 : 7; I Co r. 1 :2; I I Co r. 1 : 1; the saints 11in Ephesus," but that is Phi 1 • 1 : 1 ) . To om it a 1 1 p 1 ace a problem. The nature of the problem designations really makes it a cath­ is that the two words "in Ephesus" are olic epistle addressed to Gentiie- not in some Greek manuscripts. Christians in general. Such a H, The traditional view contends that view is inconsistent with its con­ I. these words were in the original. tents since 1:15ff and 6:22 show Thiessen summarizes the evidence: that Paul had a definite group in mind when he wrote the epistle. 117 11But was the Epistle written to the Church at Ephesus? The The encyclical theory holds early church seems to believe that that these words were not in the ori­ it was. The Muratorian Canon, ginal and therefore the epistle was lrenaeus, Tertullian, Clement of intended to be a catholic letter Alexandria, and Origen speak of which was to be circulated to all it as the Epistle to the Ephesians. the churches. Again, Hiebert says, "While this circular theory has In addition to this is the fact become very popular and seems to that all the manuscripts, both the uncial and minuscule, with the ex­ account for the facts and clear up ­ ception of three, have the words the difficulties, some of the argu en Ephesoi in 1:1. Then, also, ments used to support it are with­ all the ancient versions reproduce out much weight. The traditional this phrase in the translations. view that it was sent to Ephesus All this seems to make a very offers no serious difficulties. strong case for the traditional Perhaps the most probable solution view. 116 to the problem is the position that the epistle was written to To that can be added Hiebert's the Ephesians and addressed to observations: them, but that the Apostle 11 I t is scarcely fair to say intentionally cast it into a form that the Greek of Ephesians 1: 1 is which would make it suitable to the

- 4 - - 5 - Ii: Christians in the neighboring point he prays again (3:1), and again churches and intended that it should wanders off on another subject finally be communicated to them. 118 to come back and pray a second time

\ (3:14). No wonder this has been called I believe the words "in Ephesus" Paul's most "labored epistle." are genuine and therefore Ephesians was written to the church at Ephesus Beyond that, the unique feature and all believers elsewhere (cf. 1:1 of the body of this epistle is that it Ill also II Cor. 1:1 and Col. 4:16). is divided into two parts: calling Ill and conduct. 111 Ill. Subject. Sa 1 utat i on . 1 : 1 -2 The subject of Ephesians is our calling Thanksgiving. 1:3-14 (1:18; 4:1). . 1:15-23 Boa says, "The theme of Ephesians is I. The calling of the church. the believer's responsibility to walk in 2:1-3:21 accordance with his heavenly calling in ) • 11 Chr i s tJesus ( 4 :1 9 A. Our calling individually (regeneration). 2:1-10

Luck says the theme is, 11the heavenly B. Our calling corporately (reconciliation). 2:11-22 position of the believer as a member of the Body of and the daily life C. The revelation of this 11 which corresponds to his position. 10 calling of the church (revelation). 3:1-13 D. Prayer for power and perception. (3:14-21) I I. The conduct of the church. 4:1-6:20 IV. Structure. A. Walk in unity (in church). Like Paul's other epistles, :1-16 follows the format of an ancient letter, 8. Walk in righteousness (in yet in this particular book that is tricky. flesh). 4:17-32 c. Wa 1 k in. love. 5:1- 7 He begins with a thanksgiving and a D. Walk in l i ght ( i n the prayer (ch. 1). Then, evidently, in the world) 5:8-14 midst of the prayer he gets carried away E. Walk in . 5:15-21 and develops several other themes. At that

- 6 - - 7 - 11II 1r-

II F. Walk in submission (at home). that he wrote them that they might 5:22-6:9 be encouraged and not lose heart G. Walk in strength--stand in the (cf. Eph. 3:13).

\ armor of God (warfare). 6:10-20 No doubt, the arrest and im­ prisonment of none other than the Greeting and benediction. apostle Paul discouraged many 6:21-24 believers. He had been in prison and had not preached for several V. Purpose. yea rs. Thus, he is saying, 11Don' t feel sorry for me or discouraged by

p A. To enlighten believers concerning their what has happened. God has espec- calling to the church so that they ially blessed me in revealing to would walk worthy of that calling. me the mystery of the church. 11 Paul begins by blessing the Trinity for salvation. Conclusion: I I - Chosen by the Father (1:3-6) Paul wrote to the Ephesians to enlighten _ Redeemed by the Son (1:7-12) them concerning their calling in the church, to exhort them to waJk worthy of that calling, _ Sealed by the Spirit (1 :13-14) and to encourage them not to lose heart.

After the blessing, Paul prayed that 1 Robert Lee, The Outlined Bible [London: Pick­ they would be enlightened (1 :18) so that & they would know the hope of their calling. ering lngl is, N.D.] p. 49. '" Obviously, then, Paul prays and writes 2 to enlighten believers concerning their J.S. Baxter, Explore the Book, vol. 6 [Grand calling. They are called to fellowship Rapids: Zondervan, 1962] p. 163. with God and the church which was a 3 w.G. Scroggie, Know Your Bible, vol. 2 mystery, but is now being revealed & ij (cf. esp. 2:16a,18; 3:6,12). [London: Pickering lngl is, N.D.] p. 216. 4 Of course, he not only enlightens tnternational Standard Bible Encyclopedia, them, he exhorts them to walk worthy vol. II, p. 956. of their calling to the church. 5 o.E. Hiebert, An Introduction to the Pauline ,, B. To encourage them not to lose heart. Epistles [Chicago: Moody, 1954] pp. 208-9. It seems to me that Paul also says I 1,· I - 8 - - 9 - !l, 6 PHILIPPIANS H.C. Thiessen, Introduction to the New Testa- ment [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1943] p. 242. 7 Philippians is not a theological treatise; ' Hiebert, pp. 262-3. it is a little letter from a friend. But while 8 it is obviously not one of the most remarkable Hiebert, p. 266. or deepest books in the Bible, it contains 9 one of the most profound passages in Scripture Kenneth Boa, Talk Thru the New Testament on the incarnation of Christ. [Wheaton: Tyndale, 1981] p. 97. Robert Lee quotes the Bishop of Durin on lOG.C. Luck, The Bible Book by Book [Chicago: Ephesians who called it, 110ne of the fairest Moody, 1955] p. 200. and deepest regions of the Book of God," and then Lee said, 11it is yet one of the sweetest

of Paul's writings.... This epistle contains less1 of censure and more of praise than any other. '1 I. Author.

Philippians 1:1 identifies the author as Paul and Timothy, but evidently Paul was the sole author. He immediately, and throughout the letter, speaks in the first person. When he does mention Timothy in chapter 2, it is in the third person.

11. Recipients.

A. Their date.

It is evident from the epistle itself that Paul was in prison when he wrote (cf. "my chains" in 1:7, 13, 14). Furthermore, it seems clear that he was in prison in Rome for he refers to the whole Praetorian Guard (1:13) and Caesar' s household (4:22). This was, no doubt, during his first Roman im­ prisonment which took place about 60 or 61 A.O.

- 10 - - 11 - Remember: four epistles were life and even the furtherance of the written during the imprisonment, Gospel. The subject, however, is joy. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. All refer to Paul's IV. Structure. chains. Of the four, Philippians was probably written last, near the end of Philippians follows the format of an of the two year imprisonment in Rome ancient letter including all five parts: (Acts 28:30,31). Salutation, Thanksgiving, Prayer, Body, So,· Philippians was written from Greetings and Benediction. Rome to the church at Philippi in 61 or 62 A.O. Sa 1 utat ion. 1 :1 -2 B. Their description. Thanksgiving. 1 : 3-8 Prayer. 1:9-11 :1 says the letter was written 11 To·all the saints in I. Paul's situation. 1 :12-26 (Rejoice in trials, 1:18) Christ Jesus who are in Philippi1 , with the bishops and deacons. 1 In I I. A plea for unity. 1:27-30 other words, this epistle was written (Rejoice in service, 2:17-18) 1 11 b to the church at Phi ipp i ( ishop" is an elder, cf. Titus 1:5). A. The plea for unity. 1:27-2:4 B. The example of Christ They were concerned about (including the example of Paul (1:12) and had sent Paul, 2:17,18). 2:5-18 Epaphroditus to Rome with financial C. The example of Timothy. support (2:25; 1:5; 4:10-16). They 2:19-24 evidently had a small problem with D. The example of Epaphroditus. unity (1 :27; 2:2; 3:16; 4:2-3,9), 2:25-30 and were at least feeling some I I I. pressure from the Judaizers (3:1-16). Warning against doctrinal error. Thus, they were not only concerned 3:1-4:1 about Paul; PaDl was concerned about (Rejoice in .the Lord, 3:1) them (2 :1 9 , 24 ) • IV. An exhortation to correct division or dissention. 4:2-9 11 I. Subject. (Rejoice in the Lord, 4:4) V. Thanks for the gift. 4:10-20 A number of different subjects have been suggested for Philippians, (Rejoice in the Lord, 4:10) for example, unity, Christ, the Christian Greetings and benediction. 4:21-23

- 12 - - 13 - V. Purpose. a difficulity getting along, and perhaps this was affecting the unity of the A. To express his gratitude (joy) for assembly.

their financial support. So Paul urges them to stand fast in unity (1 :27). He anticipates being While there were obviously several released and coming to them (2:24). reasons why Paul wrote this letter, In the meantime, he is sending Timothy the immediate purpose was to thank them and Epaphroditus, whom he for their financial support. The Phil­ (1:19-23) ippian church had sent Epaphroditus with wants to be received with esteem money to Rome for Paul (2:25-30, esp. (2:25-30). vv. 25,30). Paul wrote them to thank He warns them about the Judaizers and urges them to rejoice in the Lord them for their gift11 (1:5; 4:10-20). Robert Lee says, Dr. Pierson calls this and not boast in the flesh (3:1-4:1).

epistle 'the Disciple's Balance Sheet' Then he gets specific, particularly for here the apostle shows the rununci­ exhorting the two women to settle their ations and compensations of a disciple, differences and "rejoice in 112 (4:2-9), and the excess in his favour. the Lord" (4:4). B. To explain his situation. Conclusion: The Philippians were obviously concerned about Paul; not just his Paul wrote to the Philippians to thank them financial need, but the prospects of for their gift, explaining his situation and his release from prison. He writes exhorting them to abound in rejoicing in the Lord. to explain that he is doing well. The Gospel is being spread, even 1 because of his imprisonment and he Robert Lee, p. 50. expects to be released (1:12-26, 2 esp. 1: 19,25; and 2:24). ·b'dI I .

C. To exhort them to rejoice in the Lord. They were concerned about him and he was concerned about them (2:19). There were no major doctrinal or moral problems in the church, like at Corinth or Galatia. But there were two women who seemed to be having

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times Paul identifies himself as the COLOSSI ANS author (1 :1 ; 1 :2 3; 4 : 18) .

II. Recipients. \ Colossians has been tagged the antidote to heresy. A. Their date. Ephesians and Colossians have been called twin epistles: 11of these epistles Farrar says, In the discussion on Ephesians, 'They are twin sisters of close resemblance, it was pointed out that Paul wrote four yet marked individuality, whose faces, al Ike, epistles while imprisoned in Rome: yet different, can only be explained by their Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and common parentage. "'1 Philemon. In all four he mentions his chains (Eph. 3:1; Phil. 4:14; Col. 4:10; They are similar. Whole sections are Phlm. 9). Therefore, Colossians was parallel (e.g., cf. the Christian family, Eph. written from Rome by Paul in 61 A.O. & 5 6; Col. 3 & 4). Many sentences are the By the way, scholars have tried to same (Eph. 1 :7; Col.1:14), and many words figure out which epistle was written occur in each which are not found anywhere first. Frankly, no categorical, else in the New Testament (according to dogmatic answer can be given. I have Scroggie, nine words). 78 verses in personally concluded that Colossians Colossians out of the 155 in Ephesians have was probably written first. He wrote it the same phraseology. Someone had said that because of the need. Then later, after Colossians is so much like Ephesians, one reflection, penned Ephesians. seems to repeat the other. Yet each epistle has its own B. Their description. individuality. "There is a controversy in Paul addresses the epistle to Colossians, but not in Ephesians. A certain 11 danger is in view in Colossians, but not the saints and faithful brethren in in Ephesians. In Colossians Paul's mind Christ which are at Colossae" (1:2), in is perturbed, but not in Ephesians.112 other words, the church at Colossae. It was 100 miles east of Ephesians and I. Author. only 10 miles from Laodicea and 13 miles from Hieropo l is ( 14, 1 3, 16) . The first verse of the first There is no record in chapter (1:1) identifies Paul and visiting Colossae. Evidently, he had Timothy as the authors of this letter. never met them (2:1). On his third But evidently, the sole author was Paul missionary journey he did spend three for he often refers to himself in the years in Ephesus. Perhaps during that first person (1 :25,29; 4:7,8; etc.). Three

- 16 - - 17 - thanksgiving, prayer, body, personal greetings and benediction. It is a time Epaphroditus trusted Christ and perfect example of the pattern of an \ carried the Gospel to the Lycus ancient letter. Va 11 ey ( 1 :7; 4:1 2 , 3)1 . Beyond that, the body consists of In the meantime, Paul was arrested doctrine, defense and duty. and imprisoned in Rome. Then a heresy threatened the church at Colossae. So Salutation. 1 :1-2 Epaphroditus journeyed to Rome to report Thanksgiving. 1 :3-8 to Paul on the conditions at Colassae. His visit prompted the letter. Prayer. 1 :9-14 Basically, the believers at I. Doctrinal: Sufficiency of Colossae were saved, sound and growing Christ declared. 1:15-2-7 (1 :3-8; 2:5). The heresy that threatened to sidetrack them was a mixture of Jewish A. Christ suffered to bring us to maturity. 1:15-23 1 e g a 1 i s m ( 2 : 1 6 , 1my 7 s ) t, i c i s m ( 2 : 1 8 , 1 9 ) and ascenticism (2:20-22). B. Paul also suffered to bring us to maturity. 1 :24-29 Ill. Subject. C. Paul exhorted believers to grow toward maturity. The subject of Colossians is the 2:1-7. sufficiency of Christ (for the spiritual life). Paul argues in this epistle that I I. Defense: Sufficiency of Jesus Christ is the supreme sovereign of Christ defended. 2:8-3:4 the universe and therefore, He, and He A. Stated positively. alone, is sufficient for our spiritual 2:8-15 needs. B. Stated negatively.

Two conclusions come out of that: 2:16-3:4 (1) Beware of any teaching that suggests I I I. Deity: Pre-eminence of you need something other than Jesus Christ displayed. 3:5-4:6 (2) Christ should have the Christ; pre-eminence in everything. A. In personal 1 ife. 3:5-14 B. In church life. 3:15-17

IV. Structure. C. In home life. 3:18-21 D. In business life.

Colossians is a letter and as such 3:22-4: 1 follows the format of salutation,

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E. In social life. 4:2-6 Conclusion: Greetings and benediction. 4:7-18 Paul wrote to the Colossians to refute ' Judaistic mystical astheticism and to encourage V. Purpose. believers to give Christ the pre-eminence in everything. A. To refute Judiastic mystical astheticism. 1 Scrogg. .I e, p. 192. The false teaching threatening the 2 Colossians is described in detail in ·b·dI I • 2:16- :4. It was a 3 mixture of Jewish 3 legalism, Greek philosophical Boa, p. 109. speculation and astheticism. Paul's primary purpose in writing is to warn the believers against such (cf. 2:4,8,16,18,20). Christ is sufficient. You don't need rules, revelations and regulations.

B. To encourage believers to give Christ the pre-eminence in everything.

Paul's purpose in Colossians is like a coin--it has two sides. One is positive and the other is negative. The negative side is to refute the false teaching. The positive side is to encourage believers to grow, to go on to maturity, to give Christ the pre­ eminence in everything (cf. 2:5-7). Boa has tied the two together n i c ey l. He says , 11Pa u 1 ' s p red om i nan t purpose, then, was to refute a threatening heresy which was devaluating Christ as a positive presentation of His true attributes and accomplishments. A proper view 11 of Christ is the antidote for heresy. 3

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can be sufficiently explained I THESSALONIANS from the context as Paul's effort to distinguish himself from his 112 Well may Dean Farrar say that we would not helpers on those occasions. ' consent to part with this Epistle for all the On the other hand, Luck contends letters written from the time of Cicero to that that Paul is the author. He says that of Carlyle. 1 Paul links Silas and Timothy with himself in the first verse, but this I. Author. does not mean that the authorship was joint (see 2:18; 3:5; 5:27). 11He links I Thessalonians 1:1 says the authors their names with his because they had were Paul, Silas and Timothy. Several a part with him in founding the church times 11we11 is used in referring to the at Thessalonica and shared his interest authors (1:2; 2:13; 2:17; 3:11; 4:1; 5:12). and concern in the work. When he says Yet the main author, if not the author, is 11we11 (1:2) he doubtless speaks for 11 Paul. Twice he refers to himself by name al 1 three. 3 (1:1; 2:18). He does not hesitate to use 1 11 the first person singular, 1 1 (3:5; There is no doubt that Paul is the 4:13; 5:27). As a matter of fact, some author and that Silas and Timothy were 1 11 contend that the 1we is a literary "closely linked" with him, if not co­ plural equivalent to the singular. There authors. is no doubt that Paul sometimes uses the editorial 11we, 11 but in I Thessalonians II. Recipients. maybe that is not the case. A. Their date. Hiebert says, in his commentary on Thessalonians 1:3, I Thessalonians 1 :1 states that the epistle was written to the church In I I Corinthians and Colos­ at Thessalonica. When did Paul write sians, Paul names Timothy in his sal­ 1 1 1 1 and what were the circumstances and utation, but his opening we is soon 1 1 conditions? displaced with 1 1. 1 In I Corinthians, Philippians, and Philemon, Paul names On his second missionary journey, 1 11 someone else with him in the saluta­ as a result of 1the Macedonian Call, tion but at once proceeds with "I Paul, Silas and Timothy moved into thank. 11 In the Thessalonian epistles Macedonia. They stopped and established his consistent use of 11we" is most a church at Phi 1 ippi. It is possible naturally intended to include Sil­ that Paul and Silas left Timothy at vanus and Timothy. His occasional Philippi. At any rate, they left and use of the singular (2:18; 3:5; 5:27) traveled 100 miles down the Egnatian Way

- 22 - - 23 - to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-10). They that was not possible, he sent Timothy stayed only a short time, probably from Athens (3:1-12) who brought back three weeks (Acts 17:2). When a good report to Paul (3:6). This ' persecution broke out, Paul and Silas report was the occasion of the letter. left under the cover of darkness. 40 miles later the pair stopped at Berea. The Thessalonians were doing well Timothy joined them there. When the spiritually (1 :3-8), yet Paul was con­ from Thessalonica came to Berea cerned about their faith (3:2,5,10). and began causing trouble, Paul left Evidently, the Jewish opponents were Silas and Timothy and went to Athens. slandering Paul. If they could Later, Silas and Timothy joined discredit him they could discredit his Paul in Athens at which time he sent Gospel. They incinuated that his Timothy back to Thessalonica. If motive, like other wandering teachers, Timothy had remained at Philippi was for money. No doubt they pointed until he met Paul at Berea, that out that on several occasions while in would explain why Timothy was sent Thessalonica he had received money back to Thessalonica. He would have from people in Philippi. Such slander been personally unknown to the caused him to reverse the nature of his malicious Jews there (perhaps Silas ministry among them (cf. 2:1-12 and accompanied Timothy). Paul then cf. also Morris, etc.) moved to Corinth. Timothy caught up His enemies also insisted that he with Paul in Corinth and gave him a was just a sly, unscrupulous fellow who good report concerning the left his followers in the lurch and Thessalonians. fled when difficulties arose. If he Paul then wrote I Thessalonians was what he claimed to be, why did he from Corinth in 51 A.O. This is the not come back? They implied that he second epistle Paul wrote, Galatians really did not care about them and that being the first. he was afraid of what might happen to him. These charges he met with a review Scroggie, who believes that of his relations to them since his forced I Thessalonians was written in 52 A.D., separation from them (2:17-3:13, p. 44). 5 says that Paul had been converted 16 years when he wrote this book and was Paul writes to express his joy and about 46 years old.4 appreciation that they had remained true to the Gospel under severe testing. B. Their description. It caused him to give thanks and take courage (3:7-9). Although he had Paul earnestly desired to visit forwarned them of coming persecution Thessalonica again (2:18; 3:10). Since (3:4), he was still greatly relieved

24 - - 25 - IV. Structure. to know that they had not fallen under 6 the tests (3:6, p. 43) . A. The literary structure. But along with the good report, \ Paul had learned that they were not I Thessalonians is a letter. Like free from temptation. He was con­ any ancient letter, I Thessalonians cerned about their sanctification, begins with a salutation (1 :1), especially their love (4:3,10) and followed by a thanksgiving (1:2-12). their jobs (4:11, 12). There was also Next, we would expect a prayer, but a doctrinal question. They seemed instead Paul plunges into a defense of his ministry. At the end of that he to have thought that the dead 1 were going to miss out on the Lord s returns to the thanksgiving (2:13-16). coming and reign (4:13-18, p. 45) .7 Now we would expect him to pray, but a again he returns to a discussion of his There also seems to be a relationship to them (2:17-3:10). difficulty of sorts in the meetings. Then, f in a11 y, he prays ( 3: 11 -13) . So Paul concludes by urging them to Paul did something similar in Ephesians. honor their leaders (5:12), allow (In Ephesians he interrupted his prayer. the free excercise of spiritual Here, he interrupted his thanksgiving.) gifts (5:19) and particularly not to After his prayer he says, 11finally,11 despise the gift of prophesying and finished the body of the letter (5: 20) which he concludes with personal greetings and a Benediction.· Ill. Subject. The body of the book has been out- Many popular Bible teachers and 1 ined various ways. One scholar points authors have said that the subject is out that chapters 1-3 are historical the Second Coming of Christ pointing and personal, while chapters 4-5 out that the Second Coming is mentioned are Hortetory and doctrinal (Mi11 igan). in each chapter (e.g., Luck). But the That is accurate, yet to be more subject of I Thessalonians that covers percise, especially considering the all the other subjects is sanctification nature of the subject matter, I would (4:1-3; 5:23). The phrase in 5:23, say that the body is divided into four 11sanctify... completely, preserved parts: personal (2:1-3:13), practical blameless at the coming of our Lord (4:1-12), prophetical (4:13-5:11) and Jesus Christ,11 seems to capture what polity (i.e., church government-- the epistle is about. Ellisen says 5:12-24). that the theme is the need for holy It has been pointed out that Paul 1 iving in the light of the Second repeatedly refers to the great Coming.8

- 26 - - 27 - Christian virtues of faith, love and IV. Polity. 5:12-24 hope (cf. 1 :3; 1 :9, 10; 5: 8). I t is possible that in his mind that is the A. Esteem the elders. 5:12,13 B. outline of the epistle. In 1 :2-3:13, Minister to members. \ he is concerned about their faith 5:14, 15 I ( 1: 3, 8; 3: 2, 5, 6, 7, 10) . In 4:1-1 2, he C. Walk in God s wi 11. 5:16-18 is concerned about their love (3:12 D. Discern true doctrine. is a transition to this section. Also cf. 5:19-22 4:9-10). In 4:13-5:11, he is E. Prayer. 5:23,24 concerned about their hope (4:13; Personal greetings and benediction. 5:8). If the subject is santification 5:25-28 and the outline is faith, love and hope, then perhaps we can say that V. Purpose. santification consists of growing to maturity in faith, love and hope. A. To encourage them in their faith. Salutation. 1:1 Evidently, the believers at Thessalonica were under attack from Thanksgiving. 1:2-10 Jewish unbelievers. Their charge was I. Personal (their faith). primarily directed against Paul who 2:1-3:13 was accused of being like pagan itinerate preachers, speaking out of A. Paul's past character error and in deception. Accordi.ng to among them. 2:1-12 1 them, he used flattery to cover selfish B. Paul s thankfulness for greed and his primary motive was seeking them . 2 : 1 3-1 6 personal honor. His failure to return C. Paul's present concern for seemed to lend support to these them. 2 : 1 7 -3 : 1 0 incinuations. Paul defends himself D. Paul's prayer for them. against these slanderous attacks in 3:11-13 order to encourage the believers in II. Practical (their love). 4:1-12 their faith. A. General exhortation. 4:1,2 B. To exhort them to grow in love. B. Specific applications. 4:3-12 While there was not an overt, or 111. Prophetical (their hope). perhaps as widespread a moral problem 4:13-5:11 among the Christians at Thessalonica as there was at Corinth, there were A. The Rapture. 4:13-18 apparently some problems in this area. B. The Day of the Lord. 5:1-11 So Paul writes to exhort them be be

- 28 - - 29 - sanctified, or more specifically, to 1s ·. grow in love and labor. crogg1e, p. 110. 2 C. To establish them in hope. o.E. Hiebert, The Thessalonian Epistles [Chi­ ' I,, cago: Moody, 1971] p. 43. When Paul was there, he taught 3 Luck, p. 209. them that the Lord could return any time (he was only there three weeks!). 4 \ scroggie, p. 107. After his departure, some died and those remaining wondered what would I Cf. Hiebert, 44 happen to them at the Rapture. Paul Introduction, p. writes them to establish them in hope 6Cf. Hiebert, Introduction, p. 43 and comfort. His answer, in essence, . is, Don't worry; they will not miss 7Cf. Hiebert, 45 the Rapture. As a matter of fact, Introduction, p. . they will be raised before the 8s.A. Ell isen, Bible Workbook, Part IX [Port­ living ascend. We will all go up land: Western Baptist Seminary, 1969] p. 80. together.

D. To enlighten them in church matters.

There was also a minor problem with church polity. Again, not as serious as in Corinth later, but serious enough for Paul to speak to it. He tells them to esteem the elders minister to one another and handle' the meetings properly (abstain

from all appearance of evil means "abstain from a 11 forms of evil11).

Conclusion:

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to l encourage them to be more and more set apart I unto the Lord in their personal and assembly life.

- 30 - - 31 - says that I Thessalonians was written I I Thessal on i ans in the early summer while I I Thessalon­ ians was written later the same year.

I I Thessalonians is the shortest of Paul's B. Their description. nine letters to churches. Scroggie says it is the shortest of Paul's epistles except for the We have no knowledge as to whom note to Philemon. the bearer of the first epistle was. Whoever he was he must have remained in Thessalonica long enough to notice I . Author. ..I the effects of Paul 1 s letter and get I I Thessalonians 1 :1 says the epistle, insight into the situation in the church. This messenger, then, evi­ like I Thessalonians, was written by Paul, dently brought back a report with Silas and Timothy.1 Again,11 like I Thessa­ lonians, 11we 1 and 11us are used (cf. 1 :3; favorable and unfavorable news. The 2:1; 2: 1 3; 3: 1; 3: 4; 3: 6; 3: 14 ; etc .. ) . I t immediate occasion for the writing of can be argued that these are to be taken I I Thessalonians was the nature of the further information about the at face value to include all three Thessalonians received by Paul. individuals. Or, it can also be argued that they are editorial. After all, the They were making progress in letter ends with Paul speaking in the first faith and hope (1:3) and they were person singular (3:17).11 There is no doubt remaining steadfast under repeated that Pau 1 is 11the author and that Silas outbreaks of persecution (1:4). In and Timothy are "linked together" with him, the first letter, Paul had relieved if not co-authors. their distress about the death of their loved ones, but their expecta­ I I . Recipients. tion concerning the Second Coming of Christ had intensified. They con­ A. Their date. cluded that the Day of the Lord had already arrived (2:2) and thus they Paul visited Thessalonica on his were expecting the immediate return second missionary journey. After he of Christ. Consequently, some quit left, he eventually ended up in Corinth, \vorking. With leisure time on their where he stayed for 18 months. He wrote hands, they became busy-bodies, I Thessalonians from Corinth in 51 A.O. interfering with those who wanted All indications are that Paul wrote to work (3:10-12). It was the I I Thessalonians a short time after report of these conditions which I Thessalonians which means he wrote called for this epistle. it from Corinth in 51 A.O. Dr. Harold Hoehner, a professor at Dallas Seminary,

- 32 - - 33 - V. Purpose. Ill. Subject.

The theme of I I Thessalonians is A. To comfort them in their persecution. prophecy. Not only is the heart,of the These believers were being \ epistle a discussion of prophecy, but the other parts of it relate to that persecuted. Paul clearly states that (1:4). He, himself, had experienced subject one way or another. persecution in Thessalonica at the hands of the unbelieving Jews while IV. Structure. he was there, and even after he left. These persecutors also attacked the I I Thessalonians is in the form of a believers Paul left behind. The letter including salutation, thanksgiving, believers were doing well in spite of prayer, body, personal greetings and the pressure and persecution put on benediction. them. But, no doubt, Paul was writing to encourage them and comfort them in Salutation. 1:1-2 their trials and tribulations. This Thanksgiving. 1:3-10 he does by, among other things, letting them know he thanked God for Prayer. 1:11-12 them and was praying for them. I. Instruction: The day of Christ has

not come. 2: 1 -17 B. To correct them in their prophecy. A. Instruction (do not be soon The major purpose of the epistle shaken). 2:1-12 B. fast and was to correct a prophetical mis­ Thanksgiving (stand understanding. Evidently, someone told hold to the word). 2:13-15 C. Prayer. 2:16-17 them that the Tribulation had already begun (2:2). This was confirmed II . Injunctions: Pray and withdraw (supposedly) by a spiritual revelation from the disorderly. 3:1-16 (cf. "spirit"; 2:2) or a messenger, A. Call to prayer. 3:1-5 perhaps even a letter, from Paul B. Command to discipline. 3:6-15 (2:2). The fact that they were going C. Concluding prayer. 3:16 through persecution made all of this believable. Paul tells them that the Personal greetings and benedictioc. Day of Christ will not be present until 3:17-18 two events occur: (1) the apostasy, (2) the of the man of sin. So, he tells them, 11 D0 not be dis­ turbed (2:1), but stand fast and hold to the traditions which you have been

- 34 - - 35 - taught (2:15). I TIMOTHY

C. To command them in their practice. I Timothy is the longest of three epistles \ Paul also issues· several commands: Paul wrote to men in the ministry. to pray (3:1-5) and another to with­ draw from those who walk disorderly I. Author. (3:6-15). This second command is related to the misconception of The opening verse declares that Paul prophecy. is the author. Post-apostolic authors, Because they were expecting the like Polycarp and Clement of Rome, elude Lord to come at any moment, some quit to these epistles. They are identified their jobs and became busy-bodies. as Pauline by lraneous, Tertullion, Clement Paul says to that: 11 1 f anyone wi11 not of Alexandria, etc. Only Romans and I Corinthians have better attestation among work, neither shall he eat (3:10)1 and withdraw yourself from him (3:6) • the . The , however, have Conclusion: been castrated by modern critics more than any other Pauline epistle. The Paul wrote a second letter to the attack began in 1804 when Schmidt denied Thessalonians to comfort them in their the genuineess of I Timothy. Four basic persecution, correct their prophetical mis­ arguments have been leveled against these understanding, and their practical misconduct. three books: historical, 1 inguistic, ecclesiastical and doctrinal. The historical attack is that the geographical, chronological and personal-­ i .e., historical detai ls--in these letters do not fit Luke's account of Paul's 1 ife in Acts. But that assumes that Paul's story ends in Acts 28. Yet tradition testifies that he was released from prison and traveled again, perhaps even to Spain which is what he said in Romans he wanted to do (Rom. 15:24-28). The linguistic argument contends that differences in vocabulary and style between the pastorals and the uncontested

- 36 - - 37 - Pauline epistles points to a different author. For example, Harrison points II. Recipients. out that there are 175 hapax legomena's A. Their date. 'I in the pastorals: 96 in I Timothy, ' 60 in II Timothy, and 43 in Titus. If Paul wrote the pastorals, This is about twice as many as in any then he must have been released from of the other of Paul's epistles.1 prison in Rome where Acts 28 leaves Frankly, this is absurb. Different him when it closes. The history of audiences and different topics demand the remainder of his 1 ife must be put different words. These epistles are together from hints in the New addressed to his personal friends and Testament and a few statements outside co-workers, not churches. He is dealing of it. with things pertaining to church A possible reconstruction might organization and a different false look something like this. He was teaching. released from his first Roman im­ The ecclesiastical objection is prisonment (he anticipated that; that the church government reflected in cf. Phi 1. 1 :19,25,26; 2:24, and the the pastorals is a later development, pastorals demand it) perhaps because yea, even a 2nd Century development. his Jewish accusers did not appear at But these letters call for elders and his first trial before Caesar, or he Paul ordained elders in his first mis­ was found guilty and banished not to sionary journey which took place before someplace (like John on the isle of 49 A.O.! (Acts 14:23). The church Patmos), but -- from someplace, namely, at Philippi had elders and deacons Palestine. (Phi 1. 1:1) in 61 A.O. when Paul wrote to them. The facts fit the 1st Century. In fulfillment of his promise to the Philippians, he sent Timothy to The fourth and final assault is relate the good news (Phil. 2:19-23). doctrinal. The critics claim the Paul then went to Ephesus (in spite omission of certain Pauline doctrines of his earlier expectation--cf. Acts argues against Pauline authorship (e.g., 20:38), and perhaps to other churches identication/union with Christ). But in the area, like Colossae (Phlm. why must Paul include all of his 22). Evidently, Timothy joined doctrinal teachings in letters addressed Paul in Ephesus. When Paul left to well-taught and trusted associates? Ephesus for Macedonia, he instructed Timothy "to remain" (I Thess. 1 :3). Once in Macedonia, he saw he was going to be delayed so he wrote I T imot hy , pe r haps fr om Ph i 1 i pp i ( 2: 2 2 ) . - 38 - - 39 - The rest of the reconstruction What exactly were these teachers will be considered under I I Timothy. For teaching that was causing so much now, suffice it to say that Paul wrote I trouble? All we know is what is Timothy from Macedonia, said in this epistle combined with possibly Philippi, in 63 A. D. what we glean from I I Timothy and Titus. Evidently, these teachers B. Description. were going to the genealogies of the (1:7) which suggests I Timothy, as the title suggests, they were Jewish, and were con­ was sent to Timothy at Ephesus. structing fables based on the names they found there (1 :4; 4:7; 6:20). Evidently, Paul led Timothy to From these fables they taught things Christ (cf. "my son"--1:2,18). Later, 1 like, you must abstain from marriage Timothy became Paul s traveling and meats (4:3), and yet that companion being his assistant on Paul's godliness was a means of gain (6:5). second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). This kind of teaching was a On several occasions, he had been sent departure from the faith which was to places by Paul (e.g., I Thess. 3:1-3; I to produce godliness (1 :4); 1:19; Cor. 4:17; Acts 19:22). He was with 6:21), and produced strife and Paul on his third missionary journey division ( 1 :4; 6:4, 5) . (cf. Acts 19: 22, I I Co r. 1 : 1 19;, Rom. 16:21), and, of course, at Rome (Phil. 111. Subject. 1: 1 ; 2 : 9;1 Col. 1 : 1 ; Ph1m. 1 : 1 ) ,and I :3). after ( Tim. 1 The subject is the charge to From I Timothy itself, we can piece Timothy on how to conduct himself at together the situation. After Paul was church (cf. 1:4; 1:18; 3:14,15; 6:20; released from prison, he returned to also, 4:11; 6:2b). Ephesus to find a storm center of erroneous teaching as he had predicted IV. Structure. to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:29,20). Paul personally dealt with the leaders I Timothy is a letter and as of the trouble (1 :18,19), but anticipated such follows, at least to a degree, further difficulty (1 :3). So when he the ancient format of a letter. It has left for Macedonia, he put Timothy in a salutation at the beginning, somewhat charge (1 :3). He expected to return of a thanksgiving, a body and ends soon (3:14). But knowing that he would with a personal greeting and benediction, be detained longer than he had hoped, but frankly it does not follow the format he wrote to Timothy to urge him to precisely. For one thing, there is no deal with the situation (1 :3). prayer at a11. For another, the thanks-

- 40 - - 41 - giving is for what God has done for Conclusion. 6:20-21a the author, not for the recipients, as Benediction. 6:21b is usually the case. \ V. Purpose. Salutation: 1 :1-2 Introduction. 1 :3-20 (Paul's A. To exhort Timothy to refute error. charge, cf. esp. 1 :8) In discussing the purpose of Timothy, Boa concludes, "Nega­ I • The charge concerning church tively, he was to refute error meetings. 2:1-15 (1:7-11; 6:3-5); positively, he was to teach the truth (4:13-16; A. Concerning men. 2:1-8 2' 1 '20) . 11 2 8. Concerning women. 2:9-15 6: 7 I I • The charge concerning church In my opinion, that just about officers. 3:1-13 says it all. Paul was not writing to inform Timothy about those things. A. Concerning elders. 3: 1-7 Timothy had been with Paul and sent 8. Concerning deacons. 3:8-13 by Paul too many times not to know III. The charge concerning church all of this. Furthermore, Paul had doct_rine. 3:14-4:16 just recently commissioned Timothy for this very assignment (1:3). A. Concerning true teaching. Timothy did not need enlightenment; 3:14-16 B. he did perhaps need exhortation. Concerning false teaching. Maybe his physical problem with his 4:1-11 stomach made him slow and sluggish C. Concerning the teacher. (5:23). 4:12-16 IV. At any rate, this much is clear. The charge concerning church Timothy was to deal with error members. 5:1-6:19 (1:3; 1:18; 6:20). These teachers had A. Concerning the old and the drifted away, yea, departed from the young. 5:1,2 faith (1:6). They were dabbling in B. Concerning widows. 5:3-16 genealogies and fables (1 :4; 4:7), and C. Concerning elders. 5:17-25 in the name of teaching the law (1 :7). D. Concerning slaves. 6:1,2 They were teaching the doctrine of E. Concerning false teachers. , namely that one should abstain 6:3-16 from marriage and meats (4:1-5). F. Concerning the rich. 6:17-19

- 43 - 1,' - 42 - These must be charged not to do 11 TIMOTHY such (1 :4), and if they persist, Timothy was to withdraw from them (6: 5). II Timothy is Paul's swan song. \ By the way, note that Paul named I. Author. peop 1 e (1 :20) . 11 If you ask the book itself, Who11 penned B. To encourage Timothy to teach the truth. your pages?" it would answer, 11 Paul (1 :1). A whole host of ancient authors confirm Paul never gives the negative that. If you ask the er iti cs, "Who wrote without the positive, and I Timothy II Timothy?" they will say, "We don't know, is no exception. He wants Timothy but it was not Paul." That makes whoever to refute error, but also he wants did a forger. In the discussion in him to teach the truth (cf. 4:6; 4:11; 6:2b; 6:20). I Timothy, all the arguments used against the pastorals were listed and answered.

The truth , in this case, is the doctrine spelled out in 3:16 which II. Recipients. leads to faith, which leads to a good conscience, which leads to love A. Their date. (cf. 1:5). 1•1as - faith consc We know from Acts that Paul N.B.: Truth - -- ience-­ arrested in and ended up in Love. prison in Rome. Under house arrest at Rome, he wrote four letters we Conclusion: call the prison epistles, namely, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians Paul wrote to Timothy to charge him to refute and Philemon. Acts ends with him error and to teach truth which leads to godliness. in Rome. 1 Evidently, he was released from Thiessen, p. 257. that imprisonment and then went to 2 Ephesus only to leave there for Boa, p. 129. Macedonia (he probably wrote I Timothy from Philippi in 63 A.D.). As he anticipated, he no doubt returned to Ephesus (I Tim. 3:14) and Macedonia. He then journeyed to the island of Crete where he left

- 44 - - 45 - Titus to continue the work (Titus 1:5). as his scapegoat. Christianity Apparently, he then traveled to thus became a religio illicita, Corinth from where he wrote Titus and persecution of those who (Titus 3:13). After meeting Titus professed Christ became severe. in Nacopolis (Titus 3:12), he went By the time of Paul's return to Spain as planned (Rom. 15:24-28). from Spain to Asia in A.D. 66, Boa says, his enemies were able to use the official Roman position against "Paul probably departed Christianity to their advantage. with Titus from that western Fearing for their own 1 ives, province after his winter in the Asian believers failed to Nicopolis. Early church trad­ support Paul after his arrest ition holds that Paul did go (1:15) and no one supported to Spain. Before the end of the him at his first defense before first century, Clement of Rome the Imperial Court (4:16). said that Paul 'reached the 1 Abandoned by almost everyone 1 imits of the West (I Clement (4:10,11), the apostle found 5:7). Since he was writing from himself in very different cir­ Rome, he evidently had Spain in cumstances from those of his mind. Paul may have been in first Roman imprisonment in 11 Spain from A.O. €.4 to 66. 1 Acts 28:16-31. At that time After Spain, he visited Greece and he was merely under house arrest, Asia again (Corinth, , Troas-- people could freely visit him, 1 I Tim. 4:13-20), and may have been and he had the hope of release. Now he was in a cold Roman cell arrested in Troas where he left his 11 cloak and books (II Tim. 4:13-15). (4:13), regarded as a criminal" Boa explains the circumstances: (2:9), and without hope of acquittal in spite of the success "The cruel and unbalanced of his initial defense (4:6-8, Nero, emperor of Rome from A.D. 17,18). Under these conditions, 54 to 68, was responsible for Paul wrote this epistle in the the beginning of the Roman fall of A.D. 67, hoping that persecution of Christians. Half Timothy would be able to visit of Rome was destroyed in July him before the approaching A.O. 64 by fire, and mounting sus­ winter (4:21). Timothy was picion that Nero was responsible evidently in Ephesus at the cf . for the conflagration caused him t ime of thi s 1 e t t e r ( 1 : 1 8 to use the unpopular Christians and 4:19), and on his way to Rome he would go through Troas

- 46 - JIii - 47 - (4:13) and Macedonia. Priscilla you fulfill your ministry. and Aquilla (4:19) probably re­ turned from Rome (Rom. 16:3) to IV. Structure. Ephesus after the burning of \ Rome and the beginning of the I I Timothy is a letter in the ancient persecution. may have sense of the term with one minor exception. been the bearer of this letter 2 It has a salutation, thanksgiving and a (4:12). body, and ends with a personal greeting and benediction. It does not have the B. Their description. prayer which usually follows the thanksgiving. The body is a series of When Paul wrote I Timothy, Timothy commands. was in Ephesus dealing with some difficult disciples. That situation Sa 1 utat ion. 1 : 1 , 2 is the backdrop for much of what is said. Thanksgiving. 1:3-5 In I I Timothy, Timothy is still Prologue. 1:6-18 in Ephesus (cf. 4:19--"Greet the11 house­ ho 1 d of Onesi phorus II and 1 : l8-- He was 1 1 I. Commit the word to faithful a resident of Ephesus , plus cf. 2:17 teachers. 2:1-13 with I Tim. 1 :19-20). Some of that A. Be stron g • 2 : 1 old problem is left (2:14-18), but the B. Commit the word. 2:2 issue is not so much that as the dark days. For one thing, Paul was facing C. Endure hardness. 2:3-13 martyrdom. I I. Correct errorists. 2:14-26 A. Charge them. 2:14,15

Ill. Subject. B. Avoid empty disputes. 2:16-21 C. Pursue righteousness. The subject of I I Timothy is something like, Fulfill your ministry, or, Be faithful 2:22-26 to the ministry that God has given you I I I. Continue in the word. 3:4-4:8 (cf. 4:Sb and 1:6). There is another

wrinkle that needs to be added to that. A. In personal life. 3:1-17 Throughout the book there is repeated B. In public ministry. 4:1-8 reference to difficult days, i.e., the E p i ogl u e • 4 :9- 1 8 persecution from without (1:8, and maybe 3:1-9, 4:14), and the defection from within Personal geeetings and benediction. (cf. 1:15, 2:14, 2:16-18, 2:25). So the 4:19-22 theme is, In dark difficult days, make sure

- 48 - - 49 -

.LJ 1 V. Purpose. Boa, p. 128. 2 A. To strengthen Timothy. Boa, pp. 133-4.

' I'' When Paul wrote this book, times were tough. Rome had outlawed Christianity. Surely suffering was ahead. Even the apostle Paul was about to be executed. There was not only persecution from without, there was a defection from within. Some had deserted Paul; the same would certainly happen to Timothy. Though Timothy was was an experienced and seasoned vetern, under this pressure, and especially in light of the fact that he was about to lose his spiritual father, he was susceptible to discouragement. Perhaps there is a hint of the fear and shame he felt in chapter 1 (cf. also 6:8). Thus, Paul writes to Timothy to strengthen him.

B. To summon Timothy.

The second purpose was to summon Timothy to Rome as soon as possible (1:4; 4: 1,21a). Perhaps Paul was lonely (4:16). He also needed Mark for ministry (4:11), as well as his cloak, books and parchments which he left in T roa s (cf. 4: 1 3).

Conclusion:

Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him to fulfill his ministry in spite of persecution and defection, and to summon him to come to Rome.

- 50 - - 51 - TITUS dea 1 with the same error. It is equa 1 ly clear that they were written after the book of Acts closes. I Timothy deals with conduct in church; \ After Acts 28 Paul went to Ephesus Titus delineates church order. and then to Macedonia (probably . .,; I Philippi). Then he journeyed to Crete I. Author. where he left Timothy to continue to do the work there (Titus 1:5). Titus 1 :1 says Paul was the author, Apparently, he next traveled to . I and Bible believers believe it. In11 support of the view they can say, S0 Corinth where he wrote the book of did the early church." Titus. From there he went to Spain and, on a return trip, he was arrested, The critics do not believe Paul etc. wrote Titus, or for that matter, any If that scenario is correct (and of the pastoral epistles. They say the frankly, other itineraries are possible, pastorals, including Titus, were written e.g., he left Rome and went to Spain ·1 · by a forger, "a pious forger, but a 'Ii and then went to Crete), then the date forger." Beyond that, two other things of Titus is the same as I Timothy, i.e., can be said. How could a pious forger 63 A.D. Many have pointed out write anything and claim that someone similarities between I Timothy and else was the author? If he were pious, Titus, indicating, like Ephesians and he would not forge someone else's name! Colossians, that they were written If he anything, he was not pious. apout the same time. A forgery was a deliberate deception then as it is now. A basic problem of B. Their description. dishonesty flees in the face of high morals of this and the other two epistles The book of Acts never mentions (e.g., cf. Titus 2:12). Titus, but from the 13 references to him in the epistles, we know that Paul II. Recipients. led him to Christ (Titus 1:4) and he was the traveling companion and A. Their date. assistant to his spiritual father. I & I I Timothy and Titus form a The churches on the island of group called the pastoral epistles. Crete were in need of organization It is obvious from the content that (1 :5). There were also other things they were written during the same that needed to be set in order. Jewish period in Paul's life, for all three teachers needed to be rebuked (1 :10, 13).

- 52 - - 53 - They were going to the genealogies of Salutatior:i. 1:1-4 the Old Testament (3:9) and constructing (1:14). I • fables From these myths they Ordain elders. 1:5-16 drew commandments which turned people A. Qualification for elders. from the truth of God to the command­ ments of men. Futhermore, their motives 1:5-9

were wrong and the results were not B. Reasons for elders. 1 :10-12

God-honoring. Their motive was money C. Response to errorists. 11 11 (1:11). Their ministry produced 1: 13-16 I I . disputes, contentions and strivings Speak about godliness. 2:1-15 about the law (3:9), as well as sub­ verting whole households. Beyond all A. To the older. 2:2-5 B. To the younger. 2:6 of that, they needed instruction in godliness and good works. C. To yourself. 2:7-8 D. To slaves. 2:9-10

I I I Subject. E. Reason for speaking. 2:11-15 111. Remind about good works. 3: 1-7 The subject of Titus is church order. That is clear from Titus 1:5. Paul left A. Tell all to do good works. 3:1, 2 Titus in Crete to set things in order and this tells him how to do just that. B. Reason for reminder. 3:3-7 Conclusion. 3:8-11 IV. Structure. Personal greetings and benediction. Titus is a letter, an ancient letter, 3:12-15 and fol lows the format of such with an exception or two. It has a V. Purpose. salutation, a body and ends with personal greetings and benediction. The exceptions A. To instruct Titus. are that there is no thanksgiving or prayer. The body of the book, unlike I I Timothy, The church on the isle of Crete is more formal in structure. Basically, he was in a mess. Jewish teachers were gives three commands, each followed by a teaching things they ought not, and reason for it. their mouths needed to be shut (1:11). 11 11 Consequently, the people needed - cf. 1:5-- ) for (1:10 instruction in truth to produce godliness and good works. - cf. 2:1--"for" (2:11) 11 11 (3:3) - cf. 3: 1-- for - 54 - - 55 - Paul wrote Titus to tell him how PHI LEMON to put the church in order. He was to ordain elders, rebuke sharply the Jewish teachers, speak about godliness Though it has but 334 words (in the Westcott­ \ Hort Greek text), Franke said of Philemon that to each age group and remind all to 11 maintain good works. it "Far surpasses the wisdom of the world. 11 Lightfoot says, The To inform Titus. 11 B. stands unrivaled.

The instructions were ministerial, 11 Scroggie adds, This note to a friend has but the epistle is also written to im­ been universally praised part personal information to Titus (cf. 11 3:12,13). and none too much. I. Author. Conclusion: Paul wrote to Titus to instruct him about how to The epistle itself not only claims set things in order in the church and to inform Paul as its author, but that he wrote it him about a few personal matters. with his own hand (vv. 1,19). Three times the author identifies himself as Paul (vv . 1 , 9 , 9)1 .

II. Recipients.

A. Their date.

, I Several things help us pinpoint the date. When Paul wrote, he was in prison. He repeatedly refers to his chains (cf. vv. 1,9, 10, 13,23). Further­ more, Philemon is closely linked with Colossians. For example, Onesimus is specifically mentioned in Colossians (4:9), as well as all the other people who sent greetings to Philemon (cf. Phlm. 23,24; cf. Col. 4:10,12,14). Thus, Paul wrote Philemon during his first Roman imprisonment which was in I 61 A.O. (Philemon, then, is one of - 56 - - 57 - saints" (italics mine). Luther said, the four prison epistles). It was no "This epistle shows a right noble lovely written and sent at the same time example of Christian love." as Colossians.

\ IV. Structure. B. Their description. Philemon is a letter, an ancient letter, Philemon was addressed to Philemon, with all the customary parts. Apphia, Archippus, and the church which met in Philemon's house. Salutation. vv. 1-3 The situation was simple. Philemon Thanksgiving. vv. 4,5 was a wealthy believer who had a slave Prayer. vv. 8-11 named Onesimus. The slave ran away, was converted by Paul who sent him I. The basis of Paul's request. vv. 8-11 back to Philemon according to Roman law. A. Not a command. v. 8 ove. vv. The other people are minor players. B. But 1 9-11 It is generally believed that Apphia I I. The nature of Paul's request. was Philemon's wife and Archippus was vv. 12-17 the "" of the church in his A. I wi sh I cou 1 d keep him. house (Col. 4:17). (Some have suggested he was also Philemon's son, but there vv. 13,14 B. But I ask you to receive him. is no evidence for that.) Then, of course, there was the church which vv. 15 -17 met in Philemon's house. I I I. The payment for Paul's request. vv. 18-22 I I I • The subject. A. The payment. vv. 18, 19

The subject of Phi lemon is love. B. The profit. vv. 20-22 Paul not only thanked God for Philemon's Personal greetings. vv. 23-24 love, but it is a major emphasis of Benediction. v. 25 his thanksgiving (cf. vv. 5-7). His appeal is based on love (v. 9). His request was V. Purpose. an act of love (cf. "receive him back"-- v. 12, "forever"--v. 15, "as a beloved A. To request that Philemon receive brother"--v. 16). Notice also that in Onesimus, a runaway slave who had since verse 20 he says, "Refresh my heart in 11 trusted Christ, as a beloved brother. the Lord, and in verse 7, "Your love has refreshed the heart of the - 58 - - 59 - Onesimus had been a slave of B. To illustrate Christian love and for­ Philemon. Of the 120 million people in the Roman Empire, it has been giveness, and respect for the law. estimated that there were 60 million But there is more here than just \ slaves. A slave at the time was chattel. He was treated worse than that. Oh, there is the comparatively an enemy and was subject to the whims minor matter of requesting lodging for of the owner. Onesimus was of Phrygia, himself, but there is more. This is and Phrygian slaves were considered the not a private letter. It was addressed lowest of all slaves. Onesimus ran to others, including the whole church. More than one1 has suggested11 that Paul away, apparently with the aid of money 1 stolen from his master. did that to encourage Philemon to do what he asked. But it seems to me that He ran to Rome where he came in if that is the reason Paul addressed contact with Paul. Perhaps he resorted the letter to the church, then it to Paul out of desperation, knowing amounts to force and is contrary to the his kindness. Paul led him to Christ whole spirit of the letter. Besides, (v. 10) and he became a faithful and Paul was condident that Philemon would beloved brother (Col. 4:9) who not only do what he aksed, but even do ministered to Paul causing him to more (cf . v . 21 ) . I be 1 ieve he wrote want to keep this converted slave to the group, yea, the church, knowing around (v. 13). Phi lemon would do what he asked, and thus intended for Philemon's action But Paul could not do that. Roman to be an illustration of Christian law said that Onesimus was the property love and forgiveness, and Onesimus' of Phi lemon and must go back. By the action being a demonstration of com­ way, according to Roman law, a runaway pliance to the law. slave merited severe and cruel punishment. Paul wanted to obey the law, and he wanted to reconcile Conclusion: Phi lemon and Onesimus without humili­ ating Onesimus; to commend to the Paul requested that Philemon forgive and wrong-doer without approving the wrong. restore Onesimus, his runaway slave, as an So, he requested that the runaway illustration of Christian love. slave who robbed him be received as a beloved brother because he trusted Christ, and if there were any debt that that be put to his account.

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