(A.D.65/66?) [A Pastoral letter from Paul to Timothy, a young convert enlisted on Paul's Second Missionary Journey (A.D.50/51?) while in Lystra ( Acts 16:1-3), now ministering in Ephesus (1:1; 3:14). He became a "son" to Paul through either or both conversion and devoted service.] After personal affectionate greetings, Paul delves into the crux of his concern. On his 3rd Journey while at Ephesus (8?) years earlier, what he predicted to them would occur has now come to pass ( Acts 20:28-31). Spoilers in sheep's clothing, "grievous wolves," have slipped in among them, diluting and contaminating the gospel of Christ, deluding them with vain teachings. A true test of genuine Christian doctrine is whether it edifies the body at large. Clearly theirs does not! They are transparent to any who have the very basic understanding of the message of grace. Sure, the Law they espouse is good, but the just live by faith, having no need of it. (Abraham lived by faith 500 years before the Law was given to Moses at Sinai! ( Gal.3:17-18) It was this grace Paul personally obtained through God's own mercy that convinced him of this eternal truth! Once, he had been a proponent of the Law, a Pharisee of Pharisees ( Ph.3:5; Acts 23:6; 26:5), but now he sees he was the most guilty of sinners, blind to his own teachings. Christ, in this latter day, has made of him an example of the excellence of grace over Law. It is clear to him now, as it should be to all with an eye to see who desire to live. Therefore, God alone deserves all the glory from His wisdom and work which far exceeds that of the puny mind and hand of man. Paul encourages Timothy to be strong in these eternal doctrines, unlike others who have taken to their divisive and damnable positions, so much so he has severed relations with them.

Since the Church is transparent, what transpires within is seen without. Debate is divisive, not edifying to any, generating a harmful defensive spirit within man. This is repulsive to the world at large who has not been enlightened. Peace among men is sacrificed for personal argument, creating a clamor that puts at risk unity and fellowship which could appear threatening to one's own community. This ought not to be! Christ's gospel is for all men. It should attract rather than repel them from its calling. Since civil authorities are established for the peace of all men, continued infighting could bring serious threat against the genuine efforts of the Church's witness, even its very existence. So prayer, which unites men, should be uppermost in the minds of all, praying especially for those who are responsible for the peace and harmony of the society to which the gospel has come. This will reflect well upon the Church in the eyes of outsiders, seeing its genuine intents, harmony, and good will for all. Peace is always sacrificed in argument, creating division among God's people, which has been Satan's modus operandi from the outset; "Divide and Conquer!" has been his battle cry throughout the ages, deceiving the blind and weak, dividing them from the strong, thus diminishing the strength of the message, or in some cases, negating it altogether. Therefore, everyone should make certain their lives reflect the object of His message -- love toward one another. All things should be done to promote this in unity, producing a quiet, peaceable, and attractive aura about the body of Christ ( I Th.4:10). He should be the object to whom all eyes are drawn, and not one's own personal pettiness, appearance, or position within the Church.

If any do desire a particular position within the Church, then that life should reflect this life of peace and quietness of the spirit, seeing to his own affairs faithfully and orderly. Don't select anyone whose life does not reflect this in both his Christian community and the community at large, for this was the spirit of Christ, similarly it should be the spirit of His Church, His body now on Earth! Paul identifies specific traits or qualities that should be evident already in the life of the believer that sets him apart for leadership. One is to remember Christ's teaching on service, how the first should be last, submitting as servant to all, for there is only one Lord and He is ascended into Heaven, having faithfully and thoroughly shown us Himself how to serve others (Jn.13:12-17). Although Paul's plan and desire is to return to Ephesus that he might teach him in person, he writes these instructions now to young Timothy in case he is delayed.

Paul warns Timothy that as the time of Christ's coming nears, more and more will turn aside after increasing false teachers, sent from hell, void of all conscience, pleasing the fancy of many. He is to call to their remembrance the teaching of former things, how all things are sanctified in Christ. Through His word they received life, and through it they will be sanctified and sustained, if only they hold fast to its teachings, shunning all other enticing platitudes. No other foundation can man lay than Christ Jesus, and no unsanctified stone cut from any source other than His Word will fit or remain in the House He is currently building. ( I Co.3:11; Ex.23:7-8; Lev.7:22-25; Prov.21:30; Jer.23:30-32) His Body is more important than any individual member, though he will neglect none. Spiritual exercise by all is therefore more profitable to both body and soul than any system built upon individual bodily concerns ( Mat.6:25; Jn.4:31-34). Beware of those who place emphasis, regimens, or restrictions on the natural that would deny it its normal and acceptable functions by God. Let the Word speak for itself! Engage them in its depths, for it alone is profitable for doctrine, reproof, and correction (Ps.19; II Ti.3:16). Set the example for them. Let them see how it is transforming your very own life, rooting you in the sounder doctrines of its teachings! Age is no factor in its capabilities of transformation into a Christ-like life (Job 32:6-22); so don't let it stand in your way of seeking its life-changing riches. Cultivate the good gifts God has placed within you, and both you and all those around you will be its beneficiaries.

Paul cautions Timothy in his conduct with his fellow saints. The elders are to be esteemed as fathers and his peers as brothers. One certainly would not command or rebuke his father, nor should he enter into contention or competition with a brother. The elder women are to be seen as mothers and the younger as sisters, not available members of the opposite sex entering his eye that might give room for lust or competition with Christ for his affection ( Job 31:1). All within Christ's body should be viewed as immediate kinsmen of the kingdom.(Mat.12:46-50; Mk.10:28-31) Paul is saying, as one would not conduct himself unseemly toward his temporal Earthly family, neither should he toward his new eternal family in Christ! Paul turns now to the unique condition of widows and elders. Widows should be looked to first by her own Earthly family, if she has such that the Church might be free, better ministering to those who have no one who depend solely upon God for their provisions. If there are members who fail in this responsibility, doing for God, their eternal Father, what first should be done for their needy Earthly parent, he is condemned by his own actions. (See the law of korban: Mk.7:6-13. Show me one who fails to honor his Earthly parents, alive or dead, and I will show you one who stands at odds with his Heavenly Father in relationship and service!) Younger widows should be encouraged to remarry. Only older widows who are sound and established in the faith should be accepted into the company of devoted ministers of mercy. The younger tend to be more distracted in matters of natural human interests. These are greater avenues of Satan's entrance for his destructive and divisive ways! Better to marry than busy one's self, even partly, with the ways of the single unable to devote themselves wholly to the ministry of Christ. Elders who "labor" (kopiao, to be wearied out, as used in Mat.11:28) under the double duty of preaching ("word" = logos, as used in Luke 1:2) and teaching ("doctrine" = didaskalia, as used in Mat.15:9 and II Ti.3:10) should be doubly acknowledged in his work. He tires himself endlessly and unselfishly for the benefit of all. Do not accept just one person's word for a possible guilt in some accused sin, but if he is accused by many and found to be guilty, do not hesitate to bring him openly before the congregation for rebuke and opportunity for repentance, even if he is one of some outward stature. Because the work is hard and the responsibility is great, do not approve anyone for elder duty who is not proven in his stability and character. What reflects upon him reflects upon the whole. Sometimes this is seen immediately, before all, and at other times it only shows itself subsequent to the moment. So, wait until the "tree" can be clearly identified by its fruit before accepting him to produce fruit in others.

Continuing his instructions in conduct toward all saints, Paul now speaks concerning servants, masters, and the rich and proud. All are to be treated equally in the body of Christ, each redeemed without partiality by His blood. No greater price was paid for one over that of another; therefore, we all are to act as servants toward each other, regardless of our station in life. This is especially difficult for the masters of manly servants, and the rich who are accustomed to being waited upon, enjoying the luxuries of life their riches afford them. For these, it is difficult to see their need for a dependency upon God when they think their money so readily brings them their heart's desires. For many, the rewards of Earthly riches become obstacles to righteous living, becoming more sought after than Godliness. This can be overcome only when ownership of one's goods is seen belonging to God, with its holder merely a steward for the benefit of others rather than himself. (So was Jesus' teaching to the rich man and his subsequent failure to do so. He was unwilling to relinquish its desired sole benefit for self. Christ was not saying he couldn't have it, just that He wanted him to spend what he had been given as God dictates ( Mk.10:21-22). What Earthly family would horde its bountiful blessings, not cheerfully sharing with his kin as needed?) Paul gives Timothy, and others who would minister God's Word, strong warnings to distance themselves from the thought and practice of the pursuit of money, lest they become entrapped within its evil clutches that will surely bring them to ruin and a reproach upon Christ and His Gospel. He is to charge those who have been given much that Christ teaches much is expected. Their charge is proportionate to their supply. Nothing is to be hoarded for one's self, but they are to be an open channel to all. (I am reminded what Spurgeon once said: "If you have five talents, and your brother has only one, you may do twice as much as he does and yet fall short.") If one is to lay up for store, lay it up in heaven where "moth and dust doth not corrupt." A final personal appeal: Do not become enamored with those who come in with much knowledge, teaching the wisdom of men (Gnosticism). This is an error in the faith to be avoided at all cost! ( II Jn.9-11)