(1:13-3:4). (a) Christ the Mediator. There is redemption
for us through His blood. (b) Christ, the image of
the invisible God, Creator and Preserver of all things.
(c) He is the Head of the church, reconciliation is only
through Him. The Colossians were reconciled to God
through the mediation of Christ. It is the earnest desire
of Paul that the church at Colossae should remain rooted
in the faith which it had been taught. (d) Warning
against wrong speculation; lest any man "through
philosophy or vain deceit" obscure or cause the Colossians
to deny the true Godhead of Christ (2:8-15). (e)
Renewed warnings against errors in worship; Jewish
observances, ordinances and asceticisms, and the
adoration of angels. (f) In Christ we are dead to the
rudiments of the world and risen into communion with God
in Christ.
3. Practical (3:5-4:6). (a) Exhortations to cast
out all sins of the unregenerate nature and to put on the
new man in Christ. Then Christ will be all and in all.
(b) All family and social duties are to be performed as in
the sight of Christ. (c) Renewed exhortations to prayer
and watchfulness.
4. Conclusion (4:7-18). (a) The mission of
Tychicus and Onesimus, the greetings of the companions of
Paul and his expressed desire that the churches of Colossae
and Laodicea exchange Epistles. (b) The Salutation.
THE EPISTLE TO PHILEMON
+Occasion.+--This is the only purely personal letter of
Paul that we possess. It is placed in this group because
it was sent with the Epistle to the Colossians and by the
same messenger, Tychicus (Col. 4:7-9). Philemon was
a member (with his wife Apphia) of the church at
Colossae (Philemon 2). Onesimus was a runaway slave,
belonging to Philemon, who had found his way to Rome
and been converted by Paul (Philemon 10), who returned
him, with this letter, to his master (Col. 4:9; Philemon
10-12).
In this letter we have a picture of the Apostle's
kindness of heart and a carrying out of the principles which
Paul had advocated in his First Epistle to the Corinthians
(7:20-24), "Let every man abide in the same calling
wherein he was called." We find also this same principle
set forth, in another way, in his letter to the Colossians
upon the "Supremacy of Christ." These principles will
make all men brethren in Christ and every man will strive
to serve Christ in his own place, whatever that place is.
Paul exhorts Philemon, along this very line, to receive
Onesimus not as a servant but as a brother beloved
(Philemon 16).
The practical teaching of this letter upon the relations
between masters and servants and employers and employees
is very pertinent to the present times. The true
solution of all labor troubles is that men should regard
each other as brethren under the leadership of Jesus Christ.
+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+
1. Salutation and Thanksgiving (1-7).
2. Statement of the object of the letter (8-21). As
a favor for love's sake Philemon is asked to receive back
Onesimus no longer a runaway slave but Paul's spiritual
child. Emphasis is laid upon the fact that he is now a
Christian brother and should be received as such.
3. Conclusion (22-25). (a) In expectation of a
speedy release from imprisonment the Apostle asks that
a lodging be secured for him (22 v.). (b) Salutation
and benediction (23-25).
THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS
+The City of Ephesus and the Church.+--This city
was, next to Rome, the most important visited by Paul.
It was the capital of Asia Minor and a great commercial
center. It was the seat of the worship of the goddess
Diana.
Paul first visited the city when he was returning from
his second missionary tour, but, while asked to prolong
his stay, he remained only for a short time (Acts 18:19-21).
During his third missionary journey he again visited
the city and remained for three years (Acts 20:31,
compare 19:10, 22). His success in Ephesus was very great
(Acts 19:18-20, 26) and extended beyond the city. The
letters to the churches at Colossae (Col. 1:2) and Laodicea
(this letter is lost) (Col. 4:16) show his care for the
churches that were adjacent to Ephesus and of which we
have no account of his visiting.
+Title and Time of Writing.+--Many scholars think
that this Epistle was a circular letter written for the
edification of the churches of Asia Minor and sent to the
church of the capital city. This opinion is strengthened
by the lack of local allusions and the naming of friends,
as in other epistles. The inscription "at Ephesus" is
wanting in two of the more important manuscripts. "On
this view it may be supposed that a space was left in the
salutation in which could be inserted the name of the
particular place where the letter was being read, that the letter
finally fell wholly into the keeping of the Ephesian church,
and that the space was at length permanently filled by the
phrase 'at Ephesus.'"
The time and place of writing was at Rome about 63
A.D. This Epistle was sent by the messenger, Tychicus,
(Eph. 6:21) who also carried the letters to the church at
Colossae and to Philemon (Col. 4:7-9).
+Subject.+--As in Colossians, the subject is the
Headship of Christ (3:9-11); His person and work. God's
eternal purpose is disclosed. Christ is given sway over
all things "both which are in heaven and which are on
earth" (1:10, 2l). The unity of the church in Christ
is set forth; the unity of the Gentile and Jewish branches
in Him; the unity of all the individual members in Him.
This union is spiritual and not mechanical; it is holy and
pure; therefore sin is excluded. Paul looks upon this as
the mystery of the ages, now revealed to him. There is
one great kingdom, the risen and glorified Christ is the
Head of this kingdom (1:19-23). Redemption and
reception into this kingdom is through Jesus Christ (1-7).
Paul in this epistle rises above the controversies of the
hour and sees in clear vision the eternal realities and the
great plan of God for the saving of men.
+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+
1. Introduction (1:1-23). (a) Salutation. (b)
Thanksgiving and Thesis (1:3-14). Unity in Christ.
He who is the Head of the church is the Center of the
universe (1:10). The eternal purpose of God in
Salvation is now made known. Before the foundation of the
world, man and the redeemed church of Christ were in
the thought of God. Christ in whom we have redemption
looked forward to His mission from eternity. "Creation,
nature, and redemption are all parts of one system"; in
the reconciliation of the cross all orders of beings are
concerned. "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times
He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both
which are in heaven and which are on earth; even in
Him" (1:10). (c) Prayer. A petition that the
understanding of believers may be illuminated; that they may
know the hope of their calling and the riches of their
heritage, which comes through unity with their risen and
ascended Lord.
2. Doctrinal. Unity in Christ (ch. 2-3). (a) The
calling of the Gentiles out of "trespasses and sins" into
a new life in Christ. (b) Jews and Gentiles are
reconciled and brought together in one body by the cross; "no
more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the
saints, and of the household of God." All built upon
the foundation of Jesus Christ, through the Spirit. (c)
The mystery of the universal call was made known to
Paul by a new revelation. Prayer for a more full
comprehension of this unity.
3. Practical. The new life in unity with Christ
(4:1-6:17). (a) Exhortation to walk worthy of this new
life. (b) Exhortation to gain the victory over sin "in
virtue of the sense of unity with man in Christ." (c)
Social duties. The regeneration and consecration in this
new life of the relations of husbands and wives, children
and parents, and slaves and masters, (d) Final entreaty,
in the battle against the powers of evil, to put "on the
whole armour of God."
4. Conclusion (6:18-24). (a) Personal. Paul requests
special prayer for himself in captivity. Tychicus
is commended. (b) Farewell and blessing.
THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS
The City of Philippi and the Church.--This city is
notable from the fact that it was the first, in Europe, in
which the gospel tidings were made known. Accounts
of how Paul came to visit Macedonia and to begin the
work in Philippi are given in Acts (16:10, 12-40).
Going out of the city as he did by the river side, where
prayer was wont to be made, and talking to a number of
women about the "New Way" would not seem to be a
very favorable beginning for a movement which was to
produce such exceedingly large results. But Paul was so
full of zeal for Christ that he seized every opportunity,
no matter how small, to make Him known. This church
afterwards was a great comfort to the Apostle. This
letter shows how he loved it and how he exhorted them to
rejoice in the Lord (4:4).
+Occasion.+--Paul was in prison in Rome. The
Philippian converts were greatly concerned about him,
therefore they sent Epaphroditus with gifts and offerings to
him (4:18). This was not the first time that they had
taken thought of and remembered their founder, in a
similar way (4:15, 16). The Apostle was very grateful for
their care (4:10-14). While in Rome, Epaphroditus
was taken very sick and came near death (2:25-28).
As soon as he had recovered from his sickness Paul sent
him back to Philippi (2:28), with this letter. The
reference to Caesar's household shows how strong a hold
Christianity was getting in Rome (4:22; 1:12-14), and
that there was great boldness in proclaiming the gospel.
+Objects.+--It is an Epistle of thanks to the Philippians
for their kindness (4:10-18) in remembering the Apostle
with substantial gifts in his work and for their fellowship
(1:5) in the gospel.
Another object is to give them friendly advices and
warnings (2:12-24; 3:2-3, 17-21). Paul does not
forget, in this connection, to remind them of Him to
whom they owe a whole-hearted allegiance, their Lord
and Master, Jesus Christ (4:1).
The great doctrinal object, the Supremacy of Christ,
is also set forth as is markedly manifest in the Epistles of
Colossians and Ephesians. The whole Christian creed,
"the incarnation, passion, and exaltation of Christ" is
expressed in the second chapter (2:5-11), "That at the
name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth and things under the earth; and that
every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to
the glory of God the Father." The great end to be
attained is likeness to Christ (2:5).
+Time of Writing.+--This epistle is generally regarded
as the latest of the letters written during the first
imprisonment in Rome, and in the same year with those to the
churches at Colossae, and Ephesus. It was probably sent
to Philippi shortly after the other Epistles (Colossians,
Philemon, and Ephesians) had been dispatched to Asia
Minor.
+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+--This epistle
is divided into two parts.
First part (1:1-3:1).
I. Introduction (1:1-2:4). (a) Greeting. (b) Paul's
thanksgiving, joy in the fellowship, and prayer for the
Philippians. (c) An account of the rapid spread of the
gospel in Rome and the apostle's rejoicing that Christ is
preached. (d) Exhortation to unity in Christ.
2. Doctrinal (2:5-12). In this short passage we
have the Christian creed in brief form. "The Godhead
of Christ and His Manhood--His Pre-existence and His
Incarnation--His Passion and His Exaltation."
3. Conclusion of the first part (2:13-3:1). (a)
Renewed exhortation to an upright and blameless Christian
life. (b) The return of Epaphroditus. (c) Farewell
message.
Second part (3:2-4:23). This section seems to
have been added after the letter had been finished.
1. Warnings (3:2-21). (a) Against Judaic errors.
Paul could boast that he had been a good Jew and
scrupulously kept the law, yet he renounced all that he might
win Christ. True righteousness can come only through
faith in Christ. (b) Against a false idea of the liberty of
the gospel; whereby men, claiming to be Christians,
walked in evil ways.
2. Final exhortations (4:1-9) to steadfastness, unity,
joy, and the following of all good in Christ. Acknowledgment
of gifts and benedictions (4:10-23).
QUESTIONS
What is the question at issue in this group of Epistles? What
the reason for raising this question? What answer is given?
What attention is now paid to this question? When were these
Epistles written? How were they sent? What can be said of the
Epistles to the Colossians? The church at Colossae, how was it
organized? What was the occasion of this Epistle? What the
central thought? What the time and place of writing? Give the
principal divisions and chief points. What was the occasion of
the Epistle to Philemon? Give the principal divisions and chief
points. What can be said of the Epistle to the Ephesians? Give
an account of the founding of this church. What can be said of
the title and time of writing? What is the subject? Give the
principal divisions and chief points. What can be said of the
Epistle to the Philippians? How was this church organized?
What was the occasion of the Epistle? What the objects? Give
the time of writing. Give the principal divisions and chief points.
III. PAUL'S WRITINGS
STUDY X
PASTORAL AND PERSONAL
FOURTH GROUP OF EPISTLES
FIRST TIMOTHY. TITUS. SECOND TIMOTHY.
ANALYSIS
+The Place of the Epistles+--When Written.
+Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey+--Notices and Time. The First Trip
Eastward. The Trip Westward to Spain. The Second Trip Eastward. The
Second Imprisonment of Paul.
+The Questions Discussed+--The Personal Element. The Doctrinal Part.
The Practical Teaching. The Special Theme.
+Paul's Last Declaration of His Faith.+
+The First Epistle to Timothy+--Timothy. Time and Place. Purpose.
Principal Divisions and Chief Points.
+The Epistle to Titus+--Titus. Purpose. Time and Place. Principal
Divisions and Chief Points.
+The Second Epistle to Timothy+--The Last Words of Paul. Time and
Place of Writing. Purpose. Principal Divisions and Chief Points.
III. PAUL'S WRITINGS
STUDY X
PASTORAL AND PERSONAL
FOURTH GROUP OF EPISTLES
FIRST TIMOTHY. TITUS. SECOND TIMOTHY.
THE PLACE OF THE EPISTLES
+When Written.+--It is generally agreed among scholars that no place
can be found for the writing of First Timothy, Titus, and Second
Timothy in the period covered by Luke in his narrative in Acts.
Agreeing with the tradition of the church, however, the opinion of many
eminent scholars is that Paul was released from the first Roman
imprisonment (Acts 28:16, 30), that he again took up his missionary
work, and at the end of a few years of such work, he was a second time
imprisoned and suffered martyrdom under the Roman Emperor Nero.
It was during this period between the first and second imprisonments
that First Timothy and Titus were written. Second Timothy was written
during the second imprisonment at Rome, and at the time when Paul was
expecting his sentence of death. Eusebius (H. E. 2:22-2) says, that
"at the end of the two years of imprisonment, according to tradition,
Paul went forth again upon the ministry of preaching; and in a second
visit to the city ended his life by martyrdom under Nero, and that
during his imprisonment he wrote the Second Epistle to Timothy."
PAUL'S FOURTH MISSIONARY JOURNEY
+Notices and Time.+--From the notices given in the Epistles and other
sources the probable course of the missionary travels of Paul from
63-67 A.D. has been reconstructed.
+The First Trip Eastward.+--When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi
(2:24) and to Philemon at Colossae (22 v.) he evidently expected to be
released from his imprisonment very soon and to see his beloved
Philippian church and Philemon. He was so sure of speedily visiting
Colossae that he asked that a lodging be prepared for him. With Paul to
plan was to act and it is quite possible that he undertook this trip
immediately upon his release from prison. He probably also visited
Ephesus and a number of other cities.
+The Trip Westward to Spain.+--In the Epistle to the Romans Paul
declared his intention to visit Spain (Rom. 15:24, 28). It is probable
that he, upon his return from the visit to Asia Minor, remained for a
very short time in Rome and then made a voyage to Spain.
The tradition of the early church is very pronounced upon this voyage
to Spain. Clement of Rome (Cor. 5) speaks of Paul "having reached the
furtherest bound of the west." This could hardly mean anything but
Spain. The Muratorian Fragment names "the departure of Paul from the
city to Spain."
+The Second Trip Eastward.+--We can now, from notices in First and
Second Timothy and Titus, quite closely follow Paul in his travels.
From Spain he probably went by various stages to Ephesus, where as he
tells us (1 Tim. 1:3) he left Timothy in charge when he went into
Macedonia. From Macedonia he probably wrote his first letter to
Timothy (1:3). From Macedonia he went to Troas and from Troas to
Miletus (2 Tim. 4:13). On account of sickness Trophimus was left at
Miletus (2 Tim. 4:20). He next probably visited Crete, where he left
Titus (Titus 1:5). From Crete it is thought that Paul went to Corinth
(2 Tim. 4:20) where he left Erastus and in all probability wrote to
Titus (1:5). In the letter to Titus Paul speaks of being at Nicopolis
and of his intention to spend the winter in that city (Titus 3:12).
But these notices of places are by no means exhaustive. They show,
however, how wide were Paul's last travels.
+The Second Imprisonment of Paul.+--It is by no means unlikely that the
enemies of Paul, of whom we hear so much in the first three missionary
journeys, were stirred to renewed activity by again seeing him at
liberty and conducting an active missionary campaign. But with a
prisoner on parole from the Imperial Court the local magistrates could
do nothing. But a new element came in. The great fire, which
destroyed so large a part of the city of Rome on the 18th of July, 64
A.D., was used by the Emperor Nero as an excuse for starting a great
persecution against the Christians. This was done to divert the odium
of the starting of the fire from himself, for he had sung and danced
the "Mime of the Burning of Troy" from a turret of his palace during
this great conflagration. It was some time before this persecution was
extended to the provinces and Paul's enemies saw their opportunity to
accuse him to the Imperial Court, where under the circumstances they
would then find a ready hearing. Paul was probably rearrested at
Nicopolis where he intended to winter (Titus 3:12) and hurried off to
Rome. This time he endured no light imprisonment. Onesiphorus had
difficulty in finding him (2 Tim. 1:16, 17) and he was closely confined
in a common criminal dungeon (2 Tim. 2:9). From this dungeon he wrote
the Second Epistle to Timothy and from thence he went to his death.
THE QUESTIONS DISCUSSED
+The Personal Element+ in these epistles is quite large both in respect
to Timothy and Titus and Paul himself, but it is quite evident that
this element is not the chief cause for the writing.
+The Doctrinal Part.+--Paul is here as strenuous for the need of
repentance, the atonement through Jesus Christ and His sole sufficiency
as Mediator, Savior, and Lord of all (1 Tim. 1:15-17; Titus 2:13;
3:4-7), as in his other Epistles. There are also enemies of the truth
who are to be opposed (2 Tim. 3). It is quite evident from what Paul
says in the second chapter and elsewhere in Titus and Second Timothy
that the Colossian heresy is already bearing its evil fruit and is
likely in the future to do great injury to the churches.
+The Practical Teaching+ about the necessity of developing and
conserving the Church's system of government occupies, however, the
chief place. "The two notes which are struck again and again are:
First, 'Hold fast the tradition, the deposit of faith.' Second,
'Preserve order in the church.' In short this group of Epistles
constitutes Paul's last will and testament in which he gives his final
instructions for the maintenance and continuity of the faith."
The church of Jesus Christ must have form and order. The truth must
have a proper shelter. Churches must have and observe certain
regulations. There must be proper officers.
The gospel is applied to outward conduct. Great stress is laid upon
the character of church officers (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-7). Pastors
are directed how they should bear themselves toward church members and
what they should teach (1 Tim. 5; Titus 2). The conduct of the Church
in the presence of the heathen world and its magistrates is set forth
(Titus 3). Instruction is given in regard to public worship (1 Tim.
2). The most effective barrier against all forms of evil, it is
declared, is a diligent study of the Scriptures and a fervent preaching
of the word (2 Tim. 3:13-4:5).
+The Special Theme+ then is, "The constitution, methods, and conduct of
the early churches." (1 Tim. 2:1, 2, 8, 9-12; 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-14;
2:1-10; 3:1, 2, 8-11, 13, 14; 2 Tim. 2:2, 14-18; 3:6-9).
PAUL'S LAST DECLARATION OF HIS FAITH
The famous passage in 2 Timothy (4:6-8) shows how the Great Apostle
went triumphantly to his death. It is a declaration of the sustaining
power of his faith in the Savior whom he had everywhere proclaimed.
"I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not
to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."
THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
+Timothy+ was one of the close companions of Paul. His father was a
Greek and his mother a Jewess, by the name of Eunice, (2 Tim. 1:5; Acts
16:1). He was a native of Lystra, Paul took him as his companion in
travel and addressed two Epistles to him; he was sent on a number of
important missions. Timothy is mentioned twenty-four times by name in
the Acts and Epistles; from these notices we can construct his
itinerary with Paul and see how beloved and how trusted he was by the
Great Apostle. During Paul's last journey he left him in charge of the
affairs of the church at Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3). When Paul was
apprehended a second time and lying in a dungeon at Rome, in
expectation of death, he wrote Timothy the last letter (2 Timothy) he
ever penned, and besought him to come to him as speedily as possible (2
Tim. 4:9).
+Time and Place of Writing.+--Paul in all probability wrote the First
Epistle to Timothy from Macedonia (1 Tim. 1:3) in the year 66 A.D.
+The Purpose+ "involved is through the instruction and exhortation of
Timothy, to purify, strengthen, and elevate the Christian life of the
church in Ephesus." This teaching is put in such a way that it is
applicable to every Christian minister and church.
+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+
1. Greeting (1:1, 2).
2. The True teaching of the gospel (ch. 1). Timothy is warned against
false teachers and reminded of the aim and end of life in Christ.
3. The order and regulation of public worship (ch. 2). (a) Prayer,
for those in authority and for all men. (b) Instruction. There is one
God and one Mediator (Christ) between God and man. (c) Conduct of men
and women in the church assemblies.
4. Qualifications of the church officers (ch. 3). (a) The ideal
minister. (b) The ideal deacon and the ministering women. (c)
Conclusion of chapter. Paul declares his intention to visit Timothy.
An ascription of praise.
5. The government of the Christian church and community (ch. 4-6). In
these three chapters Timothy is charged by Paul to keep before him a
high view of the church and its grand destiny. (a) Timothy, as a
teacher, is reminded of his commission to put the church on guard
against errors of doctrine and life (ch. 4). (b) Timothy is shown how
he should bear rule and conduct himself towards the elders and women of
his congregation. Paul adds instructions in regard to a man's care for
his family, support of the ministry, discipline of offenders, etc. (ch.
5). (c) Relations of masters and servants. Right attitude of
believers in Christ toward riches. The chief thing is to follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness, and to fight
the good fight of faith (6:1-19). (d) Closing charge to Timothy with
benediction (6:20, 21).
THE EPISTLE TO TITUS