+Titus+ was a beloved disciple of Paul. He was a Gentile an_Bible Studies in the Life of Paul, Historical and Constructive

by Paul to Jerusalem and was made a test case of the freedom of the

gospel and was not compelled to be circumcised (Gal. 2:1-5). He is

mentioned by name, by Paul, twelve times in four of the Epistles (2

Cor. 2:13; 7:6, 13, 14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; Gal. 2:1, 3; 2 Tim. 4:10;

Titus 1:4). The early church tradition is that Titus was descended

from the royal family of Crete. He was an able and capable missionary.

We have no account of his conversion. He might have come first in

contact with Paul and been converted when the Great Apostle visited

Crete on his way to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:7-13). Some time was

spent at this island by Paul's company (Acts 27:9). Paul again visited

Crete after his first Roman imprisonment and when he went away he left

Titus in charge of affairs (Titus 1:5), "To set in order things that

are wanting and to ordain elders in every city." This message of Paul

to Titus not only shows the confidence which Paul reposed in him, but

also how widespread Christianity was in Crete. After Titus had

completed his special work in Crete he was to rejoin Paul at Nicopolis

(Titus 3:12).

+The Purpose+ of this letter is to show Titus what he is to do, in his

work with the churches, and how to do it.

+Time and Place of Writing.+--It is thought that this Epistle was

written from Corinth in 66 A.D.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1. Greeting and subject of the Epistle (1:1-5). Titus is left in

Crete to accomplish certain things (1:5) after which he is to rejoin

Paul (3:12).

2. The kind of officers to be appointed in the Cretan churches

(1:5-16). Special moral and spiritual fitness is set forth as

necessary in view of the peculiar character of the Cretans and certain

forms of doctrinal error.

3. The instruction to be given to the Cretans (2:1-3:11). (a) "The

things which become sound doctrine." (b) Practical teaching for the

proper regulation of the conduct of all classes. (c) The foundation of

the instruction rests upon Christ. (d) Proper attitude of the

Christian community toward the Pagan world; magistrates and those who

have not yet believed in Christ. Kindness and gentleness and the

avoidance of foolish questions best reveal the spirit of Christ by

those who profess His name. (e) Parting requests and benediction

(3:12-15).

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY

+The Last Words of Paul.+--This Epistle is of special interest as it

contains the last recorded words of Paul to his faithful disciple,

Timothy. The Great Apostle is writing from a strict prison confinement

(1:16, 17; 2:9). He has had a first preliminary trial (4:16) and this

was of such a dread nature that none of his friends dare to stand with

him, yet he rejoices in his Lord that He stood by him and strengthened

him. He feels however that his end is near and gives a magnificent

testimony of his faith (4:6-8). He urges Timothy to come to him in

Rome and bring Mark with him (4:9, 11).

+Time and Place of Writing.+--It was written by Paul in prison at Rome

67 A.D.

+The Purpose.+--Paul shows here his care for the churches, their

upbuilding in the faith and their proper regulation of the things that

pertain to worship and organization. Timothy, as a preacher of the

Word, has his personal responsibility, for the upbuilding of the

churches, presented to him.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1. Greeting and thanksgiving (1:1-5).

2. The Christian conduct of Timothy (1:6-2:14). Paul exhorts Timothy

not to allow himself to be daunted by fear of opposition or suffering

in doing his work for Christ. He encourages him by, (a) The great

revelation and power of the gospel. (b) His own work. (c) The sure

hope of a great reward.

3. Timothy as a preacher of the Word (2:15-4:5). Paul exhorts

Timothy, (a) To study to show himself a workman. (b) In the perilous

times that are coming to feed on the Word of God and preach it in

season and out of season.

4. Last words of Paul (4:6-22). The Apostle now turns to himself and

speaks of his coming martyrdom. He is ready to be offered, he has

fought a good fight. He beseeches Timothy to come and see him and

bring Mark. He refers to his first hearing when every friend left him

alone and only the Lord stood by him. He, after various messages,

closes with the usual benediction.

QUESTIONS

What is the place of these Epistles in Paul's life? What can be said

of Paul's fourth missionary journey; the first trip eastward, the trip

westward to Spain, and the second trip eastward? How did Paul come to

be imprisoned a second time? What are the questions discussed in these

Epistles; the personal element, the doctrinal part, the practical

teaching, and the special theme? What is Paul's last declaration of

faith? What can be said of the First Epistle to Timothy; Timothy's

life, time, and place of writing, the purpose, and the principal

divisions and chief points? What can be said of the Epistle to Titus;

the life of Titus, the purpose, time, and place of writing, and the

principal divisions and chief points? What can be said of the Second

Epistle to Timothy; the last words of Paul, time and place of writing,

and the principal divisions and chief points?

A New Method for Bible Classes

BY HENRY T. SELL

Studies In Early Church History.