Ephesus, c. AD 64–65

TWO confidential letters sent by Paul to his assistant Timothy have been released here. The most recent one, written from Rome shortly before Paul’s execution, contains the apostle’s last known instructions concerning Church life and Christian conduct.

The first letter to Timothy, probably written from Greece during Paul’s travels between his two trials, shows that the false teachings he had rebutted in Colossae have spread to other churches in Asia. They include attention to genealogies, speculative myths, enforced celibacy and strict dieting. Arrogant claims to special knowledge, and human desire for wealth, lead to division, he says.

Church leaders are to have exemplary personal and family lives. Bowing to the social mores of the area and the Jewish community, Paul warns women not to disrupt worship meetings nor to assume the role of teachers.

The second letter depicts a more lonely figure. Back in prison, Paul has been disowned by some former associates while others have been sent on foreign missions – Titus to Yugoslavia, Crescens to Galatia, and Tychicus to relieve Timothy in Ephesus. “Only Luke is with me,” he complains, suggesting perhaps that he had taken up the scribe’s pen as the language and style is more like Luke’s than Paul’s other letters.

Timothy, he says, in both letters, is to guard the gospel against false teachers and overbearing leaders. He is also to guard himself against the weakness of the flesh by being bold rather than timid and by drinking wine to prevent his frequent illnesses – a prescription, perhaps, directly from Doctor Luke.

Ambassador’s hard tasks

– (1 & 2 Timothy; Titus; cf. Acts 16:1f; 20:4f)

TIMOTHY AND TITUS are among several ambassadors sent by Paul to assist new churches. Although carrying his authority, they act as advisers rather than leaders.

Timothy was to many observers an unusual choice for a hard job. Quiet, subject to depression and illness, he was thrown like a Daniel into a den of roaring opponents ready to maul his theology and savage his tactics. He was born of a Jewish mother and Greek father in Lystra, where he probably became a Christian through Paul. Set apart for service by prophecies, he has travelled widely with Paul.

Titus is a more robust person and a good organiser. Like Timothy he is Greek, but unlike Timothy has never been compelled to be circumcised as a token gesture to Jewish Christians. Before going to Crete, he had already smoothed ruffled feathers in Corinth. He is said to be Luke’s brother.