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New Testament Survey:
Epistles — Paul's Letters to Individuals

 


In this Section:
The Book of 1 Timothy | The Book of 2 Timothy | The Book of Titus | The Book of Philemon

 

Introduction
This section consists of the four letters the Apostle Paul wrote to three individuals: two to Timothy, a young pastor who was serving in the church at Ephesus; one to Titus, another young man of God who was serving the fellowship on the small Mediterranean island of Crete (about 10 miles off the south shore of Corinth); and one to Philemon, a prominent slave owner and brother in the faith in Colosse.

The four letters are named for the Christian brothers to whom Paul addressed the letters and consist of the following:

  • 1 Timothy
    Paul counsels Timothy on the problems of false teachers, public prayer, the role of women in the church, and the requirements for elders and deacons. He stresses sound doctrine and orderly church government.

  • 2 Timothy
    Paul describes the true servant of Jesus Christ. He warns of the apostasy (rejecting spiritual beliefs in favor of an opposing belief) that had already begun, and he presents the Word of God as the remedy to correct all error.

  • Titus
    Paul writes to a young minister named Titus who is serving God on the island of Crete. He lists the requirements for elders and instructs Titus in his duties relative to the various groups in the church.

  • Philemon
    Written from prison Paul appeals to Philemon, a wealthy Colossian Christian, to forgive Onesimus, a runaway slave, and to regard him no longer as a slave but as a brother in Christ.

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Survey of the Book of 1 Timothy
Paul realizes that the task before Timothy at the church of Ephesus is most challenging. Timothy must eradicate false doctrine, safeguard public worship, and develop mature leadership. At the same time, Timothy must be on guard to not let his youthfulness become a liability. And finally, he must be careful to avoid false teachers and greedy motives, but should instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and the gentleness that befits a man of God.

Really, one could refer to this letter as a "Leadership Manual for Church Organization". Paul is trying to encourage his young assistant to become an example to others, to exercise his spiritual gifts, and to "fight the good fight of faith." Timothy's public and private life must be above reproach; and he must be ready to deal with matters of false teaching, organization, discipline, proclamation of the Scriptures, poverty and wealth, and the roles of various groups.

AUTHOR: Paul
TO WHOM: Timothy
PURPOSE: Paul wrote this letter to a co-laborer named Timothy who was ministering as an interim pastor in the church at Ephesus. The book concerns some of the problems and needs which existed in this church, but it can be considered good instruction for all churches in all ages.
KEY VERSES:
4:12— "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
6:6— "Now godliness with contentment is great gain" (NKJV)
6:11,12— "But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: We should live a life exemplary of the ministry to which we have been called.
MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Timothy

Outline

  1. Paul's Charge Concerning Doctrine: 1:1-12
    1. _______________: 1:1-3
    2. Preserve the purity of the _______________: 1:3-11
      1. The charge: 1:3-4
      2. The aim of the charge: Charity: 1:5
      3. The _______________ for the charge: 1:6-11
    3. The law must be harmonized with the Gospel: _______________
  2. Christ's Past Charge to Paul/Paul's Relation to the Gospel: 1:12-17
    1. Thanksgiving for his _______________ into God's service: 1:12
    2. The _______________ for his appointment: 1:13-26
      1. Due to God's _______________: 1:13-14
      2. To make him an _______________ to others: 1:15-16
    3. Paul's _______________ for his relationship to the Gospel: 1:17
  3. Wage the Good Warfare: 1:18-20
    1. Committing the charge: _______________
    2. The work of _______________: 1:18-19
      1. Wage a good warfare: _______________
      2. Hold _______________: 1:19
      3. Have a good _______________: 1:19-20
  4. Paul's Charge Concerning Public Worship: 2:1-3:16
    1. _______________ in public worship: 2:1-8
      1. The scope of _______________: 2:1-2
      2. The results of _______________: 2:2-3
      3. The mediator of _______________: 2:5-7
      4. The universality of _______________: 2:8
    2. Women in public worship: 2:9-15
      1. Their _______________: 2:9-10
      2. Their _______________: 2:11-12
      3. Their _______________ (Although the woman was first deceived, it was through a woman that the Messiah came): 2:13-15
    3. Qualifications of _______________: 3:1-7
      1. Blameless, husband of one wife, vigilant, sober-minded _______________
      2. Good behavior, respectable, _______________ , able to teach: 3:2
      3. Not given to _______________, not violent: 3:3
      4. _______________: 3:3
      5. Not contentious, lover of _______________, or covetous: 3:3
      6. Must rule his own _______________ well: 3:4-5
      7. Not a _______________ convert: 3:6
      8. Must have a good _______________ in the unsaved community: 3:7
    4. Qualifications of _______________: 3:8-13
      1. Dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to wine, not greedy: __________
      2. Sound doctrine with a pure _______________: 3:9
      3. Not a new _______________: 3:10
      4. Proven (tested) and found blameless: _______________ 0
      5. His wife must be dignified, not a slanderer, sober-minded, faithful: 3:11
      6. The husband of one wife, ruling house well: 3:12
      7. Confidence in the _______________: 3:13
    5. Paul's reason for _______________: 3:14, 15
    6. Doxology: _______________
  5. Paul's Charge Concerning False Teachers: 4:1-16
    1. Description of _______________ teachers: 4:1-5
      1. Giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of _______________: 4:1
      2. Speaking _______________ in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared: 4:2
      3. Forbidding to _______________: 4:3
      4. Commanding to abstain from _______________: 4:3-5
    2. Instruction for the true teacher: 4:6-10
      1. Instruct the brethren in _______________ doctrine: 4:6
      2. Refuse _______________: 4:6
      3. Avoid silly _______________ , train for godliness: 4:7-8
      4. Accept _______________ sayings: 4:9
      5. Labor and suffer for _______________: 4:10
    3. Third charge: "Do not neglect the gift": 4:11-16
      1. Command and teach _______________ doctrine: 4:11
      2. Be an _______________ to believers: 4:12
      3. Devote yourself to public reading of Scripture, to teaching: _______________
      4. Do not neglect the _______________ you have: 4:14
      5. Practice these things and let them consume you: _______________
      6. Keep close watch on yourself: _______________
  6. Paul's Charge Concerning Church Discipline: 5:1-25
    1. How to treat all _______________: 5:1, 2
      1. Treat an elder as a _______________: 5:1
      2. Treat younger men as _______________: 5:1
      3. Treat elderly women as _______________: 5:2
      4. Treat younger women as _______________ with purity: 5:2
    2. How to treat _______________: 5:3-16
      1. Honor those who are widows indeed: _______________
      2. Responsibilities of _______________ of widows: 5:4
      3. Definition of a "widow indeed": 5:5-6
      4. Responsibilities of _______________ of widows continued: 5:7-8
      5. Qualifications for "widows indeed": 5:9-13
      6. Instructions to _______________ widows: 5:11-16
    3. How to treat _______________: 5:17-20
      1. _______________ those who rule well: 5:17
      2. Provide for those who labor _______________ in this position: 5:17-18
      3. Those who have _______________ ruled well: 5:19-20
    4. Observe these things without _______________ or partiality: 5:21-25
      1. Do not be in a hurry in the _______________ on of hands: 5:21
      2. Do nothing by _______________: 5:21
      3. Do not partake in the _______________ of others: 5:22
      4. Keep _______________: 5:22-23
      5. Recognize that judgment belongs to _______________: 5:24-25
  7. Paul's Charge Concerning Pastoral Motives: 6:1-21
    1. Exhortation to _______________: 6:1, 2
      1. Honor _______________: 6:1
      2. Do not take advantage of _______________ who are believers: 6:2
    2. Exhortation to godliness with _______________: 6:3-16
    3. Exhortation to the _______________: 6:17-19
      1. That they be not _______________: 6:17
      2. Not to trust in uncertain _______________ but in God: 6:17
      3. Be rich in good _______________, distribute to others: 6:18
      4. Lay up an eternal foundation, lay hold on _______________ life: 6:19
    4. _______________ what was committed: 6:20, 21
      1. Avoid vain babble and _______________: 6:20
      2. Avoid oppositions which are falsely called "____________________" (or "science"): 6:20

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Survey of the Book of 2 Timothy
Paul's second letter to Timothy was written from prison. Paul wants to encourage Timothy by assuring him of his (Paul's) continuing love and prayers, and he reminds Timothy of his (Timothy's) spiritual heritage and responsibilities. At the same time, however, he warns Timothy that his teaching will come under attack as men desert the truth for "ear-tickling" words.

AUTHOR: Paul
TO WHOM: Timothy
PURPOSE: Paul wrote this book from prison to challenge Timothy to assume responsibility for the ministry which the apostle was handing over due to his forthcoming death. Paul knew he would soon be executed for his faith.
KEY VERSES:
1:8-10— "Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel"

3:14-17— "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The divine pattern for multiplication of the Gospel message is "each one teach one to reach one."
MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Timothy

Outline

  1. Persevere in Present Testings: 1:1-2:26
    1. Thanksgiving for Timothy's _______________: 1:1-5
      1. Introduction: _______________
      2. Thanksgiving: _______________
    2. Reminder of Timothy's ____________________ 1:6-18
      1. Use your spiritual _______________: 1:6
      2. Have a _______________ attitude: 1:7-8
      3. Recognize your _______________: 1:9-12
      4. Hold it fast: _______________
      5. The _______________ for the exhortation: 1:15-18
    3. Characteristics of a faithful _______________: 2:1-26
      1. Discipling _______________: 2:1, 2
      2. Single-minded _______________: 2:3-4
      3. Striving for sound doctrine like an _______________: 2:5
      4. Enduring like a _______________: 2:6
      5. The duty regarding sound _______________: 2:7
      6. _______________ for sound doctrine: 2:8-13
      7. Do not strive over _______________ issues: 2:14
      8. Study _______________ doctrine: 2:15
      9. Avoid irreverent _______________: 2:16-18
      10. Establish yourself on the true _______________: 2:19
      11. Be a vessel of _______________: 2:20-21
      12. Flee _______________ lusts: 2:22
      13. Pursue righteousness, _______________, love, and peace: 2:22
      14. Avoid foolish and unlearned _______________: 2:23-26
  2. Endure in Future Testings: 3:1-4:22
    1. Approaching day of _______________: 3:1-17
      1. Announcement of coming perilous _______________: 3:1
      2. Description of evil men of ____________________ 3:2-8
      3. The limitation on such _______________ men: 3:9
      4. Timothy has followed Paul's teaching, _______________, faith, patience: 3:10
      5. Persecution in the _______________ days: 3:11, 12
      6. Evil people will go from bad to worse:_______________
      7. They will be _______________ themselves: 3:13
      8. Be established in sound doctrine and in the _______________: 3:15-17
    2. A charge to _______________ the Word:4:1-2
    3. In season and out of _______________, reprove, _______________, and exhort: 4:2
    4. Description of _______________ time: 4:3-4
      1. People will not endure _______________ doctrine: 4:3
      2. Will want teachers who teach what they want to hear: _______________
      3. They will turn away from the _______________: 4:4
      4. They will turn to _______________: 4:4
    5. Be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry: _______________
  3. Approaching Death of Paul: 4:6-22
    1. Paul's _______________: 4:6-8
      1. He is ready to face _______________: 4:6
      2. He has fought a good _______________: 4:7
      3. He has finished the _______________: 4:7
      4. He has kept the _______________: 4:7
      5. There is a _______________ laid up for him: 4:8
      6. There is a reward laid up for those who follow his _______________: 4:8
    2. A request for _______________ to come: 4:9-13
      1. The request to come: _______________
      2. The _______________: 4:10-12
      3. Instructions for what to _______________: 4:13
    3. Paul's Trials: 4:14-18
      1. The evil done by _______________: 4:14-15
      2. Paul had to stand _______________ at first: 4:16
      3. But __________ stood with him through the trial: 4:17
      4. __________ will stand with him in future trials: 4:18
    4. Conclusion: 4:19-22
      1. Salutations to _______________, _______________, and the household of _______________: 4:19
      2. News regarding Paul's companions: _______________
      3. Special greetings: _______________
      4. Benediction: _______________

Further Study
Study the use of the word "charge" [as in "command"] in 1 and 2 Timothy. What are the things Paul charges [commands] Timothy to do?











Study the word "faith" used in these two books. What does Paul say regarding the faith?











These two books contain much about the ministry of teaching. Study all that Paul writes regarding teachers, teaching, and the responsibility to teach.

Study the word "godliness" in 1 and 2 Timothy. Summarize what is taught regarding godliness.











Believers are compared to several things in the book of 2 Timothy: Write the comparisons from each of the following verses:

  • 2:3— __________________________________

  • 2:5— __________________________________

  • 2:6— __________________________________

  • 2:15— _________________________________

  • 2:21— _________________________________

  • 2:24— _________________________________

Read Paul's summary and evaluation of his own ministry in 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

Write the qualifications for elders and deacons given in 1 Timothy 3:1-13:











In addition to the information about Timothy in the books of 1 and 2 Timothy, study and write what these other Bible passages tell us about him:

  • Acts 13:5; 14:19-20; 16:1-3; 17:14; 19:22; 20:4—












  • 1 Corinthians 4:17; 9:20; 16:10—






  • 2 Corinthians 1:1,19—






  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2,6—






  • Philippians 1:1; 2:19-23—






  • Colossians 1:1—






  • Philemon 1:1—






  • Hebrews 13:23—




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Survey of the Book of Titus
The Apostle Paul has installed Titus, a young pastor, to oversee and set in order the churches in Crete. Not only does Paul instruct Titus to appoint elders to supervise or manage the work of the Church, but he instructs him in requiring all members to excel spiritually. Men and women, young and old, all have their vital functions to fulfill if they are to be living examples of the faith they profess.

This short letter focuses on Titus' responsibilities in the organization and supervision of the churches in Crete. Paul's intent in this letter is to strengthen and exhort Titus to firmly exercise his authority as an apostolic representative to churches that need to be put in order. The task that lies ahead for this young pastor is not an enviable one, as he will have to refute [prove to be untrue] false teachers and dissenters, and replace immoral behavior with good deeds.

AUTHOR: Paul
TO WHOM: Titus, a Greek convert and fellow worker with Paul.
PURPOSE: To correct problems and establish proper order in the churches located on the island of Crete.
KEY VERSES:
2:11-14— "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
3:8— "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people."
LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Founding a good work is not enough. That work must be established and organized according to the principles of God's Word.
MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul and Titus

Outline

  1. Appoint Elders: 1:1-16
    1. Introduction: 1:1-4
    2. Ordain qualified _______________: 1:5-9
      1. This is why Paul left Titus in _______________: 1:5
      2. Qualifications for _______________: 1:6-9
    3. Elders must recognize and _______________ false teachers: 1:10-14
      1. False teachers: 1:10-16
      2. To the pure, all things are pure: _______________
  2. Set Things in Order: 2:1-3:11
    1. Speak sound doctrine: 2:1-15
      1. Older _______________: 2:2
      2. _______________ women: 2:3, 4
      3. Young _______________: 2:4, 5
      4. Young _______________ develop similar qualities as the young women: 2:6
    2. Titus should be a _______________ of good works: 2:7-8
      1. Show integrity and dignity: _______________
      2. Sound speech that cannot be condemned: _______________
    3. Those in service to _______________: 2:9-10
      1. Submissive, _______________, not argumentative: 2:9
      2. Not _______________: 2:10
      3. An example of good _______________: 2:10
    4. All believers: 2:11-14
      1. Renounce ungodliness and worldly passions: _______________
      2. Live self-controlled, upright, and _______________ lives: 2:12
      3. Wait and watch for the _______________ of Jesus: 2:13
      4. Live a redeemed and _______________ life: 2:14
    5. Declare, exhort and rebuke with all _______________: 2:15
    6. Believers are to maintain _______________ works: 3:1-11
      1. Submit to rulers and _______________ , ready for every good work: 3:1
      2. Speak evil of no one, avoid quarrels, be gentle, and be courteous: _________
      3. Our past _______________: 3:3
      4. God loved us and saved us despite our conduct: _______________
      5. Believers should devote themselves to good _______________: 3:8
      6. Avoid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels: ______________
      7. Avoid someone who stirs up _______________: 3:10, 11
    7. Conclusion: 3:12-15

    Further Study
    The subject of good works recurs frequently in the book of Titus. Read the following verses and write what is taught about the believer and good works:

    • 2:7—





    • 2:14—





    • 3:1—





    • 3:4—





    • 3:5—





    • 3:8—





    • 3:14—



    Study and write the qualifications for church leadership Paul gives in the book of Titus:











    Notice and write the three tenses of salvation in 2:11-13:

    • Past: ____________________________________________________

    • Present: __________________________________________________

    • Future: ___________________________________________________

    For the geographical background of Crete, see 1 Samuel 30:14, Ezekiel 25:16, Acts 2:11 and 27:17.

    Note the relation concerning the Gospel between 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus:

    • 1 Timothy: _________________________ the Gospel.

    • 2 Timothy: _________________________ the Gospel.

    • Titus: _________________________ the Gospel.

    [Back to Top...]

    Survey of the Book of Philemon
    Does Christian brotherly love really work? For example, will it work between a prominent wealthy slave owner and a runaway slave?

    That is the question assumed in Paul's letter to Philemon, a prominent Christian in Colosse as he writes to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus — a deserter, thief, and formerly worthless slave, and now Paul's and Philemon's brother in Christ.

    Paul not only asks Philemon to receive back Onesimus with the same grace he would extend to Paul, but Paul also promises to repay or restore whatever Onesimus owes to Philemon. Knowing Philemon personally, Paul is confident that brotherly love and forgiveness will prevail. Just as Philemon was shown mercy through the grace of Christ, so now Paul asks him to graciously forgive his repentant runaway.

    This letter is also addressed to a few other Christian's known to Philemon because Paul wants it to have an impact on the Colossian church as a whole.

    AUTHOR: Paul
    TO WHOM: Philemon, a Christian who lived at Colosse
    PURPOSE: To appeal for Onesimus, the runaway slave of Philemon who had become a believer.
    The book serves as a practical example of Christian principles applied to social relationships. It also illustrates the principle of forgiveness, and the ministry of intercession.
    KEY VERSE: 1:10&3151; "I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment."
    LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Christian principles must be applied to social relationships.
    MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Onesimus, Philemon

    Outline

    1. Introduction: 1:1-7
    2. The request: 1:8-21
      1. Paul's personal interest in _______________: 1:8-14
        1. He was an _______________ servant: 1:11
        2. He is now a _______________ believer: 1:11,13
      2. Paul's plea for _______________: 1:15-18
        1. _______________ him for your sake: 1:15
        2. _______________ him for his sake: 1:16
        3. _______________ him for my sake: 1:17-18
      3. The basis of his _______________: 1:19-20
      4. _______________ in an answer: 1:21
  3. Conclusion: 1:22-25
    1. Paul's proposed _______________: 1:22
    2. Greetings: 1:23-25

Further Study
The Apostle Paul reveals many things about the man Philemon in this short book. Study the following summary:

  • Philemon was a friend:
    to Paul in Rome: 1:2
    to Christians in Colosse: 1:5, 7

  • He was a man of wealth:
    since he had servants (1:15-16)
    and extra room for guests (1:22).

  • He owed Paul his life: 1:19

  • He had a church in his home: 1:2

  • He was a fellow-laborer with Paul: 1:1

  • He had positive Christian qualities shown by his:
    love: 1:5;
    faith: 1:5;
    communication of his faith: 1:6;
    refreshing of the saints: 1:7;
    obedience: 1:21; and
    prayerfulness: 1:22

  • He apparently visited those in prison, as Paul asked him to salute Epaphras, a fellow prisoner in bonds in his city: 1:23

We learn many things about Paul, too:

  • He was a prisoner: 1:1

  • He was a man of prayer: 1:4

  • He had joy in the midst of bad circumstances: 1:7

  • He did not take advantage of a relationship although he could have: 1:8-9, 13-14, 19

  • He was reproducing spiritually even in prison: 1:10

  • He was unselfish: 1:13-14

  • He was a man of love: 1:18-19

  • He was a man of faith: 1:22

  • He was a man who cherished relationships: Onesimus, Philemon, and others he salutes in the chapter as well as in other epistles.

Make a list of things you learn about Onesimus from this chapter.











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