Posted at 9:27 pm on Tuesday, November 4, 2008
- 1 Timothy ends with more instructions from the apostle Paul to the young Timothy, especially about what he should teach about material wealth.
- 2 Timothy is more personal in nature than the first letter, with many personal exhortations and instructions to Timothy, but also with a clear concern about the importance of sound teaching for the health of the church.
- Timothy’s example and teaching is even more important in the difficulties and challenges they face - the spiritual and social decline that Paul warns is happening in the last days.
- This emphasis on sound teaching is also the emphasis in Titus, as clear truth had to be in place at the foundation of the church in a corrupt culture.
- He also had to appoint elders to exemplify, protect and pass on this sound teaching.
- This letter also includes some wonderful reflections on the grace and the glory of the gospel.
- The short letter of Philemon is a testimony to Christian love, forgiveness and generosity of spirit, as Paul encourages Philemon to forgive and receive back his runaway slave.