Understanding the Books

Without a doubt, the last book written by Paul in our possession, 2 Timothy is an intimate look into the relationship that exists between the apostle and the protege. The letter is a spattering of the glory of the Lord and the gloom of life. Throughout it is a book of hope for both Paul and Timothy. 2 Timothy gives a glimpse of Paul’s last pieces of advice to Timothy.

Who Wrote the Book of 2 Timothy?

Since the 18th century, the Pastoral Epistles – 1 Timothy, Titus, and 2 Timothy – have been considered together in theological discussions. For the most part, the epistles have been considered genuine works from the apostle Paul. Walter Lock (International Critical Commentary “The Pastoral Epistles”) writes, “1 Timothy is entirely pastoral and perhaps intended to be of universal application; Titus is mainly pastoral, but also a letter of commendation and a letter of recall; 2 Timothy is mainly personal, a letter of recall, and only incidentally pastoral.” Both the internal and external evidence point to the Apostle Paul as the author.

External Evidence

Biblical scholar James Hastings, editor of The Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, says, “While the witness of the non-canonical writers is not so strong for the Pastorals as for Romans and Corinthians, it compares favorably with that for Galatians and Philippians, and is much better than that for 1 and 2 Thessalonians.”

[su_pullquote align=”right”]William Robertson Nicoll, editor of the Expositor’s Greek New Testament, writes, “They are included in all manuscripts, versions, and lists of the Pauline epistles without exception, and in the same order.”[/su_pullquote]

Clement of Rome wrote in the late first century. He probably assumed leadership around Rome after Paul’s martyrdom. In his Epistle to the Corinthians, he alludes to passages in all three Pastoral letters. Ignatius and Polycarp have references to both of the letters to Timothy. Justin Martyr uses a phrase from Titus and another from 2 Timothy.

Internal Evidence

The internal evidence supports the evidence from outside. In each of the three Pastoral Letters, the writer addresses himself as Paul (1 Timothy 1:1, Titus 1:1, and 2 Timothy 1:1). Both of the letters to Timothy contain many personal references to both Paul and to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:13, 1 Timothy 1:15, 2 Timothy alone has 23 personal references).

In addition, the theology of the epistles consistently supports the known theology of Paul’s other epistles. Similarities exist in the treatment of Old Testament Scriptures, of the development of the leadership within the church, and the understanding of the person and work of Christ.

To Whom was the Book Written?

The name Timothy is mentioned in the first verses of both 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. One of Paul’s best-known companions, the apostle describes Timothy as “his beloved and faithful son in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17), “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), and “my beloved child” (2 Timothy 1:2). For references in the New Testament, refer to Acts 17:14, 18:5, 19:22, 20:4, Romans 16:21, 1 Corinthians 4:17, 16:10,

Timothy was a resident and native of either Lystra or Derbe, cities which Paul visited on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6). Luke mentions Paul’s friends and includes “Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy” (Acts 20:4) which probably infers that Timothy was not of Derbe. Conclusions lead us to believe Lystra to be Timothy’s hometown.

By the second journey, Timothy is ready to work. Timothy is mentioned with Paul at Berea (Acts 17:14). Silas and Timothy are left there as Paul travels to Athens. The two join the apostle there a short time later, meeting him in Corinth. Timothy and Silas were immediately sent to Thessalonica.

Timothy’s name connects with Paul in the salutation of several epistles (2 Corinthians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, and Philemon 1:1. It can also be found mentioned with Silas in 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1.

When was 2 Timothy Written?

It is difficult to know the exact chronology of the apostle Paul following the book of Acts. Following two years of house arrest awaiting his accusers, Paul was released from confinement late AD61 or early 62. Paul mentions in his letter to the Romans his eventual goal of reaching Spain (Romans 15:24, 28). New Testament scholars William Ramsay and Theodor Zahn confidently infer from Comments by Clement of Rome that Paul paid a visit to Spain. Spanish traditions, as well as notations in the Muratorian Canon and the histories of Eusebius support the trip. It is extremely likely that Paul was accompanied on this trip further west by Luke and Timothy.

Travels after the Book of Acts

Assuming he stayed in Spain six months to a year, the apostle was ready to move on sometime in AD63. Paul probably carried out his plans to visit Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). The problem is there were eight places in the Mediterranean area that bore the name. Many scholars think Paul visits a Nicopolis in Italy near Rome.

Upon their return, Timothy is left in Ephesus to oversee the ministry there. Paul’s first letter to Timothy presents a thorough look at the organization of the leadership of a congregation.

But then things take an abrupt turn for the worse. On the night of July 18th in AD64 a fire broke out and swept across the city of Rome. The disastrous fire ravaged the capital of the Empire for over a week. The Great Fire of Rome holds several legends guarding complete knowledge of the truth. Emperor Nero was decadent, unpopular, and growing more mentally unstable throughout his reign. While the stories of Nero fiddling while the city burned are nothing more than myth, history does paint a bad picture of Rome’s leader.

Burning of Rome

No primary sources about the fire survive. We rely on the accounts of three Roman historians Tacitus, Suetonius, and Cassius Dio. Tacitus wrote about sixty years after the event, Suetonius about two years later, and Cassius Dio about 100 years after.

The fire was said to have started in merchant shops near the chariot racing stadium. Tacitus says the merchants sold “flammable goods” which aided the fire’s spread. Strong winds from the Sahara sweep across Italy during the summer months. Poorly constructed timber houses provided ample fuel during the dry conditions.

Tacitus documents that efforts to douse the fire were hindered by gangs of looters and arsonists. The fire ended with two-thirds of Rome damaged or destroyed, hundreds killed, and thousands homeless. Tacitus claimed Nero was away from Rome at the time but implied the looted might have done so under someone’s orders. Suetonius and Cassius Dio placed the blame at Nero’s feet, claiming he wanted to burn down the parts of the city he disliked in order to build a new lavish palace.

Persecution Begins

Nero lay the blame for the fire upon the Christians, beginning nearly three centuries of Roman persecution against them. Christians were arrested, tortured, and executed, allowing an angry populace to have a scapegoat. Peter and Paul, Christianity’s leading spokesmen, both paid the ultimate sacrifice of faith.

Nero dies on June 8, AD68, so Paul’s death had to be shortly before. Paul urges Timothy to join him “before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21), placing the date of the writing of 2 Timothy in late summer or early autumn of 67.

What Messages Resonate in the Book

Knowing that death was just around the corner, Paul wanted to leave Timothy with a message of encouraging hope while emphasizing themes that were important to Paul. Paul speaks to Timothy of hope during hopeless and helpless times. The apostle emphasizes important lessons of communication a leader of faith must follow. He continues urging the importance of sound doctrine and grace.

What Do People Say About 2 Timothy?

Many leading Bible teachers make strong comments about the book of 2 Timothy. Their words may encourage you to read the book.

Paul wrote his Second Letter to Timothy from the loneliness of a dungeon while awaiting a likely death (2 Timothy 4:6-8). He attempted to fortify Timothy for accomplishment and steadfastness in ministry after his departure.

D. Thomas Lea, New American Commentary

Paul was serving God as his forefathers did. He appreciated very much his religious heritage, and so today should all those who have been brought up in a Christian environment.

Ralph Earle, Expositor’s Bible Commentary

The Pastoral Epistles are the natural and human expressions of the apostle’s own reflections about the future of the work he is obliged to delegate to others. They reveal, therefore, as much about their author’s reactions to the situations he faces as contemporary conditions in the church.

Donald Guthrie, Tyndale New Testament Commentary

The second letter is Paul’s last will and testament for Timothy, his great legacy for the rest of Timothy’s life. In the shadow of death Paul lays the work into Timothy’s hands so that he might carry it forward as his worthy successor in the field where God shall place this beloved assistant of his.

R.C.H. Lenski, Commentary on the New Testament
Understanding the Books

The letters to the Thessalonians form the first group of the books we have written by Paul. Theodor Zahn believes that Galatians was written even earlier than these letters. William Ramsay places these just before Galatians. 1 Thessalonians serves as one of the earliest witnesses to the content of the gospel messages. Harnack sees the book written in 48AD, while Zahn places the writing around the year 53AD. Regardless, we have confidence in seeing this book written about 20 years after the ascension of Jesus.

This is an important fact in view of the belief of many that the content of the life of Jesus is a product of legend  and decades of story-telling. The unquestioned authenticity of the book affirms the early presence of the message of Jesus Christ in the Mediterranean world.

The first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians was written to a struggling, yet vigorous church that was only a few months old, made up of Christians who had just come to Christ under Paul’s ministry. This is a delightfully revealing letter, showing the heart of the apostle toward these new Christians, and also showing the struggles that were present in the early church.

Ray Steadman, “1 Thessalonians: Hope for a Hopeless World”[/su_pullquote]

Who Wrote the Book?

Internal evidence sheds light on the author of the epistle. Twice the writer calls himself Paul (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:18). An interesting side-note notices that in neither Thessalonian letter nor in Philippians does Paul add the title “apostle.” Milligan thinks this is due to the special friendship between Paul and the Macedonian churches. His authority was never really questioned in this region.

The Muratorian Canon places it sixth in the list of Paul’s Epistles. Clement of Alexandria is the first to credit the writing to Paul. Irenaeus is the first to mention the book by its complete name.

To Whom was the Book Written?

The beginning of the church at Thessalonica is chronicled in the Acts narrative by Luke (Acts 17:1-9). Silas and Paul were asked to leave Philippi, but apparently neither Luke nor Timothy went with them immediately. Thessalonica was a great marketplace – for products being shipped via the Sea or land, but also for ideas and paganism.

Paul spends three Sabbaths presenting the message of Jesus the Messiah to the Jewish congregation. Many Jews were convinced, causing the other Jews to become jealous. A mob of the most wicked people in the city were stirred by the religious leaders against the missionary band. The new believers sent Paul and Silas on to Berea late at night.

Luke’s record indicates three groups of people constituted the new church: some of the Jewish faithful, a large group of devout Greeks (converts to Judaism), and a several of the chief women. It is difficult to know by the construct whether these were Jewish believers or simply important women in the city who milled about in the outer courts of the synagogue.

The epistle hints that the majority of the Christians in Thessalonica were converts from paganism. Paul may have remained in the city longer than the three weeks to make such an impact into the Gentile world. Paul certainly spent time in the market place during the time between the Sabbaths.

When was 1 Thessalonians Written?

The internal evidence in the letter shows that it was written shortly after Paul’s visit to Thessalonica. People continued to talk about the conversion of the Thessalonians in Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Paul was hoping to return there soon (1 Thessalonians 2:17). The apostle had already preached in Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8), more specifically in Athens (1 Thessalonians 3:1). Timothy (and Silas) just returned from Macedonia (1 Thessalonians 3:6). Timothy returned just after Paul arrived in Corinth (Acts 18:5).

While Paul was in Corinth, he was brought before the proconsul Gallio (Acts 18:2). According to inscriptions, he was the proconsul in Achaia during the year 52AD. The normal length of term for the proconsul was a year, but sometimes there were times of transition, so it could have been a year earlier or later. Dating the book as early as 51AD would be very reasonable.

What Messages Resonate in the Book?

First Thessalonians speaks important truths to every Christian, whether a new believer or a saint for decades. The theme of the coming of the Lord permeates the message, and each chapter builds an application of the theme to an aspect of life. The historical context also speaks to suffering and persecution.

Paul writes the book to commend the Thessalonians for their faith. They serve as an example to believers in the adjacent regions. Paul defends himself against the charges from their enemies. They are encouraged to be morally pure, to express love for the brothers, and apply their faith to their daily work. Christian faith as expressed through life longingly anticipates the second coming of Christ.

What Do People Say About 1 Thessalonians?

Many leading Bible teachers make strong comments about the book of 1 Thessalonians. Their words may encourage you to read the book.

1 Thessalonians opens a window on to a newly planted church in the middle of the first century AD. It tells us how it came into being, what the apostle taught it, what were its strengths and weaknesses, its theological and moral problems, and how it was spreading the gospel.

John Stott

First Thessalonians 1:8 shows the wisdom of Paul’s choice of Thessalonica. It was to serve as a strategic center from which the gospel should be spread in all directions as it actually was. When Paul passed by other cities, this only meant that they, too, would soon be reached.

R.C.H. Lenski

No other writings of Paul provide a greater insight into his missionary methods and message as 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Here we see Paul the missionary and Paul the pastor, faithfully proclaiming the gospel of God.”

Leon Morris

Paul’s letter is one of warm encouragement, a restatement of many truths which he had already taught them.

Lawrence Richards

Impressed by the faithfulness of the Thessalonians in the face of persecution, Paul wrote to encourage the Christians in that community with the goal that they would continue to grow in godliness.

Charles Swindoll

Understanding the Books

The epistle of Paul to the Galatians was the trumpet call for the Reformation. Luther considered it his most important and favorite book. The destination and date of the epistle have been debated for centuries, but the authority and apostolic authorship is rarely questioned. The work served the first century church as an apologetic opposing the Judaizers – Jewish Christian who felt that a person needed to become a Jew first before one could accept Jesus as the Messiah. Today it serves as a rallying cry reminding us that we are saved by grace alone and not by any work that we would attempt to perform.

[su_pullquote align=”right”]Paul explains what constitutes true Christian righteousness. True Christian righteousness is the righteousness of Christ who lives in us. We must look away from our own person. Christ and my conscience must become one, so that I can see nothing else but Christ crucified and raised from the dead for me. If I keep on looking at myself I am gone.

Martin Luther, “Commentary of Galatians“[/su_pullquote]

Who Wrote the Book?

In an article in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, George Findlay wrote, “No breath of suspicion as to the authorship, integrity, or apostolic authority of the Epistle to the Galatians has reached us from ancient times.” J.B. Lightfoot commented in his Galatian commentary, “Its every sentence so completely reflects the life and character of the Apostle of the Gentiles that its genuineness has not been seriously questioned.” The internal evidence for the author is quite strong. Twice the writer calls himself Paul (Galatians 1:1; Galatians 5:2). The book contains several historical references which can all fit into the framework of the book of Acts. The themes of the epistle – the issue of the Gentile Christian keeping the Jewish Law and the authority and genuineness of his apostleship – were the important topics in the Galatian region following Paul’s first missionary journey. Therefore, logic compels the conclusion of Paul’s authorship of the epistle.

To Whom was the Book Written?

The meaning of “Galatia” changed over the years in the ancient world. The term originated when a large group of Gauls from Europe settled into the area known as Asia almost 300 years before the birth of Christ. About the year 232BC the boundaries of their area became fixed and known as the state of Galatia. About 25BC Galatia began to expand under King Amyntas, the last independent ruler of Galatia. In addition to the northern area of Galatia, the territory began to include parts of Phrygia, Pisidia, Lycaonia and Isauria. In 25BC the king bequeathed his kingdom to Rome and it became a Roman province. During the first century after Christ, the term Galatia could refer to the original cultural area which occupied the northern portion of central Asia. It could also refer to the political region which included the expanded areas which became a part of the political Roman province.

Provincial Galatia

In his writings and his partner, Luke’s, writings, Paul always uses the provincial Roman names. Paul was a Roman citizen and proudly identified himself as one. Is it likely that he would speak of Galatia in any other way? He uses the term three times, 1 Corinthians 16:1; Galatians 1:2; and 2 Timothy 4:10. Peter also uses the term and also stresses the political boundaries.

In addition, wouldn’t it be strange for Luke to tell us so much about these churches in southern Galatia (Lystra, Derbe and Iconium, Acts 13:14 – 14:23) and say nothing about the area in the north if an epistle had been written to the believers there? Paul also was drawn to cities of population on his journeys. The larger populations were located toward the south.

If the recipients of the letter lived in the areas of northern or traditional Galatia, Paul’s time there occurred during the second journey rather than the first one. Of course, this radically affects the timing and location of the writing of the letter.

When was Galatians Written?

The dating of the epistle to the Galatians hinges upon an understanding of the recipients. If “Galatia” refers to the area in the northern quadrants of the region, the writing must be sometime during or after the second missionary journey. There was no time for Paul to reach the northern area of Galatia during the first missionary journey. Lightfoot contends that the letter is similar to Romans in content. Lightfoot posits the writing of the letter occuring near Macedonia or Greece during Paul’s third journey. He places the date around AD55 or 56.

Possible Answers

Others see the epistle written to the area of southern Galatia after the first journey and after the council in Jerusalem. The likely place of writing rests somewhere early in the second journey around AD51 or 52. The passion of the subject matter leads some to believe that Paul had visited the churches on the second journey and soon heard they were still struggling with the issues of Jewish legalism. Paul immediately writes a letter correcting them while still on the second journey. Many locate the city as Corinth. Theodor Zahn, the respected theologian and author, would concur with this opinion. To a degree, it is the speculation of William Ramsay as well.

A Reasoned Conclusion

Given the churches are from southern Galatia and combined with the subject matter of the epistle, reason leads to the conclusion the Jerusalem council has not convened. Paul has returned to Antioch and is awaiting the meeting. Peter arrives and Paul corrects his doctrine and behavior. He pens the Galatian letter to challenge and encourage them. This would make Galatians one of Paul’s earliest writings, placing the date at AD48 or 49.

What Messages Resonate in the Book?

The primary issue covered in the book relates to Judaizers. Does a Gentile believer have to become a follower of Judaism before becoming a Christian? This involves circumcision for the men and then keeping the Jewish Law. Paul’s answer explains an understanding of faith. Salvation occurs through grace, not by keeping the Law. Taking the shackles of the Law off the shoulders of the believer results in an incredible freedom from the guilt of sin and the impossibility of keeping the Law. The book also speaks to work of the Spirit in the life of the believers as evidenced through the Fruit produced by the Spirit.

What Do People Say About This Book?

See if these comments from leading Bible teachers helps shape your feelings about the book of Galatians.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. To these I commit my day.

Max Lucado

 

The marks of Jesus are imprisonment, chains, scourgings, blows and stoning in bearing testimony to the Gospel (Galatians 6:17).

John Calvin

 

Use Paul’s words in Galatians as an encouragement to pursue a life of holiness, not in your own strength but in the knowledge of God’s empowering grace in your life.

Chuck Swindoll

 

Galatians is the impregnable citadel, a very Gibraltar, against any attack on the heart of the gospel. This epistle is the grand arsenal which is stocked with the weapons that assure victory in the ceaseless battle for the central truths of the gospel.

R.C.H. Lenski

 

The epistle to the Galatians is especially distinguished among St. Paul’s letters by its unity of purpose. The Galatian apostasy in its double aspect, as a denial of his own authority and a repudiation of the doctrine of grace, is never lost sight of from beginning to end.

J.B. Lightfoot