As Paul’s arrests and subsequent confinements take center stage in the "pastoral epistles." So does his evangelistic heart. Toward the end of the book of Acts Paul writes a few letters to admonish Timothy and Titus. This was about the time he was taken into custody, Paul used the steps of the barracks as a place to give his testimony. He used a two-week hurricane as an opportunity to share the hope of God with the hopeless sailors. It should come as no surprise then that this same Paul turned other obstacles into opportunities for God to shine.
It is important for students to understand that each of Paul’s letters were occasional. In other words, there was a specific occasion that prompted his writing. Church splintering and persistent theological questions prompted him to write to the Corinthians. Suffering prompted him to encourage the Thessalonians. In typical Pauline fashion, the first three chapters of Ephesians cover the doctrinal basis of the position of the believer, while the second half of the letter focuses on the practice of the believer. This letter encourages the Ephesian church to remain unified because of their calling in Christ. This unity applies to their church relationships, their family relationships, and their collective spiritual warfare. Was he done? Has his correspondence ended? No. This is where I & II Timothy come in.
Timothy preached for the church family in Ephesus. Remember that this was home to the goddess Artemis, or Diana as the Romans knew her. Her temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; pilgrims flocked to Ephesus to worship her. This provided ample opportunity for silversmiths to peddle their wares. Ephesus was a large and important city on the coast of Asia Minor. Its seaport made it the most important trade center west of Tarsus. Nearby Pergamum was the capital of the province, but Ephesus was larger with an estimated 300,000 residents. Ephesians prided themselves on their culture. Her ruins include community baths, gymnasiums, and impressive buildings, including a huge library. Excavations have uncovered very wealthy homes with frescoed walls. But the adoration of Artemis was the real draw of Ephesus. Artemis was the twin sister of Apollo and daughter of Zeus. She was known as the hunting goddess, a fertility goddess, and the moon goddess. Temple prostitution was commonly practiced in Ephesus, as well as magic.
Paul had a special place in his heart for the church at Ephesus. It should come as no surprise since he spent more time ministering there than he did any other single location. Ephesus provides a unique opportunity to track the life of one church to glean insights into its successes and its struggles. While Acts and Paul’s letter to the Ephesians provides us with the most comprehensive look at the church there, digging into the details of other Scriptures will provide details that help to piece together her distinctive history. This is why Paul wrote personal letters to Timothy.
Arguably no other church had the intense and continual discipleship from early church leaders that Ephesus enjoyed. This is where John, the beloved, served as an elder. This is where Mary, the mother of Jesus, worshipped in her latter years. Mary Magdelene had a successful ministry to the women here. John also included this congregation in his Revelation. Therefore, it was a very different church from Corinth. As we analyze the topics that Paul addressed in his letters to Timothy, we gain further insight into the struggles that this young preacher endured. Paul cared about this church from his imprisonments. He wrote to them from his house arrest in Rome, and later he wrote to strengthen and encourage Timothy there even while his own death was imminent.
The focus of the pastoral letters were to stress the importance of leadership, true discipleship, and faithful Christian living that provides the sustaining lifeblood of the Church. We see in Ephesus that discipleship was ongoing, deliberate, and intentional. These babes in Christ were nurtured by mature believers and in the end were able to stand firm against false teachers. Likewise the same could be said of the church in Crete. Titus received the same encouragement. Younger preachers need this kind of encouragement. It is true mentoring! It is how Paul left his legacy. Will you leave a legacy? Have a great week!
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
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