A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

Ses s i on 6: The Ep i s t l es : The I nterpretat i on and App l i cat i on of Chr i s t 191

to hold onto the truth of the Scriptures, to the apostolic tradition, and the call to preach the Word.

c. Paul directs Titus in the epistle of his name to select and appoint pastors according to the standard given by the Lord, to encourage the believers to do good works, to maintain sound doctrine in the home, in the community, and in all manner of public life. 4. Summary of the Pastorals: 2 Tim. 2.1-2 – You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, [2] and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

5. Stott recognizes four stages in 2 Tim. 2.2 that deal with representing with honor and integrity the headship and authority of the truth in Christ Jesus.

a. Stage one: the apostolic authority of Jesus Christ represented in Paul and the other apostles . Paul is utterly aware of his own calling as a messenger under the Lord Jesus’ direct, unmediated appointment (2 Tim. 1.1 – Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus). b. Stage two: the appointed representatives duly chosen through the apostles. Paul’s constant insistence to both Timothy and Titus to “teach these things” (over 10 times in the Pastorals) reveals the importance of the demand to faithfully pass on to others the message of the life and teachings of Jesus within the context of the believing community, e.g., 1 Tim. 4.15-16 – Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.