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I Timothy
In the Book of I Timothy, the Apostle Paul is writing to his younger protégé Timothy to
encourage him in his responsibility for overseeing the work of the church. This letter also
importantly explains about elders and other leaders in the church. Paul provides
instructions for Timothy (and all leaders) about worship, developing leaders, pastoral
conduct, false teachers, and the responsibility of church members toward singles,
widows, elders, and slaves.
Key verse:
"Fight the good ght of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called
when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses"
(1 Timothy 6:12).
II Timothy
In II Timothy, the Apostle Paul realizes his life is coming to an end and uses his last words
to encourage Timothy (and all believers) to persevere in faith and proclaim the gospel of
Jesus Christ wherever we are. He reminds Timothy to stay rm in sound doctrine, to ee
immorality, and also warns about future persecution and apostasy.
Key verse:
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of
self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Titus
This letter is also a pastoral letter, in that Paul is writing it to another pastor (Titus) to
encourage him in his faith. Paul had left Titus on the island of Crete to lead the church
Paul had established on one of his missionary journeys. In this letter Paul advises Titus
about the quali cations to look for in leaders for the church. Paul also tells us that, as
Christians, we must examine ourselves to be sure our lives line up with our profession of
faith in Christ.
Key verse:
“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him” (Titus 1:16a).
Philemon
The Book of Philemon is written to a slave owner about his runaway slave and deals with
the practice of slavery and how Christ has brought about a new law. The early church did
not attack slavery directly but laid the framework for the institution of slavery to be
abolished. Paul attempts with this letter to unite both slave and slave owner in Christian
love. This letter to Philemon has instructions for us today on how to treat employees and
employers.
Key verse:
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full
understanding of every good thing we have in Christ" (Philemon 6).