The New Testament in 90 Days

That is what Paul is concerned about, and wants Timothy to know:  sound doctrine, and sound conduct.  There will be those who will be led astray by other teachers, tempted by demons, Paul says.  He specifically refers to sects that prohibit marriage (ascetics) and who forbid certain kinds of foods, and practice all kinds of self-denial.  So the sound teaching is that all things were created good and are to be used with thanksgiving to God. As for sound conduct, Paul is very concerned that Timothy's church live in such a way that they don't give offense to the culture that surrounds them.  So there's this extended conversation about widows, and who should be provided for, and who should not.  (I have to ask, though:  why are there so many widows, both young and old?) Paul is also concerned about the reputations of leaders, and what makes a good leader.  (This is a concern contemporary for us as well.  There are leaders who lead their flock...

Up until now, Paul's letters have been to congregations, religious communities, but today's letters (and others) are written to individuals, in this case, Timothy.  Since we have been reading in the New Testament, we know a little about Timothy.  He was a young man who had a Jewish mother and a Greek father, he traveled with Paul, and was much beloved by him. Now I'm going to tell you something that might seem a little confusing:  Some scholars don't think that Paul wrote this letter. They believe this because of some of the subjects Paul discusses:  the particular church controversies he mentions and the qualifications for bishops, for example.  And may I suggest that if this is Paul, the tone of the letter is much more said and (ahem) establishment-sunning than some of the earliest letters that we read.  There's not as much passion in this letter, although there's still a concern for good order and Truth. Then there are the pronouncements regarding ...