Pastoral Letter

The book of First Timothy gives us a great point of view of the relationship of Paul and

Timothy was a young disciple of the apostle Paul. He was a man of God and a pastor of the

The immediate task at hand is to provide a theological framework that encompasses the scope of the Apostle Paul and his

Paul begins his letter by saying he is an apostle not from men nor through man, but Jesus

As I elaborate on the theme, “Equipping Saints for Ministry in the New Millennium”, I will discuss Paul’s words in Ephesians 4 to illustrate

For Paul’s audience the apostles, the prophets, the evangelist, the pastors and teachers governed the structure of the church. These individuals equipped the Saints for works of service and the edification of the church. His audience would have understood the metaphor that Paul was implementing throughout the passage. They understood that the body of Christ meant the church; and that infancy was equated to their spiritual status.

Bisagno, John R. Letters to Timothy: A Handbook for Pastors. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001.

Philippians The book of Philippians deals with praise, confidence and rejoicing. The book of Philippians was a letter written in prison by Paul in 62 A.D. The key personalities are the Apostle Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Euodia, and Syntyche ( Philippians). Paul is known for his prison epistles ( letter written in jail) there are four and Paul had written Philippians last.

Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, showcase many qualities that any person in a position of leadership should have. Whether this is someone who is starting out in ministry, holds a position in a church, or even the ordinary Christian, Paul demonstrates qualities that every follower of Christ is called to practice. Believers should be people willing to strengthen and improve their character, and Paul provides the necessary tools in his letter to the Corinthians. Looking further into the qualities and characteristics of a leader, this paper will focus on how Paul utilizes them or encourages the church of Corinth to do so.

It seems strange that so little is known biographically about one of the most important figures in Christian history, but this only serves to add to the mystery and grandeur surrounding the Apostle Paul of Tarsus. Much, however, is known of the time after his conversion to Christ and what he did to contribute to Christianity in this period, and it is this that leaves a greater legacy than the simple facts of his life. The contributions that he made towards the cause of Christ and the spreading and formation of Christianity are what he is perennially remembered for.

Our source of knowledge of the apostolic work of Paul comes first from the Book of Acts. The epistles written by Paul serve to further our knowledge of his mission. These letters were written to churches that he had founded or churches that were known to him. Luke’s account of Paul introduces us to the basic facts about this important biblical figure. A more complete understanding of Paul’s journeys can be gleaned from his letters. These epistles were written almost at the time they occurred and they comprise some of the earliest works contained in the New Testament.

During the time Paul was writing 1 Timothy it was uncommon to have a young leader. It is believed that Timothy was most likely in his late 20’s or early 30’s and is supported by the word “”meaning young. The verse goes on to list the examples that Timothy was to follow “faith in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” The first two have an impact on ministry, the last three impact the personal life. First two mentioned are to give the sphere and the last three are to be the model.

Paul wrote letters to churches and went on long, dangerous journeys in order to share the Word. Humbly serving the Lord, no matter what the cost, he became a disciple who made disciples. His personal, deep relationship with Timothy reveals the kind of atmosphere and level of commitment required in discipleship. The discipleship model Paul follows allows for a personally invested relationship between any amount of gathered people whether it be an entire church congregation, a small group, or

The apostle Paul foresaw at the end of his life a great tsunami of attacks coming against the church of God. He responded with three letters. We call them the Pastoral Epistles: 1, 2 Timothy and Titus. After Paul’s first imprisonment, he visited different places including the Island of Crete, an Island only 160 miles long south of Greece and Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea. He wrote this letter to Titus around 62 A.D. from somewhere in Macedonia. Paul’s main objective is to encourage Titus and give instructions about Godly living as a young pastor. The churches in the Island of Crete needed leadership, correction and order thus Paul could not be everywhere. Paul at some time had visited the island of Crete for he says in Titus 1:5 “I left you

In this letter Apostle Paul showed how great his love was for the church of Philippi, showing his gratitude for their financial support to further the work of the ministry and to express his concern about their spiritual walk. His only thought was about advancing the cause of Christ and building the Philippians’ faith to continue their mission in spite of the persecution they were facing. Within their church many of the people were at odds and some were trying to hinder the spread of the Gospel. Because of this, Paul encourages the church of Philippi to "stand fast, be of the same mind, rejoice in the Lord always but by prayer let your request be made known and the peace of God shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (4:1-7).