Christ
Four major christological titles appear in the Pastoral Epistles: “Christ,” “Lord,” “Savior,” and “Mediator.” The title “Son of God,” used often in the seven undisputed letters of Paul, does not appear. Among the Pastoral Epistles, the term “mediator” appears as a christological title only in 1 Timothy 2:5. It refers not so much to Christ’s nature as to his function in giving himself as a “ransom” for the salvationSalvation can mean saved from something (deliverance) or for something (redemption). Paul preached that salvation comes through the death of Christ on the cross which redeemed sinners from death and for a grace-filled life. More of humanity. There is an implicit affirmation of Christ’s preexistence and incarnationIncarnation literally means “embodied in flesh.” It is a Christian doctrine, based on the witness in John’s Gospel, that God’s Word was made flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds confess the central importance of the incarnation of Jesus. More (1 TimothyThe companion on Paul’s later journeys for whom two pastoral epistles are named More 3:16; see also 2 Timothy 1:9-10; Titus 2:11), his true humanity is maintained (1 Timothy 2:5; 6:13; see also 2 Timothy 2:8), and his death is acknowledged (1 Timothy 2:6; see also 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 2:14). He has been exalted to heaven and reigns in the present era (1 Timothy 3:16; see also 2 Timothy 1:10; 2:12). Finally, he will appear at the end of time (1 Timothy 6:14; see also 2 Timothy 4:8), when he will judge both the living and the dead (see 2 Timothy 1:18; 4:1, 8).
Ethics
While there are special expectations for office holders in the church, there are general ethical teachings that apply to all believers. These include good works in general (1 Timothy 2:10; see also 2 Timothy 2:21; 3:17; Titus 3:1), moderation (1 Timothy 6:8), generosity (6:17-18), and care of the elderly (5:4). The love of wealth is to be avoided (6:9-10; see also 2 Timothy 3:2).
God and creationCreation, in biblical terms, is the universe as we know or perceive it. Genesis says that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In the book of Revelation (which speaks of end times) the author declares that God created all things and… More
The author affirms that God the Father is one, and that God has not only created all things but has created them good (1:2; 2:5; 4:3-4; see also 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4-5), that God “gives life to all things” (1 Timothy 6:13) and “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (6:17). Stress is placed on the goodness of marriage and having children (1 Timothy 3:2-5; 5:10, 14; see also Titus 2:4) and the legitimacy of secular authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2; see also Titus 3:1-2).
