Mr. (Rev. Dr. Prof.) Theodor Zahn's "Introduction to the NT, Vol. 2:" Pastoral Epistles

Zahn, Theodor.  Introduction to the New Testament, Vol. II (3^rd Ed.).  Minneapolis, MN: Klock and Klock, 1977.  

There are three volumes.  This may be one of the finest New Testament Introductions.  It is a must-read. 

Volume 2 is available at:  http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-New-Testament-Volume-2/dp/1313662909/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376878710&sr=8-2&keywords=theodor+zahn

Chapter 7:  The Last Epistles of Paul

§ 33.  Presupposed Facts in 2 Timothy. 1-27

·        2 Timothy is treated before 1 Tim. and Titus because there are more tangible facts and personal notices

·        Paul was in chains for some time in Rome (1.17) as 2 Tim. is penned (1.8, 16; 2.9)

·        He has fulfilled his call and duty (1.12)

·        Comes after penning of Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon.  The content and tone is different from this Prison Epistles.  First, Paul is unable to preach and lacks freedom.  He is bound in chains “like a criminal.”

·        Onesiphorus had difficulty finding the imprisoned Paul, but with great devotion and diligence, found him. He visited Paul repeatedly.  Whether he was commissioned by an Asian church is unknown and is conjectural

·        Luke had been constantly with Paul.  Paul was able to send Tychiucs to Ephesus (4.12).  Paul was able to convey greetings from Roman Christians and to receive Timothy and Mark, should they come to Rome (2).

·        One contrast emerges.  For example, Demas had been a companion and assistant with Luke and Paul during his first imprisonment.  Demas is so noted at Col.4.14/Phil 24.  Paul was released.  Varied journeys occur.  He’s back in Rome and imprisoned.  But, a contrast arises.  Demas has forsaken and “deserted the apostle and gone to Thessalonica” (4.10).  Did Demas fear suffering and imprisonment himself?

·        It would appear that Timothy “may have been” dispirited in some ways.  Paul urgently exhorts Timothy to not be afraid (1.7- 8, 12; 2.12-13; 3.10-12; 4.3).  Did Timothy fear imprisonment and suffering?

·        There are differences between content and tone in Philippians (1^st Roman imprisonment) v. 2 Timothy (2^nd Roman imprisonment).  As an aside, we note that Paul had already suffered other imprisonments and jail time: Philippi, Jerusalem, and Caesarea; cf. 2 Cor. 11.  Paul expects release in Philippians and good success before the Imperial court.  Philippians expresses energy. But, 2 Timothy notes abandonment by friends and imminence of death.  In Phil.2.20, Paul praises Timothy but 2 Timothy presents more of a last will and testament with exhortations to duty. Martyrdom is at hand. Whereas, Philippians shows that Paul expected new labors (Phil.2.17).  Whereas, in 2 Tim, “I am ready to be poured out like a drink offering” (4.6) and is prepared to receive “the victor’s crown” (4.8). Death is at hand (4.18).  The operative assumption for Mr. Zahn is that Paul was released from this 1^st Roman imprisonment, resumed his missionary labors, and—hence—the Pastorals.

·        If Timothy comes to Rome, he will likely find Paul alive (4.8-12)

·        Timothy—remember your calling (2.17; 3.1-9; 4.3). It sounds like he is cheering his young protégé.

·        Paul takes Timothy back over some history: (1) the faith of his Jewish mother and grandmother, (2) Timothy’s instruction, (3) Timothy’s conversion (1 Tim.1.2; 2 Tim.1.2; 2.1; 3.14), confession and ordination, and (4) Paul’s persecutions at Lystra, Timothy’s home town (3.11; Acts 13.50; 14.5-19; 16.1).

·        Mr. Zahn notes something interesting. Timothy was probably no neophyte when 2 Timothy was written.  He had been instructed in the Scriptures since youth, circumcised, taught, approved by a congregation and ordained (Acts 16.12). 

·        An interesting question arises regarding Paul’s missionary strategy.  Did he work major cities?  Did he press inland?  He never visited Colosse, approximately 100 miles to the east of Ephesus, yet he believed he had episcopal and apostolic governance over Asian churches.

·        In 2 Tim. 4.10, Titus has gone to Dalmatia and Crescens to Galatia/Gaul (Asia Minor or to European Celts?).  The Γαλατίαν was a term with varied meanings and geographies.  Sometimes in the classical literature it referred to European Κελται, Κελτοι, Κελιτή.  Or, it was also used of those εν Άσία Γαλάται (footnote 8, 25).  As such, western, northwestern and northeastern directions for ministry.  Of note, Paul does not refer to Alexandria or northern Africa.

·        While writing Philippians, Paul expected to go east (Phil. 1.25ff; 2.24).  Further, Titus presupposes other travels after the 1^st Roman imprisonment, e.g. Crete.

·        A sojourn at Troas is presupposed by 2 Tim. 4.13. He urges Timothy to bring the cloak, books (probably some with notes) and parchments. Further, he left Trophimus as sick at Miletus (as an aside, what say the Costalists here who postulate and claim miracles at will?)

·        The golden question remains: where was Timothy when 2 Timothy was written?

§ 34.  Facts Attested by 1 Timothy, 27-54

·        There are less or fewer personal notices in 1 Timothy compared to 2 Timothy

·        Paul at liberty when 1 Timothy and Titus were written.  There had been a journey to Macedonia, hopes to come to Ephesus where Timothy was (1 Tim. 3.14; 4.16).  He asked Timothy to remain in Ephesus (29).

·        Timothy is reminded of his episcopal and apostolic duties (5.21; 6.3-16).

·        Timothy is warned against laxity (1.19; 4.16; 6.12), riches (6.5-11), fruitless discussions and false teachers (6.7ff).

·        Timothy is given instructions for church governance and leaders (3.1-13), ordination pre-exams, and the warning to lay hands on no one suddenly (5.22).  Timothy is a “judge over the presbyters” (33), care of the widow, and his authority extended to the governance of the churches. 2.1-15—this was put into operation in a number of churches. Timothy was an assist to Paul “in his apostolic capacity at Ephesus.”

·        In an interesting footnote, #6, 41, Timothy was, by Eusebius’s time, recognized as the Bishop of Ephesus (Ecclesiastical History, 3.4.6). Also, allegedly, Constantine the Great reinterred Timothy to Constantinople from Ephesus.  Also, Ephesus was recognized as the city of John the Apostle and Timothy (“Acts of the Robber Synod, 449).

The relation of 1 Timothy and Titus are closer.  Timothy became Paul’s helper in 52 A.D. and may have been 35-40 years old in 64 A.D. Hence, he may have experienced some difficulties with older men, either in an official or unofficial capacity.