time he endured no light imprisonment. Onesiphorus had
difficulty in finding him (2 Tim. 1:16, 17) and he was closely confined
in a common criminal dungeon (2 Tim. 2:9). From this dungeon he wrote
the Second Epistle to Timothy and from thence he went to his death.

THE QUESTIONS DISCUSSED

+The Personal Element+ in these epistles is quite large both in respect
to Timothy and Titus and Paul himself, but it is quite evident that
this element is not the chief cause for the writing.

+The Doctrinal Part.+--Paul is here as strenuous for the need of
repentance, the atonement through Jesus Christ and His sole sufficiency
as Mediator, Savior, and Lord of all (1 Tim. 1:15-17; Titus 2:13;
3:4-7), as in his other Epistles. There are also enemies of the truth
who are to be opposed (2 Tim. 3). It is quite evident from what Paul
says in the second chapter and elsewhere in Titus and Second Timothy
that the Colossian heresy is already bearing its evil fruit and is
likely in the future to do great injury to the churches.

+The Practical Teaching+ about the necessity of developing and
conserving the Church's system of government occupies, however, the
chief place. "The two notes which are struck again and again are:
First, 'Hold fast the tradition, the deposit of faith.' Second,
'Preserve order in the church.' In short this group of Epistles
constitutes Paul's last will and testament in which he gives his final
instructions for the maintenance and continuity of the faith."

The church of Jesus Christ must have form and order. The truth must
have a proper shelter. Churches must have and observe certain
regulations. There must be proper officers.

The gospel is applied to outward conduct. Great stress is laid upon
the character of church officers (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-7). Pastors
are directed how they should bear themselves toward church members and
what they should teach (1 Tim. 5; Titus 2). The conduct of the Church
in the presence of the heathen world and its magistrates is set forth
(Titus 3). Instruction is given in regard to public worship (1 Tim.
2). The most effective barrier against all forms of evil, it is
declared, is a diligent study of the Scriptures and a fervent preaching
of the word (2 Tim. 3:13-4:5).

+The Special Theme+ then is, "The constitution, methods, and conduct of
the early churches." (1 Tim. 2:1, 2, 8, 9-12; 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-14;
2:1-10; 3:1, 2, 8-11, 13, 14; 2 Tim. 2:2, 14-18; 3:6-9)