The Pastoral Epistles

Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus are known as the “Pastoral Epistles” (PE). However, they are more than a simple manual of church practice. They are Paul’s attempts to address specific situations in the ministry contexts of Timothy and Titus. At the heart of these letters is Paul’s concern for “sound” doctrine (1 Tim 1:10; 6:3; 2 Tim 1:13; Titus 1:9). Paul uses the term “sound’ to refer to teaching rooted in the gospel that produces healthy or wholesome living. Thus, the unique contribution of the PE is applying theology to address issues related to church organization, leadership, relationships, and families within the household of God. Paul’s message is 
that every situation or issue must be addressed theologically.