The Epistles possess common elements of lan- guage, similar features of doctrine, disci])line, and organization, and an atmosphere laden with kindred varieties of error, which constitute them a group distinct from the other Epistles of Paul, in fact so distinct that many scholars of varied schools have fouml dilliculty in acceiiting them as authentic.
2. The text. — F'or the full discussion of noteworthy readings reference must be made to the stan<lard works. Our purpose will be served by the mention of a few, chiefly from 1 Timothy.
(1) 1 Ti !■> (a) olftavoniap, K AG3KLP, most cursives, arm.
boh. Chr. (ft) oixoSo/xiar, V-fi and a few cursives. (c) oiKoaonrn', Di* I-at. vp. po., s.vr. pesch., Ircn. Most editors accept (a), and will) good reason.
(2) 1 Ti 3i« (n) OS iiliarcpMri, K« A* C" Fj G3 boh. sah. go. arm.
syr. hi. Orijjen. Theod. Jfop.i., Cyril Alex, (ft) o fffiafepwdi), V->* lat. vp., syr. vp., arm. (c) Bfot i'^a.vtpMii, it K° C« i>i' K L P.
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584 TIMOTHY AND TITUS, EPISTLES TIMOTHY AND TITUS, EPISTLES
For treatment of evidence see the notes in Hort'a Greek TeslamenI, who rightly accepts (o) and is followed by nearly all modern editors.
(5) 1 Ti 4-' KOjAurfi'Twc Yttfietv, an-c'x*<r0ai ^pw/xdrwl'. Hort believes that there is a primitive corrui>tion, and suRgests that the readitif; may have been r] amftrdfu or KaX-vfuta&ai. lieiuley conjectured that K^KtvovTittv had fallen out, out lilass finds an ellipsis in which KtAevdj-Toji' is to be supplied from KtaKvovrmv,
(4) ITi 4'»(a) dyojuifrf^eSa, K*ACEG.
(b) ii't.SifofitSa, «= Dj vg. go. syr. boh. arm.
Most modern editors place (a) in the text, and yet (&) has much in its favour both externally and intrinsically. That Christians were held in scorn for their unsubstantial hope is an excellent interpretation of the passage.
(6) 1 Ti 6' («) ort ouii ef., N* AG3 17 vg. sah. boh. arm.
(6) aXrfie'; OTt ovii e^., Dg^m. go.
(c) &f,Kov Sri, N" T>^ K L PChr.
(d) ovSe €^., arm. Cyr., apparently Cyprian.
Hort seems to be right in accepting ((/), and he suggests that oTi mav have come in by dittographv after Koufiov. (6) 2 Ti 410 (a) raAariav, A D G K L P, vg. syr. Chrya., Theod. Mops. (&) TaAAiaf, C 6 Cursives, vg. Epiph. (a) is best attested and acGept«d by most editors, though it may mean European Gaul.
In the text, especially of 1 Timothy, apart from readings there are difficulties, occasioned apparently by some disorder owing possibly to a disarrange- ment of notes in the hand of an editor. Of this disorder the most evident traces are 1 Ti 5'- '■ *• '* 69. 1(1. 17. 18. 19 . also 3" 523 6^- 2' may be later inter- polations. Less is to be said for the view, which, however, is plausible, that Tit 1''° has been inserted by a later hand, and that 1 Tim. originally ended at 5"s.
3. Contents (i.) 1 Timothy.— l^- '. Greeting.—
Paul, in the full apostolic authority which he had received from God our Saviour and Christ Jesus, the surety for the Christian hope, formally ad- dresses Timothy, his true son in the faith.
vv.^-'. General occasion of the letter. — Formal reminder of warning once given at Ephesus in person against false teaching, which substitutes itUe speculation for Christian love, springing out of a pure heart and unfeigned faith, which it is the aim of preaching to produce. Already this error has shipwrecked some would-be teachers of the Jewisli Law, who, without understanding it, per- vert its meaning.
VV.8"". The right use of the Law. — According to its true spirit the Law is to be invoked against such vices as are condemned by the healthy teach- ing of the gospel.
vv.'--". Paul's stewardship.— The gospel min- istry of Divine power and salvation from sin was granted by an act of God's grace in Christ Jesus to the most unworthy Apostle, whose redemption is an example of many others to come ; for all of which the writer makes solemn thanksgiving to God.
vv. 18-20. Paul recommits this ministry to Timothy. He encourages him that in spite of hard \varfare he will not be defeated, because the Holy Spirit had led him to choose Timothy for this service. The fearful example of two apostates excommunicated in the hope that punishment would lead to their reformation.
(a) Tlie. furtherance of the ministry of the gospel. — ^(1) The ministry of the gospel is furthered by rightly ordered public prayer and worship (2'-").
2'"*. Since Timothy is to preach the gospel of salvation for all, constant prayer must oe made for all sorts and conditions of men, who have one Father and one Mediator of His will for men, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Special supplication is to be made for kings, because if they are favourable the Church will have rest, its worship will continue undisturbed, and salvation will come to all men.
vv.9-15. These verses set forth woman's function in the Christian community. She is not to teach or pray in public, but is to be modest in apparel
and to adorn herself with good works, performing her function in salvation by her maternal calling, whereby she will, in a life of faith, love, and holy restraint, redress the balance against her thiougli the sin of Eve. (The formula iriarbs 0 \6yo^ prob- ably refers to what precedes ; if to what follows, it means that in the Cliurch it is a common saying, 'if a man desires the office of a bishop, etc' An inferior reading, dpdpwmm, would be connected with whatfoUows — 'Itisacommon human saying.')