D. iv. A fresh word of prophecy (see i. 18) addressed to Timothy in his present office.
(a) 1-5. The false teaching more clearly defined as a spurious asceticism. This is condemned, a priori, by considerations (1) of the declared charac- ter and object of the material creation, and (2) of the purifying effect of benedictions.
(6) 6-16. The spurious asceticism, however, as it manifests itself in practice, is best combated (1), 6-10, by the Church teacher showing an example in his own person of genuine holiness, and (2), 11-i6, by active pastoral care, courageous outspokenness and the diligent cultivation of all God- given ministerial graces.
E. v. 1—vi. 19. This naturally suggests the specification of directions for ad- ministration of the Church by a Father in God.
(a) v.1, 2. He must not deal with his people en masse, but individually. He cannot treat alike old men and young men, elder women and younger women.
(5) v. 3-16. There is one class of the laity in particular which, because they have a special claim on the Church, need a discriminating care: the widows. The Church cannot afford to support all widows, nor would it be right to relieve their relatives, if they have any, of responsibility for them. Consequently, none can be entered on the list for relief but those Over a certain age, and who have a good record for consistent Christian lives. Young widows had better marry again.
(ε) ν. 17-25. The questions of Church finance and discipline, as they con- cern widows, suggest recommendations on the same subjects, as they concern the presbyters: (1) 17, 18, finance; (2) 19-25, discipline, with, 23, a parenthetical personal counsel to Timothy, suggested by the word pure in 22.
(4) vi. 1,2. Ruling principles for the conduct of Christians who are slaves, towards heathen and Christian masters respectively.
(e) vi. 3-19. A right judgment in all these matters which affect our daily life depends on right basal convictions as to the true values of things material and spiritual.
(1) 3-10. The false teachers reverse the true order: they regard religion as a sub-section of the world; whereas the world has its own place— an honourable place—as subordinate to religion.
(2) 11-16. A solemn adjuration to Timothy to adhere to the principles just laid down; and
(3) 17-19. to urge the observance of them upon the well-to-do members of the Christian Society.
PF, vi. 20-21. Final appeal, summing up the perennial antagonism between character (the natural fruit of the faith) and mere intellectualism.,