TIMOTHY, THE LETTER OF PAUL TO

also called The Epistle Of St. Paul The Apostle To Timothy, or Pastoral Epistle, either of two New Testament writings addressed to Timothy, one of Paul's most faithful coworkers. They (and the Letter of Paul to Titus) have been called Pastoral Epistles since the end of the 18th century, because all three deal principally with church administration and the growth of heresies. The interpretation of the letters depends in part on who actually wrote them. Broadly speaking, Roman Catholic exegetes still hold that Paul was the author and view the letters as sources of information about the apostle's life and thought. Protestant exegetes are generally convinced that the style is so different from Paul's normal way of expressing himself that someone else must have been the author. The First Letter of Paul to Timothy insists on the need to shun unorthodox teachings and dangerous speculations and reiterates the qualities expected of bishops and deacons. It exhorts Timothy to fulfill his duties faithfully and to instill in his congregation traditional beliefs, notions of proper conduct, and respect for one another. The Second Letter of Paul to Timothy similarly urges Timothy to guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit and to accept his share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. He is further admonished to have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies and to avoid men of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith. Toward the end, the letter mentions many individuals by name, some dear friends, others who wrought harm. Timothy is asked to visit soon, even though the writer believes he is on the point of being sacrificed.