Paul’s Pastoral Imperatives
The three Pastoral Epistles of Paul; The First and Second Epistles of Paul to the Apostle Timothy and The Epistle of Paul to the Apostle Titus, provide more detailed instructions for Pastors and pastoral care of a congregation than the rest of the Bible.
After almost 2000 years, we still receive them as God’s instructions and find them to be relevant in today’s society.
Before looking at the imperatives from the three Pastoral Epistles, let us look first at Philippians 4:8 and see how we should approach the interpretations. There we read:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
As Kenneth Myers clearly notes “Paul does not say that we should reflect on that we think is lovely, or whatever we feel is admirable. We are to give sustained attention to whatever is objectively true and noble and right.” This requires our recognition and acceptance of objective values – whether they be moral, aesthetic or intellectual. This further requires from us a discipline of both the mind and the spirit. When we accept this position, and we look at Paul’s epistles from this viewpoint, from this world view, then the intentions of the writer will fall into place and we will correctly understand and interpret the truths which our Lord wishes to disclose to us, and the paths He wishes us to take, in the pastoring of His flock. For as the Lord clearly states in First Timothy 1:5-6 “But the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and faith unfeigned, from which some, having swerved, have turned aside to foolish talking.”
Table of Imperatives for Pastoral Usage in the Three Pastoral Epistles
Please note that some verses appear twice or more because they can be used in more than one context or heading and that some verses contain more than one imperative.
| A test for all Deacons and Leaders: | |
| 1 Timothy 3:10 | And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. |
| To the whole congregation: | |
| 1 Timothy 4:12 | Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. |
| Titus 2:15 | Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. |
| 1 Timothy 5:17 | Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching. |
| Titus 3:14 | And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. |
| 2 Timothy 2:19 | But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.“ |
| To specific groups in the church: | |
| 1 Timothy 2:11 | Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. |
| 1 Timothy 3:12 | Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. |
| 1 Timothy 5:4 | But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. |
| 1 Timothy 5:9 | Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, |
| 1 Timothy 5:16 | If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows. |
| 1 Timothy 5:16 | If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows. |
| Directions to slaves: | |
| 1 Timothy 6:1 | Let all who are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honour, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. |
| 1 Timothy 6:2 | Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things. |
| 1 Timothy 6:2 | Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things. |
| Immediate Commands: | |
| Titus 3:12 | When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. |
| Titus 3:13 | Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. |
| Titus 3:15 | All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. |
| 2 Timothy 4:9 | Do your best to come to me soon. |
| 2 Timothy 4:11 | Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. |
| 2 Timothy 4: 13 | When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. |
| 2 Timothy 4: 19 | Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. |
| 2 Timothy 4: 21 | Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. |
| Pastor’s Conduct in Church and how he lives with the people: | |
| 1 Timothy 5:1 | Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, |
| 1 Timothy 5:3 | Honour widows who are truly widows. |
| 1 Timothy 5:11 | But refuse to enrol younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry |
| 1 Timothy 5:19 | Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. |
| 1 Timothy 5:20 | As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. |
| 1 Timothy 5:22 | Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. |
| 1 Timothy 5:22 | Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. |
| 1 Timothy 6:17 | As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. |
| Titus 1:13 | This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, |
| Titus 2:6 | Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. |
| Titus 3:10 | As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, |
| 2 Timothy 2:2 | and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. |
| 2 Timothy 4:2 | preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. |
| 2 Timothy 4:15 | Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. |
| Pastor’s general life in Church: | |
| Titus 3:9 | But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. |
| 2 Timothy 2:7 | Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. |
| 2 Timothy 2:23 | Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. |
| 2 Timothy 4:5 | As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. |
| 2 Timothy 4:5 | As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. |
| Pastor’s personal life – practical: | |
| 1 Timothy 5:23 | No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. |
| Pastor’s requirement to share suffering in his life: | |
| 2 Timothy 1:8 | Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, |
| 2 Timothy 2:3 | Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
| 2 Timothy 4:5 | As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. |
| Pastors to avoid snares and live according to their teachings: | |
| 1 Timothy 4:7 | Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; |
| 1 Timothy 4:12 | Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. |
| 1 Timothy 4:15 | Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. |
| 1 Timothy 4:16 | Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. |
| 1 Timothy 5:22 | Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. |
| 1 Timothy 6:11 | But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. |
| 1 Timothy 6:11 | But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. |
| 1 Timothy 6:12 | Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. |
| 2 Timothy 2:1 | You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, |
| 2 Timothy 2:16 | But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, |
| 2 Timothy 2:22 | So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. |
| 2 Timothy 3:5 | having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. |
| 2 Timothy 3:14 | But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it |
| 2 Timothy 4:5 | As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. |
| 2 Timothy 4:5 | As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. |
| Pastors duty to “negative study” – keeping away from false teaching: | |
| 1 Timothy 4:7 | Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; |
| Titus 3:9 | But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. |
| 2 Timothy 2:23 | Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. |
| Reason for caution of negative teachings: | |
| 2 Timothy 3:1 | But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. |
| Pastors to keep up continuous study to master teachings: | |
| 1 Timothy 4:14 | Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. |
| 1 Timothy 4:15 | Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. |
| 1 Timothy 4:16 | Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. |
| 1 Timothy 4:16 | Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. |
| 1 Timothy 6:20 | O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” |
| 2 Timothy 1:13 | Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. |
| 2 Timothy 1:14 | By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. |
| 2 Timothy 2:1 | You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, |
| 2 Timothy 2:8 | Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, |
| 2 Timothy 2:15 | Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. |
| 2 Timothy 3:14 | But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it |
| 2 Timothy 4:2 | preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. |
| 2 Timothy 4:5 | As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. |
| Pastors preparations for preaching: | |
| 1 Timothy 4:7 | Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; |
| Titus 3:9 | But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. |
| 2 Timothy 2:23 | Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. |
| Preaching to be Scripturally based: | |
| 1 Timothy 4:13 | Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. |
| 1 Timothy 4:15 | Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. |
| 1 Timothy 4:15 | Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. |
| 1 Timothy 4:16. | Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your |
| 1 Timothy 4:16 | Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. |
| 1 Timothy 6:20 | O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” |
| Titus 2:1 | But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. |
| 2 Timothy 1:13 | Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. |
| 2 Timothy 1:14 | By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. |
| 2 Timothy 4:2 | preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. |
| 2 Timothy 4:2 | preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. |
| Pastor to encourage and instruct congregations in knowledge and Christian duties: | |
| 1 Timothy 6:2 | Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things. |
| Titus 2:6 | Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. |
| Titus 2:15 | Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. |
| Titus 2:15 | Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. |
| Titus 3:1 | Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, |
| 2 Timothy 2:2 | and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. |
| 2 Timothy 2:14 | Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. |
| 2 Timothy 4:5 | As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. |
| Pastor must attack false beliefs and practices and warn against sin: | |
| 1 Timothy 5:12 | and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. (for sinning) |
| 1 Timothy 6:12 | Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. |
| Titus 1:13 | This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, |
| Titus 2:15 | Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. |
| 2 Timothy 4:2 | preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. |
| As well as rebuking sin, preach and teach with authority: | |
| 1 Timothy 4:11 | Command and teach these things. |
| 1 Timothy 5:7 | Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. |
| 1 Timothy 6:2 | Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things. |
| 1 Timothy 6:17 | As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. |
| 2 Timothy 4:2 | preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. |
| Pastors works to be based on the enabling work of the Holy Spirit: | |
| 1 Timothy 4:14 | Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. |
| 2 Timothy 2:1 | You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus |
| 2 Timothy 2:15 | Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. |
| 2 Timothy 4:2 | preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. |
| 2 Timothy 4:5 | As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. |
Note: Table based generally on WRS Journal 12:2 (August 2005):12-19 “Pastoral Imperatives: Paul’s use of the imperative mood in his letter to Timothy and Titus” by John A. Battle
New Book on this topic:- The Epistles to the Thessalonians: A Commentary on the Greek Text (New International Greek Testament Commentary (Eerdmans))
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