Similarities Between The Epistles to Timothy And Titus

There exists a visible affinity between the Epistle to Titus and the first Epistle to Timothy. Both letters were addressed to persons left by the writer to preside in their respective churches during his absence. Both letters are principally occupied in describing the qualifications to be sought for, in those whom they should appoint to offices in the church; and the ingredients of this description are in both letters nearly the same. Timothy and Titus are likewise cautioned against the same prevailing corruptions, and in particular against the same misdirection of their cares and studies. This affinity obtains, not only in the subject of the letters, which, from the similarity of situation in the persons to whom they were addressed, might be expected to be somewhat alike, but extends, in a great variety of instances, to the phrases and expressions. The writer accosts his two friends with the same salutation, and passes on to the business of his letter by the same transition.

“Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia,” etc. (1 Timothy 1:2-3).

“To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee in Crete.” (Titus 1:4-5).

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Author: William Paley

Keywords: Titus, Timothy

Bible reference(s): 1 Timothy 3:2-4, 1 Tim. 1:4, 1 Timothy 1:1, 1 Timothy 2:3, Titus 1:3, Titus 2:10, Titus 3:4, Titus 3:9, Titus 1:13-14, 1 Tim. 4:12, Titus 2:7, Titus 2:15, Titus 1:6-8

Source: Horae Paulinae (London: The Religious Tract Society, 1850).

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