I would like your personal opinion as a Bible scholar about the authorship of 1 and 2 Timothy. I read that many scholars believe the book was written after Paul's time by someone assuming Paul's name. What is your opinion? -- Karl Wic (Cincinnati)
(First, thanks for the compliment, but despite my study of theology, I am not a biblical scholar. I rely on the work of the professionals who devote their full time to careful study of the biblical documents.)
In the 1800s, it was common for liberal scholars to claim that 1-2 Timothy and Titus (the "Pastoral Epistles," as they provide pastoral direction to a church leader) were penned in the mid-2nd century! They were said to reflect a later "stage" of development of the Christian community, the "early Catholic" church. It was denied they could have been written by Paul because they discuss church organization and polity, which allegedly would not have been of interest in the 1st century, when everyone was expecting the eminent end of the world. In addition, as there are quite a few words in these letters which do not appear in Paul's other letters, his authorship was denied. Rather, someone was trying to tap into his authority by writing a pseudonymous epistle. Further, it is said the "style" of the letter is not that if the historical Paul.
My response is to vigorously deny all these claims. First, even though many 1st century believers may have expected the day of judgment in their lifetime, that did not stop them from appointing leaders and providing for the next generation. See, for example, Paul's speech concerning the future of the flock, made to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20; the existence in Philippians 1:1 of elders and servants/ministers (presbyters and deacons, by transliteration from the Greek). Would we not expect a different style--and even vocabulary--in a document written from one church leader to another? It is not, after all, written to the members in general. It is more like an "internal memo," meant to be understood by a recipient in a similar professional situation to the sender.
Finally, it was common to employ a professional scribe (or "amanuensis") when writing a letter. (See, for example, the reference to Tertius in Romans 16.) We ought not to read too much into stylistic differences. Are we not allowed to change our own style? Must we always adhere to a single style? We possess so few of Paul's letters--only 13!--that it is difficult to be dogmatic about how he must have written during the 20 or so year span during which he sent out his epistles.
Conservative scholars usually contend that 1 Timothy was written by Paul in the mid-'60s, when the evangelist Timothy was leading in the church at Ephesus. Titus is normally considered to have been written next, when this evangelist led the church on the island of Crete. 2 Timothy was produced shortly before Paul's execution, probably around 68 AD. The pastoral epistles, in other words, are written by the author they claim: Paul, the "apostle to the Gentiles," in his final years of fruitful service on earth.
This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only.
