Before we consider reasons to study these books of the Bible, we should first clarify what is meant by the term “Pastoral Epistles.”
These epistles are the three letters Paul wrote to the young evangelists Timothy and Titus - the books of First and Second Timothy and Titus. The term “Pastoral” is unfortunate. These men were not pastors in the Bible usage of the term. According to the New Testament, a “pastor” is an elder, shepherd, or overseer of a local congregation. The denominational world refers to their preachers as “pastors,” but the New Testament never does. However, because of the popularity of this unscriptural practice, these letters written to evangelists have come to be commonly referred to as “Pastoral Epistles.”
Since these books contain instructions for preachers, some Christians may be tempted to overlook them as being unnecessary for the average (non-preaching) Christian. This would be a terrible mistake. Consider the following reasons every Christian should read and study these epistles.
1. These three books are inspired and are a part of the whole counsel of God that has been revealed and preserved for Christians to read and follow. To leave them out of one’s reading and study would render one incomplete before God.
2. Every Christian needs to understand the work to be expected from a preacher. It has been my experience that some Christians have unscriptural expectations of their preacher. They want to press him into the mold of an administrator or executive in the business world, or insist he perform the same duties as their neighbor’s denominational pastor. If every church member would read and study these books, they would better understand the work of a preacher, and thus better support and encourage them in their work (1 Tim. 4:6-16; 2 Tim. 4:1-5).
3. These books give us the qualifications for elders and deacons. First Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 are studied in detail when a congregation is appointing elders and deacons. Perhaps we would have more men qualified to serve in these positions if more Christians would study and apply these passages to their lives when they are young.
4. These books address the roles and responsibilities of different groups within the local church. Paul gave Titus instructions regarding older men, older women, younger men, and younger women (Titus 2:1-10). Timothy was given specific instructions for the role of women in the local church (1 Tim. 2:11-15), adult children regarding their parents (5:3-16), bondservants (6:1-2), and the rich (6:17-19). These books are not just for preachers. They address everyone in the local congregation.
5. Paul gave Timothy a great truth regarding the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Understanding these verses is vital to understanding the importance of God’s word.
6. Being the last letter written by Paul, 2 Timothy gives us insight into the heart of this great man as he approached the end of his life. He was not fearful, doubtful, or full of regrets. He was confident in his salvation (2 Tim. 1:12; 4:6-8). These verses have served Christians well for centuries as each of us must prepare ourselves to leave this world and go on to the next.
Although these three books hold a special place in the heart of preachers, every Christians should read, study, understand, and apply the teachings of these epistles to their lives.