Scholars speculate that the “pastoral epistles” — those to Paul’s companions Timothy and Titus — were not written by the Apostle himself. They reflect a later, more settled period in the history of the Church than the great epistles to the Romans or Corinthians. In the earliest epistles St. Paul suggests that Christians must separate themselves from the dealings of society. These later epistles propose that Church must find a way to live within society. Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise. The relationship of the Christian to a world hostile to gospel values is a perennial dilemma. We must live out what we believe so others will be attracted to follow.
