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The Pastoral Epistles of Saint Paul
Talk by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), part 33, 1 Timothy 1-2
March 14, 2023

Topics include: 
(1) Paul's focus is on holding the mystery of the faith which is from God, with a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith, not in arguments over genealogies or fables; 
(2) The danger of convert theologians and catechumen experts; 
(3) On the Orthodox attitude to the Law of God: to obey it from the heart and in its spirit, not according to the letter, not externally, or superficially, or hypocritically. And, also, to be driven to Christ when one falls short; 
(4) Morality is not a side issue for Paul but part of sound doctrine. He specifically includes sexual morality, which is a basic element of Christianity. Morality is part of the sound teaching of the Church; 
(5) Paul acted ignorantly and in unbelief but repented and came to faith. God's grace overflowing in us causes us to be true servants of Christ. God has patience with us and can and will give us grace anyway in our repentance. Our before and after change is a witness and encouragement to others; 
(6) God desires that all be saved and wants no one to perish. But not all want the remedy. He heals the willing but does not compel the unwilling;  
(7) On Christ as the one mediator between God and man. This is another way of expressing the Incarnation. Being God and man, Christ is the bridge between God and man. The saints take on the character of Christ, and intercede for us, the Theotokos being the chief among them. A priest also in a sense mediates God's grace to us; 
(8) Chrysostom: approaching Christ properly in worship, not adorned with finery, but having given that to the poor, approaching without hindrance; 
(9) On motherhood: good, holy and salutary, an ascetic task that is transforming. A mother must give continually of herself, thus motherhood is a strong form of asceticism, which is overcoming selfishness. A woman should teach her Children but not teach or have authority over men.