ction be that the first to Timothy is not the earlier but
the later of the two.

(4.) The peculiar tone and diction of the pastoral epistles and
the peculiar character of the errors combated in them all
indicate a later period in the apostle's life, and a later stage
in the history of the churches. To place the first and third of
these among those to the Galatians, Corinthians, and Romans, and
the second, among those to Philemon, the Colossians, Ephesians,
and Philippians, must appear forced and unnatural. It is much
easier to assume the lapse of some years. Even then the contrast
between these and the other epistles of Paul in respect to tone
and diction is very striking. But it may be explained partly
from the peculiar theme of the pastoral epistles, partly from
the change which the lapse of time with its manifold experiences
had brought to the apostle's style and diction.

We assume, therefore, that the apostle was released from the
Roman imprisonment recorded by Luke; and that, not very long
before his second imprisonment which was terminated by his
martyrdom at Rome, he wrote the three epistles now under
consideration. It is well known that this is in accordance with
ancient tradition. See the testimonies in Conybeare and Howson,
chap. 27; in Alford, and in other commentators.

Against this view is urged the apostle's declaration to the
elders of Ephesus that they should see his face no more;
whereas, according to the present supposition, he visited
Ephesus _again_ after his first imprisonment. As a fair offset
to this may be urged on the other side his equally strong
declaration to the Philippians that his present imprisonment
should have a favorable issue (Phil. 1:25); which was not the
case upon the hypothesis of a single imprisonment at Rome. Such
declarations, where no doctrine or fact of Christianity is
concerned, are not to be taken as revelations of the Spirit. We
know, for example, from Paul's own words, that he changed his
declared purpose respecting a visit to Corinth, for which his
enemies accused him of using lightness. 2 Cor. 1:15-18.

It is urged again that when Paul wrote the pastoral epistles
Timothy was a _young man_. 1 Tim. 4:12; 2 Tim. 2:22. But
according to ancient ideas one might be called a young man at
any age under thirty-five or even f