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Introduction to the First & Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy


1 TIMOTHY


2 TIMOTHY










💕 Book of 1 Timothy Explained:
Title: This is the first of two inspired letters Paul wrote to his beloved son in the faith. Timothy received his name, which means “one who honors God”, from his mother (Eunice), and grandmother (Lois). Devout Jews who became believers in the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 1:5), and taught Timothy the Old Testament Scriptures from his childhood (2 Tim. 3:15). His father was a Greek (Acts 16:1), who may have died before Timothy met Paul.
Timothy was from Lystra (Acts 16:1-3), a city in the Roman province of Galatia (part of modern Turkey). Paul led Timothy to Christ (1:2, 18; 1 Cor. 4:17; 2 Tim. 1:2), undoubtedly during his ministry in Lystra on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6-23). When he revisited Lystra on his second missionary journey, Paul chose Timothy to accompany him (Acts 16:1-3). Although Timothy was very young (probably in his late teens or early twenties), since about 15 years later Paul referred to him as a young man (4:12). He had a reputation for godliness (Acts 16:2). Timothy was to be Paul’s disciple, friend, and co-laborer for the rest of the apostle’s life, ministering with him in Berea (Acts 17:14), Athens (Acts 17:15), Corinth (Acts 18:5; 2 Cor. 1:19), and accompanying him on his trip to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). He was with Paul in his first Roman imprisonment and went to Philippi (Phil. 2:19-23), after Paul’s release. In addition, Paul frequently mentions Timothy in his epistles (Rom. 16:21; 2 Cor. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; Philemon 1). Paul often sent Timothy to churches as his representative (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10; Phil. 2:19; 1 Thess. 3:2). And 1 Timothy finds him on another assignment, serving as pastor of the church at Ephesus (1:3). According to (Heb. 13:23), Timothy was imprisoned somewhere and released.
Authorship: Tradition strongly supports the fact that the apostle Paul was the author of this epistle. The letter claims Paul as its author (1:1), and it is filled with Pauline themes and even contains a brief autobiography (1:11-15). While some critics tend to reject the Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles, the letters’ acceptance dates as far back as Polycarp, Clement of Rome, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria.
Paul wrote 1 Timothy from Macedonia (in A.D. 62 or 63). He sent the letter to Timothy, whom he had left at Ephesus. He wrote to encourage Timothy in his responsibilities for overseeing the work of the Ephesian church and possibly the other churches of the province of Asia. It is possible that he wrote this epistle from Philippi after being released from his first imprisonment at Rome.
Many modernist critics delight in attacking the plain statement of Scripture and, for no good reason, deny that Paul wrote the Pastoral Epistles (1, 2 Timothy, Titus). Ignoring the testimony of the letters themselves (1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; Titus 1:1), and that of the early church (which is as strong for the Pastoral Epistles as for any of Paul’s epistles, except Romans and 1 Corinthians). These critics maintain that a devout follower of Paul wrote the Pastoral Epistles in the second century. As proof, they offer 5 lines of supposed evidence:
(1) The historical references in the Pastoral Epistles cannot be harmonized with the chronology of Paul’s life given in Acts;
(2) The false teaching described in the Pastoral Epistles is the fully-developed Gnosticism of the second century;
(3) The church organizational structure in the Pastoral Epistles is that of the second century, and is too well developed for Paul’s day;
(4) The Pastoral Epistles do not contain the great themes of Paul’s theology;
(5) The Greek vocabulary of the Pastoral Epistles contains many words not found in Paul’s other letters, nor in the rest of the New Testament.
Background – Setting: This, the first of Paul’s epistles to the young pastor Timothy. In it he exhorts Timothy to guard against false doctrine, protect public worship, and develop mature leadership. Much of the epistle deals with the nature of pastoral conduct, including the qualifications of a bishop (pastor), as a true teacher of God’s Word. Practical directions for elders and for widows are also given in detail.
Timothy (Greek Timotheos), means “Honoring God” or “Honored by God.” He was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother named Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). Timothy was likely one of Paul’s own converts from his first missionary journey to Lystra. The apostle calls him “my own son in the faith” (1:2), and “my dearly beloved son” (2 Tim. 1:2). He became Paul’s companion on his second missionary journey. After a period of faithful service, he was sent as Paul’s apostolic representative to oversee the affairs of the church at Ephesus. This then was the occasion of the writing of his first epistle. Paul was at Ephesus. This then was the occasion of the writing of this first epistle. Paul was giving Timothy detailed instructions for the care and oversight of the church At Ephesus.
Historical – Theological Themes: First Timothy is a practical letter containing pastoral instruction from Paul to Timothy (compare 3:14-15). Since Timothy was well versed in Paul’s theology, the apostle had no need to give him extensive doctrinal instruction. This epistle does however, express many important theological truths, such a the proper function of the law (1:5-11), salvation (1:14-16; 2:4-6); the attributes of God (1:17); the Fall (2:13-14); the person of Christ (3:16; 6:15-16); election (6:12); and the second coming of Christ (6:14-15).
First Timothy lays the foundation for ordaining elders in the local church. It provides an apostolic guideline for ordaining men to the sacred office of the church. In essence, it is a leadership manual for church organization and administration. Its tone is practical and spiritual. Its theme is that of conduct in the church of the living God.
Christ is presented in this epistle as the “mediator between God and men” (2:5). As such, He is the Savior of all men who believe in Him (4:10). He is the Lord of the church to whom Timothy is responsible as an under-shepherd. Thus, the young pastor is to fulfill his duties in light of God’s authority. The term bishop (Greek episkopous), is used synonymously with the term elder (presbuterous), and refers to the same office (Acts 20:17; 28; Titus 1:5-7). The office of deacon (diakonos, “servant”), is a different office, but with similar qualifications.
Each of the chapters are done individually. Some due to length, have been shorten into "continued" sections. Each section contains a questionnaire which follows the section which has been done to aid in the learning process. Each section can be accessed by the simple menu found at the bottom of the file. (i.e., continue to next section or return to previous section.
1 Timothy Chapter 1
1 Timothy Chapter 1 Continued
1 Timothy Chapter 2
1 Timothy Chapter 3
1 Timothy Chapter 4
1 Timothy Chapter 5
1 Timothy Chapter 6
1 Timothy Chapter 6 Continued


💕 Book of 2 Timothy Explained:
Title: This epistle is the second of two inspired letters Paul the apostle wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy (1:2; 2:1). For biographical information on Timothy (see Introduction to 1 Timothy: Title). It is titled, as are the other personal letters of Paul to individuals (1 Timothy, Titus and Philemon), with the name of the addressee (1:2).
Author and Date: The issue of Paul’s authorship of the Pastoral Epistles is discussed in the (Introduction to 1 Timothy: Authorship). Paul wrote 2 Timothy, the last of his inspired letters, shortly before his martyrdom (ca. A.D. 67).
Background – Setting: Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment for a short period of ministry during which he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. Second Timothy however, finds Paul once again in a Roman prison (1:16; 2:9), apparently rearrested as part of Nero’s persecution of Christians. Unlike Paul’s confident hope of release during his first imprisonment (Phil. 1:19, 25-26; 2:24; Philemon 22), this time he had no such hopes (4:6-8). In his first imprisonment in Rome before Nero had begun the persecution of Christians (A.D. 64), he was only under house arrest and had opportunity for much intersection with people and ministry (Acts 28:16-31).
Paul was freed from his house arrest in Rome in the spring of A.D. 63 and traveled to Macedonia (Phil. 2:24; Philemon 22), across the Adriatic Sea, visiting Philippi, Ephesus, Colossae, and Laodicea. The great Roman fire occurred in A.D. 64. Paul possibly went to Spain, probably by sea, in A.D. 64 and 65. In the summer of 66 he returned to Ephesus in Asia Minor and left Timothy in charge (1 Tim. 1:3). In the summer of 67 he wrote to Timothy from Macedonia and probably visited Philippi and Corinth. He went on to Crete and left Titus there (Titus 1:5). He wrote Titus from Ephesus in the autumn of A.D. 67, visited Miletus (4:20), Troas (4:13), Corinth from Ephesus in the autumn of A.D. 67, visited Miletus (4:20), Troas (4:13), Corinth (4:20), and spent some time at Nilopolis (Titus 3:12). He was imprisoned again in the spring of 68, having been free about five years. He may have been arrested in Corinth, because of an accusation made by Alexander (4:14, 20). Paul was tried by the city prefect, imprisoned, and sent to Rome where he was placed in a dungeon cell of the Mamertine Prison, from which he knew he would never be set free (4:6). His only contact with the outside world was a hole, about 18 inches square, in the ceiling of his cell. Through that opening passed everything that came to and from the apostle, including his second letter to Timothy, in the fall or winter of A.D. 67. He was beheaded in Rome in May or June of 68 A.D.
In this letter, Paul, aware the end was near, passed the non-apostolic mantle of ministry to Timothy (compare 2:2), and exhorted him to continue faithful in his duties (1:6), hold on to sound doctrine (1:13-14), avoid error (2:15-18), accept persecution for the gospel (2:3-4; 3:10-12), put his confidence in the Scripture, and preach it relentlessly (3:15 – 4:5).
Historical – Theological Themes: It seems that Paul may have had reason to fear that Timothy was in danger of weakening spiritually. This would have been a grave concern for Paul, since Timothy needed to carry on Paul’s work (compare 2:2). While there are no historical indications elsewhere in the New Testament as to why Paul was so concerned, there is evidence in the epistle itself from what he wrote. This concern is evident,  for example, in Paul’s exhortation to “kindle afresh” his gift (1:6), to replace fear with power, love, and a sound mind (1:7), to not be ashamed of Paul and the Lord, but willingly suffer for the gospel (1:8), and to hold on to the truth (1:13-14). Summing up the potential problems of Timothy, who might be weakening under the pressure of the church and the persecution of the world, Paul calls him to;
(1) Generally, “be strong” (2:1), the key exhortation of the first part of the letter, and to;
(2) Continue to “preach the word” (4:2), the main admonition of the last part.
These final words to Timothy include few commendations but many admonitions, including about 25 imperatives.
Since Timothy was well versed in Paul’s theology, the apostle did not instruct him further doctrinally. He did, however, allude to several important doctrines, including salvation by God’s sovereign grace (1:9-10; 2:10), the person of Christ (2:8; 4:1, 8), and perseverance (2:11-13); plus Paul wrote the crucial text of the New Testament on the inspiration of Scripture (3:16-17).
Second Timothy is the latest of the Pauline letters. As such it is of special interest not only because of what it reveals concerning the last days of Paul’s life, but also because of what it reveals about its recipient.
The last words of people are particularly treasured by their loved ones. In 2 Timothy, we have the last known words to flow from the apostle’s pen. In a very real way, this epistle represents Paul’s last will and testament. If ever there was a time to set the record straight, it was then. If Paul was going to make any complaints, he would have to make them then, for he was at the end of his life. However, in this letter, there is not one word of apology, explanation, caution, or complaint. Paul used his last letter to deliver five exhortations to his son in the faith, which in summary tell Timothy to “keep on keeping on” just as he had told him all along.
Second Timothy claims to have come from the pen of “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ” (1:1). Though widely contested, both internal and external evidence support this claim. The style, vocabulary, and contents of the epistle are in keeping with what would be expected of the apostle when he knew he was near the end of his life (4:6). He had four purposes in writing:
(1) To exhort Timothy in his ministry at Ephesus;
(2) To warn Timothy of trouble both inside and outside the church;
(3) To request Timothy to come to Rome to visit him in prison and bring certain personal effects to him (4:5-13; 21); and
(4) To instruct all the churches in Timothy’s territory.
Each of the chapters are done individually. Some due to length, have been shorten into "continued" sections. Each section contains a questionnaire which follows the section which has been done to aid in the learning process. Each section can be accessed by the simple menu found at the bottom of the file. (i.e., continue to next section or return to previous section.



Peter & Paul ...