Overview of I Timothy: The two letters to Timothy and the one to Titus are called the “pastoral epistles” because they contain principles for the pastoral care of churches and qualifications for ministers.
When Paul wrote this letter, probably from Macedonia (1:3), he was on his way to Ephesus and Asia Minor (A.D. 63-66).
Though Paul desired to visit Timothy (3:14; 4:13), this letter, in the meantime, would guide Timothy in the conduct of his pastoral responsibilities.
In relation to Timothy personally, the theme is fighting “the good fight” (1:18). In relation to the church corporately, the theme is behaving in the house of God (3:15).
Key Verse
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,
15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
I Timothy 3:14-15 (NASB)
Available Lessons
- Introductory Lesson
- Lesson-01: The Good Fight of the Gospel
- Lesson-02: Priorities for Worship
- Lesson-03: Leadership for the Church
- Lesson-04: Encouragement for a Young Minister
- Lesson-05: People Matters
- Lesson-06: The Truly Abundant Life
Content Outline
The Message of 1 Timothy
“After being released from his first Roman imprisonment (cf. Acts 28:30), Paul revisited several of the cities in which he had ministered including Ephesus.
Leaving Timothy behind to deal with problems that had arisen in the Ephesian church, such as false doctrine (1:3-7; 4:1-3; 6:3-5), disorder in worship (2:1-15), the need for qualified leaders (3:1-14), and materialism (6:6-19), Paul went on to Macedonia, from where he wrote Timothy this letter to help him carry out his task, in the church (cf. 3:14, 15).”
Dr. John MacArthur
“Well, the book of Timothy is an instruction manual for the local church. We should read it often and heed it diligently.
It’s the first of three Pastoral Epistles, as we call them, written between A.D. 62 and 67; and it’s addressed to Timothy, a young man we first meet in Acts 16, when he decided to join Paul in his travels.
Years later Timothy was placed in charge of the work in the city of Ephesus.
That’s when Paul wrote this letter, telling him how to manage certain problems he faced in the ministry—how to confront false teachers, how to order the church’s worship, how to select leaders, and how to conduct himself in difficult situations.”
Dr. David Jeremiah
“Paul expressed the central purpose of his letter in I Timothy 3:15: ‘I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.’
While the apostle did discuss important theological truths, he wrote primarily to equip Timothy for the task of leading and stabilizing the church.
He began by offering personal encouragement, exhorting Timothy to fight hard for the gospel (1:1-20).
The opponents of the truth would fight ruthlessly to tear it down. He described the essential qualities Timothy should cultivate within the congregation (2:1-3:16), which he hoped would influence the city at large.”
Dr. Charles R. Swindoll
“Paul was expecting to visit Timothy in Ephesus soon and would of course, as an apostle, assume responsibility for the churches.
But he seems to have anticipated the possibility of being delayed, and so sends Timothy these written instructions, so that during his absence Timothy would know how to regulate the life of the churches (3:14f.; 4:13).
This letter, therefore, although addressed to Timothy personally, is not a private communication. It is written to him in his official capacity, and throughout it Paul is looking beyond Timothy to the churches.”
Dr. John R. W. Stott
“In 1 Timothy, we read a holistic vision of the nature and mission of the church. Many bad teachers shared false theology that confused believers.
Paul instructs Timothy on how to address these teachers and lead the church effectively. Throughout the book, we see that what a church believes will directly shape how its members live and behave.
The church’s theology and beliefs must constantly be critiqued and formed by scriptures and the good news about Jesus.”
The Bible Project
Timeline of I Timothy
Who was Timothy?
References
- The MacArthur Bible Commentary: by John MacArthur
- The Bible Project: I Timothy
- Understanding the 66 Books of the Bible by Dr. David Jeremiah
- Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary 1&2 Timothy – Titus by Charles R. Swindoll
- The Bible Speaks Today: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John R.W. Stott