Introduction to the Epistles of Timothy

The Epistles unto Timothy were authored by the Apostle Paul The First Epistle is thought to have been written in Macedonia following Paul’s first imprisonment (63-64 AD) The Second Epistle is thought to have been written from Rome during his second imprisonment (66-67 AD) He wrote them unto Timothy whom he called “my own son in the faith”

Timothy was a young believer and co-worker in God’s kingdom His mother was a Jew and his father was a Greek His mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, were believers (II Timothy 1:5) Paul’s purpose for writing unto Timothy was to encourage him in faith and his work in God’s kingdom

First Epistle to Timothy The Apostle Paul had recently left Timothy at Ephesus Timothy remained at Ephesus in order to counter strange and unhealthy doctrines that had emerged there ( I Timothy 1:3-11) Paul wrote a letter of encouragement to Timothy beginning with Christ’s own commands onto Paul himself ( I Timothy 1: 12-17) Paul first encouraged Timothy to “war a good warfare” (I Timothy 1:18)

Paul went on to give guidance in such matters as : Prayer in Public Worship ( I Tim. 2:1-8) Women in Public Worship ( I Tim. 2: 9-15) Qualifications of Bishops and Deacons ( I Tim. 3:1-13) Behavior in the House of God (I Tim. 3: 14-16) Recognizing False Teachers and Advice for True Teachers ( I Tim. 4: 1-10)

The Apostle Paul also encouraged Timothy to “neglect not the gift that is in thee” ( I Tim. 4 : ) Paul commented on the treatment of people including widows and elders and how we should not be partial preferring one before the other ( I Tim. 5: 1-25) An exhortation was made unto the behavior of servants and their lot in life ( I Tim. 6: 1,2)

Near the end of the first Epistle Paul gives an exhortation to Godliness with contentment ( I Tim. 6: 3-16) Paul gives a reminder to those who are temporally blessed ( I Tim. 6: 17-19) Paul concludes his first Epistle with a reminder to Timothy to keep what has been entrusted to him ( I Tim. 6: 20,21)

The Second Epistle to Timothy This Epistle was written while Paul was in prison for the last time and nearing the end of his life When compared to the first, this Epistle is more like a personal letter to Timothy Paul reminds Timothy of his responsibilities to be: –Disciplining Teacher –Single- Minded Soldier –Enduring Husbandman –Diligent Workman –Sanctified Vessel –Gentle Servant

Paul writes that “in the last days perilous times shall come” ( II Tim. 3: 1) “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” ( II Tim. 3: 14) “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim. 3: 17)

Nearing the end of the second Epistle, Paul encourages Timothy to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine” ( II Timothy 4:2) Paul ends his Epistle with the hope that he has in death “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the lord shall give me at that day” ( II Timothy 4: 7,8)

Discussion Points The need to keep faith and a good conscience (I Timothy 1:19) The workers in God’s kingdom must preach and teach sound doctrine in order to fulfill the work of the ministry (I Timothy 1:3-11) God’s word gives instruction for maintaining love and a proper relationship between the children of God (I Timothy 5:1-6:2) The encouragement of fellow saints and the importance of studying God’s word (II Timothy 3:10-17)