Introduction
to
The
Epistle of 1st Timothy
Purpose
of the Epistle
The First Epistle
of Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul to young Timothy, his son
in the spirit and a young leader in the church of Ephesus. Paul wrote
Timothy in order that he might encourage and instruct this young pastor
during a time when he needed it much. The lessons that are taught
in this epistle are not only applicable to pastors, but to all of
the saints of God.
Background
to the Epistle
The author of
First Timothy is the Apostle Paul who wrote this letter from the area
of Rome or Macedonia approximately AD 64, and just prior to his second
and final imprisonment in Rome. Timothy was one of Paul’s closest
and dearest companions in the ministry. He had earlier sent young
Timothy to the church of Ephesus to serve as pastor in a church that
was encountering much false teaching. Paul hoped that Timothy could
counter such false teaching in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3-4).
It is probable
that Timothy had served for a time as a leader in this church, and
no doubt Paul had great confidence in his leadership abilities. This
would account for the reason that Paul chose Timothy to serve as its
pastor. Timothy had proven his faithfulness many times in the past,
but still he needed encouragement and instruction, just as all of
us do in the ministry. It is for this specific reason that Paul wrote
Timothy.
Key
Verse of the Epistle
There is some
controversy among scholars over what is the most important or "Key
Verse" of First Timothy. There are two verses that seem to
distinguish themselves as one reads this book:
1 Timothy
3:15 - "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou
oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church
of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."
1 Timothy
4:12 - "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example
of the believers, in word (doctrine), in conversation (manner of life),
in charity (love), in spirit (motivation), in faith (belief), in purity
(godliness)."
Both
of these verses contain important truths that all believers should
observe and heed. The main idea is that all believers, especially
pastors and deacons, should understand the importance and obligations
we have as children of God. The church is the pillar and the ground
of the truth. How can we conduct ourselves as saints in the local
assemblies has great influence upon both the saved and the lost.
Major
Themes of the Epistle
Sound
Doctrine -
Paul instructed
Timothy to preserve the Christian faith by teaching "sound
doctrine". There was much false teaching in the days of Paul
and Timothy, as there is today, and the only way to combat such heresy
is to educate the saints. Without "sound doctrine", immature
believers will be led astray by the false doctrines of men (Eph.
4:11-16).
Public
Worship -
Prayer
in public and private worship must be done with the proper attitude
toward God and fellow believers. Christian character must be evident
in every aspect of worship. Anger, resentment, and offensive behavior
does nothing but disrupt public worship and cause discord among the
brethren. Church unity is vital to the successful ministry of the
church.
Jesus said,
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall
all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another"
(John 13:34-35).
There is a
saying that is very appropriate in regard to the church and its ability
to love others: "People will never care how much we know until
they know how we care."
Church
Leadership -
Paul
gives specific instructions concerning the "qualifications"
for church leadership. Without qualified leadership, the church will
not function properly. Although Christ is the head of the church,
we find in Philippians 1:1 that there actually three groups that make
up the church body: bishops (pastors), deacons, and the saints of
God. Paul outlines for Timothy and us the proper actions and attitudes
of all three.
One of the
greatest problems that exists in the New Testament church today is
that of proper spiritual leadership. There are many leaders today
that are motivated by the wrong reasons. There are many young preachers
today that are painfully impatient with God’s timing. Many churches
today often thrust young, immature converts into positions in which
they are ill prepared.
There is a
great need today to better disciple converts before sending them out
like sheep before the wolves, and there is a need among the congregation
to better understand what God’s Word says about positions of
leadership. Paul clearly explains the responsibilities of all three
groups within the church.
Personal
Discipline -
It takes discipline
to be a leader within the church. Timothy, like all pastors, had to
guard himself, his motives, and his faithfulness in order to live
above reproach. It is often said, "Although God forgives, people
most often do not!" All believers, especially pastors, must keep
morally and spiritually fit. It is said to see a pastor fail to do
so and lose his ability to lead a congregation.
Paul instructs
Timothy to stay in good spiritual condition by "studying and
obeying the Word of God." It is never enough to simply know
what the Word of God has to say. One must obey the Word as well!
Caring
Church -
The church
has a responsibility to care for those in need within its own congregation,
especially the sick, the poor, and the widowed. However, there are
specific qualifications that apply. Caring must go beyond having sympathy
and good wishes. There are many that feel sorry for those in trouble,
but feeling sorry does not fill an empty stomach, pay an unpaid debt,
or warm a child that is cold.
Caring churches
will have a great impact upon those in the communities in which they
minister. No one on this side of heaven can possibly know what impact
the church’s ability will have upon an unbelieving world.
Commentary
for 1Timothy Chapter 1
