First Timothy:

First Timothy:

Paul’s last three recorded letters, written near the end of his full and fruitful life, were addressed to his authorized representatives Timothy and Titus. These were the only letters Paul wrote exclusively to individuals (Philemon was addressed primarily to its namesake, but also to others), and they were designed to exhort and encourage Timothy and Titus in their ministry of solidifying the churches in Ephesus and Crete. In the eighteenth century, these epistles come to be known as the Pastoral Epistles, even though they do not use any terms, such as "shepherd, pastor, flock, or sheep." Still, this title is appropriate for First Timothy and Titus, since they focus on the oversight of church life. lt is less appropriate in the case of Second Timothy, which is a more personal thon church-oriented letter. The Pastoral Epistles abound with principles for leadership and righteous living.

ln his first letter to Timothy, Paul seeks to guide his younger and less experienced assistant in his weighty responsibility as the overseer of the work of Ephesus and other Asian cities. He writes, in effect, a challenge to Timothy to fulfill the task before him: combating false teaching with sound doctrine, developing qualified leadership, teaching God's Word, and encouraging Christian conduct. Because of the personal and conversional character of this letter, it is loosely structured around five clear charges that end each section (1 :1 B-20;3: I 4- I6; 4:l I - I 6; 5:21-25; 6:20-21): Paul’s charges concerning doctrine (1); Paul’s charge concerning public worship (2-3); Paul’s charge concerning false teachers (4); Paul’s charge concerning church discipline (5); and Paul’s charge concerning pastoral motives (6).

Paul’s Charge Concerning Doctrine (I): After his greetings (1:1-2), Paul warns Timothy about the growing problem of false doctrines, particularly as they relate to the misuse of the Mosaic Low (1:3- 11). The aging apostle then recounts his radical conversation to Christ and subsequent calling to the ministry l: 12-17). Timothy, too, has received o divine calling, and Paul charges him to fulfill it without wavering in doctrine or conduct (l: l 8-20).

Paul’s Charge Concerning Public Worship (2-3): Turning his attention to the church at large, Paul addresses the issues of church worship and leadership. Efficacious public prayer should be part of worship, and Paul associates this with the role of men in the church (2: l-8). He then turns to the role of women (2:9-15), wherein he emphasizes the importance of the inner quality of godliness. ln chapter 3, verses I -7, Paul lists several qualifications for overseers or bishops. The word for "overseer" (episkopos) is used synonymously with the word for "elder" (presbuteros) in the New Testament, because both originally referred to the same office (see Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7). The qualifications for the office of deacon (diakonos, "servant") are listed in 3:8-13).

Paul’s Charge Concerning False Teachers (4J; Timothy obviously had difficulties with some of the older men (5:1) who had left the faith. Paul carefully advises on the issues of marriage, food, and exercise. The closing charge exhorts Timothy not to neglect the spiritual gift given to him.

Paul’s Charge Concerning Church Discipline (5): One of the most difficult pastoral duties for the young minister is to lead in the exercise of church discipline. Commencing with the general advice of treating all members of the church as family (5:1-2), Paul concentrates on the two special areas of widows and elders, focusing on Timothy’s responsibility and providing practical instruction.

Paul’s Charge Concerning Pastoral Duties (6): ln addition, the insidious doctrine was being taught that godliness will eventually result in material blessing. Paul, in no uncertain terms, states "from such withdraw yourself" (6:5). The book closes with on extended charge (6:11-21), which is supplemented by an additional charge that Timothy is to give to the wealthy of this age (6:17 -19).