1 Timothy - Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Timothy was a young man from the city of Lystra, which was located in what is now southern Turkey. Timothy was Paul’s beloved companion and co-worker (Acts 16:1-4). Timothy became Paul’s closest disciple; Paul called him his true son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2).

Most Bible scholars believe that Paul wrote his two letters to Timothy after the events described in the book of Acts had all taken place. Some of these scholars believe that after spending two years under house arrest (Acts 28:16,30), Paul was then released, and for one or two years continued his preaching and traveling. He could have written these letters to Timothy during that period.

Paul was getting to be an old man when he wrote to Timothy. He realized that he needed to pass on his apostolic authority to some younger leaders such as Timothy and Titus. Even before writing this letter, Paul had appointed Timothy to be the leader of the church in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). Paul wrote this first letter to Timothy in order to encourage him and instruct him in his duties. That is why, from Timothy’s time until the present, this letter has been very important and helpful for church leaders—and not only for leaders but also for those under them.

For further information about Paul’s life, see Romans: Introduction.

OUTLINE

1. Timothy’s Task at Ephesus (1:1-20).
   1. Warning Against False Teachers (1:1-11).
   2. Paul’s Thanksgiving to God (1:12-20).
2. Instructions and Advice (2:1-5:25).
   1. Instructions to the Church (2:1-3:16).
   2. Instructions to Timothy (4:1-16).
   3. Advice Concerning Special Groups (5:1-25).
3. Final Admonitions (6:1-21).
   1. Various Teachings (6:1-10).
   2. Paul’s Charge to Timothy (6:11-21).