The First Epistle To Timothy

by Micky Galloway

Paul was first introduced to Timothy when he came to Lystra and Derbe on the first missionary journey (Acts 14:1-7). Sometime later, Paul came back to Lystra where he enlisted Timothy to help in the spreading of the gospel. Timothy’s father was a Greek and his mother Jewish. Paul circumcised Timothy because of the Jews (Acts 16:1-3). This was the beginning of an important father and son relationship between Paul and Timothy. Timothy is called, “my true child in faith” (I Timothy 1:2; cf. II Timothy 1:18; II Timothy 2:1). Timothy traveled extensively with Paul. He accompanied Paul to Thessalonica, where the preaching of the gospel met with “great opposition” (I Thessalonians 2:2). He also stood by Paul when he went to Beroea (Acts 17:10). Again, when persecution arose, Paul left Timothy behind to continue the work, with instructions to join him as soon as possible (Acts 17:15). Timothy soon joined Paul in Athens (I Thessalonians 3:1).

Timothy was of great value to Paul in his efforts at Ephesus on the third preaching tour. From Ephesus, where he was to later serve the church in a time of crisis, Paul sent Timothy and Erastus on into Macedonia (Acts 19:21-22) with instructions to go on to Corinth (I Corinthians 16:10). Later, Paul and Timothy joined Titus in Corinth, where Luke was with them (Acts 20:3-6; II Corinthians 8:6; 12:18). Titus was left at Corinth and Timothy and others were sent on ahead of Paul to wait in Troas (Acts 20:4-6). Timothy’s course at this time is not clearly indicated. It is not certain whether he accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, and was with him during the two years’ imprisonment at Caesarea and the voyage to Rome. However, he was with Paul during his first Roman imprisonment AD 61-63, (cf. Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1, Philemon 1:1). It was in the Philippian letter that Paul paid Timothy the highest compliment. Philippians 2:19-22 says, “But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state. For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child (serveth) a father, (so) he served with me in furtherance of the gospel.” It is also noteworthy that Timothy was intimately associated with Paul’s correspondence as he is mentioned by name in eight of the epistles, received two of the epistles and, if indeed Paul is the author of Hebrews, Timothy is affectionately mentioned in Hebrews 13:23. There is never a hint from the divine record that there was ever a failure of his faith. From the time he began working with Paul, there is not a hint of his shrinking from his post of duty and danger. There is never a hint of his failing in fidelity to the trust committed to him or in love and loyalty to Paul. It is therefore no wonder that Paul entrusted Timothy with the important task of evangelism with the church at Ephesus, where Timothy was when First Timothy and Second Timothy were written.

There are some uncertainties as to the exact time and place of the writing of 1 Timothy. Paul is identified as the author (I Timothy 1:1) and it is generally accepted that it is written from somewhere in Macedonia (cf. I Timothy 1:3), sometime after his release from the first Roman imprisonment. Some scholars have suggested the dates of 64-65 AD.

Paul charges Timothy to remain at Ephesus and combat the false teachers who disturbed the church with their desire to be teachers of the law, “though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm” (I Timothy 1:3-7). Paul was also concerned with the behavior of men and women. Men were to lift up “holy hands” in worship and women were to dress becomingly as “women professing godliness” and accept the place of subjection to men (I Timothy 2:8-12). The theme of the third chapter is the qualifications of elders and deacons (I Timothy 3:1-13). If the work in Ephesus was to succeed, they must select the right kind of men for this office. In the fourth chapter, Paul gives instructions and warnings concerning apostasy and Timothy’s personal responsibility toward his work. He was to be an example “in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity” and to “take heed to thyself and to thy teaching” and to “continue in these things.” In chapters 5-6 there are instructions concerning various groups in the church; different age groups, widows indeed, elders, slaves under the yoke. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who are motivated by covetousness. We are reminded that it is the “love of money” that is “the root of all kinds of evil.” Timothy as a “man of God” is instructed to “flee these things…” (I Timothy 6:11), “fight the good fight of faith,” and “keep the commandment without spot, without reproach…” (I Timothy 6:12-16). He is to also admonish those who are rich in this present world to use their riches wisely and not have their minds set on the “uncertainty of riches, but on God…” (I Timothy 6:17-19). Finally, Timothy is to “guard that which is committed unto thee…” (I Timothy 6:20-21). The book closes with the encouraging words, “Grace be with you.”