Authorship 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are considered Pastoral Epistles. These letters were written to churches to give them advice on how to run the church. Paul is traditionally thought to be the author; the early church believed him to be so as well. However, some scholars disagree. Some disagree that Paul wrote it because 1 Timothy has some stylistic differences.

Authorship Some scholars believe that Paul used an amanuensis (a scribe) to help write the letter. This could explain why the letter has a different style compared to other letters of Paul. Some notice a similarity between Luke’s style (the writer of Luke and Acts) and the style of 1 Timothy. Some believe that Luke may have authored the letter or helped write it.

Authorship Sometimes people wrote letters but signed someone else’s name—usually a very well respected and known name. This is called pseudepigraphy. Some think maybe 1 Timothy is one of those letters. Others would disagree, saying that the letter contains too much personal information that sounds like Paul. For example, Paul uses the word “shipwrecked” in 1 Timothy 1:19. Paul was in a serious shipwreck in his life. It seems like he could be using a personal illusion from his own life.

Situation The city of Ephesus still held onto it’s Greek culture at this time. There was a lot of heresy (false teaching) spreading in the church. Some of the false teachings had elements of Greek philosophy mixed in with it. It also had some Jewish elements mixed with it as well. The writer of 1 Timothy wanted to correct the false teachings and guide the church of Ephesus to theological truth.

Date 63 A.D. If Paul is the author of 1 Timothy, then we can date the letter to being written about 62-64 A.D. closer to the end of his life. Others, who think 1 Timothy is a pseudegraphic work, would date 1 Timothy around the mid-second century (150A.D)

Words to Know Epistles- letters Pastoral Epistles- letters filled with pastoral advice to guide the church (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus) Amanuensis-a scribe who helped someone compose a letter. They often had a lot of freedom in writing the letter. Pseudepigraphy- letters signed with another’s name (usually a famous name) to gain support Heresy- false teachings that are against the common beliefs of Christianity.