An Introduction

Introduction to First Timothy Timothy’s Early Life – Before Meeting Paul Raised by a godly mother & grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15) – named him “one who honors God” These women of faith taught Timothy the Holy Scriptures (sacred writings) from his infancy The OT Scriptures were holy b/c they were inspired by God The OT Scriptures could produce faith in coming Messiah Faith comes by hearing the word of God Salvation comes through hearing & obeying Scripture Unhypocritical faith can save & can be “transferred”

Introduction to First Timothy Timothy Meets Paul Timothy & his family lived in Lystra (Acts 16:1) Paul first came to Lystra on his first journey (Acts 14:8) Timothy & his mother likely converted by Paul on his first missionary journey to Lystra Paul calls Timothy his “beloved son” “in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; cf. 1 Cor. 4:15) Timothy knew the persecutions Paul endured on his first journey through Lystra (2 Tim. 3:10-11; Acts 14:8-18) When Paul comes back thru Lystra on his second journey, Eunice is a “believer” and Timothy is “well spoken of by the brethren” (Acts 16:1-2) – had been converted earlier

Introduction to First Timothy Timothy Becomes Paul’s Fellow-Worker “Paul wanted to have him go with him” (Acts 16:3) Circumcised him b/c of the Jews (Acts 16:3) Perhaps at this point elders laid hands on him (1 Tim. 4:14) Paul imparted miraculous gift to him (2 Tim. 1:6)

Introduction to First Timothy Timothy Travels with Paul on His 2nd Journey To Phrygia, Galatia, Troas (Acts 16:6-8), Macedonia [Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea] (Acts 16:9-17:14)—staying in Berea Paul calls him to meet in Athens (Acts 17:15), then he sends him to Thessalonica to strengthen the persecuted Christians (1 Thess. 3:1-2) Timothy meets Paul back in Corinth with good news and is with him when 1&2 Thess written from Corinth (1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1)

Introduction to First Timothy Timothy Works with Paul on His 3rd Journey With Paul in Ephesus, from which dispatched to Macedonia with Erastus (Acts 19:22) This is about the same time that Paul wrote First Corinthians, so Paul must have instructed him to go from Macedonia to Corinth (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10-12) Later, Timothy joined Paul in Macedonia. 2 Cor. was written from Macedonia (2 Cor. 2:13; 7:5-7), and Timothy was with Paul when written (2 Cor. 1:1, 19). With Paul in Corinth when Romans written (Rom. 16:21; Acts 20:2). Traveled with Paul to Troas (Acts 20:3-5)

Introduction to First Timothy Timothy with Paul During His First Roman Imprisonment & After Paul spent “two whole years” in prison in Rome (Acts 28:30), during which time he penned Eph, Phil, Col, Phile—three named Timothy as being with him (Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1; Phile 1). Maybe a prisoner (cf. Heb. 13:23) Paul sent Timothy to Philippi from Rome (Phil. 2:19-24) Paul hoped to meet Timothy in Ephesus (1 Tim. 3:14; 4:13; cf. 1:3, where Timothy was laboring) Near the end of Paul’s life (in Roman prison again), he urged Timothy to come and be with him (2 Tim. 4:9, 21) before his death.

Introduction to First Timothy Special Relationship & Confidence Between Paul & Timothy “Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.” (1 Cor. 16:10-11) “Timothy, my fellow worker…” (Rom. 16:21)

Introduction to First Timothy Special Relationship & Confidence Between Paul & Timothy “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.” (Phil. 2:19-23)

Introduction to First Timothy The Purpose & Timing of First Timothy Paul met with the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 (~56-57 AD) – there was trouble brewing (Acts 20:28-30) No doubt Timothy saw evidence of Paul’s words coming true: “Some have already turned aside after Satan” (5:15) “Some will depart from the faith” (4:1) “Some having rejected…suffered shipwreck” (1:19-20) “Guard…avoiding…what is falsely called knowledge” (6:20)

Introduction to First Timothy The Purpose & Timing of First Timothy Paul wrote the letter to remind Timothy to “charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1:3). The emphasis of the letter is on THE faith—holding to it, teaching it, defending it, living it—with apostolic authority. The letter was probably written around 63-64 AD, after Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment.