The external evidence solidly supports the position that Paul wrote the letters to Timothy and Titus. Only Romans and 1 Corinthians have better attestation among the Pauline Epistles. Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles requires Paul’s release from his imprisonment (Acts 28), the continuation of his missionary endeavors, and his imprisonment for a second time in Rome. Unfortunately, the order of events can only be reconstructed from hints, because there is no concurrent history paralleling Acts to chronicle the last years of the apostle. It is most probable that Paul wrote 1 Timothy from Macedonia in AD 62 or 63 while Timothy was serving as his representative in Ephesus.
TIMES: AD 62-63
KEY VERSES: 1 Timothy 3:15-16
THEME: The letters to Timothy and Titus are generally called the “Pastoral” Epistles. They are pastoral in tone and in the subject matter they address. While covering much of the apostolic instruction on the life and doctrine of the church, they also provide some guidelines on how Christians in the church should relate to society. One of the overriding concerns of the books is that truth be valued and guarded. Too often today, truth is subjective and culturally conditioned to the point where people don’t even have problems believing mutually contradictory ideas. Paul speaks of the value of truth in his own apostolic role, and he stands against false teachers who would distort the truth for their own ends.
Misleadings in Doctrine and Living
1: 1 Paul introduces himself as an apostle which means “sent one.” Paul was an ambassador sent by Christ (Acts 9).
1:2-3 Timothy was a young believer from Lystra who traveled with Paul during his second and third missionary journeys. Paul requests that Timothy stays in Ephesus to minister to the believers there demonstrates his confidence in the young man.
1:4 Paul wants Timothy to correct errors in Ephesus which appeared to be Jewish in nature. The Jews tended to place a lot of importance on the genealogies and also on various interpretations of the law.
1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love [ which springs] from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1:6 Some people have wandered away from this goal and have participated in gossip, speculation, and criticism which should not come from the lips of [of sinners] believers.
1:7 They want to be teachers of the Law but do not understand the terms they use when they make their declarations. The Law is only good when it is used lawfully and appropriately.
1:8-10 The proper function of the Law is to make sinners aware of their sinfulness. (Romans 3:20) It is not meant for the righteous, but for the irreverent and profane, killers, murderers, sexually immoral, kidnappers, slave traders, liars, perjurers [those who make false promises], and for whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.
1:12-13 Paul thanks Christ Jesus for granting him the needed strength and ability to do his work for his ministry and for considering him worthy [faithful and trustworthy] to serve even though he was a former persecutor of the church.
1:14 Paul acknowledges the grace [unmerited favor and blessing] he received from God.
1:15-16 Paul knew first hand that Jesus came to earth to save sinners. When he became a Christian, Paul realized the extent of his sin in terms of both his past sins and his current tendencies. But he also knew exactly where he stood in Christ as a believer. The mercy of God can only be acquired through belief. Paul reminds Timothy here of God’s perfect patience and mercy and urges others to come to faith and receive the benefit of new and everlasting life, as he has. Eternal life can only begin with belief. It is an active choice of the individual. We must believe that Jesus is the saving Christ or reject him. Paul says I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example or pattern for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. It is stated over 185 times in the New Testament that the sole condition for salvation is belief, having faith or trust in Jesus Christ. The gospel (or “good news”) is that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, gave up His heavenly kingdom for a time to become a human. As a man, He died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. All who place their trust in Jesus will be saved from the coming judgment and from the present power of sin. To add any other condition to faith for salvation is to make me dependent on our own works. (Romans 11:6); Gal. 2:16.
1:19 Paul instructs Timothy to keep the faith [leaning completely on God with absolute trust and confidence in His guidance] and have a good conscience.
1:20 Paul did not literally hand over Hymenaeus and Alexander to Satan, but rather he stopped trying to exhort them, or show them the way they should go. They would not listen, so he had to say, “so be it, go your own way.”
A Call to Prayer
2:1-3 Paul urges that petitions [specific requests], prayers, and intercessions [prayers for others] be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all those in positions of high authority, so everyone could live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This kind of praying is good, acceptable, and pleasing to God.
2:4 God desires that all men be saved, but He has chosen not to force anyone to do His will. [He has given mankind free will [. Only those who have chosen to believe in Christ will receive salvation. (Romans 1:16-17; 3:21-26, 5:17] Christ died for the sins of the whole world, but only those who believe will receive the benefits of His sacrifice. God not only wants our salvation (justification). He also wants us to grow in truth (sanctification) so that we will not be led astray by false teachers.
2:5 For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus. This is the central truth of the Hebrew Scriptures. The only living God desires that all should be saved. He is the only one to whom our prayers should be addressed. Mediator is a concept that came from the ceremonial worship in the Old Testament. In the tabernacle and later in the temple, the priest mediated between God and Israel by offering sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. In their position of mediator, the priests were the only ones eligible to enter into the holy place, the place where God had made His presence known. When Jesus came, He came as the Mediator between man and God. Through Him, we can be eligible to enter into God’s holy presence.
2:6 Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all. Ransom is a Greek word only found here in the New Testament and it specifically refers to a ransom paid for a slave.
2:7 Paul was appointed to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and to guide their growth in truth.
2:8 Lifting up holy hands is a Hebrew way of praying (1 Kings 8:22; Ps. 141:2) means morally and spiritually clean.
2:9-11 Women should act in reverence and respect, shrinking away from what is inappropriate and should be modest which includes not flaunting one’s wealth, jewels, name brands, and one’s body. A Christian woman’s beauty should be found in her godly character and her love for the Lord as demonstrated in all types of good deeds. Submissiveness seems to be multifaceted. Women should be silent in public worship, submissive to their husbands. But it also applies to all believers. Philippians 4:5 says, “Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. There are times when it is proper for a woman to teach, pray, or prophesy (1 Cor. 11), but apparently, this is not to happen in public worship. You can see where this might be debatable as is the next statement in verse 12.
2:12 Women may exercise their spiritual gifts in a variety of ministries in the local assembly, as long as those gifts are exercised under the appropriate leadership of men. But men and women are equal in God’s eyes in terms of their value as people and eligibility for spiritual growth and relationship with God, but he created different roles. Many tend to believe that this role difference is because of the fall, but God did create men and women to be different.
2:14 This points to the fact that Adam sinned with his eyes wide open, and Eve sinned because she was deceived. Paul’s arguments from creation to the fall seem to indicate that the prohibitions in verses 9-12 are permanent (not cultural).
2:15 This is a hard verse to understand. It does not mean saved in terms of receiving eternal life, because we are saved by faith alone. Some say it has to do with daily sanctification and a woman’s task of bearing children. Others say it is being delivered from the desire to dominate by recognizing one’s appropriate place in God’s creation order. Others believe that it specifically refers to the birth of Jesus Christ, the seed born of a woman prophesied in Genesis 3:15.
Overseers and Deacons
3:1 If any man [eagerly] seeks the office of overseer (bishop or superintendent) he desires an excellent task. The words “overseer” and “elder” are used interchangeably for the same office. (Titus 1:5-7)
3:2 Paul gives the qualities that an overseer should have, one who displays mature, consistent Christian conduct that gives no reason for anyone to accuse him of anything. He should be the husband of one wife which indicates a lifestyle of fidelity. Others feel that a divorced and remarried man should be prohibited from the elder position. An overseer should not be quarrelsome.
3:6-7 He must not be a new convert, and he must have a good reputation in the community.
3:8 Deacons must also be worthy of respect [honorable, financially ethical, and of good character]. And they should not be gossipers. They must fully understand the mystery [the true doctrine] of the Christian faith. The mystery of the faith is the coming of God in the flesh (v:16). The son of God becoming a human in order to serve humanity (Mk 10:43-45) is the embodiment of service.
3:11 Here Paul refers to another office in the local body, that of “deaconess,” godly women who serve under the leadership of the elders. Others believe that this refers to the wives of deacons and not to an office. It can be assumed that both are true and that the deacon and his wife are to work as a team serving the church. This is open to interpretation in the original language since the Greek uses one word to mean woman and wife.
3:15 Misconduct and disorder in the local church weaken the support of God’s truth in the world. We, believers, have a tremendous responsibility to keep the name of our Lord without spot or criticism from a non-believing world.
3:16 The following phrases are explained below:
Revealed in human flesh– refers to Christ’s incarnation, the fact that Jesus became man. (John 1:14)
Justified and vindicated in the Spirit- This is the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ ministry and resurrection (Mt 3:15-17; Jn 16:7-10; Romans 1:4)
Seen by angels– This refers to the angelic witness of Christ’s ministry and resurrection.
Preached among the nations– This refers to the preaching of Christ to the Gentiles (Col 1:23).
Believed on in the world – This is the response of individuals to God’s plan of salvation (Col 1:18-25)
Taken up in glory – Christ ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. (Acts 1:9; Heb. 1:3-4)
Apostasy
4:1 The Holy Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that some will turn away from the faith in later times paying attention to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons. Here Paul may be referring to various prophecies inspired by the Holy Spirit concerning defection from God’s truth. (Da. 7:25; 8:23; Mt 24:4-12), or also he may have been referring to a revelation the Spirit had given him.
4:4-5 Everything God has created is good and nothing is to be rejected…for it is sanctified (set apart, dedicated to God] by means of the word of God and prayer. Paul is saying that God has sanctified all the good things He created, from marriage to the food we eat.
A Good Minister’s Discipline
4:7-9 Have nothing to do with superstitions and thoughtless beliefs. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. For godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds the promise for the present life and for the life to come. This is a faithful and trustworthy saying worthy of full acceptance and approval.
4:10 It is this that we labor and strive because we have fixed our [confident] hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe in Him.
4:12 Be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and in [moral] purity.
4:14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you which was intentionally bestowed on you by the Holy Spirit through prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands on you.
4:16 Paul says to Timothy to concentrate on his personal development and his teaching to preserve those things that will ensure his salvation. This does not refer to justification by works, but to sanctification which is the Christian’s daily walk of faith. (Mk 8:34-38; Jn 12:25-26) Timothy’s example and hard work in teaching would serve to help others with their walk also.
Honor Widows
5:1-2,5 Respect older men as fathers and younger men as brothers. Respect older women as mothers and younger women as sisters.
5:3 Honor and help widows who have no family at all.
5:4 Give aid to one’s parents as they grow older.
5:8 If anyone fails to provide for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever [who fulfills his obligation in these matters. This also gives Christianity a bad name.
5:9 Only a widow over 60 and the wife of one man is to be put on a regular list of assistance. This woman should also have a reputation for good deeds. She would have brought up children, shown hospitality to strangers, washed the feet of the saints (God’s people), assisted the distressed, and devoted herself to doing good in every way.
5:10-14 But refuse to enroll the younger widows because their natural desires motivate them to want to marry again. They also become gossipers and busybodies talking about things they shouldn’t mention. So, Paul encourages the younger widows to remarry, have children, and manage their households so they won’t be idle and give anyone reason to talk negatively about them.
5:16 Any believing woman who has widows in her house she should assist them.
Concerning Elders
5:17 The elders who preach and teach are worthy of double honor (financial support).
5:18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating],” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].” [Deut. 25:4; Luke 10:7]
5:19 Charges against elders are to be factual and not based on a single opinion or rumor.
5:20 If an elder continues to sin, expose him before the whole congregation so the others will be warned. This refers to elders who fail in their leadership, whether in the church, in their social relationships, or in their homes. Sin is a serious matter, especially for those who are in leadership, setting an example for others. [1 Pet 4:14]
5:22 Do not rush to restore a leader who has fallen. Correction in love and restoration to fellowship should occur as soon as possible, but restoration to leadership should not be made without time and biblical evaluation. This applies to former leaders and to restoring or appointing someone who is not qualified.
5:24 The sins of some are conspicuous, but the sins of others are hidden. But the deeds that are not good cannot be hidden indefinitely.
Instructions to Those Who Minister
6:1 Paul gives an example of how believers should act in the workplace.
6:2 Believing masters should respect their workers because they are brothers in Christ.
6:5-6 Withdraw from those who think godliness is a source of profit. Godliness is actually a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God.
6:7 We have not brought anything into this world, so we cannot take anything out of it.
6:10 For the love of money [the greedy desire for it] and the willingness to gain it unethically is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
6:11 But man of God, flee from these things; aim and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, [love, steadfastness, and gentleness. [2 Tim 3:17]
6:12 Fight the good fight of faith [in the conflict with evil]. Use the hope of everlasting life with the Savior as your lifeline, your comfort, and your guide.
6:13-14 I charge you to keep all His precepts without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. The imminent return of Christ should be a motive for godly living. (1 Jn 2:28)
6:17-19 Instruct the rich in this present world not to be conceited and arrogant, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God. Instruct them to be rich in good works and let them store up the enduring riches of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
6:20 Guard and keep safe the deposit [of godly truth] entrusted to you and turn away from worldly and godless chatter and the contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge”—which has caused some to err (miss the mark) and to stray from the faith.
CONCLUSION
Paul, in this epistle, instructs Timothy in pastoral duties and in relationships. He also warns him about people who have strayed from the faith because they are accepting false and erroneous doctrine.
Have you encountered unbelievers similar to those mentioned here? How did you respond to them? Feel free to comment below.