Introduction to I Timothy

1. Letter

A. Paul, author

1. In or recently released from his first imprisonment
2. Near end of ministry
3. Approximately 62—63 A.D.
4. Spiritual Father

B. Timothy, recipient

1. Child of faith, mentoring relationship (I Timothy 1:2, 18; Acts 14:6-23)
2. Greek father, Jewish mother (Acts 16:1) 
3. Godly influence from grandmother, Lois, and mother, Eunice (II Timothy 1: 5; 3: 15)
4. Accompanied Paul on second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3; 1 Tim 4: 14; 11 Tim 4:5)
   • Also circumcised
   • Ordained during this time

5. Shared in establishing works in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea (Acts 16:1-17; 14)
6. Helped Paul in founding church in Corinth (Acts 18: 15)
7. Worked with Paul at Ephesus (Acts 19:22) 
8. Sent to minister in Macedonia and Achaia to prepare for visit by Paul (Acts 19:22; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:1) 
9. Present with Paul in Rome (first) (Phil 1:1; 2:19; Col 1:1; Philemon v. 1)

10. Paul desired to send him from Rome to Philippi (Philippians 2:19-24). Note the confidence he had in Timothy.

C. Purpose

1. Fatherly counsel to son whom Paul had asked to provide pastoral assistance in Ephesus
2. Instructions (charges) to se things in order in an existing church
3. Apostolic mission (given by an apostle for a pastoral person to conduct) pertaining to:
   • Doctrine
   • Leadership
   • Government

4. Charges
   • Doctrine 1:18-20 
   • Public worship 3:14-16 
   • False teachers 4:11-16
   • Church discipline 5:21-25
   • Pastoral motives 6:20:21

2. Questions

1. In what ways is Christ revealed in this book?
2. What is the significance of the statement “It is a trustworthy statement” used by Paul in his letters?
3. What are the doctrinal issues in this book?
4. To what extent can we be confident in making doctrinal statements?
5. What are the ways in which false doctrine develops?
6. What is the springboard to worship that rises within this letter?
7. What principles does this book give us for congregational support of widows? How do these principles apply to single parents and divorced persons in contemporary society?
8. What character traits are essential for those who serve in elder and deacon capacities?
9. Other.
   • What does the passage reveal about the gospel?
   • What does the passage teach about the conscience?
   • What are the characteristics of apostolic anointing?
   • What are the characteristics of the pastoral anointing?