A Brief Introduction to 1 Timothy

Who wrote 1 Timothy?

1 Timothy 1:1 says that it was Paul.

The early church fathers also believed that Paul wrote 1 Timothy.

There are some scholars who believe that Paul was not the author of 1 Timothy. There are 4 major arguments.

There was a historical problem. Since the chronological references in these letters correspond with the book of Acts some believe that this book was written then at a later time by an imposter.

Critics argue that the Pastoral Epistles do not fit Paul’s writing style.

Critics argue that that the form of church leadership described in this book does not match with church leadership in the 1st century.

Critics argue that the type of theology that is described in this book was not developed until the 2nd century well after Paul’s death.

Paul address himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope” (v.2 NASB).

The word “apostle” means “sent ones.” “Thus Paul was declaring that he was an ambassador sent by Christ” (Nelson Study Bible).

Paul’s claim to be an apostle was not of his own will or doing but rather it was “by the commandment of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus” (v.2 NASB).

“Paul speaks of Christ as our hope because He is the reason we can expectantly look forward to eternal life in glory” (Nelson Study Bible).

Who was Timothy?

A brief description of who Timothy was can be found in Acts 16:1-3.

He was a disciple.

His mother was jewish, but his father was Greek.

He was well spoken of by the brethren.

He served with Paul on his second Missionary journey.

Paul calls Timothy “my true son in the faith” (v.2 NASB).

He is describing his mentor mentee relationship with Timothy.

“Paul was indicating total acceptance of Timothy as a believer” (Nelson Study Bible)

Paul blesses Timothy with a very special blessing

Grace—The Greek word here is “charis” and it means “undeserved kindness.” My paraphrase “May God treat you better than you deserve.”

Mercy—The Greek word here is “eleos” and it means “compassion, pity.”

Peace—The Greek word here is “eirēnikos” and it means “welfare, wholeness.” The Hebrew word for peace is “shalom.” My paraphrase “may God take all the broken pieces of your life and put them back together again.”

What is the Key verse of 1 Timothy?

1 Timothy 1:18-19