1 Timothy 1:12-20
Notes
Transcript
1 Timothy
1 Timothy
Background
Apollos “founded” the church of Ephesus, but he only knew about John’s the Baptist’s baptism of repentance. Paul Priscilla and Aquila “explained the way of God to him more accurately” (Acts 18:26). While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul went to Ephesus and baptized the disciples of Apollos/John the Baptist “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5). They did not know about the Holy Spirit, but when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit filled them and 12 men began to prophesy. Paul stayed in Ephesus for 3 years (A.D. 46-48) before a riot cased him to leave for Macedonia, where he had already sent Timothy.
Paul circumcised Timothy. Timothy had a Greek father, and a Jewish mother, Eunice. Timothy’s half-Jewish heritage let Paul to circumcise him to be able to minister to Jews. Titus, on the other hand, was a Gentile, and Paul did not circumcise Titus. Timothy was perhaps the closest friend of Paul.
Timothy was converted on Paul’s 1st missionary journey (Acts 14), joined him on the 2nd missionary journey, and was in Ephesus during Paul’s 3rd missionary journey and after.
Paul wrote 13 letters to the churches. Here, in approximate chronological order:
Galatians - 1st missionary journey
1 Thessalonians - 2nd missionary journey
2 Thessalonians
1 Corinthians - 3rd missionary journey
2 Corinthians
Romans
Ephesians - 1st Roman imprisonment
Philippians
Colossians
Philemon
1 Timothy - After Acts
Titus
2 Timothy - 2nd Roman imprisonment
Pastoral Epistles Compared
In verses 1:1-11
Paul greets Timothy with a twist on his usual greeting.
He foreshadows topics that he will address later.
commandment
God our Savior (OT title)
true son
mercy
Paul urged Timothy to teach people not to follow myths or endless genealogies. The instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.
Paul lists some vices that do not conform to the gospel entrusted to him (and by extension, the gospel entrusted to Timothy).
The godly person does not need the law. The law is for the “rebellious” ones.
How do you encourage someone in a struggle?
Do you ever feel unsure, despite lots of affirmation?
Can someone really move on after an apology?
Paul’s testimony
I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry—even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul thanks God in his letters, usually at the beginning. But in this letter he combines it with his testimony.
Applications
Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
Applications