1 Timothy 2
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 Chapter 1
Paul greets Timothy, foreshadowing his topics (mercy, commandments, true son).
Paul tells Timothy to deal with false teachers. These false teachings were used to justify bad morals.
The law is for the ungodly and disobedient. There is not a law for the righteous person.
Paul gives his 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.
5. Timothy must keep up the good fight for the true gospel, “in keeping with the prophesies”.
6. Some have “shipwrecked” their faith. Paul “delivered them to Satan” so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
Has prayer even been divisive in church?
How should women dress for church?
Can you pray for and hate your government at the same time?
What are the benefits of organization?
Starting with Chapter 2, the rest of the letter is a handbook for order in the church. Paul sprinkles in some gospel and warnings against false teachers, but primarily he instructs Timothy on how to run an orderly congregation.
Let’s keep a critical eye on our own church as we study 1 Timothy. We surely don’t get everything right. But, I do think that we get a lot right.
Paul begins his “handbook” with instructions on prayer.
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.
For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
There was clearly a problem with prayer in the church...
Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess to worship God. A woman is to learn quietly with full submission. I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.
The ESV Study Bible Chapter 2
Paul suggests that the way the church conducts itself in corporate worship (unity, modesty, proper submission) bears significantly on its effectiveness in world evangelization.
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