Introduction to I Timothy
Timothy= “Dear to God” timios+theos
I. Date: The epistle of I Timothy is believed to be written after Paul’s release in Acts 28, somewhere around 66 A. D. This is important to note for two reasons:
A. It clues us in to the fact that Paul was nearing his death. In the last years of his life, he found it important to pen this letter.
B. It gives us insight into what is going on in history during this time.
1. Fire of A. D. 64 and Roman persecution that resulted from that.
2. Persecution by the Jews, Pharisees, Saducees, etc.,
3. Gnosticism was at its peak.
II. Background Information concerning Timothy.
A. Timothy’s ethnicity.
1. Timothy
was from the town of
2. In most homes, the father would usually be the spiritual teacher, but in Timothy’s home his mother and grandmother taught him the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:14-15). Why? Timothy’s father was an unbelieving Gentile (Acts 16:1-2). This would make Timothy a half-breed.
B. Timothy’s Conversion.
1. His mother had taught him the Scriptures since a youth, which played a major role in his becoming a Christian (2 Tim 3:14-15).
2. Timothy may have heard the gospel the first time in Acts 14:8-16 and been converted by Paul on that occasion (esp. vs 21-22, I Cor 4:15).
3. This may have been why Paul would call Timothy his child in the faith (I Tim 1:2, 2 Tim 1:1-2).
C. Timothy’s Nature.
1. He was a very timid/shy person by nature, almost fearful {a moma’s boy} (2 Tim 1:5).
2. He was one who was worried about his youthfulness (I Tim 4:12).
3. He was one who needed to be reminded of what God had given him and encouraged to use it (I Tim 4:14, 2 Tim 1:6).
4. He was very frail of body, sickly (stomach problems, maybe over nervousness, I Tim 5:23).
D. The relationship between Paul and Timothy.
1. Their relationship was much like that of a father and son.
2. They both had a real desire to see the gospel spread, which would naturally create a real bond between them.
3. It is no wonder that Paul would desire to see Timothy so badly before he died (II Tim 4:9,21).
III. Purpose of I Timothy.
A. The key verse to unlock the book of I Timothy is in chapter 3:14-15.
B. Paul’s whole purpose for writing this book is to tell Christians how to conduct themselves as a part of the body of Christ.
C. What
does Paul mean by the term
1. In the assembly of the saints—worship
2. Out of the assembly of the saints—Daily Christian living
3. The work of the church (widows, evangelism, etc.,)
4. The organization of the church (elders, deacons).
D. This is the nucleus around which the whole Book of I Timothy revolves. Once you understand this, you will better see the purpose and application of I Timothy.
IV. An Outline of I Timothy.
A. The Greeting 1:1-2
B. Paul’s charge to Timothy 1:3-11
C. Paul’s Previous life 1:12-17
D. Wage the Good Warfare 1:18-20
E. The Proper Scope of Public Prayer 2:1-7
F. The role of men and women in worship 2:8-15
G. The characteristics and role of elders 3:1-8
H. The characteristics and roles of deacons 3:8-12
I. Church Conduct 3:14-15
J. The scheme of redemption 3:16
K. The coming apostacy 4:1-5
L. The characteristics of a good minister 4:6-16
M. Honor all brethren 5:1-2
N. True widows are worthy of honor 5:3-16
O. Elders are worthy of honor 5:17-25
P. Masters are worthy of honor 6:1-2
Q. False teachers and riches 6:3-10
R. True Riches 6:11-16
S. Christian and riches 6:17-19
T. Guard the gospel 6:20-21