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This is an introduction and synopsis to the two letters from Paul to Timothy. The letters to Timothy and the letter to Titus make up what we know as the Pastoral Epistles. They are called the Pastoral Epistles because they deal with the churches and the ministerial care of the people and qualifications for pastors. The letters to Timothy were written from 63 to 66.
There is a question as to whether or not Paul actually wrote first and second Timothy. The reasons that many use to validate their question of authorship are:
· The historical account given in the book of Acts does not go along with Paul’s travels that are described in the Pastoral Epistles
· The style of writing is appreciably different from Paul’s other letters
· The language used is also greatly different from the language used in Paul’s other letters
· The description of the church is one that depicts a 2nd century church
The points for Paul as the author of the Pastoral Epistles are:
· There is nothing saying the book of Acts contains the complete history of Paul’s life. Paul’s death is not even recorded in the book of Acts
· Paul was released from prison and traveled all over spreading the Gospel of Christ being imprisoned more than once for the cause of the Lord and then martyred under the reign of Nero
· Vocabulary and style cannot be sufficient evidence alone to discredit Paul as author. A writer’s choice of words will vary with the subject matter at hand and so will the style of writing. Since these are Pastoral Epistles Paul’s writing style and use of language would be different from his other writings
· The letters claim to have been written by Paul
Timothy was born to a Greek Gentile father and a Jewish mother. His mother’s name was Eunice. Timothy was deeply involved with Paul from the time of Paul’s second missionary journey being left in charge of the church at Ephesus and Asia Minor. The letters to Timothy take the place of a visit from Paul and are Paul’s instructions to Timothy in the organization and structure of his pastoral duties.
“Fighting the good fight,” “proper conduct in the house of the Lord,” the law, prayer, qualifications for elders and deacons, the last days, care of widows, conduct of women, the use of money, being a good soldier of Christ and the inspiration of scriptures seem to be the main focal point of this writing.
Outline of first Timothy:
Greetings 1:1-2
Instructions 1:3-20
A. Paul warns against false doctrines and matters 1:3-11
1. Myths and endless genealogies
2. Fruitless discussions
3. Murderers, kidnappers, liars, sexual perversions things contrary to sound teaching
B. Paul speaks of the grace of God 1:12-17
1. Gives thanks to God for strength
2. Mercy and grace given to those that believe
3. Christ came to save sinners
4. Christ has perfect patience
C. Paul gives a directive to Timothy 1:18-20
1. To “fight the good fight”
2. To keep faith
Instruction pertaining to Worship in the church 2:1-15
A. Paul speaks of prayer in the church 2:1-8
1. Prayers and petitions and words of thanks should be given and made for all
2. For all those in authority words of thanks and prayers and petitions should be given
3. God desires all men to come to the knowledge and wisdom of HIS truth
4. Desire for people all over to “pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension”
B. The church and women 2:9-15
1. Women to wear proper clothing, modest without braided hair and gold or fine jewels
2. To quietly receive instruction
3. Women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they keep the faith
Instructions for leaders 3:1-16
A. Concerning Bishops 3:1-7
1. It is a great work to take the office of a bishop
2. A bishop must be above reproach
3. Husband of one wife
4. Temperate, prudent, respectable, hospital, able to teach and free from the love of money
5. Well managed house with well behaved children
6. He must be of good report
B. Concerning Deacons 3:8-16
1. Deacons must be also like Bishops having the same qualities
2. Deacons are godly people
Instructions pertaining to dangers 4:1-16
A. The dangers 4:1-5
1. Paul attacks heresy.
2. Paul speaks of false teaching that is directed from demons and liars
B. Our defense against dangers 4:6-16
1. Words of faith from sound doctrine
2. Discipline
3. Hope fixed on God
4. Conduct self in love, faith and purity keeping speech and thoughts always on these things being an example to all
5. Insure salvation to all
Instructions of the duties of the members of the church 5:1-6:21
A. Responsibilities towards the older and younger members
B. Responsibilities towards widows
1. Should be honored
2. Provide for them and they for self and family
3. Should have a reputation for good works
4. Younger widows should marry and bear children
C. Responsibilities towards elders 5:17-25
1. Ruling elders are considered worthy of honor
2. Two or three witnesses should be present to give wrongs against elders
3. Should not lay hands on anyone to quickly
D. Responsibilities towards Slaves and their Masters 6:1-2
E. Responsibilities towards those that teach falsely 6:3-5
F. Responsibilities towards Godliness and Monetary matters 6:6-19
1. Godliness is good
2. Do not desire to get rich it will drop you into temptation
3. Love of money is root of all evil
4. Fight the good fight of faith
5. Instruct all to do good
G. Responsibilities towards self 6:20-21
An Outline to second Timothy:
The greeting 1:1-2
A word of thanks to Timothy 1:3-7
A Soldier of Christ and his call 1:8-18
A. Called to courageously stand for the Lord
B. To not be ashamed of the Lord
C. To be faithful to the Lord
D. To have faith and love for all
A Soldiers character 2:1-26
A. A soldier is strong
B. He follows Christ only
C. He is firm in his beliefs
D. He is secure in who he is and who Christ is
E. His faith is unwavering
F. He is a servant of God
A word of caution to the Soldier of Christ’s army 3:1=17
A. In the last days corruption and drawing away will happen but the soldier of Christ must remain constant
B. God will protect the soldier of Christ against the falling away if they stand firm in faith and love having great perseverance
The duties of Christ’s Soldiers 4:1-5
A. To preach the word of God
B. To be ready in and out of season
C. To Exhort with great patience and instruction
D. To be sober in all things
The rewards or comforts given to a Soldier of Christ 4:6-18
A. To keep the faith and win the good fight
B. Knowing that there is a future waiting in heaven for the winner of the good fight
C. Having made good friends in Christ while fighting the good fight
The closing wishes from Paul to Timothy 4:19-22
Resources:
KJV Holy Bible
NIV Holy Bible, Thompson Chain edition
Sermon notes by Pastor Thomas E. Miles, Sr.
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