1 Timothy — Introduction & Outline

Pauline authorship has not been questioned until the early 19th century when liberals attacked the pastoral epistles (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus) on every front: historical, stylistic, ecclesiastical and theological. But all evidence for the pastorals as a group supports Paul as the author. The testimony of the church fathers is consistent. Also, in each, the author identifies himself as Paul (1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; Titus 1:1). Many other doctrinal and autobiographical details fit Paul's theology and life (1:12-17; 2:7; 2 Tim 1:11). Furthermore, pseudonymous documents were unacceptable to the early church because of their deceptive nature. Had these pastoral epistles been written in the second century, it is hard to see what purpose they served considering their content. Finally, Their style and content differ greatly from other post-apostolic and apocryphal works. There is no solid evidence that Paul was not the author of the pastoral epistles.

The letter was evidently written after Paul's release from his first Roman imprisonment about A.D. 62. Since he was imprisoned again in Rome about A.D. 67, the letter was written in the five year interval. Evidence points to the earlier part of the five year period. After his release, Paul sent Timothy to Philippi to report the news as planned (Phil. 2:19-23). He then went on to visit Ephesus and other churches, such as Colossae (Phile. 22). At some point, Timothy joined Paul in Ephesus where Paul tells him to remain as he travels on to Macedonia (1:3). When he saw that he might be delayed in returning to Ephesus, Paul wrote to Timothy (3:14-15). Thus Paul wrote from Macedonia, perhaps Philippi, around A.D. 62.

The letter is addressed to Timothy (1:2) who remained in Ephesus (1:3) as Paul continued his travels. The city of Ephesus was a base for Paul's missionary activity during his three year stay there (Acts 20:31) and had become well established and organized with elders (20:17). Paul probably met Timothy, a resident of Lystra, when he visited that city on his way through the Roman province of Galatia on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6). Timothy was a convert of Paul's (1:2; 1 Cor. 4:17; 2 Tim. 1:2) who became so well spoken of by the Christians in Lystra and Iconium that Paul took him along on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). He appears in the biblical record as a close associate throughout Paul's ministry.

The occasion of the letter unfolds in the letter itself. As Paul departed for Macedonia, he left Timothy behind in Ephesus to supervise the church (1:3). The false teaching Paul had predicted years before (Acts 20:29-30) was threatening the church. Paul had already dealt with at least two false teachers (1:19-20) but anticipated further trouble (6:3-5). Since Paul expected to be detained (3:14-15) he was delegating to Timothy the authority to deal with false teaching and establish proper conduct for the church. Timothy would also need encouragement in his role of representing the apostle. Paul writes this personal letter to Timothy to meet these needs. The exact nature of the false teaching is not clear. It appears to have a remote kinship with later gnosticism. The warnings against asceticism (4:1-3) and the fact that Hymenaeus taught against a literal future resurrection (1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17-18) reflect the gnostic tendency to consider matter as evil. Yet there was also a Judaistic element, because these teachers used the law (1:7).

Paul has a negative and positive purpose for writing. Negatively, Paul writes to give Timothy authority and instruction in refuting false teaching (1:3-7; 6:3-5). Positively, Paul writes to encourage Timothy to instruct the church in godly conduct and order (2:1-12; 3:1-15; 5:1-6:2). The latter is the explicit statement of Paul in 3:15. In all this, Paul instructs Timothy to teach sound doctrine (4:11,13,16; 6:2). A personal purpose is seen in Paul's encouragement to Timothy to fight a good fight, be an example and use his gifts (1:18; 4:12-16; 6:12,20). The letter thus was written as a manual for Paul's representative. It gives Timothy the authority, documentation and instructions to conduct church business and to guard true doctrine from error in Paul's absence. Paul also writes to encourage young Timothy in performing these duties.

Paul begins the letter with a strong declaration of his apostolic authority (1:1) which lays the authoritative basis for the responsibilities delegated to Timothy. The argument then develops in three main sections. First is Paul's charge to Timothy concerning sound doctrine (1:3-20). Timothy must guard sound doctrine against the false teaching threatening the church (1:3-11). This teaching was causing dissension (1:3-5) due to the ignorance of the false teachers in their treatment of the law (1:6-7). Paul explains the legitimate use of the law which restrains evil (1:8-11).

The importance of the effects of sound doctrine is illustrated by Paul's own example as he gives thanks for his relationship to the gospel (1:12-17). Paul's ministry is a product of the grace of God revealed in the true gospel of salvation through Christ (1:12-15). He is an example of this grace (1:16). This personal digression reaffirms Paul's authority and implies that the false teachers offer nothing of the power to save as Christ does.

Paul commits the charge to guard sound doctrine to Timothy in 1:18-20. Timothy must stand for the truth and fight for it with faith and a good conscience (1:18-19a). The rejection of these two essentials and the subsequent effect of false doctrine is spiritual shipwreck (1:19b-20). Paul again asserts his authority and transfers it to Timothy in his struggle against false teaching at Ephesus.

The "Therefore" (2:1) which begins Paul's instructions to Timothy concerning church order (2:1-3:16) shows that proper church order will help guard the truth and refute the disorder of the false teachers. Paul begins his directives with instructions about public worship (2:1-15). He addresses the conduct of prayer in public worship (2:1-8) by urging its practice and noting its importance and approval before God (2:1-4). The basis for prayer is the mediatorial work of Christ (2:5-7). While men are to pray (2:8), women must present themselves in modesty (2:9- 10) and show submission to male leadership in learning, teaching, and exercising authority (2:11-15).

Another important area to guard in the church is its leadership. Therefore, Paul explains the qualifications of church officers (3:1-13). First, he lists the qualifications for overseers (3:1-7) or elders (Acts 20:17), then the qualifications for deacons (3:8-13). Paul seems to be addressing qualifications which would combat the temptations which corrupted the false teachers: sex, money and pride. It is also important to hold the doctrines of the faith with a pure conscience (3:9), which is the area where the false teachers so quickly erred (1:19; 4:2). Even the women involved in church service must be carefully qualified (3:11). The high standards in church leaders will defend the faith by an adherence to sound doctrine and godly conduct.

Paul expresses his purpose for writing and the reasons behind his instructions in 3:14- 16. In his absence, he wants Timothy to know how to conduct himself in the church. Paul then highlights the true function and importance of the church in order to provide a theological basis for his instructions about refuting false doctrine and establishing proper conduct in the church. The purpose statement also provides a bridge to more personal advice about Timothy's conduct.

Timothy's personal and official conduct is crucial to a defense of sound doctrine and an influential ministry in the church. Thus in the third section of the letter, Paul addresses this conduct (4:1-6:21a). In view of the coming apostasy, Paul first instructs him about his personal conduct (4:1-16). He warns about false teachers (4:1-3), refutes their doctrine (4:4-5) and gives instructions for the true teacher (4:6-16). The emphasis of Timothy's ministry should be sound doctrine (4:6,11,13,16) and godly conduct (4:7-8,12) which will serve as an example to all (4:15). These things will be a defense against false doctrine if they are manifested in both the ministry (4:6-11) and the personal conduct of Timothy (4:12-16).

Paul next instructs Timothy in his official conduct toward various groups in the church (5:1-6:2). A general exhortation urges a proper attitude toward all ages (5:1-2). Then come instructions concerning widows (5:3-16), including their support (5:3-8) and their enrollment as widows (5:9-16). By overseeing their needs and their moral conduct, Timothy will propagate godliness (5:4,7,10) and an atmosphere conducive to sound doctrine (5:8,12,14-15). A similar purpose lies behind the instructions concerning elders (5:17-25). If they are properly honored, disciplined and ordained, Timothy will insure godliness and defend against false teaching taking root in the church leaders. The last group Paul gives instructions for are servants (6:1-2). They must honor their masters so sound doctrine will not be blasphemed. Once more, it is seen how godly conduct in the church guards it from error.

The final instructions for Timothy concern his conduct towards riches and those who are rich (6:3-19). Paul explains how the desire for riches is behind the ungodliness of the false teachers (6:3-10). Along with their pride, the greed for financial gain is the chief motivation of the false teachers (6:5,9-10). Paul is contrasting ministerial motives, for godliness can be content with a minimum of material goods (6:6-8). Thus Timothy is exhorted to have pure motives in the "fight of faith" (6:11-16). His motivation should be the Lord's coming (6:14-16). Further, Timothy must command the rich to trust in God alone and do good works (6:17-19).

Paul's reiteration of the charge to Timothy aptly concludes Paul's purpose in writing (6:20-21). Timothy is to guard what was committed to him in the Christian message. As Paul has shown, this is done by refuting false doctrine and establishing proper conduct in the church and in Timothy's own life.

1. The Introduction 1:1-2

   1. The author 1:1
   2. The reader 1:2a
   3. The greeting 1:2b
2. Paul's Charge to Timothy Concerning Sound Doctrine 1:3-20

   1. The charge to guard sound doctrine 1:3-11

      1. The statement of the charge 1:3-4
      2. The goal of the charge 1:5
      3. The necessity of the charge 1:6-11
      1. The ignorance of false teachers 1:6-7
      2. The truth about the law 1:8-11
      1. It is good if used lawfully. 1:8
      2. It is for evil-doers. 1:9-10
      3. It is in harmony with the gospel. 1:11
   2. The thanksgiving for Paul's relation to the gospel 1:12-17

      1. The thanksgiving for his call to the ministry 1:12
      2. The testimony of the grace shown to him 1:13-15
      1. Paul obtained mercy through Jesus Christ. 1:13-14
      2. Christ provided this salvation for all men. 1:15
      3. The example of this grace for the sake of others 1:16
      4. The doxology of praise 1:17
   3. The commitment of the charge to guard sound doctrine 1:18-20

      1. The charge to Timothy 1:18-19a
      2. The shipwreck of some 1:19b-20
3. Paul's Instructions to Timothy Concerning Church Order 2:1-3:16

   1. The instructions concerning public worship 2:1-15

      1. The conduct of prayer in public worship 2:1-8

         1. The duty of public prayer 2:1-4
         1. The scope of public prayer 2:1-2a
         2. The result of public prayer 2:2b
         3. God's approval of public prayer 2:3-4
         2. The basis for public prayer 2:5-7
         1. The mediatorial role of Christ 2:5
         2. The ransoming work of Christ 2:6-7
         3. The manner of prayer 2:8
      2. The conduct of women in public worship 2:9-15

         1. Their modest adornment 2:9-10
         2. Their submissive learning 2:11-15
         1. The command to learn in silence 2:11
         2. The restriction against teaching men 2:12
         3. The reason from creation and the fall 2:13-14
         4. The result of submissive behavior 2:15
   2. The qualifications of church officers 3:1-13

      1. The qualifications of the overseer 3:1-7

         1. The desire for the office 3:1
         2. The qualifications for the office 3:2-7
         1. The qualifications of character 3:2-3
         2. The qualification of home relations 3:4-5
         3. The qualification of spiritual maturity 3:6
         4. The qualification of a good testimony 3:7
      2. The qualifications of the deacons 3:8-13

         1. The qualifications of character 3:8-9
         2. The qualification of approval 3:10
         3. The qualifications of the women 3:11
         4. The qualification of home relations 3:12
         5. The reward for faithful service 3:13
   3. The reason for these instructions 3:14-16

      1. Because of Paul's absence 3:14
      2. Because of Timothy's responsibility 3:15
      3. Because of the truth possessed by the Church 3:16
4. Paul's Instructions to Timothy Concerning His Conduct 4:1-6:21a

   1. Timothy's personal conduct in view of apostasy 4:1-16

      1. The warning about false teachers 4:1-5

         1. The characterization of the false teachers 4:1-2
         2. The content of their false teaching 4:3
         3. The refutation of their teaching 4:4-5
      2. The instructions for the true teacher 4:6-16

         1. The defense through a good ministry 4:6-11
         1. The characterization of the good minister 4:6
         2. The exercise of godliness in ministry 4:7-9
         3. The motivation of the good minister 4:10
         4. The duty of the good minister 4:11
         2. The defense through good personal conduct 4:12-16
         1. By a good example in youth 4:12
         2. By attention to public ministry 4:13
         3. By exercise of personal gift 4:14
         4. By diligence in fulfilling these duties 4:15-16
   2. Timothy's official conduct toward various groups 5:1-6:2

      1. The instructions for a proper attitude towards all 5:1-2
      2. The instructions concerning widows 5:3-16

         1. Instructions concerning support of widows 5:3-8

            1. The command to honor true widows 5:3
            2. The obligation of a widow's children 5:4
            3. The definition of a true widow 5:5-7
            4. The obligation of a widow's relatives 5:8-9
         2. Instructions concerning enrollment of widows 5:9-16

            1. The qualifications of an enrolled widow 5:9-10
            2. The refusal of young widows 5:11-13
            3. The advice for young widows 5:14-15
            4. The duty of a widow's family 5:16
      3. The instructions concerning elders 5:17-25

         1. The honor due elders 5:17-18
         2. The discipline of elders 5:19-21
         1. Receiving the accusation 5:19
         2. Applying the discipline 5:20
         3. Judging impartially in discipline 5:21
         3. The ordination of elders 5:22-25
         1. The advice about haste and purity 5:22
         2. The advice about Timothy's use of wine 5:23
         3. The principle about testing candidates 5:24-25
      4. The instructions concerning servants 6:1-2

         1. In relation to any master 6:1
         2. In relation to believing masters 6:2
   3. Timothy's conduct toward riches 6:3-19

      1. The ungodliness of those corrupted by riches 6:3-10

         1. The description of the false teachers 6:3-5
         2. The value of godliness with contentment 6:6-8
         3. The danger of those desiring riches 6:9-10
      2. The exhortation to godliness 6:11-16

         1. The command to pursue certain virtues 6:11-12
         2. The charge to keep this command 6:13-16
         1. The statement of the charge 6:13-14a
         2. The termination of the charge 6:14b-16
      3. The instructions concerning the rich 6:17-19

         1. In relation to their proper attitude 6:17
         2. In relation to their proper conduct 6:18
         3. In relation to their proper motive 6:19
   4. The final charge to Timothy 6:20-21a
5. The Benediction 6:21b