“The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy,” New Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2003)
“The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy,” New Testament Student Study Guide
The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Timothy
What You Should Know about Timothy
Timothy was “perhaps Paul’s most trusted and capable assistant” (Bible Dictionary, “Timothy,” 785). The name Timothy means “honored of God,” and describes this faithful and devoted servant well.
Timothy was most likely converted during Paul’s first missionary journey. As he grew in the gospel, he was highly regarded as a faithful disciple and Paul chose him as a missionary companion (see Acts 16:1–5). While they were preaching in Ephesus, Paul discovered growing problems among members of the Church, including false teachings and speculation. Because of those problems, Paul turned over two elders to the buffetings of Satan (see 1 Timothy 1:19–20). Paul then called Timothy to watch over the Church and help restore the faith of the Ephesian Saints. He wrote this epistle to Timothy from Macedonia to encourage and strengthen him in his calling.
The First of the Pastoral Epistles
Pastoral Epistles was “the name given to the epistles to Timothy and Titus, because they deal with the pastoral office and the duties of the shepherds or ministers of the Church” (Bible Dictionary, “Pastoral Epistles,” 742). A pastor is a bishop, and Timothy was ordained the first bishop of the Church in Ephesus. Therefore, pastoral refers to the office and duties of a bishop.