The books of I and II Timothy were written by Paul (1:1) to Timothy (1:2) who is referred to as “my own son in the faith.”  Timothy had joined Paul on his second  missionary journey.  He was closely associated with Paul (Acts 16:1-3, II Timothy 1:5).

Paul had left Timothy in charge of the church at Ephesus.  Both letters to Timothy are referred to as Pastoral Letters giving instruction to him about the ministry.

1:1  “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and our Lord Jesus Christ….”

            Here Paul declares that he was called to be an apostle by the commandment of God.  For sure, he was not one of the twelve original apostles as he was saved after Christ’s ascension.

            There were basically 5 characteristics of full apostleship of the Twelve and Paul.

            1.         They were directly called and chosen by Christ (Galatians 1:1, John 6:70, 13:18).

            2.         They were eye witnesses of Christ’s works, especially of His resurrection, and were qualified for their job by Him (Galatians 1:12, I Corinthians 9:1-2, 15:8).

            3.         They were given a special endowment of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 2:10-13).

            4.         They were given special power to do signs and wonders (Matthew 10:1 & 8,  II Corinthians 12:12).

            5.         Their apostleship was given for life (Acts 26:16-18).

            Paul was an apostle of Christ, chosen and sent by Him.  Verse 1:1 closes with this phrase, “which is our hope.”  When circumstances of life seem hopeless, Jesus Christ is said to be our hope!  Hope is our confident expectation.  Christ made hope possible by the means of His Gospel.

1:2  “Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith.”  As mentioned before, Paul’s relationship with Timothy is that of his own son.  Here upon his son in the faith, he pronounces grace, mercy, and peace.  Grace is God’s unmerited favor extended to a sinner.  Peace is the result of reconciliation with God.  Mercy is only used by Paul in conjunction with grace and peace here in I and II Timothy.  Mercy is the affectionate compassion of God.

            The triad of blessing comes “from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” 

            Timothy was born the son of a Gentile (Greek) father and a Jewish mother named Eunice.  The Book of I Timothy has several different themes.  ”Mightest war a good warfare” as this pertains to Timothy (1:18).  “Thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God” (3:15) as it pertains to Christians.

            Important subjects are discussed in this book.  The law (1:7-11), prayer (2:1-8), appearance and activity of women (2:9-15), qualifications of bishops and deacons (3:1-13), the last days (4:1-3), care of widows (5:3-16), and the use of money (6:6-19).

            A careful reading of the six chapters of I Timothy will aid those who desire to know God’s truth.  May we learn together as we study I Timothy!