The Pastoral Epistles

THE PASTORAL EPISTLES

1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 1

STUDY 1

Background to the Pastoral Epistles

The letters to Timothy and Titus are collectively known as the Pastoral Epistles. All three letters were written by Paul (1 Tim.1:1; 2 Tim.1:1; Titus 1:1). They are probably the last letters which Paul wrote. Paul was probably in Macedonia at the time of writing 1 Timothy and Titus (AD63-65) and in prison in Rome when he wrote the second letter to Timothy (AD67/68). There are frequent references to Paul’s personal situation throughout these letters. Whereas most of Paul’s letters were addressed to churches, these three were personal letters written to two of his closest fellow workers: Timothy and Titus. Paul regards these two men as his spiritual sons – in a way, he has been their mentor. Timothy is in Ephesus, trying to resolve problems in the church there. Titus is based at a new church, in Crete. Their role is often seen as being that of pastors, but it may be more likely that they were sent as delegates of Paul, as he was unable to visit himself. Although personal letters, it is clear that Paul intended them to be read to the churches.

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Context

The book of Acts ends with the apostle Paul in prison in Rome awaiting trial before Caesar. Yet this letter to Timothy tells us that Paul was in Macedonia (1:3), so we can assume that Paul was released from prison on that occasion. There’s a crisis in the church at Ephesus. For reasons unknown to us, Paul had to go to Macedonia, so he has left Timothy in charge at Ephesus, with instructions to eradicate the false teaching and restore the true gospel in the Ephesian church. (Such false teaching had even been predicted by Paul earlier. See Acts 20:29-30) Paul has asked Timothy to stay there to resolve the problems. Timothy has been given Paul’s authority to deal with the false teachers that have caused damage to the Ephesian church.

Ephesus was an important city, port and trading centre in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Its location on an inland harbour linked by an estuary to the Aegean Sea was strategic for major trade routes. The city was dominated by the temple of Artemis and the cult worship associated with it. This pagan religion was hugely influential for its 200,000 inhabitants, and forms a significant backdrop to many of the issues affecting the Ephesian church.

This letter was written by Paul, probably from Macedonia, in c.63-65AD.

To find out more … Click on this link to find a map. https://www.bible-history.com/maps/maps/map_new_testament_asia_cities.html

More information about Ephesus can be found on this website: http://resources.takingground.org.uk/ephesus-in-the-first-century/

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Read & Understand

Read 1 Timothy 1:1-3. Look up these passages and make a list of what you find What do we know about Timothy? out about Timothy:

Acts 16:1-3 • Where did he come from? 2 Timothy 1:1-5 • Where/when did he and Paul meet? Acts 17:14 • What do we know about his parents? Acts 18:1-5 • What do we know about his travels with Paul? 2 Cor. 1:1-9 • Note how frequently he is mentioned as a companion of Paul. 1Thess. 3:1-8 Acts 19:21-22

1 Cor. 4:17 & 1 Cor. 16:10-11 Read 1 Timothy 1:3-11. Acts 20:1-5

2 Cor. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1; • Where is Timothy? Philemon 1:1 • Why is he there? Heb. 13:23 • What was happening that concerned Paul?

Read 1 Timothy 1:12-20.

• What does Paul thank God for? • How does Paul describe himself? • What does Paul command Timothy to do?

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Study

False Teaching 1:1-7 The reason Timothy had been sent to Ephesus was to ensure that all the leaders of the Ephesian church taught only true doctrine – the gospel they had first heard from Paul. Timothy was to command the teachers to do this. This wasn’t optional! The Greek word is a military word which refers to an order given by a commanding officer.

Paul describes the false teaching as myths, genealogies and controversial speculations.

What kinds of false teaching might this have been? They could have been: • Silly distractions, focussing on trivial things rather than important ones • Gnostic-type beliefs in ‘emanations’ from God • Jewish legalism which emphasised genealogies and heritage

The study of God’s Word should result in love, a good conscience and a sincere faith. (v.6) Some of the Ephesian leaders had neglected these fundamentals and turned to ‘meaningless talk’ – literally ‘babbling’.(v.7)

The Purpose of the Law 1:8-11 Whilst Paul rejects legalism, he does not condemn the Law itself. The Law is good if it’s used to highlight sinful actions which contradict sound doctrine. (vs.8-11) It appears that the false teaching was resulting in sinful behaviour. The teaching of sound doctrine should lead to right living.

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Paul’s Commission to Ministry 1:12-17

Paul reiterates that he was called to serve by the Lord Jesus. Acts 8:3 See Acts 9:1-30 & Acts 26:1-23 for accounts of his calling. Acts 9:1-2 1 Cor. 15:9 Why did Paul consider himself to be the ‘worst of sinners’? (v.16) Gal. 1:13 Phil. 3:6

Renewal of Timothy’s Commission 1:18-20 Paul encourages Timothy to remember his commission to ministry and not to give up. Why might Timothy have been tempted to give up?

Hymenaeus and Alexander have been ‘handed over to Satan’. (v.20) What do you think this means? It probably means that they were put out of the church. (See example in 1 Corinthians 5.) The purpose seems to have been remedial rather than punitive. The word ‘taught’ seems to imply discipline. This would suggest it wasn’t a permanent state but to get them to think about their sinful behaviour. (Think naughty step!)

To find out more…

To find out more about Gnosticism, try these websites: https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-gnosticism-700683 http://gnosis.org/gnintro.htm

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Apply

False teaching is as much a problem for us today as it was for the early church.

What examples of false teaching have you come across? • Reinterpreting the Bible to fit with the views of prevailing culture? • New Age philosophies – very similar to Gnostic views? • Legalism – insisting on following a set of rules?

How can we be sure that what we hear or read is ‘sound doctrine’? • Check it out with the Bible! • Check with another Christian you trust. • Read books that are either recommended by your church leaders, or ask them for publishers you can trust. • Take extra care when reading material from the internet! Always check it out.

Paul charges Timothy to hold onto the faith and fight the battle well. What strategies or resources can we use to help us to hold onto the faith? How can we be sure to fight the battle well?

Reflect

‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. (v.15) Reflect on the assurance this statement gives us.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Tim.1:17)