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1 Timothy
Introduction
THESE NOTES AWAIT COMPLETION
The Pastoral Epistles of I Timothy, Titus and II Timothy were probably written by Paul at a later stage in his ministry. Although it is not possible to be sure of what happened at the point where the book of Acts finishes, tradition has it that Paul was released around 60AD. He then continued with his ministry of building up his existing churches, and some believe he even journeyed to Spain to establish the Christian church there. Whether he did, or did not, visit Spain, it is most likely that he was able to continue his ministry for a further seven years before being executed during the reign of Nero, possible 67AD. I Timothy and Titus were written before his arrest and II Timothy while in prison for the last time.
The purpose of these letters, known as the Pastoral Epistles, was to encourage two student ministers. Timothy was a Pastor at Ephesus, and it was to him that Paul penned two personal letters of encouragement. The letters do not have the same power as his earlier works, they are not as theological, rather they deal with church discipline, order and the role of ministry. None-the-less, behind this practical instruction there does lie an issue which faces Timothy, an issue which has constantly hounded Paul, namely "whether a program of Law observance such as that forwarded by the would-be teachers (1:7) is efficacious and appropriate", Johnson.
The authorship of these letters remains a matter of dispute. These notes proceed on the basis that they are composed by Paul the apostle, but such is by no means proven.
As a letter that seeks to address error and build up the reader, there is no neat scheme to what is but a miscellaneous flow of information. None-the-less Marshall presents a nice interpretive arrangement of the material and the following structure reflects his offering, as well as the offering of Hanson and others.
1. Instruction to avoid false doctrine, 1:1-20
i] Salutation and opening commission, 1:1-11
ii] The source of Paul's power and commission, 1:12-17
iii] Renewal of the commission to Timothy, 1:18-20
2. Instruction on Prayer, 2:1-15
Directions for public prayer and the place of women in public worship.
i] Prayer for all people, 2:1-7
ii] Men and women at prayer in a church meeting, 2:8-15
3. Qualifications for church leaders, 3:1-13
i] Bishops / Overseers, 3:1-7
ii] Deacons, 3:8-13
4. The church and the mystery of the faith, 3:14-16
The character of church
5. Ministerial duties in the face of heresy, 4:1-16
i] False asceticism, 4:1-5
ii] A minister's discipline, 4:6-16
6. Directions for ruling a church, 5:1-6:2
i] Dealing with the old, the young, and widows, 5:1-16
ii] Dealing with elders, diet, discipline and slaves, 5:17-6:2a
7. Final instructions, 6:2b-21
i] Advice concerning true teaching and the dangers of false teaching and wealth, 6:2b-19
ii] The closing commission, 6:20-21
Barrett, New Clarendon, 1963. Bernard, CGTSC, 1899. Dibelius/Conzelmann, Hermeneia. Fee, NIBC. Gromacki, Baker, 1 Timothy, 1982. Guthrie, Tyndale, 1957. Hanson, NCB & CBC. Hendriksen, Banner of Truth. Houlden, Pelican, 1976, reprint TPI 1989. Johnson, Anchor. Kelly, Blacks / Harpers, 1963. Knight, NIGTC. Leaney, Torch. Leske, ChiRho. Lock, ICC, 1924/52. MacArthur, Moody. Marshall, ICC, 1999. Milne, FOB. Mounce, Word. Quinn, Titus, Anchor, 1995. Quinn/Wacker, ECC. Simpson, Tyndale Press, 1954. Smith, Know your Bible 10. Stott, BST. Towner, NICNT. Wilson, Banner of Truth.
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