Difference between revisions of "First Epistle to Timothy" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | The '''First Epistle to Timothy''' is one of the three letters Pastoral Epistles, originally attributed to [[Paul of Tarsus|Saint Paul]] and part of the [[New Testament]]. Timothy occupied a position of considerable influence and authority in Ephesus (modern day Turkey), and was | + | The '''First Epistle to Timothy''' is one of the three letters Pastoral Epistles, originally attributed to [[Paul of Tarsus|Saint Paul]] and part of the [[New Testament]]. Timothy occupied a position of considerable influence and authority in Ephesus (modern day Turkey), and was reportedly much loved by Paul, who was his mentor. |
| + | In this letter, Timothy is carefully instructed by Paul on how to carry out his duties, such as conducting various forms of worship, organizing the church, dealing with false teachings, the treatment of women in the church, encouraging the members not to lose their faith, and various responsibilities of bishops and deacons. | ||
| − | + | While biblical literalists hold to the tradition view that Paul is the author of 1 Timothy, the modern consensus of scholarship is that the letter as it now stands was not written by Paul. | |
| − | |||
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| − | According to a later tradition, Paul ordained Timothy as Bishop of Ephesus | + | ==Timothy in history and tradition== |
| + | The relationship between Paul and Timothy is one of mentorship. Timothy is first mentioned in Acts 16:1. His mother Eunice, a Jew, and his grandmother, Lois, are mentioned in 2 Tim. 1:5. His father was a Greek. Timothy first met Paul during Paul's second visit to Lystra 2 Timothy 3:11 ,(16:2), where where it seems he was converted during Paul's first visit there. Paul, having been impressed by his "own son in the faith," made Timothy his companion (Acts 16:3), and main mentor in Christian leadership. Once he was ordained (1 Tim 4:14) Paul and Timothy did missionary journeys together, in Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia, Troa, Philippi, Berea ({{bibleverse||Acts|17:14|KJV}}) Athens, Thessalonica ({{bibleverse||Acts|17:15|KJV}}; {{bibleverse|1|Thessalonians|3:2|KJV}}) as well as Corinth, Macedonia, Ephesus and greater Asia. Timothy was also noted for coming to Paul’s aid when Paul was put into prison ({{bibleverse||Philippians|1:1|KJV}}, {{bibleverse|2|Timothy|4:13|KJV}}). | ||
| + | |||
| + | Timothy is praised by Paul for his knowledge of the scriptures. It is noteworthy that despite not being required to be circumcised, due to a ruling of the Jerusalem council, Timothy took circumcision in order to be a better witness among the Jews. According to church tradition he was loyal to Paul’s wishes and stayed and worked in Ephesus until he finally suffered the Martyr's death himself. | ||
| + | |||
| + | According to a later tradition, Paul ordained Timothy as Bishop of Ephesus in the year 65, where he served for 15 years. He died trying to halt a pagan procession of idols, ceremonies and songs when angry pagans beat and dragged him through the streets and then stoned him to death. | ||
In Eastern Christianity, Timothy [(Greek language]: {{polytonic|Τιμόθεος}}; ''Timótheos'' which means "honoring God") is known as a 1st century Christian bishop who died about AD 80. Saint Timotheos, as he is called, is venerated as a saint and martyr by the Eastern Orthodox Church, and one of the Seventy Disciples by the Greek Orthodox Church. | In Eastern Christianity, Timothy [(Greek language]: {{polytonic|Τιμόθεος}}; ''Timótheos'' which means "honoring God") is known as a 1st century Christian bishop who died about AD 80. Saint Timotheos, as he is called, is venerated as a saint and martyr by the Eastern Orthodox Church, and one of the Seventy Disciples by the Greek Orthodox Church. | ||
| − | ==Authorship | + | ==Authorship and date== |
| − | In the early days of Christianity, the author of 1 Timothy was considered to be [[Paul]]. | + | In the early days of Christianity, the author of 1 Timothy was considered to be [[Paul]]. Paul’s name, as the author, is cited in the text and for that reason—plus its theological orthodoxy—the early church fathers counted this letter along with the other 13 canonical Pauline Epistles as "undisputed"<ref>Eusebius, ''Ecclesiastical History'' 3.3.5</ref>. |
| − | + | However, many modern scholars, beginning in the nineteenth century, have concluded that Paul could not have been the author. There are several reasons. More than one third of the letter's vocabulary does not appear in any of the other Pauline epistles and more than one fifth of the vocabulary does not appear anywhere else in the [[New Testament]]. However, two thirds of this non-Pauline vocabulary was indeed used by other second century Christian writers<ref>Perrin, Norman. ''The New Testament, an Introduction: Proclamation and Parenesis, Myth and History''. 264-5. Harcourt College Pub: 1974. ISBN 0-15-565725-9.</ref>. Also, such terms as "elders," "deacons," and "overseer" (bishop) refer to a church structure not yet in place during the lifetime of Paul. | |
| − | + | New Testament scholar Richard Heard states: "The evidence of teaching as of style and vocabulary is strongly against Paul’s authorship, nor are these arguments seriously weakened by any supposition that the epistles were written late in Paul’s lifetime and to meet a new type of situation."<ref>http://religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=531&C=562 Heard, Richard. ''An Introduction to the New Testament by Richard Heard'', chap. 18.</ref> | |
| − | Scholar Robert Grant, meanwhile, notes parallels to | + | Scholar Robert Grant, meanwhile, notes parallels to the early church father [[Polycarp]] of Smyrna and suggests that he, rather than Paul, might be the author of 1 Timothy <ref>http://religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1116&C=1234 Grant, Robert. ''A Historical Introduction to the New Testament'', chap. 14</ref>. I. Howard Marshall also believes that Polycarp wrote 1 Timothy, placing its composition some time in the first half of the second century CE.<ref>Marshall, I.H. and Towner, P.H. (1999), 'The Pastoral Epistles', T&T Clark, ISBN 0567086615, p.3</ref>. This would place the date for the epistle sometime around 140 CE. |
| − | Scholars who accept the epistle's authenticity believe it was most likely written toward the end of Paul's ministry, c.62-67 | + | Scholars who accept the epistle's authenticity believe it was most likely written toward the end of Paul's ministry, c. 62-67 CE |
==Purpose== | ==Purpose== | ||
| − | '''Regardless''' of when | + | '''Regardless''' of when the letter was written, its intent is clear. It portrays Paul as writing to encourage Timothy to take on his own ministry. Timothy is now pastoring the Ephesus Church and Paul wants him to encourage him to continue his good works. Paul started the church at Ephesus, ({{bibleverse||Acts|19:10|KJV}}; {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|20:31|KJV}}), and it is apparent that he is pleased that Timothy, his former student and travel companion, has risen up in the ranks of church leadership. |
F.F. Bruce: | F.F. Bruce: | ||
Revision as of 01:44, 9 September 2007
The First Epistle to Timothy is one of the three letters Pastoral Epistles, originally attributed to Saint Paul and part of the New Testament. Timothy occupied a position of considerable influence and authority in Ephesus (modern day Turkey), and was reportedly much loved by Paul, who was his mentor.
In this letter, Timothy is carefully instructed by Paul on how to carry out his duties, such as conducting various forms of worship, organizing the church, dealing with false teachings, the treatment of women in the church, encouraging the members not to lose their faith, and various responsibilities of bishops and deacons.
While biblical literalists hold to the tradition view that Paul is the author of 1 Timothy, the modern consensus of scholarship is that the letter as it now stands was not written by Paul.
Timothy in history and tradition
The relationship between Paul and Timothy is one of mentorship. Timothy is first mentioned in Acts 16:1. His mother Eunice, a Jew, and his grandmother, Lois, are mentioned in 2 Tim. 1:5. His father was a Greek. Timothy first met Paul during Paul's second visit to Lystra 2 Timothy 3:11 ,(16:2), where where it seems he was converted during Paul's first visit there. Paul, having been impressed by his "own son in the faith," made Timothy his companion (Acts 16:3), and main mentor in Christian leadership. Once he was ordained (1 Tim 4:14) Paul and Timothy did missionary journeys together, in Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia, Troa, Philippi, Berea (Acts 17:14) Athens, Thessalonica (Acts 17:15; 1 Thessalonians 3:2) as well as Corinth, Macedonia, Ephesus and greater Asia. Timothy was also noted for coming to Paul’s aid when Paul was put into prison (Philippians 1:1, 2 Timothy 4:13).
Timothy is praised by Paul for his knowledge of the scriptures. It is noteworthy that despite not being required to be circumcised, due to a ruling of the Jerusalem council, Timothy took circumcision in order to be a better witness among the Jews. According to church tradition he was loyal to Paul’s wishes and stayed and worked in Ephesus until he finally suffered the Martyr's death himself.
According to a later tradition, Paul ordained Timothy as Bishop of Ephesus in the year 65, where he served for 15 years. He died trying to halt a pagan procession of idols, ceremonies and songs when angry pagans beat and dragged him through the streets and then stoned him to death.
In Eastern Christianity, Timothy [(Greek language]: Τιμόθεος; Timótheos which means "honoring God") is known as a 1st century Christian bishop who died about AD 80. Saint Timotheos, as he is called, is venerated as a saint and martyr by the Eastern Orthodox Church, and one of the Seventy Disciples by the Greek Orthodox Church.
Authorship and date
In the early days of Christianity, the author of 1 Timothy was considered to be Paul. Paul’s name, as the author, is cited in the text and for that reason—plus its theological orthodoxy—the early church fathers counted this letter along with the other 13 canonical Pauline Epistles as "undisputed"[1].
However, many modern scholars, beginning in the nineteenth century, have concluded that Paul could not have been the author. There are several reasons. More than one third of the letter's vocabulary does not appear in any of the other Pauline epistles and more than one fifth of the vocabulary does not appear anywhere else in the New Testament. However, two thirds of this non-Pauline vocabulary was indeed used by other second century Christian writers[2]. Also, such terms as "elders," "deacons," and "overseer" (bishop) refer to a church structure not yet in place during the lifetime of Paul.
New Testament scholar Richard Heard states: "The evidence of teaching as of style and vocabulary is strongly against Paul’s authorship, nor are these arguments seriously weakened by any supposition that the epistles were written late in Paul’s lifetime and to meet a new type of situation."[3]
Scholar Robert Grant, meanwhile, notes parallels to the early church father Polycarp of Smyrna and suggests that he, rather than Paul, might be the author of 1 Timothy [4]. I. Howard Marshall also believes that Polycarp wrote 1 Timothy, placing its composition some time in the first half of the second century CE.[5]. This would place the date for the epistle sometime around 140 C.E.
Scholars who accept the epistle's authenticity believe it was most likely written toward the end of Paul's ministry, c. 62-67 C.E.
Purpose
Regardless of when the letter was written, its intent is clear. It portrays Paul as writing to encourage Timothy to take on his own ministry. Timothy is now pastoring the Ephesus Church and Paul wants him to encourage him to continue his good works. Paul started the church at Ephesus, (Acts 19:10; 20:31), and it is apparent that he is pleased that Timothy, his former student and travel companion, has risen up in the ranks of church leadership.
F.F. Bruce: "The Letter was written to encourage Gentile Christians to appreciate the dignity of their calling, with its implication not only for their heavenly origin and destiny, but also for their present conduct on earth, as those who were heirs of God, sealed with the Holy Spirit."6
Key themes
Paul developed a number of key themes in his letter to Timothy:
False Teachings
The false teaching referred to in Paul's letter is referred to as "other teaching" (1:3) “godless myths and old-wives tales” (1 Timothy 4:7), "meaningless talk" (1:6) "blasphemous teaching" (6:3), and "myths and endless genealogies," (which is not defined) (1 Timothy 1:4). The false teaching is thought of as certain ascetic practices, including abstinence from marriage and certain foods. The teachers of these false teachings were “teachers of the Law” (1 Timothy 1:7), that advocated adoption of Jewish dietary laws, which had a tendency to provoke arguments and dissension in the church (1 Timothy 1:3; 6:3-5). Paul gives to Timothy a warning not to let heresy and false doctrine take hold.
The Proper Role For Women
Paul also instructs Timothy about Christian women. He wants them to dress moderately and to learn in quietness and submission. Paul says that he does not permit women to teach or have authority over men, citing as support for this belief the fact that Eve was deceived, not Adam. He adds that women will be saved through childbirth, if they continue in faith, love and holiness with modesty (1 Timothy 2:9-15). A detailed list of qualifications of who can and cannot serve as Elders and Deacons in the church is discussed. However, the role of women in the church has become a hotly debated issue. Some feel that Paul's clear message is that women are not to have authority over men in the church structure 1 Timothy 2:12) and that this is why he clearly excludes them from the roles of Presbyter,Elder,and Deacon in chapter three. People who hold to this viewpoint point out that Paul’s use of the phrase “Husband of one wife” is gender specific and excludes women from that role. They would point out that in the Greek text it literally reads "Man of one woman". However, more liberal scholars debate this literal interpretation, arguing that this passage should be interpreted within the context of when Paul lived, and is not eternally binding. Many churches now embrace the ordination of women.
The Treatment of Other Church Members
The treatment of widows, elders, masters, youth, and church members are spelled out. Timothy is instructed on the principles pertaining to his relationship with the older members of the community (1 Tim 5:1-2) and with the presbyters (church leaders)(1 Timothy 5, 17-22). Rules are given for aid to widows (1 Tim 5:3-8 & 1 Tim 5:9-16) and the relationship between slaves and masters (1 Tim 6:1-2), the obligations of the wealthier members of the community (1 Tim 6:17-19). This letter also reminds Timothy of the prophetic character of his office (1 Tim 1:12-20) and encourages him to exercise it correctly (1 Tim 4:6-16).
Money is the Root of All Evil
The 'love of money as a root of all evil' verse (1 Timothy 6:10) is in direct response to the prevalent conflict in the early church over false doctrine and teachers. Paul is warning Timothy to guard against Christian leaders whose desire for money had influenced sound church doctrine. Paul argues against these teachers and their "false doctrines", "who are conceited", "have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels," and "who think that godliness is a means to financial gain" (6:3-5). These false teachers were trying to profit from their heretical teachings, which lead people away from the church. The desiring to get rich caused many church leaders and members to fall into temptation (6:9),leading Paul to conclude that the "love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (6:10). The money problem Paul is speaking about started with 'Christian' teachers, and their desire for profit.
Paul saw firsthand how the desire of money influenced teachers and led to dangerous false doctrines. He also wrote about this in 2 Corinthians 11:7. Paul boasts that he preaches "free of charge" (11:7) and is "not a burden to anyone" (11:9).
Key Words & Phrases
Key words and phrases in this book include; “fight the good fight” (1 Timothy 6.12), “this is a faithful saying” (1 Timothy 1:15,2:11), ” "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10) "let no one despise your youth” 1 Timothy 4:12), "trust not in worldly riches" (1 Timothy 6:17-11), "for there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus". (1 Timothy 2:5).
The Last Years of Timothy's Life
According to a later tradition, Timothy tried to halt a pagan procession of idols, ceremonies and songs. In response to his preaching of the Gospel, the pagans beat him, dragged him through the streets and stoned him to death. In the 4th century, his relics were transferred to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople
Significance
I Timothy was wrttien to encourage Timothy to properly oversee the Ephesian church, and possibly other churches in Asia (1 Timothy 1:3). This letter lays the foundation for ordaining elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7), the treatment of women, a warning against the teaching of false doctrines, and not to let the desire for money corrupt church leaders. It also provided guidance for ordaining people into offices of the church (1 Timothy 3:8-13). In essence, 1 Timothy is a leadership manual for church organization and administration. It also is a manual on Church doctrine, Church leadership, and Church administration. It is an inspiring message, although Paul's view of women should be viewed within the context in which he lived. Many changes have taken place since that time.
Notes
- ↑ Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 3.3.5
- ↑ Perrin, Norman. The New Testament, an Introduction: Proclamation and Parenesis, Myth and History. 264-5. Harcourt College Pub: 1974. ISBN 0-15-565725-9.
- ↑ http://religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=531&C=562 Heard, Richard. An Introduction to the New Testament by Richard Heard, chap. 18.
- ↑ http://religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1116&C=1234 Grant, Robert. A Historical Introduction to the New Testament, chap. 14
- ↑ Marshall, I.H. and Towner, P.H. (1999), 'The Pastoral Epistles', T&T Clark, ISBN 0567086615, p.3
External links
| Preceded by: 2 Thessalonians |
Books of the Bible |
Succeeded by: 2 Timothy |
Credits
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See also
- Timotheus
External links
- Apostle Timothy at Orthodoxwiki
- [http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/1timothy/intro.htm/Timothy
- [http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/index.htm
Credits
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:
The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:
Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.
- [1] Introduction to Paul's Letter to the Ephesians
