First Epistle to Timothy

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 very much loved by Paul, who was his mentor. Timothy is carefully instructed by Paul on how to carry out his duties, such as the forms of worship, the organization of the Church, the responsibilities of bishops and deacons, how to deal with false teachings, the role of women in the church, the treatment of other church members, and encouragement to the members not to lose their faith. Modern day general consensus is that the letters as they now stand were not written by Paul.

Timothy In History & 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. ||Acts|16:1|KJV}}). Timothy first met Paul during Paul's second visit to Lystra |1|Timothy|1:2|KJV}}; 2 Timothy 3:11),(16:2), where he probably resided and where it seems he was converted during Paul's first visit there. (1 Tim 1:2; 2 Tim 3:11). Paul, having been impressed by his "own son in the faith," made Timothy his companion (Acts 16:3), and main mentor in Christian leadership (Acts 16:3). 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 note worthy 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 & Composition Date

In the early days of Christianity, the author of 1 Timothy was considered to be Paul. Paul’s name, as the author, is within the text and for that reason, several early church fathers cited this letter along with the other thirteen canonical Pauline Epistles as "undisputed".

But many modern scholars, beginning in the nineteenth century, have concluded that Paul could not have been the author. There are several reasons. Scholar Norman Perrin analyzed the Greek text and found that over 1/3 of the vocabulary does not appear in any of the other Pauline epistles, that more than 1/5 of the vocabulary does not appear anywhere in the New Testament, and that 2/3 of this non-Pauline vocabulary was used by second century Christian writers. Such terms as "elders", "deacons", and "overseer" refer to a church structure not yet in place during the lifetime of Paul, but came at a later time. In 1 Tim 3 Paul tells Timothy that the "elder" (presbuteros) should be honored and paid for his service (5:17-20), but this was also a tradition that came into existence at a later time.

Another 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. The three epistles show such a unity of thought and expression that they must be the work of one man, but for the author we must look rather to one of Paul’s admirers than to Paul himself."

Scholar Robert Grant, meanwhile, notes parallels to Polycarp, an early church father and suggests that he, rather than Paul, might be the author of 1 Timothy . Scholar I. Howard Marshall also suggests that Polycarp wrote 1 Timothy, placing its composition some time in the first half of the second century AD. . 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 it was written, its intent is clear. Paul is writing to encourage Timothy to take on his own ministry. Timothy is pastoring in the Ephesus Church and Paul wants him to stay there and continue his good works. Paul started the church at Ephesus. (Acts 19:10; 20:31) He is pleased that his former student is in Ephesus and has risen up in the ranks of church leadership. As Paul becomes more aware of his impending end, soon to be at the hands of Nero, he is setting things in order for the next generation.

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

Timothy is instructed on his duty to restrain false and useless teaching (1 Tim 1:3-11; 4:1-5; 6:3-16) and proposes principles pertaining to his relationship with the older members of the community (1 Tim 5:1-2) and with the presbyters (1 Timothy 5, 17-22). It gives rules for aid to widows (1 Tim 5:3-8) and their selection for charitable ministrations (1 Tim 5:9-16) and also deals with liturgical celebrations (1 Tim 2:1-15), selections for the offices of bishop and deacon (1 Tim 3:1-13), the relationship of between slaves and masters (1 Tim 6:1-2), and 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). The central passage of the letter (1 Tim 3:14-16) expresses the principal motive that should guide the conduct of Timothy—preservation of the purity of the church's doctrine against false teaching. The letter concludes with the same admonition to maintain the purity of the church’s doctrine (1 Tim 6:20-21).

The false teaching referred to in Pauls' 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 might have been certain ascetic practices, including abstinence from marriage and certain foods. It is possible that the teachers were “teachers of the Law” (1 Timothy 1:7), who advocated adoption of Jewish dietary laws. Paul says that the false teaching 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 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; as well as a healthy warning againt the greed of the rich.

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), and provides 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. These same instructions are as important today.

External links

• First Timothy texts and resources

Preceded by: 2 Thessalonians

Books of the Bible

Succeeded by: 2 Timothy

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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:

• First Epistle to Timothy  ^history

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

• History of "First Epistle to Timothy"

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• [1] Introduction to Paul's Letter to the Ephesians