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THE FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY
Any modern disciple who wishes to know how the early Church was arranged must make 1 Timothy and Titus an ongoing personal study. We learn more from these two letters about the order of the Church than any other part of the Bible. Paul discusses the place of men and women in the Church. He then begins one of his many lists in enumerating the requirements of elders and deacons. He encourages Timothy to become a good minister by teaching good doctrine and being on guard against apostates. More details are then given on church members, including elders, older women, young women, and widows including how to treat each one. Finally, Paul concludes with specific instruction about those who teach other doctrine and seek to take advantage of the churches. Paul counsels on matters related to material needs and the dangers of the love of money. He glorifies The God and Jesus regarding that future visible appearance of the Messiah. Paul tells Timothy to give commands to the rich Christians regarding their attitude and use of their money. Paul concludes with the exhortation for Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him.
In every way Timothy and this inspired epistle sent to him outline how a modern elder or deacon should function within the Church. Any man who desires the office of overseer ought to be very familiar with 1 Timothy and Titus, having read and studied them many times. 80% of what they need to know in order to fulfill their office is found in these letters. Women will also benefit as Paul discusses Christian sisters more in 1 Timothy than any letter other than 1 Corinthians. Indeed, 1 Corinthians 11-14 may be read in conjunction with 1 Timothy for additional information on the “Master’s commandments.” [1 Corinthians 14:37]
Some believe 1 Timothy was written from Macedonia [modern Turkey] around 61-64 CE. 1 Timothy is contained in all the ancient catalogs including one of the oldest, the Muratorian Fragment of the early second century. In both letters to Timothy Paul stresses “faith” or conviction. [1 Timothy 1:2, 4, 5, 14, 19; 2:7, 15; 3:9, 13; 4:1, 6, 12; 5:8, 12; 6:10, 11, 12, 21; 2 Timothy 1:5, 13; 2:18, 22; 3:8, 10, 15; 4:7] Paul also stresses sound teaching or true doctrine. [1 Timothy 1:3, 4; 4:1-3, 6, 7; 6:3, 4, 20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:14, 15; 4:3, 5] Also, Christian conduct is much stressed. [1 Timothy 2:8-11, 15; 3:2-13; 4:12; 5:1-21; 6:1, 2, 11-14; 2 Timothy 2:22]
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Nazarene Commentary 2000© Mark Heber Miller ©2000 All Rights Reserved |
