1 + 2 TIMOTHY BOOK OVERVIEW
NEW TESTAMENT LETTER: PAUL‘S INSTRUCTIONS TO TIMOTHY
In two separate letters, Paul wrote to Timothy. Paul met Timothy in Lystra and mentored him as a leader in the faith and messenger of the gospel (Acts 16:1-3). Timothy’s assignment from Paul was to remain with the church in Ephesus where false teachers were leading believers astray. In Paul’s great efforts to spread the gospel, he highly valued correct theology and sound teaching. Paul instructed Timothy to share the truth of Jesus and rebuke those who were sharing false religion.
Paul detailed the character qualifications necessary for leaders in the church and imparted his wisdom upon Timothy. Although Timothy was much younger, Paul saw him as a capable leader within the church. Paul encouraged Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, flee from youthful passions, and pursue rightouesness. 2 Timothy also serves as a reflection upon Paul’s life and ministry as he approached his death. Desiring the church to be a place of truth and hope, Paul sent Timothy in his place to share the truth of the gospel. These letters collectively serve as a guide for church leaders, stressing the importance of character, biblical theology, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
MAIN IDEAS: PERSEVERING IN FAITH + FIGHTING FOR TRUTH
Paul challenged Timothy to correct false teachings and advocate for the true gospel. (1 Tim. 1:3-7)
Paul gave instructions and qualifications for appointing leaders within the church. (1 Tim. 3:1-17)
Sharing the news of Jesus is worth suffering and fighting for, despite persecution. (1 Tim. 6:11-12)
Paul advocated for sound theology and following the patterns of Scripture. (2 Tim. 1:13-14 1:1)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: SOVEREIGNTY OVER EVERYTHING
Throughout Paul’s letters to Timothy, he commented on God’s supremacy and dominion over everything. Paul’s steadfast faith in times of trouble points to his belief that God is in control of all things. In 1 Timothy, Paul provided instructions for appointing new leaders within the church. Despite the prevalence of corrupt leadership and false teaching, Paul assured Timothy that God is ultimately in charge. Paul trusted that God’s plans cannot be dismantled by those who distort the truth. In 1 Timothy 6:15-16, Paul referred to God as “the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords.”
Not only does God have authority over earthly leaders, but He also has authority over the whole world. In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul instructed the church to pray for all people because God desires all people to be saved through faith in Christ. Similarly, God shows sovereignty through His divine Word. Paul reveals that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. God’s Word is one way that God equips believers for good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God is the creator and sustainer of all people, all leaders, and all truth!
JESUS IN 1 + 2 TIMOTHY: JESUS AS HUMANITY‘S MEDIATOR
In 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Paul clarified the roles of God the Father and Christ the Son. Paul stated that there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men - the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Because God demands holiness and humanity is sinful, a mediator must stand in the middle for God and His creation to be reconciled. 1 Timothy 3:16 describes Jesus as “the mystery of godliness manifested in the flesh.” God chose Jesus’ death as the solution to the problem of sin.
Because of God’s grace and generosity, Paul urged believers to have confidence in the gospel. In 2 Timothy 1:8-9, Paul instructed Jesus’ followers not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, but to share in suffering for the sake of the gospel. Paul explained that God sent Jesus not because of humanity’s good works, but for God’s own purpose. God planned to send Jesus as the Savior and mediator before creation - Jesus was the plan all along!
