Introduction to First & Second Timothy: Paul Introduces Young Timothy To Us.

I would like to study through the books of First and Second Timothy. 

Both these letters belong to a group of books known as "pastoral epistles". Pastoral letters were instructions from the apostle Paul, sent to pastors. 

Two were written to young pastor Timothy and the other pastoral epistle is written to Titus.

Even though these letters were addressed to pastors, they have much truth and solid principles to guide and instruct each Christian. 

I would like to begin with an introduction to this young man and the culture of that time.

A Roman empire in a state of moral and civil decline. 

Let us think about the Roman world of that era. Nero was one of many corrupt emperors. He had his mother Agrippina, and his two wives, Octavia and Poppaea Sabina, executed. 

Under his rule, many internal or civil wars erupted, and these created some levels of uncertainty within the empire. 

Internally, there was much political intrigue, so much so that 5 emperors were assassinated by 96 A.D.

Externally, many rebellions erupted in Britain, Spain, France and Germany. 

Many emperors were hostile to the Christian faith and Nero persecuted Christians with a malicious vengeance. 

He attempted to arrest all Christians in Rome, and routinely held public executions. 

Many Christians were thrown to wild animals in stadiums like the Colosseum in Rome, so that people could watch the gory spectacles. 

Some Christians were impaled on stakes, located on the palace grounds. They were wrapped in flammable, tar like paper, and burned as human torches.

Thus, Paul and Timothy saw a world filled with great contrasts. 

On one hand, the Roman roads and harsh enforcement of the laws, made it relatively safe for travel to spread the gospel. Roman aqueducts, baths and other infrastructure projects were very good for most people. 

On the other hand, both internal and external enemies created an air of instability, that reflected the moral decline of Roman civilization. 

Idolatry, gross immorality, debauchery and depravity characterized the ruling class. Circuses and bread kept the common people in check.

This is a brief overview of the times when Paul and Timothy lived. You can find a lot of detail by reading the Roman historian, Tacitus.

Timothy was a young, tenderhearted Christian whom Paul took under his care as a mentor. Paul always speaks of Timothy with great affection, like a father to his son.

Paul first met Timothy and his family, at Lystra. 

Acts 16:1-5  Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2)  Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3)  Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. 4)  And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 5)  And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. 

Paul first encountered Timothy on a missionary trip to spread the gospel of Christ. 

Timothy was very young and he was a 3rd generation of believers within his family.

Paul circumcised Timothy because his mother was a Jew, but his father was not. Had he not done this, the Jews would never have listened to Timothy.

Timothy was a fellow worker with Paul. Ministering at Berea, Corinth and Ephesus, where Timothy would become pastor (See Acts 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22).

Timothy accompanied Paul in his journeys throughout Greece, Macedonia and Asia (Acts 20:4). 

It is a mission of the greatest importance for parents or grandparents teaching the gospel to their children or grandchildren. 

Timothy was rightly trained up in the way he should go. 

2 Timothy 1:3-5  I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4)  Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5)  When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 

Timothy's grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice were believers who lived by faith, believing the Old Testament scriptures. 

Paul reminds Timothy that he prayed for him day and night, and that he longed to see him once more. 

Paul became acquainted with Timothy's grandmother and mother, and complemented them for having a pure faith in the promises of God, such that they lived it out. 

Both Lois and Eunice had a profound spiritual impact upon Timothy, as they sought to help Him know Jehovah, as Savior.

Many of us can attest to the sweet testimony of godly grandmothers, who gave us a right reference point about God, when we needed it.

Paul was fully persuaded that saving faith was in Timothy's heart. 

2 Timothy 3:14-15  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

It is clear that Lois and Eunice both taught Timothy the scriptures, from the time he was old enough to understand (See 2 Timothy 2:3-11). 

Paul must have noted that Timothy had a special tenderness toward the things of God when he met Timothy. The apostle took him under his care, and was a spiritual father to Timothy.

He reminded Timothy that when he had doubts, he should think about the blessed spiritual truths that he had been taught as a boy, and that he anchor his soul to them.

Timothy is a brother and helper with Paul. 

2 Corinthians 1:1-2  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: 2)  Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 

In his first letter to the Corinthian church, Paul included Timothy in his apostolic greeting, reminding all the church that Timothy was also their brother and fellow worker in gospel ministry. 

When Paul uses names in his greetings to the churches, it is to authenticate that those persons are helping him preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, the churches are expected to show the same respect for those whom Paul names, as they would for Paul himself.

Paul loved Timothy as his own son, and nurtured him in the things of God. 

1 Timothy 1:1-2  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2)  Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 

In this greeting to young Timothy, Paul calls him "my own son in the faith." This is a term of the most tender affection, like a father who loves his own son. 

Paul's words imply that he personally discipled Timothy, discipling him and helping him reach a mature faith in Jesus Christ. 

Paul helped build Timothy's faith in Christ, upon the foundation of the Old Testament. 

As an apostle, Paul communicated to Timothy the New Testament revelation from God about Jesus Christ. 

He instructed Timothy so that the young man could readily grasp how Jesus fulfilled all Old Testament pictures or "types" of Jesus Christ. 

Timothy was a valuable fellow helper for the apostle Paul.

Romans 16:21  Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 

Paul refers to Timothy as a faithful co-laborer in gospel ministry. He assisted Paul in any way that he could, being a faithful companion on his long missionary trips.  

Timothy learned much truth from the apostle, which prepared him for carrying on the work, after Paul was martyred. 

Paul loved Timothy as if he was his own son. 

2 Timothy 1:1-2  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2)  To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 

In this text, Paul speaks of Timothy as "my dearly beloved son" as he expressed his own paternal and apostolic love for this young man.

1 Corinthians 4:17  For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. 

Paul trusted Timothy and often sent him back to churches that he had planted, to make sure they were staying on track, spiritually. 

In this example, Paul sent Timothy to the church at Corinth to bring the correct apostolic teaching back to prominence. 

The Corinthian Christians knew Timothy, because he worked closely with Paul during the 18 months that the apostle preached the gospel in that city. 

Paul was assured that the Corinthian Christians would receive these truths from his young helper. 

Timothy also preached that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, when he ministered with Paul at Corinth (See 2 Corinthians 1:19).

Timothy often brought back reports to Paul, of how a church was doing spiritually or how they received the apostolic truth (See 1 Thessalonians 3:6).  

1 Timothy 5:23  Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

Paul knew that Timothy endured some internal health issues, and he advised Timothy to drink small amounts of wine, in order to help him. 

1 Timothy 4:12  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 

One last thing to remember as we study 1st Timothy, is that this young man at times, was timid. 

Paul often exhorted him to be strong in the faith, and warned him what kind of opposition he would encounter as a pastor.

In addition, Paul often wrote strong reminders to the churches, instructing them to obey Timothy as they would obey Paul. 

As we study 1st and 2nd Timothy together, we will see a portrait of a tender hearted young pastor, who is blessed with the care and love of a prominent apostle. 

Bob