Overview of 1Timothy, 2Timothy and Titus1. Author, Title and Date

A. Paul accepted as the author.B. Dated at approximately 63-66 AD for 1Timothy, 67 AD for 2Timothy and 63-66 AD for Titus.

2. Paul’s Pastoral Letters The last major group of Paul’s epistles have generally been called the “Pastoral Epistles,” a term

used to designate the three letters addressed to Timothy and Titus (1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus). Originally, they were regarded as mere personal letters and were classified with Philemon, but because of their strong bearing on the life of the church, they began to be called the “Pastoral Epistles”, and are characterized by Paul’s advice to two ministers of the Church. Paul addressed them to Timothy and Titus to guide them in matters concerning the pastoral care of the church, which is the household of God (cf. 1 Tim. 3:14-15; 4:6-15 with 2 Tim. 2:2). 3. Paul’s Relationship With Timothy and Titus

Timothy is called “a disciple” (Acts 16:1), living in Lystra. Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and grandmother (Lois) were Jewish, and believers (2Tim 1:5), although it appears that his father, a Greek, was not a believer. Timothy had been taught the Old Testament and the Law from an early age (2Tim 3:15).

Paul first visited Lystra on his First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:4-14:28) where he was stoned and left for dead due to the incitement of the crowds by Jews from Antioch and Iconium (Acts 14:6-20). On his Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:39-18:22), Paul returned to Lystra and this is when he decided to take Timothy along with him (Acts 16:3). Timothy helped Paul in his ministry through Macedonia and Asia (Acts 17:14-15, 18:5), and was with him in Ephesus (Acts 19:22). Timothy travelled with Paul from Ephesus to Macedonia and to Corinth (Acts 20:3), back to Macedonia and through Asia Minor (Acts 20:1-6). Timothy was also with Paul during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (Phil 1:1; Col 1:1; Philemon 1).

Paul’s closeness to, and trust for, Timothy is evidenced by:a. Timothy was the co-sender of six of Paul’s letters: 2Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians and Philemon.

b. Paul speaks of Timothy is endearing terms: i. 1Tim 1:2 “To Timothy my true son in the faith”

ii. 1Tim 1:18 “Timothy, my son…”iii. 2Tim 1:2 “To Timothy, my dear son…”iv. Phil 2:19-22 “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be

cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”

Like Timothy, Titus is referred to as “my son”, perhaps indicating that Titus and Timothy were both converted by Paul. When Paul left Antioch to discuss the Gospel with the Jerusalem church leaders( some believe Acts 11:30 and some Acts 15:1-4), he took Titus with him (Gal 2:1-3). As an uncircumcised Gentile, Titus reinforced Paul’s position as an Apostle to the Gentiles and the lack of

requirement to follow the Mosaic law. Titus is not mentioned in Acts, but it is believed that he supported Paul in Ephesus during Paul’s Third Missionary Journey.

When Paul wrote the letter to Titus, Titus was working on the island of Crete. Crete exhibited a deplorable level of social acceptability. Titus 1:12 speaks to this condition, as well as the fact that in Greek literature, to “cretanize”, meant to lie. While we do not know when the church(es) on Crete were established, or if they were established by Paul, clearly Paul realized there was considerable work that was required there and he left Titus to complete that assignment.

4. Purpose and Theme A. While the primary purposes in 1Timothy and 2Timothy are similar, in that Paul is providing instruction about Timothy’s duties as a “pastor” or “minister”, 2 Timothy has a more personal, one-on-one tone, and clearly reflects Paul’s belief that his death is imminent.

1Timothy 2Timothy Titus

1. Encouragement of Timothy, reminding him of: (1) his charge to stay in Ephesus (1:3); (2)his Spiritual Gift (4:14); his good confession (6:12); doctrine entrusted to his care

1. Encouragement to Timothy to stand firm in the faith: (1) "fan into flame the gift of God (1:6); (2) exhibit the power od God (1:7); do not be ashamed of the Gospel (1:8); keep the pattern of sound teaching (1:13); be strong in grace (2:1); present yourself to God as "one approved" (2:15); "Preach the Word" (4:2)

1. Provide direction to Titus on completing the right foundation of the Church in Crete appointing Elders and describing the necessary qualifications for Elders. (1:5-9)

2. Insight on dealing with false teachers and continuance to rely on sound doctrine (1:3-11, 18-20; 4:1-16, 6:3-10)

2. Warn of coming Godlessness in the last days (3:1-9; 3:3-4)

2. Deal decisively with false teachings/teachers (1:10-16; 3:9-11)

Individually, to "fight the good fight" (1:18)

"Fan into flame the Gift of God" (1:6)The Grace of God enables us to lead Godly lives (2:11-12)

For the Church, proper conduct in "God's household" (3:15)

"Present yourself to God as one approved" (2:15)

Encourage and rebuke with all authority (2:15)

3. Instruction on proper Christian conduct (2:1-10; 3:1-8)

Purpose

3. Instruction on proper Christian conduct (2:1-15; 5:1-6:2)

Theme

3. Passing the mantle as Paul foresees his coming death

B. One purpose apparent in all three letters is the warning against false teachers and their heresies, and the need to deal with them strongly and urgently. Also, Paul describes to Timothy and Titus the appropriate behavior for believers.

C. The letters to Timothy are more personal in tone than the letter to Titus. Paul encourages Timothy more than Titus, and is more “to the point” and direct with Titus than Timothy. 1Tim 4:12, 2Tim 1:7-8 and perhaps 1Cor 16:10 may imply that Timothy was unsure of himself, or could be timid, and needed more gentle encouragement than Titus. At any rate, Paul’s difference of tone could speak to Paul’s ability to understand and empathize with the people he commissioned; meeting them where their needs existed.

D. To both Timothy and Titus, Paul describes the qualifications of Elders and Deacons, positions designed to help manage the affairs and government of the Church. The qualifications were very important, for as “overseers” of the Church, these people needed to be beyond reproach and provide a sterling example of the faith not only to believers but non-believers as well. Below are the qualifications Paul states:

Characteristic Elders DeaconsSelf-controlled 1Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8Hospitable 1Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8Able to teach 1Tim 3:2, 5:17; Titus 1:9Not violent but gentle 1Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7Not quarrelsome 1Tim 3:3Not a lover of money 1Tim 3:3Not a recent convert 1Tim 3:6Good reputation with outsiders 1Tim 3:7Not overbearing Titus 1:7Not quick-tempered Titus 1:7Loves what is good Titus 1:8Upright, holy Titus 1:8Disciplined Titus 1:8Above reproach (blameless) 1Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6 1Tim 3:9Husband of one wife 1Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6 1Tim 3:12Temperate 1Tim 3:2; Titus 1:7 1Tim 3:8Respectatble 1Tim 3:2 1Tim 3:8Not given to drunkeness 1Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7 1Tim 3:8Manages his own family well 1Tim 3:4 1Tim 3:12Sees that his children obey him 1Tim 3:4-5; Titus 1:6 1Tim 3:12Does not pursue dishonest gain Titus 1:7 1Tim 3:8Keeps hold of the deep truths Titus 1:9 1Tim 3:9Sincere 1Tim 3:8Tested 1Tim 3:10

5. Application of 1&2Timothy to each Believer’s Personal Ministry 1&2Timothy can be viewed parochially as very personal letters from Paul to Timothy, a young minister who will shortly not have the counsel of Paul, who served as Timothy’s teacher and mentor. While this limited view does provide significant insight into Paul’s caring and nurturing side, we can miss the relevance of Paul’s instruction to each of our own personal ministries as we do God’s work. As we read these letters, we must ask ourselves (at least) the following questions:

-What is the work of “ministry” in a believer’s life?-What is my personal ministry?-What do I do with it? How do I manifest it? How do I make an impact as an individual?

6. Outline of 1TimothyA. The Salutation (1:1-2)B. Instructions Concerning Doctrine (1:3-20)

i. Warnings Against False Doctrine (1:3-11)ii. Paul’s Testimony of Grace (1:12-17)

iii. Paul’s Charge to Timothy (1:18-20)C. Instructions Concerning Worship (2:1-2:15)

i. Instructions Concerning Prayer (2:1-7)

ii. Instructions Concerning Men and Women (2:8-15)D. Instructions Concerning Leaders (3:1-16)

i. Concerning Elders and Deacons (3:1-13)ii. Parenthetical Explanation (3:14-16)

E. Instructions Concerning Dangers (4:1-16)In this section, Paul warns Timothy of false teachers and false doctrine that will cause lead some believers away from the true message. Paul instructs Timothy to continue to defend the Gospel and use the gift of the Spirit he was given.

i. Description of the Dangers (4:1-5)1. Spirit says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow false doctrine (4:1)

a. “later times” not as strong as “last days”, so implication is that will occur soon or nowb. “abandon the faith” indicates apostasy; believers that leave the true Gospelc. Are led by “deceiving spirits” and teachings of “demons”

i. Indicates clearly the undermining work of Satan 1Pet 5:8; 2Cor 4:4; 1Jn 3:8)d. These teachers are hypocritical liars (4:2)

i. Hypocritical indicates they know the truth and teach other false doctrineii. Their consciences have been seared; they are unfeeling about the willful wrongdoing

2. Two of the false teachings: forbidden to marry and abstention from certain foodsa. Forgotten is the fact that Marriage is an institution established by God (Gen 2:24)b. Also, all food “is created to be received with thanksgiving” (4:3)

i. Everything created by God is good (4:4)1. Echoed six times in Genesis (Gen 1:10, 12,18,21,25,3102. See Acts 10:9-16 where Peter is given the same message by God

ii. Duties and Defenses Against the Dangers (4:6-16)1. Call the attention of the believers to the truth (4:6)

a. Work of a good minister of Christ and of the Gospelb. Encourage people with sound doctrine (Tit 1:9)

2. Avoid “Godless myths and old wives’ tales”a. Godless myths are dangerous; they can exhibit some truth to appear worthy of following

i. Can have an appearance of wisdom (Col 2:20-23)ii. Can be taught by those who might seem to know scripture (Judaizers Tit 1:10-14)

3. “Train yourself to be Godly” (4:7)a. Godliness has value for the present and the futureb. Implies a holy life, focused on the source of our salvationc. Our hope is in the Living God, not false teachings (4:10)

4. “command and teach these things” (4:11)5. Set an example for the believers (4:12)

a. Timothy should not allow people to question his skills because he was youngb. Set an example in Speech, Life, Love, Faith, Purity (4:12)

i. Similar advice to Titus (Tit 2:7-8) “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that

cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”

6. Paul tells Timothy to perform three pastoral duties (4:13)a. Public reading of Scripture

i. Hold to the foundation of Scripture1. 2Tim 3:15:17 “…you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

ii. Early church followed example of publicly reading Scripture in Synagoguesb. Preaching

i. Preaching is “exhortation”. 1. Means to “incite by argument or advice”, “urge strongly”2. People must be exhorted to follow the Gospel

c. Teachingi. Instruct people in Godly living and how to follow the Gospel

ii. This is absolutely necessary is light of Paul’s statements in 1Tim 4:1-2 about false teachers

d. Timothy urged to not neglect, or “be careless” with the Spiritual Gift he has been given (4:14)

F. Instructions Concerning Various Responsibilities (5:1-6:10)i. Concerning Various Age-Groups (5:1-2)

ii. Concerning Widows (5:3-16)iii. Concerning Elders (5:17-25)iv. Concerning Slaves and Masters (6:1-2)v. Concerning the Heretical and Greedy (6:3-10)

G. Final Instructions to Timothy (6:11-21)i. Exhortation to Godliness (6:11-16)

ii. Instructions for the Rich (6:17-19)iii. Exhortations to Remain Faithful (6:20-21)

7. Outline of 2TimothyA. The Salutation (1:1-2)B. The Expression of Thanks and Encouragement for Timothy (1:3-18)

i. “I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did…” (1:3)1. Paul appreciated the rich heritage he had learning God’s word (Acts 22:3; 24:14).

a. It was a firm foundation for performing his work for the Christ2. Paul reminds Timothy of the faith of Timothy’s mother and grandmother. We should never

forget the value of a family built on the Gospel and the influence it has on our choosing the right path. (1:5)a. The faith that Timothy’s mother and grandmother had demonstrated is now evident in Timothy

ii. Timothy encouraged to show the results of his belief and faith

1. “fan into flame the gift of God” (1:6)a. Spiritual gift given to Timothy through laying on of Paul’s handsb. 1Tim 4:14, Paul tells Timothy to not neglect his gift, here Timothy is being encouraged to use it more. Fire can go out if neglected. The message is to use your gift constantly, and let it produce more and more fruit

2. He is not to be “timid” (1:7)a. 1Tim 4:12, 2Tim 1:7-8 and perhaps 1Cor 16:10 perhaps imply that Timothy was not as bold and assertive as Paul would have liked

b. We are given a “spirit of Power” from God…BOLD, ASSERTIVE,CONFIDENT!i. However, the Spirit of Power must be balanced with Love and self-discipline

ii. The image of those preaching “Hellfire and Brimstone” show a lack of love3. He is not to be ashamed of the Gospel or of Paul (1:8)

a. Paul was a prisoner of Rome (probably under Nero), and was most likely facing a death sentence. Paul urged Timothy not be ashamed of Paul’s status, but to even visit Paul (2Tim 4:21)

i. Paul calls himself His (Christ’s) prisoner. Paul was in prison because of the ministry to which Christ called him

b. In fact, Paul encourages Timothy to join him in suffering for the Gospeli. Because their salvation was from God and not by human merit (Rom 3:28; Eph 2:8-9;

Titus 3:5) ii. Because God called them to a holy life (1Thess 4:7; Eph 1:4)

4. Saved by Grace (1:9-12)a. Grace made available to us “before the beginning of time” (Eph 1:4; 1Pet 1:20; Rev 13:8)

i. Grace given to us because we are in Christii. Grace revealed at the first appearance of Christ (1:10)

1. Christ destroyed death (Heb 2:14)2. 1:10 “..has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” The Gospel reveals God’s message of life and immortality.

b. Paul suffers because he is a “herald, apostle and teacher” of the Gospel (1:11-12)i. Paul was appointed into this, he did not choose it

ii. He is not ashamed of what has happened to him1. Because Paul knows in whom he believes (complete trust)2. Because God will guard the believers that Paul has converted for Christ

5. Timothy is called to:a. Keep Paul’s teachings as Timothy’s pattern for teaching (follow Paul’s example) (1:13)

i. With faith and loveb. “Guard the good deposit”. Paul had entrusted to Timothy the Gospel message to preach and the doctrine to preserve. Guarding this was to be accomplished with the help of the Spirit.

C. The Faithful Servant (2:1-26)In this section, Paul stresses the characteristics of a faithful servant, one who “is approved”. Paul paints the picture of how Timothy should lead his life as a minister of the Gospel.

i. Characteristics of the Faithful Servant (2:1-7)1. He Is Strong in Grace (2:1)

a. Grace is from Christ. Unity with Christ is the enabling power of the ministry (2Cor 12:9-10; Eph 6:10). Do not “go it alone”.

2. He Is a Multiplier of Disciples (2:2) a. As Paul entrusted the Gospel to Timothy, so Timothy must entrust the Gospel to “reliable men” who are “qualified to teach others”. Preservation and transmission of the Gospel are the goals.

3. He Is Single-Minded Like a Soldier (2:3-4)a. Soldiers in battle endure hardships, likewise with believers

i. To Paul, enduring hardships for the Gospel is inevitable (2Tim 3:12)b. A soldier lays aside all secular pursuits and concentrates on the mission at hand. So must the minister focus on the work of God

c. “Please his commanding officer”; we must please God4. He Is Strict Like an Athlete (2:5)

a. The prize we strive for is a heavenly, eternal crown.i. 1Cor 9:24-25 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the

prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

b. Compete according to the rules; follow the true Gospel5. He is Enduring Like a Farmer (2:6-7)

ii. Remember the True Gospel (2:8-13)1. “Jesus Christ, raised from the dead” is the true Gospel to Paul

a. Raised from the dead speaks to his Deityb. Descended from David speaks to his humanity

2. This Gospel is why Paul is suffering (2:8-9)a. Although Paul is chained, the Word of God is unchained

i. Continued power and freedom of God’s word means it will propagateii. For this reason Paul is willing to endure hardship, for he knows more people will have

the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Even Paul’s imprisonment was an opportunity to preach the Gospel.

iii. Be a Workman Approved by God (2:14-26)1. The goal mentioned is “present yourself to God as one approved” (2:15)

a. “do your best” means to be eager or zealous. Put forth every effortb. “A workman who does not need to be ashamed”. When God reviews the work, there is no shame for the work is solid.

c. “who correctly handles the Word of Truth”i. Stay on the right path and away from deceiving interpretations and false doctrine

2. Paul tells Timothy to avoid False Teachings (2:14, 16-18)a. Warn quarrelsome people who fight over words that it is worthless and only ruins people who listen. (2:14)

i. Quarreling or arguing about words and meanings is divisive (1Tim 6:3-5)1. It can also confuse or lead astray others

ii. Timothy can’t just ignore this, but is called to confront and warn those doing thisb. Avoid Godless chatter (2:16-18)

i. Some engaged in godless myths and word-splitting controversy (1Tim 4:7, 6:3-5, 20)ii. Those doing this become more ungodly; false doctrine drives us further from the truth

iii. False teaching spreads like gangrene (2:17)1. Medical term indicating a sore that eats into the flesh. It is destructive, and leads others astray from the truth

iv. Specific case of Hymenaeus and Philetus (2:17-18)1. Hymenaeus could be same person mentioned in 1Tim 1:20, who had rejected the truth and “shipwrecked” their faith

2. Their false teaching was the denial of the bodily resurrectiona. This had destroyed the faith of some

c. God’s foundation remains firmi. He knows those who are His

D. The Caution for a Faithful Servant (3:1-17)i. The Peril of Apostasy (3:1-9)

ii. The Protection From Apostasy (3:10-17)E. The Charge to Preach the Word (4:1-5)F. The Comfort of a Faithful Servant (4:6-18)

i. A Good Finish to Life (4:6-7)ii. A Good Future After Life (4:8)

iii. Good Friends in Life (4:9-18)G. Concluding Greetings (4:19-22)

8. Outline of Titus A. Salutation and Opening Greetings (1:1-4)B. Ordination of Elders in the Church (1:5-9)C. Offenders in the Church (1:10-16)D. Right Behavior in the Body (2:1-3:11)

i. Duties for Titus (2:1-10)ii. Directions Regarding God’s Grace (2:11-15)

iii. Demonstration of Good Works (3:1-11)E. Final Instructions and Greetings (3:12-15)