Paul's two letters to Timothy, along with Titus and Philemon, are unique in the New Testament. They were written to individuals rather than to churches. The first three of these letters are commonly called the "pastoral letters." This is because 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus were written to instruct young leaders about how to carry out their traveling ministries. Even so, about 10 percent of the material in these letters has to do with church organization or program. Paul concentrates most of his advice in two areas: These young leaders are to urge the churches to maintain purity of doctrine and lifestyle.
Paul's first letter to Timothy was apparently written during that imprisonment in Rome with which the Book of Acts concludes. Most believe that Paul was released from this imprisonment, went off on another preaching mission, and was subsequently arrested and taken to Rome again. Paul's second letter to Timothy was written during this second imprisonment, which the apostle did not survive. Eusebius, an early church historian, reports that "Paul is said, after having defended himself, to have set forth again upon the ministry of preaching, and to have entered the city [Rome] a second time, and to have ended his life by martyrdom. While then a prisoner, he wrote the second epistle to Timothy, in which he both mentions his first defense, and his impending death."
It is clear from several references within these letters, as well as testimony of history, that the Pastoral Epistles date from near the end of the Apostolic Age. Only the letters of John may be later in origin. Thus the pastorals reflect the growing hostility of many in the Roman world to the church and the dangers a developed faith continues to face today.
________________________________________
"Church" Organization
Scripture traces a fascinating evolution of church organization. In Jerusalem, the church was led by the apostles and by elders. When a crisis arrived, the apostles led the church to elect "deacons," who worked out and supervised a plan to meet the specific need (Acts 6). As the church exploded out of Judea new forms of government emerged. The first Gentile church, located in Antioch, was led by a team which included prophets and teachers (Acts 13). These undoubtedly supervised the life of all the believers who met in the city in small house churches. Paul's missionary journeys pushed the boundaries of the church even further and created fresh organizational needs. Guidance was provided by teams of local elders, chosen for their spiritual maturity by the Christian community and confirmed by the apostles on subsequent visits (Acts 14:23).
Also traveling teachers such as Apollos traveled through the empire, sharing their particular teaching within the cities they visited. Some of these teachers were false teachers, and local prophets and elders were charged with examining their teaching and discerning errors. When Paul wrote the pastorals each city seems to have had its own bishops/elders, plus deacons, who provided special services to the Christian community. Some individuals were fully supported by the church so they could give full time to ministry.
At this stage, leadership teams still supervised the entire community rather than local house churches. Yet by A.D. 115, letters of Ignatius reveal that each local congregation had one bishop, several elders, and several deacons. The church had become more and more highly structured, but perhaps somewhat less dynamic than before.
Timothy
Timothy was a dearly loved companion of the Apostle Paul, who looked on him as a son as well as fellow soldier (1 Tim. 1:2, 18; 2 Tim. 1:2). Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and Greek father (2 Tim. 1:5). He traveled with Paul on both the second and third missionary journeys and was sent on a number of special missions by the apostle (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10; Acts 19:22; 2 Cor. 1:1, 19). He was not always successful on his missions.
The sense of a somewhat unimpressive leader is strengthened by Paul's encouragement that Timothy not permit people to "look down on you because you are young" (1 Tim. 4:12). The timid Timothy is also exhorted to be strong and given rather thorough instructions on how to complete his task.
At the same time Timothy is one of the most admirable of the New Testament's "next generation" of Christian leaders. Paul commends him to the Philippians, saying, "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" (Phil. 2:20-22).
________________________________________
Chapter summary
Paul addresses this letter to Timothy, a young coworker he has sent on a troubleshooting mission to Ephesus (1:1-3a). Timothy's mission: to silence false teaching so that the Gospel's truth might produce its fruit of love (vv. 3b-5). Too many would-be teachers of the law chatter on without knowing what they're talking about. They fail to realize that laws are passed against sins—and thus are irrelevant to the good men who would not break them anyway! (vv. 6-11)
As for Paul, he is eternally thankful that God saves sinners and transforms them into His servants (vv. 12-15). In fact, Paul sees himself as history's clearest example that God's mercy reaches the worst of sinners, a source of hope for others wanting to believe and receive eternal life (v. 16). No wonder Paul breaks out in a doxology of praise! (v. 17)
As for Timothy, he must hold on to faith and a good conscience and so fulfill his promise (vv. 18-20).
________________________________________
Keys of Truth
1) As we obey God, our confidence in Jesus Christ should be increased.
2) We must be genuine in our faith in order to experience God’s grace, mercy, and peace.
3) We must beware of false teachers.
4) There teaching is full of traditions and endless family history; the plan of God is not promoted, which centers in faith.
5) The love of God flows from a pure heart, from a clear conscience and from a sincere faith.
6) We should focus on the development of godly character, and leave behind useless discussion.
7) We should sincerely desire to understand God’s word.
8) The Law of Moses was given for the benefit of the lawbreakers and rebels; for the ungodly and sinners. These people considered nothing holy or sacred. They desired to kill their fathers, mothers, and others.
9) These laws were intended for people involved in sexual sins, for people involved in perversion, for liars, and anything that wars against the truth.
10) The teachings of Moses were intended to be used in agreement with the Gospel, that contains the glory of God.
11) When God chooses you for a purpose, He will strengthen you for His purpose.
12) God has mercy on us when we do things because of our unbelief.
13) God is kind to us, and because of His kindness we come to faith and develop the love of Jesus Christ for people.
14) This statement is one of truth and should be accepted; Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.
15) The mercy that God shows us, also demonstrates His patience.
16) Worship and glory belong forever to God.
17) Our faith should be the guide for our conscience.
18) Those that dishonor God should be turned over to Satan, so that they can learn a lesson. Don’t dishonor God.
No comments:
Post a Comment