A brief introduction and overview of the book of 1 and 2 Timothy
As recorded in ‘The Bible Brief’ available on Amazon Here..
The Bible Brief’s 1 & 2 Book of Timothy Summary:
1 Timothy:
When:
Around A.D.64.
Who:
The Apostle Paul.
People & Places:
Christ; Paul; Timothy
Ephesus; Macedonia
Sound-Bites:
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. (Ch.1:15)
For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (Ch.2:5)
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (Ch.6:10)
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (Ch.6:12)
The Messianic Link:
Messiah is the Mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5)
Timothy Summary:
In this letter Paul begins by warning Timothy regarding false teachers; instructs the young pastor on the running of a church, and how to deal with issues such as appointing Deacons or Elders from within the congregation.
In Chapter 4 he warns Timothy to watch out for Apostasy in the later times; and also instructs him on discipline, and how he should treat the widows within the church in chapter 5.
He concludes the letter with more instruction on leadership, and warning him that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, so to be rich in good works thereby building up a ‘treasure of good foundation.’
Notes & Quotes:
This letter to Timothy forms an excellent instruction manual on setting up a new church, as it covers church leadership, discipline and administration; and all in only 6 chapters! Even for those not involved in leadership issues though, there is excellent instruction here on avoiding false teachers and how to contend for the faith in everyday life.
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2 Timothy:
When:
Around A.D. 66.
Who:
The Apostle Paul.
People & Places:
Christ: Paul; Timothy; Onesiphorus
Ephesus
Sound-Bites:
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. (Ch.3:16)
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. (Ch.4:2)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. (Ch.4:7)
The Messianic Link:
He is the descendant of David and the Saviour (Ch.2:8,10)
The Book:
2 Timothy was written near the end of Paul’s life, as he lay imprisoned for a second time in Rome. He begins this letter by encouraging his ‘beloved son’ Timothy to keep strong in the Faith, and not to succumb to a ‘spirit of timidity’.
Chapter 2 relates the sufferings that Paul himself has endured for the Gospel’s sake, as he encourages Timothy not to be ashamed (v15), but to accurately preach the Word, avoiding needless quarrel and false teachers.
The last two chapters cover instruction on the difficult times ahead, as people become ‘lovers of self’, persecution comes, and people will not accept ‘sound doctrine’ (Ch.4:3).
Paul finishes by warning Timothy against Alexander the coppersmith, who opposed him severely, and asks Timothy to try to visit him before winter sets in.
Notes & Quotes:
Paul wrote this letter during the time of the Megalomaniac Emperor Nero, and while he was languishing in jail. By all accounts he knew that he did not have long for this world; he had ‘fought the good fight’ and it was almost time for him to be called home and receive his ‘crown of righteousness’.
How many of us, I wonder, would be able to maintain this positive mental attitude, while imprisoned and awaiting death? And yet Paul still expresses a real concern for others—especially Timothy and the young church—during this time.
I’d like to say I would be exactly the same; but the truth is I would probably be too busy making my own plans to escape!
Timothy In A Nutshell
Writing during his second imprisonment in Rome, the Apostle Paul writes to a young Church leader called Timothy around 62 AD. He encourages Timothy to remain strong in persecution citing himself and his situation as an example.
