This epistle is generally held to have been written by Paul after his two years' imprisonment at Rome, recorded at the end of the Acts. That record implies that at the end of the two years Paul was liberated, and in the two epistles to Timothy and in the one to Titus there are certain statements that do not coincide with any of the travels of the apostle as given in the Acts: such as begging Timothy to remain at Ephesus while Paul went to Macedonia (1 Tim. 1:3); directions to Timothy to bring a cloak and some books which Paul had left at Troas. Paul had left Trophimus at Miletus sick. (2 Tim. 4:13,20.) Titus was left at Crete. (Titus 1:5.)
The release of Paul after his first imprisonment is confirmed by the fact that in the 1St Timothy and in Titus nothing is said of his being a prisoner; but in 2nd Timothy he is again a prisoner, and looking for his speedy martyrdom.
We may probably place the 1St Timothy (from Macedonia) and Titus about A.D. 67; and 2nd Timothy perhaps a year later.
This epistle has the character of a charge to an apostolic delegate as to the sound doctrine to be maintained in the assembly, and may be said to recognize the church in its normal condition—the church, as the house of God, in order: in the second epistle the church is regarded as in disorder.
In this epistle the assembly being the house of God in contrast to the Jewish temple, the character in which God is represented is the Savior-God with regard to men, His creatures.
1 Tim. 1:1-4.
Paul, apostle of Jesus Christ according to the command of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timotheus, Paul's true child in faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul had besought Timothy to remain at Ephesus, that he might enjoin some not to teach strange doctrine, nor give heed to fables and useless genealogies (Jewish fables and pedigrees, though Gnosticism seems to be alluded to in 1 Tim. 6:20).
1 Tim. 1:5-17. But the end of what was enjoined to Timothy was love out of, 1, a pure heart; 2, a good conscience; and, 3, unfeigned faith: from which some had swerved, desiring to be law-teachers, but without intelligence.
The law has its use, if used lawfully. It was made for and has its application, not to the righteous, but to the wicked of every character, anything opposed to sound teaching according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God committed to Paul.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom Paul was first (or chief). Mercy was shown him that his salvation might be a delineation of the Lord's great long-suffering to those who should afterward believe on Christ to eternal life. It calls forth a burst of praise from Paul.
1 Tim. 1:18-20. The above-named charge (vers. 3, 4) was committed by Paul to his son Timothy, who had been pointed out by prophecy to Paul (cf. 1 Tim. 4:14), that he might war the good warfare, and maintain faith, and a good conscience. Some had put away the latter, and had made shipwreck of faith: of these two are named who had been delivered unto Satan (cf. 1 Cor. 5:5) that they might learn not to blaspheme.
1 Tim. 2:1-4.
Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings were to be made for all men, that the saints might be able to live quiet and tranquil lives in all piety and gravity.
This is good and acceptable in the sight of our Savior-God, who desires that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. (It is not the counsels of God here, but His dealings with men under the gospel, for Christianity presents a Savior-God to men: cf. 2 Cor. 5:20.)
1 Tim. 2:5, 6. There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, the testimony to be rendered in its own times (namely, in this bright gospel day).
1 Tim. 2:7-15. Whereunto Paul was appointed a herald, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and in truth.
He wills that men should pray, lifting up holy hands.
That women should adorn themselves with becoming apparel and with good works.
Women were to learn in silence and not to teach, nor usurp authority over man. (Our earthly relationships must be sought for at the beginning of creation.)
For Adam was first formed, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression (brought it in, though Adam was equally guilty in following Eve: in other connections it is all charged on Adam).
But she shall be saved in child-bearing (that which bears the stamp of judgment, Gen. 3:16), if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with discretion.
1 Tim. 3:1-13
describe the qualifications for the office of bishop (overseer) and deacon (minister). It will be seen that no specific gift is needed, but there must be good moral character.
To desire to be a bishop is a good work. He must be blameless; the husband of one wife; rule well his own house; not a novice; must have a good report of those without.
A deacon's qualifications are then detailed.
Those that minister well obtain a good degree and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus (Stephen and Philip were witnesses of this).
1 Tim. 3:14-16. Paul hoped to come to Timothy shortly, but should he delay, these things were written that Timothy might know how to behave himself in, 1, the house of God (Eph. 2:22), which is, 2, the church of the living God; 3, the pillar and base of the truth (it is the only witness that can maintain the truth on earth: it is not the truth, but maintains it).
Confessedly the mystery of piety is great. God has been manifested in flesh; justified in [the] Spirit (the absence of all sin during His whole life was made manifest by the power of the Holy Spirit, cf. Rom. 1:4); has appeared to angels (in Christ the angels have seen God); has been preached among the nations; has been believed on in the world; has been received up in glory. (This gives a living epitome of what the church maintains before the world. It is Christianity as embodied in the Person of Christ.)
1 Tim. 4:1-5.
But the Spirit declares that in the latter times some would apostatize from the faith, giving their mind to deceiving spirits, and teachings of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, cauterized in their conscience. These cast a slur upon God's creation: for They forbid to marry, and bid to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received. For every creature of God is good and to be received with thanksgiving (thus going back before the restrictions of Judaism: cf. Gen. 9:3). Notwithstanding the curse it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
1 Tim. 4:6-10. Timothy was to teach these things, and he would be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the truth. He was to refuse profane and old wives' fables. Bodily exercise (training the body) profits a little, but piety is profitable for the present life and the life to come.
The word is faithful and worthy of all acceptation; for this Paul labored and suffered, because he trusted in the living God, the Savior (preserver, Matt. 5:45) of all men, and, especially of those that believe.
1 Tim. 4:11-16. Timothy was to teach these things with authority, and live them: be a model to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. To give himself to reading, ** exhortation, teaching; and not to neglect the gift that was given to him by prophecy (cf. 1 Tim. 1:18), and with (not by here: cf. 2 Tim. 1:6) the imposition of the hands of the elderhood.
For himself, he was to be occupied with these things, to give himself wholly to them (to live as it were in them), that his progress might appear to all; and he was to give heed to himself and to his teaching. In this way he would save both himself and those that heard him (from the false teachings, and from all other dangers to which the saints were exposed.) The apostle now turns to the work of such a workman.
1 Tim. 5:1-16.
Rebuke not an elder sharply, but exhort him as a father, and the younger men as brethren: the elder women as mothers, and the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Honor widows that are really widows. Let their descendants, if they have any, support them.
Those really widows trusted in God and continued in prayer. Others lived in self-indulgence and were dead (spiritually) while they lived.
If any did not provide for his own, he practically denied the faith, and was worse than an unbeliever.
In the list of widows none were to be entered under the age of threescore: what should characterize them is detailed: the younger ones were to be refused: their tendencies and their dangers are described. Some had already turned aside to Satan. If any had relatives who were widows they should support them, and not let them be chargeable to the assembly.
1 Tim. 5:17-25. Elders who led well were to be esteemed worthy of double honor, as the ox is not to be muzzled that treads out the corn, and the workman is worthy of his hire.
An accusation against an elder must be verified by two or three witnesses. Those that sin were to be reproved (convicted) before all, that the rest might fear.
Timothy is solemnly charged to keep these things without prejudice or favor.
Hands (in recognition) were not to be laid quickly on any man: and others' sins were to be avoided. Some men's sins are manifest beforehand (they are known to be sinners); in others they are hidden, but their sins will follow them to judgment. So also some good works are manifest beforehand, and indeed others cannot be hidden.
Timothy was counseled to take a little wine because of his frequent illnesses.
1 Tim. 6:1-8.
Those under the yoke of servitude (slaves) are exhorted to honor their masters, that the name of God and His teaching be not blasphemed. If the masters are believers they are not to be despised, but to be served faithfully.
If any taught otherwise they were puffed up, knowing nothing; they were destitute of the truth, holding gain to be (the end of) piety. But piety with contentment is great gain.
1 Tim. 6:9, 10. The dangers of those that desire to be rich.
1 Tim. 6:11-16. Timothy, as a man of God, is exhorted to a godly walk; to strive earnestly in the good conflict of faith; to lay hold on eternal life.
Timothy is again charged before God and before Christ Jesus that he should keep the command spotless, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which the blessed and only Ruler shall shew in its own time, the King of kings and Lord of lords: who only has immortality; dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man hath seen, nor is able to see: to whom be honor and eternal might. Amen. (Here it is the inaccessible majesty of God as God; to whom man is responsible, and of such a God the Christian is the representative on earth! In Rev. 19 the Lord is King of kings and Lord of lords: here He is so who will so manifest the Lord Jesus.)
1 Tim. 6:17-21. Exhortations are added to the rich, that they may lay hold of what is really life.
Timothy is again warned of what to keep and what to avoid. "Grace be with thee" ends the epistle.