FIRST TIMOTHY

Introduction:
     1. Timothy was a native of Lystra. Acts 16:1-3.
     2. He had been taught the Scriptures by his mother, Eunice, and
        his grandmother, Lois. 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15.
     3. He most likely obeyed the Gospel on Paul's first missionary
        journey.
     4. On Paul's second journey, Timothy was chosen by Paul to go
        with him. Acts 16:1-3.
     5. From this time on, Timothy became a very close companion and
        laborer with Paul in the work of the Lord.
     6. Timothy is mentioned often in the book of Acts.
     7. He is also mentioned frequently in Paul's Epistles.

WHEN AND WHERE THE EPISTLE WAS WRITTEN:

     1. Addressed to Timothy at Ephesus.  1 Tim. 1:3.
     2. Two views as to when written:
        (a) Soon after Paul left Ephesus in Acts 20, after the
            trouble with Demetrius -- A.D. 58 or 59.
        (b) After Paul's first imprisonment in Rome and his visit to
            Ephesus -- A.D. 64 or 65.

PURPOSE OF THE LETTER:

     1. While in Ephesus, Paul had met opposition from the Jews
        (Acts 19:8, 9). He thus warns Timothy concerning the
        teaching of different doctrine and false teachers. (1:3-7).
     2. Paul was concerned about the welfare and organization
        structure of the church in Ephesus; thus, Timothy was left
        to set things in order, as was Titus in Crete. (Tit. 1:5).
     3. The behavior of men and women in public worship.
     4. The qualifications of elders and deacons.
     5. Paul gives instruction concerning Timothy's personal life
        and his relation to others.
     6. He gives instructions for the responsibility  toward various
        groups in the church.
     7. He gives exhortations godliness and faithfulness;
        admonishing the rich to be careful.

OUTLINE OF CHAPTER ONE:

     1. Salutation. (1:1, 2).
     2. Purpose for which he had left Timothy in Ephesus. (1:3-4).
     3. The use and design of the law. (1:5-11).
     4. Thanks to God that he had been entrusted with the gospel.
        (1:12-17).
     5. This solemn duty of preaching the gospel he commits to
        Timothy. (1:18-20).

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