1 Timothy
Authorship
The style of 1-2 Timothy and Titus often differs from that of Paul’s earlier letters. Some scholars suggest different authors; others, that Paul gave considerable freedom to his scribe (some even suggest that scribe was Luke, see ); others, that the letters or instructions were remembered by Timothy, Titus, and/or others, and then written down in their own words. The many personal allusions in 2 Timothy argue against the work simply being made up by someone later, since such allusions appear only relatively rarely in pseudepigraphic works. Further, the descriptions of elders/overseers and deacons are earlier than those found in the early second-century works of Ignatius. Pseudepigraphic works, by contrast, were usually written long after the claimed author’s death.
Setting and Purpose
The letters to Timothy address a setting in Ephesus (; cf. ; ), where traditional Greek culture was dominant. Paul must correct some errors circulating in this location (, ; ; ; ; ; ; cf. ), which include some specifically Jewish issues (; cf. , ; ). Some teachers advocate asceticism (), deny a future resurrection (), misunderstand and dogmatically abuse the law (), and follow myths (; ; ), apparently Jewish ones (). Paul thus wants Timothy to teach (, ; , , ; ) and appoint leaders who can teach soundly and stem the falsehoods (, ; ; ; cf. , ). ◆
Quick Glance
The apostle Paul
Audience:
Timothy, one of Paul’s closest associates, but no doubt intended also to be read to the whole church in Ephesus
Date:
About AD 63–64
Theme:
Paul writes to instruct Timothy concerning the care of the church at Ephesus.