1 Timothy.
1 Timothy.
§ 266. At one time the Donatist Petilianus considered Paul’s disciple Timothy to be a layman, according to Augustine (Contra liter. Petiliani, bk. 3, c. 106). It is evident from the Epistles written to him, however, that he was a distinguished light of the Eastern Church, the bishop of Ephesus for forty years, as some think. The apostle had put this disciple of his in charge of the congregation at Ephesus that he [Paul] had planted. In this Epistle, then, [Paul] is instructing [Timothy] how he ought “to conduct himself in God’s house” and how he must perform his duty correctly.
It consists of six chapters and is entirely of teaching, for he is instructing Timothy regarding ecclesiastical duties, persons, and virtues.