Read 1 Timothy 1

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1&version=NIV

This letter was addressed to Timothy (1:2) but speaks to a broader audience (6:21 has the plural form of “you”). Timothy was first met by Paul on Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:1–3). Lystra was apparently Timothy’s home. His father was a Greek, and his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, were devout Jews (Acts 16:1; 2 Tim. 1:5). Timothy had been trained in the Old Testament Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:14–15) and may have been converted by Paul on his first visit to Lystra (Acts 14:6–7; 1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Tim. 1:2). The words “my true son in the faith” suggest that Timothy was converted under Paul’s ministry. Timothy worked with Paul on his missionary journeys (Acts 16:3; 17:14–15; 19:22; 1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10; 1 Thess. 3:1–2). He joined Paul and Silas when they traveled through the region of Lystra and Derbe on the second missionary journey (Acts 16:1–3) and faithfully served Paul during his second and third missionary journeys as well. He was with Paul during his first Roman imprisonment (Phil. 1:1; 2:19–24; Col. 1:1; Philem. 1:1). Timothy was his close companion and is associated with him in writing Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. After Paul’s release from Roman imprisonment, Timothy was appointed to lead the church at Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:16–18; 4:19). Timothy was also imprisoned (Heb. 13:23). Timothy was a prime example of a servant of God (Phil. 2:20–22). At the time Paul wrote 1 Timothy he expected to return to Ephesus, but he wrote this letter to give Timothy some directions for his ministry in case he should be delayed (cf. 1 Tim. 3:14–15).


Paul sent Timothy on a troubleshooting mission to Ephesus (1:1–3a). Timothy’s mission: to silence false teaching so that the Gospel’s truth might produce its fruit of love (vv. 3b–5). Too many would–be teachers of the law ramble on without knowing what they’re talking about. They fail to realize that laws are passed against sins—and thus are irrelevant to the good men who would not break them anyway! (vv. 6–11)

As for Paul, he is eternally thankful that God saves sinners and transforms them into His servants (vv. 12–15). In fact, Paul sees himself as history’s clearest example that God’s mercy reaches the worst of sinners, a source of hope for others wanting to believe and receive eternal life (v. 16). No wonder Paul breaks out in a doxology of praise! (v. 17)

As for Timothy, he must hold on to faith and a good conscience and so fulfill his promise (vv. 18–20).


Discussion question
What is Paul saying when in verse he says “ handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme?”

Reflection question