Author: Art Davison

THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS–NT SURVEY

Art Davison NT SURVEY 0 Comment
THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS

Introduction:

“Colosse was a celebrated city of Phrygia, in Asia Minor. It was in the southern part of that province, was nearly directly east of Ephesus, north of Laodicea, and nearly west of Antioch in Pisidia.

“The gospel was first preached in Phrygia by Paul and Silas, accompanied also by Timothy, Acts 15:40-41; 16:1-3, 6. It is said that they ‘went throughout Phrygia,’ which means, doubtless, that they went to the principal cities and towns. In Acts 18:23, it is said that Paul visited Phrygia again, after he had been to Philippi, Athens, Jerusalem, and Antioch. He ‘went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.’” — Barnes New Testament Notes.

The epistle presents a considerable resemblance to Ephesians both in thought and language, yet has a distinct message of its own. In Ephesians Paul dwells upon the thought of the church as the BODY of Christ, while in Colossians he emphasizes Christ as the HEAD of the church. The warning against trusting in worldly wisdom which appears in 1 Corinthians reappears in Colossians.

Writer: The apostle Paul.

Date: Probably written from Rome between 60 and 64 A.D.

To Whom Addressed: The church at Colosse, a city of Asia Minor

Purpose of the Epistle:

1) In a General way, a message of good will, to exhort and edify believers.

2) In a Special way, to counteract doctrinal errors growing out of the mixture of Judaistic teaching, combined with the vagaries of oriental and philosophic speculation. These heresies tended to obscure the divine glory of Christ.

Synopsis: The epistle may be divided into six parts:

I. The Introduction and Prayer for the Church

A. The Apostolic greeting and commendation, Colossians 1:1-8.

B. The prayer for the church.

1. That it might be filled with wisdom, fruitful in good works, and strengthened with divine power, Colossians 1:9-11.

2. Thanksgiving for the spiritual inheritance, the great deliverance, and redemption from sins, Colossians 1:12-14.

II. The glory of the Person and Work of Christ.

A. His glorious Preeminence.

1. As the Image of God, Colossians 1:15.

2. The Creator of all things, Colossians 1:16.

3. His Preexistence, Colossians 1:17.

4. His Head-ship of the Church, Colossians 1:18.

5. The Divine Fullness of God dwells in Christ, Colossians 1:19.

6. His Work of Reconciliation, Colossians 1:20-23.

7. The Mystery of His Indwelling of Believers, Colossians 1:24-29.

B. Paul’s concern in regard to the state of the church:

NOTE: “In this chapter the apostle expresses his great concern for the Colossians, and others he had never seen; exhorts them to constancy in the faith of Christ; warns them of false teachers, and their tenets; takes notice of various blessings and privileges they had by Christ, and cautions against several superstitions and corruptions, which were obtaining among the churches of Christ.” –- John Gill’s Expositor.

1. That the members might be united together in love, having a fuller understanding of the spiritual blessings and privileges of the Father and of Christ, Colossians 2:1-3.

2. He warns against false doctrines, several superstitions and corruptions and enjoins steadfast faith in Christ, Colossians 2:4-7.

III. Doctrinal and Polemical Section.

A. The peril of the love of worldly wisdom and legalism, Colossians 2:8-12.

B. He represents the privileges of Christians, Colossians 2:13-15.

C. The Liberating Power of the Cross of Christ in abolishing the old ceremonialism, Colossians 2:14-17.

D. Warnings concerning Angel Worship, and false mysticism which dishonor Christ as the Head of the Church, Colossians 2:18-19.

E. Warnings against Ceremonialism and Asceticism (the doctrine that a person can attain a high spiritual and moral state by practicing self-denial, self-mortification, and the like), Colossians 2:20-23.

IV. The Exhortation Section.

A. To Heavenly Goals and Affections, Colossians 3:1-4.

B. To Die to Fleshly Lusts and Desires, Colossians 3:5-7.

C. To Lay aside the evil passions and vices, and to put on Christian Graces and Virtues, Colossians 3:8-14.

NOTE: The apostle proceeds to exhort to mutual love and compassion: Put on therefore bowels of mercy, Colossians 3:12. We must not only put off anger and wrath (as Colossians 3:8), but we must put on compassion and kindness; not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well; not only not do hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. — Matthew Henry.

D. To submit ourselves to the government of the peace of God, Colossians 3:15.

E. To let the word of Christ dwell in us richly and let everything be done in the name of Christ, Colossians 3:16-17.

V. The Family Section.

NOTE: “The apostle concludes the chapter with exhortations to relative duties, as before in the epistle to the Ephesians. The epistles which are most taken up in displaying the glory of divine grace, and magnifying the Lord Jesus, are the most particular and distinct in pressing the duties of the several relations. We must never separate the privileges and duties of the gospel religion.” — Matthew Henry.

A. He begins with the duties of wives and husbands, Colossians 3:18-19.

B. The duties of children and parents, Colossians 3:20-21.

C. The duties of servants and masters, Colossians 3:22—4:1.

VI. The Fellowship Section.

A. Paul’s request for prayer and advice concerning social conduct, Colossians 4:2-6.

B. He closes the epistle with the mention of several of his friends, of whom he gives an honorable testimony, Colossians 4:7-18.

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS–NT SURVEY

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THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS
Introduction :

“This second epistle was written, not from Athens, as the subscription testifies, nor from Rome… but from Corinth, from whence was sent the former, and where the apostle and Timothy, and Silvanus [Silas] met; and which was sent about half a year after the other. The design of which is to comfort and support the Thessalonians under the afflictions and persecutions they endured for the sake of the Gospel; and to rectify a mistake they had gone into, and which might be occasioned by what the apostle had said in his former epistle, concerning the second coming of Christ, as though it was just at hand; which might lead them to neglect their worldly business, and duties of civil life…” — John Gill’s Expositor.

Writer: The Apostle Paul.

Central Theme: The Second Coming of Christ.

Key Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:5, “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”

Synopsis:

I. Words of Comfort and Contrast.

A. The salutation and thanksgiving, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3.

B. Words of Comfort to the church under persecution, 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6.

C. A Sharp Contrast is drawn between the Glorious Destiny of Believers at the Coming of Christ, and the Fate of the Impenitent Sinner, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12.

II. Events Prior to the Coming of the Lord

A. Warnings against unrest caused by Wrong Views concerning the Lord’s Coming, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2.

B. The Announcement of Events that will Occur Prior to the Coming of the Lord:

1. A Coming Apostasy, 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

2. The Self-exaltation of the Man of Sin, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

3. In due time the Lawless One will be Revealed, accompanied by Signs and Lying Wonders, 2 Thessalonians 2:5-9.

4. The Satanic Person shall be Destroyed at the Coming of Christ, 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

5. A Mighty Delusion shall Deceive the Wicked, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.

C. An affectionate appeal to believers who had enjoyed the great privileges of the gospel, to hold fast to sound doctrine, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15.

D. A comforting benediction, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

III. Paul Expresses His Joy and Satisfaction in the News that Timothy Had Brought Concerning Their Faith.
A. The Apostle’s Confidence in the church:

1. He requests their prayers, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2.

2. He believes they will be Kept from Evil and be Obedient to his Commands, 2 Thessalonians 3:3-4.

3. He directs them to patiently wait for the Coming of Christ and to separate themselves from disorderly brethren, 2 Thessalonians 3:5-6.

B. The Apostle Paul’s Example:

1. Of orderly living, 2 Thessalonians 3:7.

2. Of voluntary self-support for the sake of a good influence, 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9.

3. Of insistence upon discipline on the part of believers, 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

a. A test of obedience, 2 Thessalonians 3:4.

b. Paul says for them to steer clear of those walking disorderly, 2 Thessalonians 3:14.

C. Concluding admonitions:

1. Concerning idlers and busybodies, 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12.

2. Respecting persevering labor, 2 Thessalonians 3:13.

3. Regarding those who do not obey, 2 Thessalonians 3:14.

D. The benediction and salutation, 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18.

THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS–NT SURVEY

Art Davison NT SURVEY 0 Comment
THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS

Introduction:

“The apostle Paul, being diverted from his design of going into the provinces of Asia, properly so called, and directed after an extraordinary manner to preach the gospel in Macedonia, Acts 16:9-10.” — Matthew Henry.

“Thessalonica was a city and sea-port of Macedonia. It was at the head of tile bay Thermaicus, or the Gulf of Thessalonica, and was, therefore, favorably situated for commerce. It was on the great Ægean Way; was possessed of an excellent harbour, and had great advantages for commerce through the Hellespont, and with Asia Minor and the adjacent countries. It was south-west of Philippi and Amphipolis, and a short distance north-east of Berea.” — Barnes New Testament Notes.

“Thessalonica was a very large, populous, and flourishing city, it was a free city, and the metropolis of Macedonia; here the Apostle Paul came after he had been at Philippi, and stayed about three weeks, and preached every Sabbath day, and his ministry was blessed to the conversion of some Jews, a multitude of devout Greeks, and many of the chief women of the place, which laid the foundation of a Gospel church; to which the apostle wrote this epistle, and is the first of all the epistles he wrote.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

The church was founded by Paul on his second missionary journey. Later Paul had sent Timothy to encourage and strengthen the church. On his return, the report that he gave apparently inspired the apostle to write the epistle, 1 Thessalonians 3:6.

Writer: The Apostle Paul.

Date: It was probably written from Corinth between 49 and 54 A.D.

Main Themes: This is one of the most personal of all of Paul’s epistles. It is not so doctrinal or polemical as some of the others. The body of the epistle consists chiefly of commendations, personal reminiscences, counsels, and exhortations. The central truth which is especially emphasized, is the future hope of the advent of Christ.

Synopsis:

I. Commendations to the Thessalonian Church

A. The salutation, 1 Thessalonians 1:1.

B. The commendation of the church:

1. For its faith and loving service, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4.

2. For spiritual receptivity, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6.

3. For exemplary influence, 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8.

4. For abandonment of idolatry and for spiritual hope, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10.

II. Paul reminds them of the characteristics of his ministry.

A. As courageous, sincere, God-fearing, truthful and unselfish, 1 Thessalonians 2:2-5.

B. As humble, gentle, affectionate, industrious, irreproachable, and paternal, 1 Thessalonians 2:6-12.

C. He refers to the Teachableness and Sufferings of the church, 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14.

D. The Apostle’s desire to visit the church, and his glorying in them as his crown of rejoicing, 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20.

III. The Messenger

A. The sending of Timothy to strengthen the church, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5.

B. Timothy’s favorable report and its comforting and joyful result, 1 Thessalonians 3:6-9.

C. Paul’s earnest prayer that he might visit the church and aid them in their spiritual development, 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13.

IV. Paul Encourages the Church.

A. Exhortations concerning personal and social purity, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8.

B. Exhortations in respect to brotherly love and industry, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12.

V. The Future Hope, the Lord’s Coming.

A. The comforting hope for the bereaved, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.

B. The Rapture will not precede the resurrection, 1 Thessalonians 4:15.

C. The manner and accompanying events of Christ’s appearance, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.

D. The time of the Lord’s Coming is unknown, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2.

E. The Lord’s Coming is unexpected by unbelievers, 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

F. Children of the light should be ready for the Lord’s Coming, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8.

G. Safety of believers at the Lord’s Coming, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11.

VI. The Duty of Believers to Exhort and Comfort One Another.

A. Exhortations concerning the practical duties of the Christian life,
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22.

1. Paul exhorts them to edify one another, Roman 14:19.

2. He shows them their duty towards their ministers, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

3. Exhortations touching the duty Christians owe to one another, 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15.

a. To be at peace among themselves, 1 Thessalonians 5:13.

b. To warn the unruly, 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

c. To be patient towards all men, 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

d. Not to render evil for evil to any man, 1 Thessalonians 5:15.

e. To follow that which is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:15.

2. Exhortations that will be of great use to direct the motions of our hearts and lives, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22.

a. Rejoice evermore, 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

b. Pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

c. In every thing give thanks, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

d. Quench not the Spirit, 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

e. Despise not prophesyings, 1 Thessalonians 5:20.

f. Prove all things, but hold fast that which is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

g. Abstain from all appearance of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

B. The closing charge and benediction, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28.

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY–NT SURVEY

Art Davison NT SURVEY 0 Comment
THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
Introduction:

“That this epistle was written to Timothy, while he was at Ephesus, where the apostle in his former epistle had desired him to stay, is evident from his making mention of some persons in it, who were Ephesians; as Onesiphorus, whom he commends, and Alexander the coppersmith, of whom he complains: and that this epistle was written by the apostle, when he was at Rome, is no less evident; for he expressly calls himself a prisoner, 2 Timothy 1:8, and speaks of being then in trouble, and in bonds, 2 Timothy 2:9-10, and the persons that send their salutations in it to Timothy were Romans, 2 Timothy 4:21, but at what time it was written is not so certain: it seems by 2 Timothy 4:7 that it was but a little time before his martyrdom.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

Writer: The apostle Paul.

Object of the Epistle:

1) He was anxious to see his disciple Timothy, before his death, and that Timothy should bring Mark with him, 2 Timothy 1:4; 4:9, 11, 21.

2) Feeling how uncertain it was whether Timothy should arrive in time, he felt it necessary, also, to give him by letter a last warning as to the heresies, the germs of which were then being scattered in the Churches.

3) He writes a series of exhortations to faithfulness, and zeal for sound doctrine, and patience amidst trials: a charge which Timothy seems to have needed, if we are to judge from the apostle’s earnestness in urging him to boldness in Christ’s cause, as though Paul thought he saw in him some signs of constitutional timidity, 2 Timothy 2:2-8; 4:1-5; 1Timothy 5:22-23. — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

Historical Occasion: It is generally believed that Paul suffered two imprisonments at Rome, and that it was during the second that this epistle was written. Formerly he had had a certain degree of liberty and lived in his own hired house, Acts 28:30. At that time he had been accessible to his friends, but now he is in close confinement and Onesiphorus had difficulty in finding him, 2 Timothy 1:17. He had been deserted by many of his former associates, 2 Timothy 1:15, and was expecting very soon to be led out to execution, 2 Timothy 4:6. There is a pathetic strain of loneliness running through the epistle, and it is not surprising that he was anxious to see his beloved Timothy.

Peculiarities of the Epistle: Both epistles to Timothy contain urgent exhortations. It has been surmised that Timothy was not robust, 2 Timothy 5:23. Perhaps he was temperamentally timid, 2 Timothy 1:6-7.Hence the word “ashamed” appears prominently in the epistle. He was urged not to be ashamed of his testimony, his prisoner friend, 2 Timothy 1:8, or his workmanship, 2 Timothy 2:15. He was exhorted to regard himself as a soldier in the midst of a hard campaign, 2 Timothy 2:3-4.

Synopsis:

I. The Apostle’s Greeting, 1:1-18.

A. The affectionate greeting, 2 Timothy 1:1-4.

B. A reminder to Timothy of his godly ancestry, and an exhortation to earnestness and courage, 2 Timothy 1:5-8.

1. Paul sees Genuine faith in Timothy, v. 5.

NOTE: “This is to be understood of the grace of faith, which was implanted in the heart of Timothy by the Spirit of God, and was genuine and sincere; he believed with the heart unto righteousness; his faith worked by love to God, and Christ, and to his people, and was attended with good works.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

2. Paul encourages Timothy to “stir up” his ministerial gift that qualifies men for the ministry, vv. 6-8.

C. A reference to salvation and a “holy calling” according to His purpose, 2 Timothy 1:9-10.

1. A calling to Consecrated Service, “the upward calling,” v. 9; Philippians 3:14.

2. The Lord has turned the Light of the Gospel on Life and Immortality, v. 10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Ephesians 1:18.

D. Personal allusions to the writer’s Own Call to the work, and his Unswerving Confidence in the Lord, 2 Timothy 1:11-12.

1. I am appointed a Preacher, an Apostle and a Teacher, v. 11; 1 Timothy 2:7.

2. I know whom I have trusted, v. 12;

3. He is able to guard my deposit; literally, “my deposit,” as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break, Matthew 6:19.

E. A second exhortation, 2 Timothy 1:13-14.

1. Hold Fast the Pattern of Sound Words, v. 13; 1 Timothy 1:16.

2. Hold Fast that “Good Deposit” which was Committed unto thee, v. 14; 1 Timothy 6:20.

F. A reference to the Disloyalty of some in Asia, and a commendation of the Faithfulness of Onesiphorus, 2 Timothy 1:15-18.

II. The Pathway of an Approved Servant in a Day of Apostasy, 2:1-26.

A. As a Spiritual Soldier, Athlete and Husbandman:

1. To be Strong in the Grace of God and Select Faithful Helpers, 2 Timothy 2:1-2.

2. To manifest Soldierly Qualities of Endurance and Separation from worldly entanglements, 2 Timothy 2:3-4.

3. As a Spiritual Athlete to Keep the Rules of the game, 2 Timothy 2:5.

1d) As a Husbandman Expecting Fruits, 2 Timothy 2:6.

B. Truths to be kept in mind:

1. The Resurrection of Christ, the preaching of which had led to Paul’s imprisonment, 2 Timothy 2:7-9.

2. Suffering and Dying with Christ lead to Spiritual Honor, 2 Timothy 2:9-12.

C. Counsels in Respect to Dealing with Heresy and Controversy.

1. By earnest Admonitions to the Contentious, 2 Timothy 2:14.

2. By Seeking to Become a Skilful Expositor of the Truth, 2 Timothy 2:15.

a. Give diligence to be approved of God.

NOTE: Not unto men, as pleasing them; for such who study to please men, are not the servants of Christ; and sometimes those that are approved to and by men, are disapproved of by God and Christ: but unto God, showing all fidelity and uprightness; speaking out the Gospel openly, and freely, with all sincerity, as in the sight of God. — John Gill’s Expositor.

b. Handling correctly the word of truth; literally, cutting “straight” or “right”: the metaphor being from a father or a steward,1 Corinthians 4:1; cutting and distributing bread among his children, Luke 12:42.

3. By Shunning Strange Doctrines which eat into spiritual life and overthrow faith, 2 Timothy 2:16-18; Titus 3:9.

4. Remembering this: 2 Timothy 2:19.

a. Notwithstanding the subversion of their faith, “the firm foundation of God standeth” fast.

b. That Christians must separate themselves from evil,

5. By remembering that the church, like a great house, has some vessels of honor and some of dishonor, and it should be the ambition of all to be vessels “meet for the Master’s use,” 2 Timothy 2:20-21.

D. Counsels Regarding Personal Desires and Dealing with Strife.

1. The importance of personal purity and spiritual ambitions, 2 Timothy 2:22.

2. The necessity of avoiding foolish questions and strife, 2 Timothy 2:23-26.

a. By patient treatment of the opposition.

b. With the hope that they will repent.

III. Apostasy and the Word, 3:1-17.

A. The various Evil Characteristics of men in the Last Days:

1. Who under the Guise of religion will practice Sensuality, 2 Timothy 3:1-6.

2. Their Stupidity and Folly will one day be Manifest to all men, 2 Timothy 3:7-9.

B. Paul declares that God gave Deliverance from all Persecution, 2 Timothy 3:11-12.

C. A prediction that sin would advance unto more ungodliness, 2 Timothy 3:13; Genesis 6:5.

D. An appeal to Timothy to continue in the Doctrines of the Gospel that he had learned at the hands of the Apostle and others, 2 Timothy 3:14-15.

E. The Power of the Inspired Word of God, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

NOTE: “That is, all holy Scripture; for of that only the apostle is speaking; and he means the whole of it; not only the books of the Old Testament, but of the New, the greatest part of which was now written; for this second epistle to Timothy is by some thought to be the last of Paul’s epistles; and this also will hold good of what was to be written; for all is inspired by God, or breathed by him: the Scriptures are the breath of God, the word of God and not men.” — John Gill’s Expositor.

1. The Power to Equip God’s worker, v. 16.

a. Is profitable for doctrine; for the discovering, illustrating, and confirming any doctrine concerning God, the being, persons, and perfections of God; concerning the creation and fall of man; concerning the person and offices of Christ, redemption by him, justification by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, reconciliation and atonement by his sacrifice, and eternal life through him, with many others.

b. For reproof; of errors and heresies; this is the sword of the Spirit, which cuts all down.

c. For reproof; of errors and heresies; this is the sword of the Spirit, which cuts all down.

d. For instruction in righteousness; in every branch of duty incumbent upon men; whether with respect to God, or one another. — John Gill’s Expositor.

2. The Power to Perfect the Christian worker for his task, v. 17.

NOTE: “The man of God is perfectly accoutred [equipped] out of Scripture for his work, whether he be a minister (compare 2 Timothy 4:2 with 2 Timothy 3:16) or a spiritual layman. No oral tradition is needed to be added.” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

IV. A Faithful Servant and His Faithful Lord, 4:1-22.

A. The Solemn Charge:

1. Concerning Faithfulness in Preaching the Word, 2 Timothy 4:1-2.

2. Predictions of a time when men would despise the truth, 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

3. The exhortation to an earnest and faithful ministry, 2 Timothy 4:5.

a. To fulfill their ministry, Acts 12:25; Colossians 4:17.

b. To fully preach the Gospel, Romans 15:19.

B. The close of the Apostle Paul’s Career.

1. It ends in the Spirit of Victory, 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

2. It ends in Perfect Confidence in the Lord, 2 Timothy 4:17-18.

C. The Need of Companionship and some things to relieve the hardships of imprisonment:

1. The Loneliness caused by the departure of friends and the desertion of inconstant associates, 2 Timothy 4:10-12, 16.

2. Some comforts needed to cheer the prison life, 2 Timothy 4:13.

NOTE: “Carpus—a faithful friend to have been entrusted with so precious deposits. The mention of his ‘cloak,’ so far from being unworthy of inspiration, is one of those graphic touches which sheds a flood of light on the last scene of Paul’s life, on the confines of two worlds; in this wanting a cloak to cover him from the winter cold, in that covered with the righteousness of saints, “clothed upon with his house from heaven. So the inner vesture and outer garment of Jesus, Paul’s master, are suggestive of most instructive thought, John 19:2. — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

3. Timothy urged to come quickly, 2 Timothy 4:9, 21.

4. Final greetings and benediction, 2 Timothy 4:19-22.

THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY–NT SURVEY

Art Davison NT SURVEY 0 Comment
THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
Introduction:

“Hitherto Paul’s epistles were directed to churches; now follow some to particular persons: two to Timothy, one to Titus, and another to Philemon—all three ministers…Their commission and work was much the same with that of the apostles, to plant churches, and water the churches that were planted; and accordingly they were itinerants, as we find Timothy was. Timothy was first converted by Paul, and therefore he calls him his ‘own son in the faith:’ we read of his conversion, Acts 16:3.

“The scope of these two epistles is to direct Timothy how to discharge his duty as an evangelist at Ephesus, where he now was, and where Paul ordered him for some time to reside, to perfect the good work which he had begun there. As for the ordinary pastoral charge of that church, he had very solemnly committed it to the presbytery, as appears from Acts 20:28, where he charges the presbyters ‘to feed the flock of God, which he had purchased with his own blood.’” — Matthew Henry.

“The Design of the First Epistle was:

1) To direct Timothy to charge the false teachers against continuing to teach other doctrine than that of the Gospel (1 Timothy 1:3-20; compare Revelation 2:1-6);

2) To give him instructions as to the orderly conducting of worship, the qualifications of bishops and deacons, and the selection of widows who should, in return for Church charity, do appointed service (1 Timothy 2:1—6:2);

3) To warn against covetousness, a sin prevalent at Ephesus, and to urge to good works (1 Timothy 6:3-19).” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown.

Writer: The apostle Paul.

Date: uncertain.

Key Text: 1 Timothy 3:15, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

Synopsis:

I. Legality and unsound doctrine rebuked, 1:1-20

A. Salutation, 1 Timothy 1:1-2.

1. Paul means to say that he is an Apostle under orders, v. 1.

2. Timothy, “my own son in the faith,” v. 2.

Exhortation concerning dealing with legalistic teachers:

1. Who emphasize “other doctrine” rather than real godliness; whose purpose was to stir up strife, 1 Timothy 1:3-6.

2. Who desire to be teachers of the law without understanding its significance, 1 Timothy 1:7-11.

NOTE: “The Judaizers here meant seem to be distinct from those impugned in the Epistles to the Galatians and Romans, who made the works of the law necessary to justification in opposition to Gospel grace. The Judaizers here meant corrupted the law with “fables,” which they pretended to found on it, subversive of morals as well as of truth. Their error was not in maintaining the obligation of the law, but in abusing it by fabulous and immoral interpretations of, and additions to, it.” — A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament.

C. Paul’s experience:

1. His call to the ministry while in active opposition to the gospel, 1 Timothy 1:12-13.

2. His acknowledgment of divine grace and confession of unworthiness, 1 Timothy 1:14-15.

3. Christ’s purpose in using him as a pattern of longsuffering, 1 Timothy 1:16.

D. The first solemn charge to Timothy, 1 Timothy 1:18-20.

II. Prayer and the divine order of the sexes enjoined, 2:1-15

A. Intercessory prayer for all men, 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

NOTE: “As the destruction of Jerusalem drew near, the Jews (including those at Ephesus) were seized with the dream of freedom from every yoke; and so virtually ‘blasphemed’’ (compare 1 Timothy 1:20) God’s name by ‘speaking evil of dignities’ (1 Timothy 6:1; 2 Peter 2:10; Jude 1:8). Hence Paul, in opposition, gives prominence to the injunction that prayer be made for all men, especially for magistrates and kings (Titus 3:1-3).” — A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament.

B. Christ the “Mediator” [literally, “go-between”], 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Romans 3:29; Ephesians 4:5-6; Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24.

1. One God, v. 5; Romans 3:30; Galatians 3:20.

2. Not only the Father gave Him for us, John 3:16.

3. But the Son gave Himself, v. 6; Philippians 2:5-8.

C. Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles, 1 Timothy 2:7.

D. The Duties of men and women, 1 Timothy 2:8-15.

1. “The men” [Gr. aner = male], v. 8; 1 Corinthians 11:14

2. “The women,” vv. 9-12; 1 Corinthians 11:15; 14:34-35.

III. The Qualifications of Elders and Deacons, 3:1-16

A. The qualifications of a bishop:

1. Personal character and habits 1 Timothy 3:2-3.

2. Attitude toward his family 1 Timothy 3:4-5.

3. Experience and good reputation 1 Timothy 3:6-7.

A. The qualifications of deacons:

1. Character, habits and Christian experience 1 Timothy 3:8-9.

2. Tested for a period 1 Timothy 3:10.

3. Having faithful wives, and proper authority in their own homes 1 Timothy 3:11-12.

4. The advantages of the diaconate 1 Timothy 3:13.

C. The purpose of the epistle 1 Timothy 3:15.

D. The mystery of the incarnation of Christ 1 Timothy 3:16.

IV. The walk of the “Good Minister,” 4:1-16.

A. A dreadful apostasy, 1 Timothy 4:1-3.

B. He treats of Christian liberty, 1 Timothy 4:4-5.

C. He gives Timothy divers directions: 1 Timothy 4:6-16.

1. With respect to himself, 1 Timothy 4:7-12.

2. With respect to His doctrine, 1 Timothy 4:13-14.

3. With respect to the people under his care, 1 Timothy 4:15-16.

V. The Work of the “Good Minister,” 5:1—6:21.

A. Courtesy to old and young, 1 Timothy 5:1-2.

B. The attitude of the church toward widows, 1 Timothy 5:3-16.

NOTE: “Evidently, as in Acts 6:1-6, so here in Ephesus there had arisen some trouble over the widows in the church. Both for individual cases of need and as a class Timothy is to show proper respect, to keep on honoring the widows.” — A. T. Robertson.

The duty to the church elders, 1 Timothy 5:17-20.

C. The Apostle gives a solemn charge concerning ordination, 1 Timothy 5:21-22.

D. Advice relating to personal matters, 1 Timothy 5:23-25.

E. Duties of servants, 1 Timothy 6:1-2.

F. Duty of separation from contentious teachers, 1 Timothy 6:3-5.

G. The blessings of contentment, 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

H. The peril of riches, and the duty of the minister to avoid covetousness; to seek Christian virtues, and to “fight the good fight of faith,” 1 Timothy 6:9-12.

I. A solemn charge to the young pastor, 1 Timothy 6:13-16.

J. A solemn charge concerning ordination, 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

K. A final charge to Timothy, 1 Timothy 6:20-21.