The Bible Study Reading PlanSample

These three letters were written by Paul between his final missionary journey and the beginning of his second Roman imprisonment. They are known as the "Pastoral Epistles" because Timothy and Titus were both placed in the pastoral position in different cities, and Paul is teaching them how to get their people in line. He knew that the church had to be in place before any evangelism was to happen. And we all know Paul's thoughts on evangelism: It was everything.

Even though they are called the "Pastoral Epistles", it was neither Timothy nor Titus's job to remain in each location as a pastor. Paul sent them to set things straight, but the main desire of his heart was for them to meet him in Rome before he was martyred.

Timothy was sent to deal with the leadership in Ephesus, but we know that he was a very timid man, making the task far outside of his comfort zone. Titus on the other hand was sent to Crete to deal with the church as a whole (leaders and members), but he was strong and self-sufficient, which made Paul's job much easier.

Not only were these letters used as motivation and direction, but Paul knew that they would also be used as credentials to prove the authority of Timothy and Titus.

FIRST TIMOTHY

DATE:

First Timothy was written around AD 64 to 66 from Nicopolis in Greece.

AUDIENCE:

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy whom he loved so much that he considered him his own "son". He also trusted him more than anybody and encouraged Timothy to always press on through his timidity.

REASON:

Paul wrote to encourage Timothy amidst opposition from false teachers and to instruct him on leadership within the church.

THEME:

Leadership roles inside the Church.

KEY VERSE:

"I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth." (1 Timothy 3:14-15 ESV)

SPLIT:

Order in the Church (1-3), Behavior in the Church (4-6)

KEY WORDS:

Teach, Sound, Faith, Doctrine