Day 290

Jeremiah 30:1–31:26; 1 Timothy 2:1-15; Psalm 87:1-7; Proverbs 25:18-19

YESTERDAY WE BEGAN 1 Timothy, which is a part of a collection of three letters from the apostle Paul known as the Pastoral Epistles.

Centuries ago, biblical scholars began debating whether Paul wrote these letters himself or they were written in his name, and that debate continues vigorously today. Those favoring the view that Paul did not write these letters do so by observing church structures in the letters that were possibly developed after Paul’s lifetime. There is also an unquestioned difference in language from the other epistles. Those favoring the traditional view that Paul wrote these letters do so because the letters authenticate themselves as Pauline, and early church fathers made use of them. Following the traditional view, the language differences are due to the fact that these are personal letters and were not intended to be read aloud and passed around.

Which brings up why these letters are called the Pastoral Epistles. These letters are personal correspondences to two pastors —Timothy and Titus —who were directly caring for churches established by Paul. These churches needed a strong leader who understood the teachings of Paul regarding the Christian life and community worship.

We’ll talk about Titus when we get to the letter written to him, but the first pastoral letter was written to Timothy, a young man who literally grew up in the shadow of the apostle Paul. We first met him in the book of Acts. His mother’s name was Eunice, and his grandmother’s name was Lois. They were early believers from the city of Lystra —now within the borders of modern-day Turkey. Paul introduced the faith to Timothy, and Timothy became a loyal follower and companion of Paul. Paul called him his spiritual son and directly mentored him in the faith and into church leadership.

Timothy traveled extensively with Paul. He is mentioned by name in seven of Paul’s other letters. When Paul was unable to travel, Timothy was his first choice to go in his place. Thus, Timothy was often sent to serve and assist churches.

When this letter was written, the apostle Paul was nearing the end of his ministry and life, and Timothy had become the pastor of the church in Ephesus. First Timothy was written from a spiritual father to his son in the faith, to offer guidance and counsel in that task.

The letter is full of love and hope. And it gives us clues as to what the apostle Paul thought was most important to transfer to the coming generation after a life fully dedicated to the service of Christ. It is the letter that teaches us to “fight the good fight” of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

MEDITATION:

Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.