First Timothy
Author: Paul
Type of Book: Pastoral Epistle
Date of Writing: 62 AD
Theme: Christian service and ministry
The book of 1 Timothy is the first of three books we call the Pastoral Epistles. Paul wrote 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus to young pastors teaching how to lead the church.
Paul wrote 1 Timothy from Macedonia, probably around AD 62 when Timothy had traveled with Paul as his assistant on his second and third missionary journeys. Paul called him "my son" so we assume he came to the Lord under Paul's teaching at Troas, where Timothy grew up. Timothy's father was Greek, but his mother and grandmother were godly Jewish women who trained him in the things of the Lord.
At the time of this writing, Paul had established the church in Ephesus and had left Timothy there to oversee it. So Timothy, who had traveled and worked with Paul so much and who had been personally trained by him, was now in a position of leadership. He was, no doubt, nervous about this new role and Paul wrote this letter to encourage and advise him.
Certain heresies were cropping up in Ephesus that needed to be addressed, as well as issues concerning leadership within the church. The church was growing and it was important that it be established in sound doctrine, and that the leaders in the church know how to conduct themselves.
One of Timothy's jobs in the church was to identify and train other men for the ministry, so much of this book focuses on the qualifications and character of the men who would lead the church. This was for Timothy's personal benefit in his own spiritual development, but it was also to help him to develop other leaders within the church.
This book has much to say to any young person who aspires to be used by God in Christian service and ministry. It is also invaluable to those currently leading within a local church. Paul's practical advice can help a church or minister stay on course, fulfill the calling of God on their lives, or it can help a church or minister who has veered off track to return to the roots of what a New Testament church ought to be.
-from Pastor Chuck Smith from The Word for Today Bible