LESS

ON1Three Letters to

Leaders1 AND 2 TIMOTHY, TITUS

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

commentary

Bible commentators refer to the books of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus as the “pastoral

letters” of the New Testament. The apostle Paul wrote all three of these letters. He addressed them to his “spiri-tual sons” Timothy and Titus, who both pastored churches he had established. The books are called “pastoral” because they were written to men entrusted with the spiritual leadership of two churches. With compassion and wisdom, Paul advised these young leaders on how to ensure good order, sound teaching, ap-propriate worship, and God-pleasing living in their congregations.

First Timothy and Titus were prob-ably penned during Paul’s travels around AD 62 to 67, after his release from prison in Rome and before his recapture, second imprisonment, and execution under Nero, around AD 67. The second letter to Timothy was written from Paul’s dungeon during this second imprison-ment, making it Paul’s final epistle. During those years between his Roman imprison-ments, Timothy and Titus accompanied Paul on what might be considered a fourth missionary journey, which is only hinted at in the Scriptures. Paul urged

Timothy to stay at Ephesus to lead the church there, and he commissioned Titus to remain on the Greek island of Crete to further establish that church. Out of his pastor’s heart, Paul wrote letters of instruction to both of his spiritual sons to encourage them in their crucial leader-ship roles.

The theme of Christian leadership—its character, lifestyle, organization, and function—infuses these epistles. In-cluded in these instructions about lead-ership are practical advice and encour-agement for the variety of relationships these pastors would encounter: with young, old, widows, servants, masters, backsliders, the wealthy, and more.

Another major theme runs through these epistles: warnings about deceptive teachers and false doctrines subtly invad-ing the church community, turning

Paul told Timothy and Titus how to ensure good order, sound teaching, appropriate worship, and God-pleasing living in their congregations.

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people from God’s truth. Paul defined the fundamental truths of the gospel, remind-ing Timothy and Titus of the essentials they should build their ministry around, often repeating the assurance: “This saying is trustworthy.”

Paul’s tone in these letters is personal and at times even confidential. Paul undoubtedly expected the letters to be read to each congregation, as was the practice in his time. But he was also coaching Timothy and Titus individu-ally, passing on truth to them and expect-ing they would pass that truth along to others. So these letters bear the marks of a fatherly conversation with people Paul viewed as dedicated co-laborers, divinely-called leaders, and loyal friends in the faith.

I. 1 Timothy—How to Pastor a ChurchThe Bible’s first mention of Timothy takes place in Lystra (modern Turkey), a city Paul visited on his missionary travels. Timothy was the son of a Greek father and Jewish mother, and his mother and grandmother had taught him the Scriptures at an early age (see 2 Timothy 1:5). Paul called him “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), indicating Timothy may have come to

faith in Jesus through Paul’s first mis-sionary visit to Lystra.

On his second missionary journey, Paul added Timothy to his team (see Acts 16:1-5). Probably because of his Greek father, Timothy had not been circumcised, but he chose to take that step so he could minister more effec-tively among the Jews. Then, he traveled with Paul through Achaia and Macedo-nia (see Acts 17:14-15; 18:5). He was also present during much of Paul’s ex-tensive preaching ministry at Ephesus (see Acts 19:22) as well as his first im-prisonment in Rome (see Philemon 1:1), which is detailed in Acts 28.

Paul’s respect for Timothy is reflected by the salutations of six of Paul’s letters. In 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon, Paul names Timothy as a co-sender.

In 1 Timothy, Paul gave clear direc-tions to his young protégé about what to do as the pastor of the Ephesian church. He instructed Timothy on how to counter false teaching with sound truth, select and train worthy leaders, and relate rightly with the many types of people who form the household of God.

Think about your influence. Paul was a master leader because he influenced by example. To the Corinthians, he wrote, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). In 1 Timothy, he urged his protégé to “set the believers an example in speech, in

Paul was confident that the God who had called him would

carry on His mission and preserve His church.

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conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (4:12). Paul, the veteran, knew that the power of his leadership did not come from his sermons—it came from his life. Now he was passing that principle to Timothy.

As you study 1 Timothy, consider the influencers in your life. What have you learned from them, good or bad? What do you want to pass along from them to some “Timothy” in your life?

II. 2 Timothy— A Call to FaithfulnessIn contrast to his first imprisonment, where he was basically under house arrest, Paul was now in a Roman dungeon await-ing his execution, chained like a common criminal. Many of his former friends had turned their backs on him. Humanly speaking, Paul’s conditions were disheart-ening at best. But as the apostle wrote to his “beloved child” (2 Timothy 1:2), his focus remained steadfast. “Remember Jesus,” he urged Timothy (2:8), encourag-ing the young pastor to stand strong and endure patiently.

In this candid, deeply personal letter, Paul instructed Timothy on how to live and serve faithfully even under persecu-tion. He saw his calling as a sacred trust from Jesus, and he had suffered boldly through his trials because he longed for others to come to salvation and experi-ence the glory of Christ. Now, knowing that his life was drawing to a close, Paul charged Timothy to guard and preserve

the gospel entrusted to him, to continue preaching the good news, and, if neces-sary, to suffer for Jesus’s name.

As a spiritual father to Timothy, Paul had modeled the characteristics of faithful obedience and dedicated leadership in his own life. He wrote triumphantly, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (4:7). His declaration of legacy was a challenge to Timothy— and to all his readers—to live with the same courageous commitment to Jesus. Paul’s final words to Timothy are most likely his final surviving words in the New Testament. According to tradi-tion, Paul was beheaded not long after he penned 2 Timothy.

Paul had experienced the reality of a firsthand relationship with Jesus. He was utterly convinced that what he be-lieved was true and his faith was worth dying for. And he was confident that the God who had called him would carry on His mission and preserve His church.

Think about 2 Timothy 4:7 as Paul writing his own epitaph. He said nothing about how many churches he started in how many countries, or how many lives were changed because of his ministry. Instead, he measured his life by God’s standard: Have you been faithful? Have you done what I asked you to do? Paul could say, “Yes, Lord!”

God’s measure for us is the same as His call to Paul: daily

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island of Crete, where he now gave leadership to the local church. Paul may have planted this church when he was in Crete briefly on his way to Rome (see Acts 27:7-8). As already mentioned, after his release from his first Roman impris-onment, Paul journeyed with Timothy and Titus, and at that time assigned Titus to remain in Crete and organize the new believers there. Titus would be busy— Cretans had a reputation for the lowest of morals.

While the exact time and place of Paul’s writing of his letter to Titus are unknown, Zenas the lawyer and Apollos (see Titus 3:13) may have carried the letter with them and delivered it to Titus for Paul. The Bible’s last mention of Titus tells us that he had gone to Dalmatia (Yugoslavia), presumably to evangelize (see 2 Timothy 4:10). According to tradi-tion, Titus later returned to Crete as a permanent bishop and died there at an advanced age.

Paul’s letter contained instructions for Titus about what he should do and what he should teach the Cretan con-verts. Paul described how Christians should live to give evidence that their faith is genuine.

In all three of these letters, Paul emphasized the importance of leading from a posture of humility, hospitality, and integrity. He shared timeless truths that are relevant for believers of any time and culture. From the earliest days of the church, it has been vital for Christ follow-ers to test the messages they hear against the ultimate standard of what God says.

faithfulness, no matter how grand or humble the task He has given us. With that in mind, what would you like your epitaph to say?

III. Titus—Teaching and Living the TruthLittle is known about Titus, except that he was converted under Paul’s ministry and he was a Gentile. Unlike Timothy, who had a Jewish heritage, Titus was not compelled by Paul to be circumcised, in case other Gentiles would take it to mean that circumcision was required for salva-tion (see Galatians 2:3-5).

It’s evident that Paul saw Titus as a capable ambassador for Jesus. Earlier in the ministry, when Paul left Antioch to attend the Jerusalem Council, he took Titus along (see Galatians 2:1-2). Because Titus is named in 2 Timothy 4:10, it is likely that he served with Paul and Timothy in Ephesus during the third missionary journey. Paul then sent Titus to help the troubled church at Corinth. Titus brought back a good report and relayed the Corinthians’ greetings to Paul (see 2 Corinthians 7:6-7).

Titus is not mentioned in the book of Acts, so it is unlikely that he partici-pated in the first evangelization of the

Paul emphasized the importance of leading from a

posture of humility, hospitality, and integrity.

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poisonous falsehoods.Paul also talked about the source of

Christians’ hope, security, and affection. When our hope is placed in money, self, or pleasure, our foundation is uncertain. But if our trust is rooted in the living God, we have hope for both the present and the future.

Paul used athletic metaphors of training, running, and competing to illustrate how believers can cultivate “fitness” to live lives that please and honor God. He answered the questions, What makes us spiritually healthy? What makes us spiritually sick? by clearly contrasting life-giving truths with

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review

1. What stood out to you from this week’s Commentary?

2. Now that you have an overview of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, what excites you most about exploring this book more deeply? Why?

Personalize this lesson. Good spiritual mentors point people to Jesus. They give practical advice from their own life experiences. And they lead by example, living out the things they teach. Paul did these things with Timothy and Titus. Think about someone who has been a positive mentor figure in your life. What are some of the qualities this person reflects (for example, patience or compassion)? As you study Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus in the coming weeks, notice when these qualities appear. Consider taking the time to thank someone who has contributed to your growth and inspired you by example.

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LESS

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CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

home study questions

Write God’s Word for the week: 1 Timothy 1:15.“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”

1 Timothy 1:1-2—Fathers and Sons

1. What do we know about Paul from the introduction to this letter?

2. Paul pointed Timothy to “Christ Jesus our hope.” Why is it important for leaders to keep their hope in Jesus rather than in other people or circumstances? What can happen when a leader loses hope in Jesus?

Truth Twisters andSaved Sinners1 TIMOTHY 1

during a fourth missionary journey, Paul left Timothy in Ephesus. Timothy

was dealing with critical problems in the Ephesian church. Paul was in

Macedonia, unable to visit Timothy. So he sent his spiritual son a letter of caring

encouragement and wise instruction. Imagine the impact of such a letter on a

timid, inexperienced pastor in a city dominated by idol worship and cults.

You’ll benefit most from this study if you read the entire Scripture passage

before starting the questions. Some will be easier to answer than others.

Please note the references of any verses you used. You don’t need to say your

“For personal thought ” answers aloud in Core Group, though your responses

may enrich others. And don’t worry about getting the “right” answer. Instead,

ask God to help you understand His Word and be equipped by it.

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3. For personal thought: What helps you focus your hope on Christ alone?

4. In 1:2, how did Paul address Timothy?

5. Read Acts 16:1-3, 1 Corinthians 4:17, and Philippians 2:22. What do you learn from these verses about Paul’s regard for Timothy?

6. Why was the blessing Paul gave Timothy—“grace, mercy, and peace”—particularly appropriate for a young man who had been commissioned to correct serious church problems?

Write God’s Word for the week: 1 Timothy 1:15.

1 Timothy 1:3-7— Truth Twisters

7. What do you observe from these verses about the teachers and teachings Paul warns about?

8. According to 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, who is the ultimate source of false doctrine?

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9. What was the aim of Paul’s insistence on sound teaching (1 Timothy 1:5)? Why do you think this goal was so important to him?

10. What principle do you see here about the connection between your beliefs and your actions and attitudes?

Write God’s Word for the week: 1 Timothy 1:15.

1 Timothy 1:8-11— Concerning the Law

11. Some false teachers in Ephesus were twisting the truth about the role of the law. For whom did Paul say the law is intended?

12. Paul declared that the law is good when used properly. Read Romans 7:7-13 and Galatians 3:19-24. How do these verses help you understand what is good about the law?

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13. In Greek, the words Paul used for “sound doctrine” carry the sense of “good, thriving order” or “healthy application of teaching.” How does it benefit a community of Christ followers when people apply God’s truth in healthy ways?

Write God’s Word for the week: 1 Timothy 1:15.

1 Timothy 1:12-17—Grace for Paul

14. How did Paul describe the man he was before God’s grace changed him?

15. What did Paul receive from Christ, according to this passage?

16. Skim Paul’s testimony in Acts 22:3-21. How had Paul blasphemed, persecuted, and opposed Jesus’s truth? How do you see Jesus’s patience and grace toward Paul in this testimony?

17. Are you surprised that Paul called himself the “foremost” sinner? Why, or why not?

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18. How do you think Paul’s brief testimony here could have brought hope to Timothy? To the false teachers Timothy needed to confront?

19. For personal thought: How do Paul’s words bring you hope?

20. What does 1 Timothy 1:17 tell us about who God is? Which of these descriptions stands out to you most, and why?

Write God’s Word for the week: 1 Timothy 1:15.

1 Timothy 1:18-20 — A Charge for Timothy

21. What charge did Paul give Timothy in 1:18? What do you think it might look like to carry out this charge? (See also 1 Timothy 6:12.)

22. Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 9-11. How do Paul’s instructions concerning the immoral brother in Corinth help explain his treatment of the two men mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:19-20 who had “made shipwreck of their faith”?

23. What are some ways we might shipwreck our faith today?

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24. How do you think “holding faith and a good conscience” can help us combat false teaching and avoid spiritual shipwreck?

Apply what you have learned. Make no mistake—the Christian life requires endurance. Paul pointed Timothy (and us) to three keys to endurance (see 1:18-19). First, he said, remember your past—“the prophecies previously made about you.” What promises have you received from God? Recall them often, and ask Him for new ones to strengthen you for new challenges. Next, Paul said to hold on to faith. In his next letter to Timothy, Paul will declare, “I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12). Whom have you believed? What convinced you to believe Him in the first place?

Finally, Paul said, to endure you need a good conscience. It’s hard to endure for the long haul when unaddressed offenses keep demanding your attention and energy. What do you need to make right between you and God, or you and another person? Choose one of these practices to focus on this week—then describe here how your perspective shifted.

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