I & II Timothy

I Timothy is a pastoral epistle written to Timothy, a timid native of Lystra and Paul's spiritual son. Timothy's mother was a Christian Jewess and his father was Grecian. This epistle was written in AD 66 before Paul's martyrdom. Its purpose is to instruct Timothy as to how to deal with false teachers and uphold the truth of scripture. I Timothy 1:4 instructs, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies which minister questions, rather than Godly edifying, which is in faith so do.” Paul instructs Timothy to pray for those in authority in I Timothy 2:2, “For kings and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and honesty.” Paul warns of the apostasy of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, that in latter times will cause those who depart from truth to be, “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their consciences seared with a hot iron”(I Timothy 4:2). Paul encourages Timothy, who was overwhelmed by the events taking place to, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses”(I Timothy 6:12). A healthy goal of Christianity is summarized in I Timothy 6:19, “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

The book of II Timothy was also written by Paul to his spiritual son at the end of AD 66. Paul knew that his life was nearing an end, as he sent this fatherly letter of encouragement. Paul instructs Timothy in II Timothy 1:6 regarding his gift, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” He further encourages Timothy in II Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Christian warfare is addressed as Paul instructs Timothy, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”(II Timothy 2:3). Paul's personal needs are addressed in I Timothy 4:13, “The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest bring with thee and the books, but especially the parchments.” This epistle was written in a very personal style as Paul reflected on his impending death.

The epistles, or letters, of Paul recorded in the New Testament are a treasure trove of instruction for our Christian walk. Even with the epic changes that the world has undergone since the writing of these letters by the Apostle Paul, man's heart and the truth of scripture remain unchanged. Reading the New Testament with an eye toward our own life situations will uncover much wisdom for living. I pray that you read the books of I & II Timothy and allow God to bless and edify you in the truth that they contain.

Patti

Grace and Peace

"Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:3).  Paul's words resound across the centuries from his imprisionment in a first century Roman jail to our hearts, as we read his epistle written to Philemon of Colossae.  Colossae was a city in the Valley of the Lycus River, which was a branch of the Meander River in the southwest region of ancient Phrygia (Asia Minor).  The occaision of the writing of this personal letter, was Paul's entreaty to Philemon to receive the fugitive Onesimus back to himself as a brother, rather than as a slave.  The motifs of forgiveness, discretion, and restoration ring throughout this short letter, which contained only 334 words in the original Greek text.

The epistle of Philemon was hand delivered to its namesake by none other than Onesimus himself, who was accompanied by Tychicus.  Paul identifies himself as the author, as he acknowledges Timothy as his brother and Philemon as their fellow laborer.  Timothy was Paul's spiritual son, as was Onesimus, as the apostle had led both of them to salvation.  The name Timothy means "honored or valued of God, or worshipper of God."  From the Greek, Philo, means "lover," Philemon's name translates to "friendly or affectionate man."  Paul describes Philemon as dearly beloved, as well as a fellow laborer in this book.  The Greek word sunergos, which is the root of the word, synagogue, is associated with leading together, an assembly or congregation.  This is exactly what verse two of this book says that Philemon hosted in his home, "And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house."  The name Apphia, is qualified in some translations as, "our sister."  The male equivalent of this name means "revivified."  Archippus means, "master of the horse," he was a Christian of Colossae, a close friend of Philemon, and most likely the pastor of this house church.

Paul characteristically offers a prayer of thanksgiving and encouragement as he praises Philemon for his love, faith, and care of the saints.  It is interesting that this letter was written in the early 60s by a slave of Christ in bonds of men, on behalf of a renegade slave, to another slave of Christ.  Each of these men had intimate knowledge of what is means to be constrained by bonds.  Each of these men had tasted the forgiveness that Christ's sacrifice offers.  Each of these men were responsible, as we are, to extend this magnanimous forgiveness to those who have wronged them.