Authorship
The style of 1-2 Timothy and Titus often differs from that of Paul’s earlier letters. Some scholars suggest different authors; others, that Paul gave considerable freedom to his scribe (some even suggest that scribe was Luke, see 2 Tim. 4:11); others, that the letters or instructions were remembered by Timothy, Titus, and/or others, and then written down in their own words. The many personal allusions in 2 Timothy argue against the work simply being made up by someone later, since such allusions appear only relatively rarely in pseudepigraphic works. Further, the descriptions of elders/overseers and deacons are earlier than those found in the early second-century works of Ignatius. Pseudepigraphic works, by contrast, were usually written long after the claimed author’s death.
Setting and Purpose
The letters to Timothy address a setting in Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3; cf. 2 Tim. 1:18; 4:12), where traditional Greek culture was dominant. Paul must correct some errors circulating in this location (1 Tim. 1:3–7, 19–20; 4:1–4; 6:4–5; 2 Tim. 2:14–18; 3:6–9; 4:3; cf. Titus 1:10–11), which include some specifically Jewish issues (1 Tim. 1:7; cf. Titus 1:10–11, 14; 3:9). Some teachers advocate asceticism (4:3), deny a future resurrection (2 Tim. 2:18), misunderstand and dogmatically abuse the law (1 Tim. 1:7), and follow myths (1:4; 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:4), apparently Jewish ones (Titus 1:14). Paul thus wants Timothy to teach (1 Tim. 4:6, 16; 2 Tim. 2:2,14,24–26; 3:14–4:2) and appoint leaders who can teach soundly and stem the falsehoods (1 Tim. 3:2, 9; 5:17; 2 Tim. 2:2; cf. Titus 1:5,9). ◆
Quick Glance
Author:
The apostle Paul
Audience:
Timothy, one of Paul’s closest associates, but no doubt intended also to be read to the whole church in Ephesus
Date:
About AD 63–64
Theme:
Paul writes to instruct Timothy concerning the care of the church at Ephesus.