1. AUTHOR. — Paul.

2. DATE. — Probably about 65 A. D., after Paul had been released from his first imprisonment at Rome.

3. TO WHOM WRITTEN. — To Timothy, who was converted under the preaching of Paul, and accompanied him in much of his apostolic labor. He was probably at Ephesus when this letter was sent to him.

4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — There is some uncertainty about this. It seems probable, however, that Paul had been released from prison, had visited Spain, and then some of the churches in the East, had left Timothy at Ephesus to exercise a general oversight over the churches there, and had then proceeded to Macedonia, where he wrote this letter. There was need at the time of giving directions concerning the government of churches and the importance of teaching God's Word.

5. LEADING TOPICS. — Directions concerning teaching sound doctrines and the proper organization and government of the churches; instruction of a personal character for the guidance of Timothy in his private life as the representative of the apostle.

6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To give directions with apostolic authority for the organization, officering, and edification of churches.

7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

(a) The law not to be taught instead of the gospel, Ch. 1.

(b) Conduct of Christians, Ch. 2.

(c) Character of pastors and deacons, Ch. 3.

(d) Sound doctrine to be taught, Ch. 4.

(e) Various injunctions, Ch. 5, 6.

8. SPECIAL TEACHING OF THE BOOK. — The law was intended for evil-doers; there is one Mediator between God and man; the dependent are to be supported; ministers are to be honored; undue desire for wealth leads to sin.

9. RELATION TO OTHER N. T. BOOKS. — In Paul's other writings he had considered the Christian in his individual capacity; in this he considers him as a member of the church organization, which was intended for the edification of believers.

10. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — The function of ministers (bishops, elders) and deacons; the New Testament teaching about church government.