THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TIMOTHY
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
WE here enter upon the further labors of the Apostle Paul. The foregoing Epistles were all directed to the Churches. This, and the second Epistle, together with the two following, to Titus and Philemon, are to persons. But the subject manner of the whole is the same. All Paul's preachings, writings, and ministry, treat of nothing but Christ. Christ is Paul's text, sermon, and application.
Timothy, to whom Paul here writes, was of Jewish descent by the mother's side, but his father was a Greek. It was Timothy's mercy, that he had been early taught the Scriptures. And the Lord, in his providence, brought him under the Gospel while a youth, in the Acts of the Apostles we meet with the first account of him at Lystra. After which we read frequently of him as Paul's companion.
The subject of this Epistle need not further be noticed in this place. We shall discover the Apostle's design, under God the Holy Ghost, as we prosecute the several Chapter s. It is said to have been written by the Apostle at Laodicea, and, probably, about the year 55, though some place it later. However, it carries with it marks of divine inspiration. I only detain the Reader in begging of him to enter upon the perusal with me in prayer, that the same Almighty Lord, which hath graciously given us this sweet Scripture, will as graciously give us the understanding heart to apprehend his merciful instructions in it, that it may be profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that as the children of God, w e may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.