1 Timothy 1:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God
our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and
Christ Jesus our Lord.
NOTE: This letter is
both personal and official. If it was only personal, Paul would not need to
remind Timothy of his authority. An example of a personal letter is Philemon
where Paul just says who is writing (he and Timothy) and that he is a prisoner
(although for the Lord Jesus), and it then immediately greets Philemon. Paul
knew this letter would be read to the church at Ephesus because of the subject
matter. It is a letter written to a church leader on conduct and operations in
the local church. It is late in Paul's life. We may wonder why the need for
such a letter. Fortunately, there is not a great detail, meaning that God's
church can operate in a variety of ways. But there is some, meaning that there
is some minimal level of order required.
PRAYER: Father, open
my eyes to understand the minimum essentials. Help me to let go of the things
that are not important, but hold on to the things that are truly important.
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