As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus …
Summary: Sometimes it is helpful to “connect the dots” when we read Scripture, as long as we remember that the lines connecting the dots are just guesses and not facts.
What is going on?
When did Paul leave Timothy in Ephesus while he went on to Macedonia? This timing is not a critically important point to understand, but it does provide some context for Paul’s letter.
Luke’s account of Paul’s journeys lays a foundation for understanding the timing of Paul’s letters. Let’s begin with some facts, make some assumptions, and then see where that leads us.
The first relevant fact that we have in Scripture is the absence of any stories that describe Timothy staying in Ephesus while Paul goes on to Macedonia.
The second relevant fact is that Paul does not appear to be in prison when he wrote his letter.
These facts lead us into the realm of making assumptions.
Making assumptions is fine, as long as they are presented as assumptions and not facts. So, with that in mind, let’s make some assumptions!
Assumption 1: Luke’s account in Acts is historically accurate.
Assumption 2: Paul’s age when he meets Timothy (Acts 16) is likely mid-forties. Timothy’s age was probably late teens or very early twenties. This places Paul about twenty-five years older than Timothy, which fits with their father/son relationship.
Assumption 3: Since the Book of Acts ends with Paul in prison (Acts 28), it is likely that Paul was eventually freed for a time before being re-imprisoned and martyred. This would explain how Paul could visit Ephesus with Timothy and leave him there while he traveled on to Macedonia.
Based on these facts and assumptions, we start to get a picture of Paul and Timothy when Paul writes this letter. By the time he writes, ten or fifteen years had passed since Paul first met Timothy in Lystra (Acts 16:1-3). This would make Timothy thirty to thirty-five years old and Paul in his mid-to-late fifties.
Paul is writing to someone who is not old enough to be respected as an “elder,” but is old enough to be respected as a leader. That is important for us to know. Timothy is not a child; he is a “son” to Paul. He is a son who has grown into a man and who is a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.
Knowing this helps us paint a mental picture of who they are, where they are in life, and what their relationship is like.
Application: Remember that assumptions are not facts!
Food for Thought: What does it tell us about Paul’s relationship with Timothy that he “urges” Timothy to do certain things instead of “commanding” him as he advises Timothy to do to others (1 Timothy 1:3b).
What does it tell us about Paul’s relationship with Timothy that he “urges” Timothy to do certain things instead of “commanding” him as he advises Timothy to do to others (1 Timothy 1:3b).
I think for starters it shows that Paul’s and Timothy’s relationship was a mature and healthy relationship that was full of mutual respect. Paul recognized Timothy as a spiritual leader who was actively leading the church in Ephesus. I think Paul also recognized the obedience and dedication Timothy had to serving Christ, and in Christ, they were both equal. So Paul wanted to support and influence Timothy in serving Christ and his congregation. When Paul urges Timothy he is doing so recognizing it is Timothy’s choice, and Paul is offering him advice. When Paul refers to Timothy “charging” others who are teaching false doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3b), this is not a matter of preference, it is a matter of speaking the truth.
What does it tell us about Paul’s relationship with Timothy that he “urges” Timothy to do certain things instead of “commanding”
him as he advises Timothy to do to others (1 Timothy 1:3b).
As believers we look for opportunities to urge one another, encourage each other to continue seeking life in Jesus Christ. We choose life in submission to Gods will over our own as we convey His righteousness to others.
Accordingly, Paul is urging Timothy to seek Gods will over his own in all his interactions with others.
John 13:34, Love one another,
Romans 12:16, Live in harmony with one another.
Romans 15:14, Instruct one another.
Galatians 5:13, Serve one another.
Galatians 6:2, Bear one another’s burdens.
Ephesians 5:21, Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ Colossians 3:9, Do not lie to one another.
Colossians 3:16, Teach and admonish one another.
1Thessalonians 5:15, Seek to do good to one another.
Believers, urge one another, as we seek living lives in obedience to Gods Commandments.
John 4:21, Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
Thank you, Ron!
You raise a very interesting point! Paul is writing to Timothy, another believer. The people Timothy is supposed to “command” are not really believers, are they?
I think it shows that Paul knew Timothy would likely follow his advice. It is likely that Timothy coveted Paul’s guidance and wisdom. So a gentle nudge would have the weight of a command due to mutual respect and a mutually beneficial love for one another. Paul knew his role – and Timothy knew Paul’s role too. Both were ultimately being obedient to Christ.
Thank you, Rich!
Great insight!