The Pastoral Epistles provide Paul's instruction in the organization and governance of the local church. This includes the roles and qualifications of elders, deacons and pastors. Although the role of deacon did not originate with Paul (see Acts 6:1-7), the qualifications were spelled out very clearly in these letters.
Timothy first appears in the Scriptures in Acts 16:
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:1-3)
Clearly, by Paul's reaction to this young man, Timothy was a firm believer with a great understanding of doctrinal issues. Paul wanted to take him along on his journey, and did so; presumably leaving him to lead the church in Thessalonica. This letter was written from prison in Rome, is very personal, and provides instruction and encouragement in regard to his leadership of the church.
1 Timothy
Not only did Paul write to encourage Timothy, but he wrote to provide guidance in the structure and governance of the local church.
Paul begins with a discussion in regard to sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:5-7) and follows that with the role of prayer, as well as that of women in the church. Paul then moves his discussion quickly toward the role of the pastor in appointing elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13). Following these points, Paul begins to point to what is required of a pastor (1 Timothy 4:7-12). Paul continues through chapters 4, 5 and 6 to instruct Timothy with encouragement to employ his knowledge and faith to overcome apostasy and to maintain right relations with his flock.
2 Timothy
Paul's second letter to Timothy was the last letter he wrote. Written near the end of his life, Paul wished to encourage Timothy to remain faithful regardless of the hardships he may face; using his own circumstances as an example.
Because this was the last of Paul's letters, and one in which he alludes to his soon-anticipated execution, the apostle writes primarily to encourage Timothy to continue the work that Paul himself had started. Certainly he asks for some specific personal items: his cloak for warmth in the dungeon and his books, especially the parchments, or the Scriptures, presumably for the comfort they surely gave to him. However, the primary theme of 2 Timothy is guidance and advice as he carries on after the death of his mentor. Paul's final word of advice is as timely today as it was for Timothy:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
No statement could be more worthy of Paul as his dying wish as these words written to Timothy some two millennia ago.
Click on the link to read day 34: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-2 Timothy 4:22
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