TIMOTHY 1, BOOK OF

This is Paul's first letter to his convert, Timothy, who was from the city of Lystra (Acts 16:1). It appears to have been written after Paul's release from his initial Roman imprisonment (Acts 28). Timothy was a frequent traveling companion of the apostle's. Paul warns the young evangelist about false teachers that threatened the faith (1:3-7; 19-20; 4:1ff). The letter provides instruction in "sound doctrine" and guides in the selection of elders, who would oversee the work of local churches, and of deacons, who would serve by carrying out special tasks in the congregations (3:1ff).