The church in Ephesus did not need Timothy. They had spiritually mature elders (Acts 20). They were living life together. They were following the teachings of Jesus. Timothy’s purpose was to help the church become healthy so that it was no longer necessary for him to be there. In the same way, pastors equip disciples of Jesus to make disciples of Jesus. Pastors do ministry, but in the same way that every disciple of Jesus is a servant (diakonos). We are all ministers (diakonoi) of Jesus in that sense. But pastors possess unique qualifications to perform a unique function. Paul defines that function as equipping the church for ministry.
As Each Part Does its Work
March 10, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • Ephesians 4:11–16, 1 Timothy 3
More from
1 Timothy
Grace Be With You
May 26, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 6:17–21
In a city like Ephesus, the third largest city in the Roman Empire, and the primary port of the rich province of Asia, there was much wealth. The magnificent Temple of Artemis/Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was a symbol of the city’s prosperity. The reason that Paul talked about being content and not letting the desire to be rich become the end in life is because this was especially relevant in Ephesus. But Timothy had an even more valuable deposit entrusted to him. Timothy was entrusted with the gospel. The gospel that Timothy was entrusted with is all about grace and all by grace.
Until His Appearing
May 19, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 6:11–16
When Paul talks about the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, he is pointing to the glorious moment when Jesus returns to take us to be with Him. This moment is what Timothy, as well as we, move forward toward. This is what we pursue. This appearing is what we fight for. This hope is what we take hold of. This promise is what have confidence in. Our confidence is not in our ability to flee from what is evil and pursue what is good. Nor is our confidence in our ability to fight the good fight. Our confidence is in the good confession: that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the King, the Son of the Living God who is seated at the right hand of God the Father. We rest in this confession until His appearing.