I. Authorship and Dating

Until the nineteenth century, scholars assumed that Paul wrote 1 Timothy. Since then, Pauline authorship has been challenged in four areas: history/chronology; ecclesiastical structure; theological distinctives; and language, vocabulary, and style issues (see Guthrie, 11-52, and appendix A).

A. History/Chronology

First Timothy mentions Paul leaving Timothy in Ephesus, then going on to Macedonia (1:3); he is now planning to visit Timothy. These events are not found in Acts, nor do they fit in the chronology of Acts; it is possible, however, that Paul was released from the house arrest of Acts 28 and then rearrested. After all, Acts does not propose to give the conclusion of Paul’s ministry. The period following Acts allows for the events of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus.

B. Ecclesiastical Structure

Non-Pauline critics argue that the discussion regarding overseers, deacons, and deaconesses in ch. 3 reflects a greater complexity of leadership in the early church than Acts and the other Pauline Epistles support. Such a claim appears to be an overreading of 1Ti 3, which really focuses on qualifications rather than duties. The early church needed structure and had it: Acts 6 tells of the selection of men to take care of the daily distribution of food, and Php 1:1 addresses “overseers and deacons.” The synagogue had similar offices and may have served as a model. Based on Tit 1:5-7, “overseer” and “elder” are synonymous. Hence an argument that overseer means bishop does not appear to have merit.

C. Theological Distinctives

First, 1 Timothy does not present Paul’s customary discussion of justification by faith and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Using this to argue non-Pauline authorship does not allow for the differences in nature between these epistles and the other Pauline letters. After all, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are addressed to individuals, not churches. Second, Timothy and Titus, Paul’s chosen representatives, were already discipled by Paul. Hence, Paul makes frequent reference to “sound teaching” or “sound doctrine” (1Ti 1:10; 4:6; 6:3; 2Ti 1:13; 4:3; Tit 1:9; 2:1, 8), of which they are recipients and in which they are to instruct others (2Ti 2:2). Third, Paul’s purpose is not to enunciate the basic elements of the faith to his pastoral colleagues, but to encourage them to persevere in the faith, combat heresies, and establish the church.

D. Language, Vocabulary, and Style Issues

The Pastorals have many words (175) that occur only once in the NT as well as words that are not typically Pauline. Again, such a critique does not take into account the different nature of the Pastorals. In addition, it does not allow for any change in style or vocabulary reflecting Paul’s new experiences and maturation following his imprisonment (see Guthrie, appendix A).

There is no compelling reason to deny Pauline authorship. The teachings and tones are consistent with Paul’s other writings. Paul, as always, is concerned with believers conducting themselves as befits the faith. First Timothy was probably written between a.d. 62 and 66 from some place in Greece, possibly Corinth.