1 Timothy 1:1-3

As Paul addresses his disciple Timothy in a personal letter, he begins by highlighting his own apostolic credentials. By prefacing his instructions and admonitions to Timothy with reference to his office, Paul was taking aim at the wolves and false teachers who were rising up in the ranks of the Ephesian church. The message to Timothy in all of this was clear: he was a man under Christ’s authority and his calling was to stand firm against them.