The church in Ephesus crops up throughout the New Testament. Paul’s first visit there resulted in a riot (Acts 19). he nevertheless stayed on for three years, teaching and helping to build the church. From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church (Acts 20:17). beginning in verse 18 through verse 36 of Acts 20, Paul addresses the elders from the church in Ephesus. In his address he issues a very concerning prediction: I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears (Acts 20:29-31).
By the time we get to 1st Timothy it seems Paul’s prediction has come true. Paul tells Timothy to stay in Ephesus (1st Timothy 3:3). Timothy must stay because there is a battle to be fought against false teachers and those who are following them(1st Timothy 1:18; 6:12). Arrogant men confidently affirming false doctrine is the primary battle that timothy will have to fight.
This Sunday we will begin a summer long series focusing on 1st and 2nd Timothy. We will begin by focusing on the first two verses of 1st Timothy.