Heidegger's Bible Handbook: 1 Timothy: Occasion and Argument of the Epistle

2. The occasion and argument of the Epistle.

Saint Paul, being about to proceed into Macedonia, leaves Timothy in Ephesus, 1 Timothy 1:3. This is the first occasion for writing to him being absent, taking advantage of which, he desired to instruct him in what is incumbent upon him to be done in the Church in which he was left. Therefore, he, not only in true doctrine, both also in his Apostolic authority, which he asserts, strengthens and confirms Timothy, both concerning prayer and the order to be kept in public assemblies, and concerning the ministry and the right institution of the whole government of the Church, discoursing concerning things to be observed, and interspersing not a few things concerning principal heads of doctrine, especially the coming apostasy, and finally faithfully instructing him in all parts of the ministry.