The salutation reveals both the author and recipient, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Timothy 1:1–2)., More than a decade prior to writing this letter, Paul had first met Timothy in the city of Lystra—in Asia Minor—where Timothy was known and respected by the Christians (Acts 16:1–4). Upon recognizing Timothy’s impressive qualities, Paul recruited the young man to travel with him as he continued his second missionary journey., Throughout the letter, Paul uses the tone of a father instructing a son, even calling Timothy his “true child of the faith.” Why was it written? The Christian church in Ephesus was falling into serious error: a form of gnosticism was corrupting church teachings., The apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy was written in Macedonia about 61-64 C.E. Paul offers Timothy fatherly advice and shows interest in Timothy’s service to the congregation., Paul solemnly charges Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul warns of a time when people will not endure sound doctrine and will turn to myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4)., Paul intended to visit Timothy in person, but he was unsure whether he would be able to do so (see 1 Timothy 3:14; 4:13). Paul wrote his epistle to Timothy to help the young Church leader better understand his duties..