No one can speak for the biblical Timothy. However, in these letters, I will be taking on the mantle of Timothy writing to my “Paul.” God has blessed me with many Pauls. He has given me several pastors, mentors, and professors. These men were and continue to be God’s gift to me. The label of “Paul” in these letters are at times one individual and at other times a series of men.

Introduction:

As a young minister, the pastoral epistles instruct and warn me regularly. On my shelf are a host of books written from older pastors to their young Timothys. In these works, veteran pastors put on the mantle of Paul, passing on wisdom and instruction to their protege. Books such as Dear Timothy, Help for the New Pastor, and The New Pastor’s Handbook have benefited me greatly. I have read and reread these books over the first few years of my ministry. I’ve often wondered, though, what were Timothy’s letters to Paul like? What challenges would he tell Paul about? What would he be thankful for?

No one can speak for the biblical Timothy. However, in these letters, I will be taking on the mantle of Timothy writing to my “Paul.” God has blessed me with many Pauls. He has given me several pastors, mentors, and professors. These men were and continue to be God’s gift to me. The label of “Paul” in these letters are at times one individual and at other times a series of men.

These letters give a window into this young pastor’s heart. So who are these letters, strictly, for? In one sense they are for the Pauls in my life. Some of whom are still living, some of whom are in glory. A number of the Pauls in my life will receive these letters and therefore will know that I am speaking directly to them.

However, these letters are not only for them. No; my prayer is for members of the church from all walks of life to be blessed by reading these letters. That pastors may receive insight into a young man’s thoughts and affections. That professors may hear what one of their disciples has taken to the people. I pray these letters convey the sense of one young pastor’s heart.

Minister of the Word

Timothy, a servant of Jesus Christ in rural Iowa. To Paul, my beloved father, friend, and mentor. Grace and Peace.

Your words of instruction and encouragement have guided me in these last months. My ministry here has just begun, and I thank God for you when I pray. There are so many things I have to thank Him for. I hope you will indulge me as I express to you the things I have made known to Him. My letters might be infrequent, but know that I think of you and pray for you often.

Thank you for your ministry of the Word. Thank you for believing the Scriptures. Thank you for teaching and proclaiming God’s Word.

I thank God for your ministry to my mother and grandparents. Thank you for preaching in season and out of season. Your ministry deeply impacted my eternity through them. When you opened God’s Word and proclaimed the glorious gospel, you changed a family forever. The covenant blessings are real. Your ministry to my grandparents and my mother has come down to me, the third generation. Oh, I pray God might show His loving kindness to a thousand generations.

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