THE thought of Scripture research is inseparably connected with the name of the person addressed in this epistle. Our motto, "Search the Scriptures," is here drawn out in living characters. If the youth of to-day would imitate this pious young Grecian, none of the superficiality displayed in the following incident could have any existence:
The writer was teaching a class of nearly a dozen youth in a Sabbath-school. Some of them had about reached the state of manhood and womanhood. In the lesson was a reference to First Timothy. The question was asked, "Who wrote this epistle?" After considerable hesitation, one of the members ventured to reply, "Timothy." Farther on in the lesson was a reference to a verse in the book of Hebrews. "Who wrote the book of Hebrews?" was the question. Of course those who had studied the lesson had not found this query in the lesson sheet, and so this question met with no response, till finally one of the younger scholars answered, "Hebrews."
No embellishment of exclamation points could adequately express the surprise elicited by this reply. The printer's art does not furnish punctuation marks that meet the demands of the case in this instance.
Such replies demonstrate the great lack of thought and investigation put upon the Scriptures, especially by the rising generation. We are very glad, however, to be able to say that there are noble exceptions to this condition of things, and this fact is the basis of our hope for the future.
Upon the noble youth of the church of Christ, who are making the Bible the foundation of all education, and who, like Timothy of old, have from childhood known the Holy Scriptures, and are continuing in the study of the same, depends the success of the work of God in the earth to-day.
Concerning the favorable and unfavorable surroundings of young Timothy, we read in Acts 16. We here learn that his mother was a believer. This was indeed very favorable for this young Christian. The context seems very plainly to imply that the father was not a believer. This circumstance would not seem so favorable, yet in this Timothy is doubtless set forth as an example to all youth in like circumstances. How many there are who are brought up under parental roofs where the house is divided, as was the case in Timothy's home. Either the father or the mother is often bitterly opposed to the godly practise of the other parent. But even in spite of such opposition the youth may become firmly rooted and grounded in the truth for this time, and become, like Timothy of old, stanch defenders of the faith.
This letter to Timothy was written by Paul near the close of his ministerial career. More than thirty years had elapsed since Paul's wonderful conversion. It seems that Timothy was stationed at Ephesus (see 1 Tim. 1:3). This would be another advantage, among many, that was afforded the church at Ephesus.
While the book abounds in points of special interest and importance, particularly that concerning the duties and qualifications of church officers, as found in chapter 3, yet a prophetic utterance found in chapter 4:1 is particularly to be noticed, because it refers to the latter, and tells us what would be the condition of society at that time. Departure from the faith is the characteristic of the times as brought out in this text. Our Saviour once asked this significant question, "When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?" Evidently the implied answer is that there would be a very marked lack of faith among professors. Faith will not entirely disappear, for it is stated in Rev. 14:12 concerning the people of God prepared for translation when Jesus comes, "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." The lack of faith is manifested in the growing popular disbelief of the Holy Scriptures.
The blessed lesson of contentment found in the closing chapter of this book is presented in contrast with the covetousness now becoming so prevalent. It seems from this chapter, as well as from Heb. 13:5, that between covetousness and contentment there is no neutral ground. Let us ask ourselves the question,8"Which am I? Am I contented with such things as I have, or am I coveting the wealth of this world?"
Never in the history of our world was the admonition and the charge to the rich more applicable than now. Read carefully 1 Tim. 6:6-11, 16-19, and set about the work in earnest to lay up in store for eternity the riches which will never decrease, never vanish away. "We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." 1 Tim. 6:7.