What is the theme of 1 and 2 Timothy?

Answer 1

The theme was largely commendation for listening to the words of his first letter while forgiving your fellow Christians that had repented. Also keeping the congregation and yourself clean by associating with those who were following the example of Christ, while limiting the amount of association you have with those who did not share the Christian beliefs, high moral standards, or that were causing divisions within the congregation.

In his first letter, the Apostle Paul was deeply concerned about the conduct that was having a negative effect on the Christians in Corinth. So his first letter was council on many different things that the members of that congregation needed to work on. He had made it clear that those practicing hurtful things to the congregation were to be disciplined by other members of the congregation by no longer associating with them. By the time of the second letter, the Christians in Corinth had largely responded favorable to the first letter so there was a lot of commendation in the second letter.

The second letter also focused on forgiving the repentant members who were disciplined by the congregation. If the disassociated one had turned around, and was no longer practicing the things outlined in the first letter, the congregation was to welcome that individual back with open arms. He also stressed the importance of keeping clean by keeping good associates and remaining vigilant of the false apostles.

He also stressed the importance of helping other Christians, even if they were in other areas. He mentioned that there would be a need to keep strong in the face of opposition as well.

Answer 2

To answer and try to resolve any problems between the church leaders in Corinth.

Answer 3

While the two letters are conversational in nature, there are some loose themes which show through - church doctrine and discipline and the dangers of false teachers.