1 Timothy was written as a letter of encouragement and instruction from Paul to Timothy who was a young leader in the early church. Timothy was one of Paul’s closest companions and was sent to the church at Ephesus to help counter false teachings and to help lead the church. Paul hoped to visit Ephesus in person, but in the meantime, he wrote a letter to help strengthen them in his absence. Paul starts by thanking Christ for allowing him to serve in 1 Timothy 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even Paul recognized that serving is a privilege and can only be done when we acknowledge the mercy and grace granted to us through Christ.