1 Timothy

The book of 1 Timothy is written by the apostle Paul to Timothy, his protégé, around 64 AD. This letter provides Timothy with guidance on leading the church, combating false teachings, and living a godly life. Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, proper conduct in worship, and qualifications for church leaders, including elders and deacons. He addresses practical issues such as caring for widows, the role of men and women, and the behavior of various groups within the church. Paul provided many warnings and ends with exhortations to guard the truth, remain steadfast in ministry, and fight the good fight of faith.

Chapter 1

Paul began his letter by introducing himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by God. He addressed Timothy as his true son in the faith and extended a greeting of grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus.

Timothy Charged To Oppose False Teachers

Paul urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus to confront those spreading false doctrines. Paul emphasized that his instruction aimed to produce love. He warned against meaningless talk from individuals who aspired to teach the law without understanding it. Paul affirmed the law’s goodness when used correctly but noted the laws for lawbreakers (sinners) to address sinful behaviors, including violence, sexual immorality, and other acts contrary to sound doctrine grounded in the gospel.

The Lord’s Grace To Paul

Paul expressed gratitude to Christ Jesus for appointing him to service despite his past as a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man. He acknowledged the mercy and abundant grace he received through faith and love in Christ. Paul reflected on his transformation as evidence of Christ’s patience, serving as an example to all who would believe in Him for eternal life. He concluded with a doxology, praising God as the eternal, immortal, and invisible King.

The Charge To Timothy Renewed

Paul reminded Timothy to persevere by recalling the prophecies spoken about him. He encouraged Timothy to fight the good fight, holding firmly to faith and a good conscience. Paul warned that rejecting these principles led some to shipwreck their faith, citing Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom he had handed over to Satan to teach them not to blaspheme. "Handed over to Satan" likely meant Paul allowed them to be in their own sin by distancing himself from them.

Instructions on Worship - Chapter 2

Paul urged that prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be offered for all people, especially for kings and those in authority, so believers might lead peaceful and godly lives. He explained that praying in this way is pleasing to God, who desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Paul emphasized that "there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all people." - 1 Timothy 2:5. Paul identified himself as a herald (or messenger) of the truth, apostle, and teacher to the Gentiles.

Paul called for men to pray with holy hands lifted and be free from anger or disputes. He instructed women to dress modestly and decently, focusing on good deeds rather than ornate appearances. Paul taught that women should learn in quietness and submission, stating that he did not permit women to teach or have authority over men (in a context of marriage and submission to the husband, not all men). He grounded his reasoning in the order of creation—Adam being formed first—and noted Eve’s deception leading to sin. He concluded by saying that women would be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.

Qualifications For Overseers And Deacons - Chapter 3

Paul affirmed that aspiring to be an overseer is a noble task but emphasized the importance of character. An overseer (elder or bishop) must be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, able to manage his own family well with children who respect and obey him, not a recent convert, and someone who has a good reputation with outsiders to avoid falling into disgrace or the devil’s trap.

Deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, not pursuing dishonest gain, holding firmly to the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience, and tested to ensure they are above reproach before serving. Deacons must also be faithful to their wives, manage their children and households well, and live in a manner worthy of respect. Women (likely in the context of husbands to elders or deacons) serving in the church are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers, temperate, and trustworthy in everything. Those who serve well as deacons gain excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Purpose of Paul’s Instructions

Paul explained that he wrote these instructions so that if he were delayed, Timothy would know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Paul concluded with a statement affirming the mystery of true godliness: Christ appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, and was taken up in glory.

The Purpose of Paul’s Instructions (cont.) - Chapter 4

Paul warned that in later times, some would abandon the faith to follow deceiving spirits and false teachings spread by hypocritical liars with seared consciences. These false teachers will forbid marriage and prohibit certain foods even though God created all things to be received with thanksgiving by believers. Everything God created is good and made holy through His word and prayer. Paul encouraged Timothy to teach these truths, avoid godless myths, and pursue godliness. Paul urged Timothy to set an example for believers by devoting himself to Scripture, teaching, and preaching. He told Timothy to diligently persevere in his faith and ministry to ensure the salvation of himself and those who hear him.

Widows, Elders And Slaves - Chapter 5

Paul instructed Timothy to treat older men with respect, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women with purity. Widows truly in need and put their faith in God deserve support from the church, while those with family should be cared for by relatives. Qualified widows had to be over sixty, faithful, and known for good deeds. Younger widows were encouraged to marry and manage households to avoid idleness and sin. Elders who served well, especially in preaching and teaching, were worthy of honor and fair wages. Accusations against elders required at least two witnesses. Paul urged Timothy to act without favoritism, remain pure, and take care of his health by using a little wine for his ailments.

Widows, Elders And Slaves (cont.) - Chapter 6

Paul instructed slaves (historically closer to an indentured servant) to respect their masters, whether believers or not, so that God’s name and teachings would not be slandered. Paul explained that even if the master was a fellow Christian, slaves were to serve them even more diligently because they were fellow believers, devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

False Teachers And The Love Of Money

Paul warned against false teachers who rejected sound teaching, promoted controversy, and sought financial gain. Godliness with contentment was true gain because material wealth is temporary. Paul explained that the desire for riches leads to temptation, destruction, and grief, while the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

Final Charge To Timothy

Paul urged Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Paul told Timothy to fight for the faith and keep God’s commands blamelessly until Christ’s return. Paul instructed the rich to avoid arrogance, hope in God, do good, and store up eternal treasures. Timothy was to guard the truth, avoid false teachings, and remain faithful.