1st Timothy

The Epistle of 1 Timothy is one of the three pastoral letters written by the Apostle Paul, the others being 2 Timothy and Titus. These letters provide instruction on the care and management of churches. 1 Timothy was written by Paul to his young protege Timothy, who was overseeing the church in Ephesus. At the time of writing this letter, it is believed that Paul was not in prison, which would make this one of his letters written in between his periods of Roman imprisonment. The exact location where Paul wrote this letter is not

specified, though some sources suggest it could have been Macedonia. Paul's intention in writing this letter was to counsel Timothy on matters of church order and conduct, and to provide encouragement and guidance in facing the challenges presented by false teachings and moral disputes within the church community. Here's a link to the full text of 1 Timothy in the Amplified Version

Chapter 1 Greeting and instructions to Timothy In the opening lines of his first letter to Timothy, Paul introduces himself as "Paul, an apostle special messenger, personally chosen representative of Christ Jesus by the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus the Messiah, the Anointed our Hope [the fulfillment of our salvation]" 1 Timothy 1:1 This is not just a friendly note; rather, it is an authoritative communication from Paul, whose apostleship was commissioned directly by Christ Jesus. His position gives weight to his words as he writes not merely by personal will, but under divine direction. He warmly greets Timothy as "my true son in the faith" 1 Timothy 1:2, illustrating the deep spiritual bond and mentor-disciple relationship between them. This heartfelt greeting quickly transitions into a serious instruction: "As I urged you when I was on my way to Macedonia, stay on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain individuals not to teach any different doctrines" 1 Timothy 1:3, Timothy was left in Ephesus, a bustling city marked by both vibrant commerce and rampant idol worship, to correct false teachers. These false teachers, instead of furthering God's work, were creating divisions within the church, engaging in fruitless discussions over myths, and endless genealogies “which give rise to useless speculation and meaningless arguments rather than advancing God’s program of instruction which is grounded in faith [and requires surrendering the entire self to God in absolute trust and confidence]. 1 Timothy 1:4 Paul's charge to Timothy was to intervene and correct these individuals to maintain the integrity of the Gospel

1 Timothy 2 Instructions on Worship In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul is making a crucial point about the importance of prayer in the life of the Christian. Paul highlights four different types of prayer: • petitions (specific requests), • general prayers, • intercessions (prayers for others), • and thanksgivings (expressions of gratitude). The implication here is that prayer should permeate every aspect of one's life and not be limited to any specific needs or circumstances. Paul then encourages that these prayers to be made "on behalf of all people." Not only are believers to pray for their own needs or the needs within their community, but they are also to intercede for everyone, even those outside their immediate circle. He emphasizes praying for those in positions of authority, so that believers might lead peaceful and godly lives. 1 Timothy 2:2 He asserts that such prayers are pleasing to God, who "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" 1 Timothy 2:3-4 In verse 5, Paul states an important truth vital to the Christian message. "For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5. From 1 Timothy 2:9-15, the Apostle Paul outlines his views on women's conduct and roles, primarily within the context of religious settings and cultural norms of the day. Paul encourages women to dress modestly and not to overly focus on physical adornments like elaborate hairstyles, jewelry, or costly clothes. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of good deeds and a devout character, particularly for women who claim to worship God. We have to remember that a lot of the advice given by Paul was in the context of societal norms of the day. The important part for men and women is to walk in the Spirit daily and allow Him to lead and guide us into all that God has planned for us.

1 Timothy 3 The third chapter of 1 Timothy, which can be divided into two main sections: the qualifications for overseers and deacons, and the a synopsis of Jesus life, death and resurrection. Qualifications for Overseers Bishops) and Deacons Paul begins by affirming that aspiring to the office of overseer is a noble task 1 Timothy 3:1 He then proceeds to list the qualifications for an overseer: • they must be above reproach, • faithful to their spouse, • sober-minded, • self-controlled, • respectable, • hospitable, and • able to teach. • They should not be a drunkard, • violent, or • greedy for gain, • but gentle, • not quarrelsome, • and not a lover of money. • They must manage their household well, • and not be a recent convert 1 Timothy 3:2-7 Next, Paul lists the qualifications for deacons, • including dignity, • not being double-tongued, • not addicted to much wine, and • not pursuing dishonest gain. • They should hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience and be tested first; • if they prove themselves blameless, then they may serve as deacons. • Their spouses must also be dignified, • not slanderers, • but sober-minded and • faithful in all things. • Deacons should be faithful to their spouse and manage their children and households well. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 In the latter part of the chapter, Paul describes the church as the "pillar and buttress of the truth" 1 Timothy 3:15 He concludes with a description of Jesus ministry on earth and now in heaven. "He God was revealed in the flesh, Was justified and vindicated in the Spirit, Was seen by angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory" 1 Timothy 3:16

The fourth chapter of 1 Timothy, which can be broken down into three main sections: prophecy about apostasy, instructions to Timothy, and further guidance for his ministry. Prophecy about Apostasy In the first section. 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who would abandon the faith to follow deceptive spirits and teachings of demons. These teachers would prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods. However, Paul reminds Timothy that everything created by God is good and should be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. Instructions to Timothy Paul gives personal instructions to Timothy. 1 Timothy 4:6-10 Vs. 6 “If you point out these instructions to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished [through study] on the words of the faith and of the good [Christian] doctrine which you have closely followed.” Vs.7 “But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. Vs.8 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.”

Further Guidance for Timothy's Ministry In the final section. 1 Timothy 4:11-16, Paul urges Timothy • not to let anyone look down on him because he is young, • but set an example for the believers o in speech, o in conduct, o in love, o in faith, o and in purity. Paul also advises him to • devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, • to preaching and • to teaching. • He also reminds Timothy not to neglect his gift, which was given to him through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on him. • Finally, Paul tells him to be diligent in these matters, • to give himself wholly to them, • so that everyone may see his progress. • He concludes by urging Timothy to watch his life • and doctrine closely, • to persevere in them, • for by doing so, he will save both himself and his hearers.

1 Timothy 5 The Ffth chapter of 1 Timothy consists of advice on how to treat members of the church community and instructions regarding widows, elders, and slaves. Advice on Treatment of Church Members Paul begins this chapter. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 by giving Timothy advice on how to interact with different members of the church community. He advises Timothy not to rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were his father, and to treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. Instructions Regarding Widows Then, Paul provides specific instructions regarding widows in the church. 1 Timothy 5:3-16 He discusses how to honor widows who are truly in need, the responsibility of widows' families, and the

qualifications for a widow to be put on the list for church assistance. He also addresses younger widows, advising them to remarry and have children to avoid falling into idleness and gossip. Concerning Elders Paul transitions to address the topic of elders. 1 Timothy 5:17- 25 He explains that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. He also advises against entertaining an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses and explains the process of dealing with sinning elders. Moreover, he cautions Timothy against being hasty in the laying on of hands and thus sharing in the sins of others.

1 Timothy Chapter 6 1 Timothy 6:1-2 Paul addresses servants and masters. Vs.1 “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.” Vs.2 “And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.” In the context of society, it can be applied to business owners and those who work for them. Sadly in modern society, business owners often expect employees to give their lives to the business and employees often do not give their best to the company that pays them a salary. The truth is whatever we do, needs to be done in a way that “the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed” False Teachers and the Love of Money Next, Paul warns Timothy about those who teach false doctrines and do not agree with the sound instruction of Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 He cautions that such people have a corrupt mind and have been robbed of the truth, thinking that godliness is a means to financial gain. He then speaks about contentment, highlighting that we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it, but with food and clothing, we should be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

He also warns about the love of money, stating that it is a root of all kinds of evil, and that craving it has caused some people to wander away from the faith. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 Paul further encourages Timothy to flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11 He instructs Timothy to fight the good fight of the faith and to take hold of eternal life, to which he was called. 1 Timothy 6:12 Paul charges Timothy to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 6:13-16 Instructions for the Rich Finally, Paul gives instructions for the rich in the present age. 1Timothy 6:17-19 He advises them not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, but in God. He encourages them to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and willing to share, thus laying up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age. Paul concludes his letter by urging Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to his care and to avoid godless chatter and the opposing ideas of false knowledge. 1 Timothy 6:20-21