The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to
Background
On their first missionary journey Paul and Barnabas preached in Lystra, a city of Lycaonia, and experienced success amid persecution. It is likely that a Jewess named Lois, and her daughter Eunice, were converted to Christ during that ministry. Eunice was married to a Gentile, by whom she had Timothy, probably an only child. Timothy evidently had been instructed in the Jewish religion, but his father refused to allow his son to be circumcised. From the beginning a close relationship developed between Paul and Timothy.
When Paul returned to Lystra on his second journey, he found Timothy to be a member of the local church and highly recommended by its leaders there and at Iconium. Under the prompting of the Holy Spirit Paul added Timothy to his apostolic party. Since they were going to be ministering among the Jews, Paul admonished Timothy to be circumcised, not for righteousness’ sake, but to avoid offending the Jews since his mother was Jewish.
Author
All the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim., 2 Tim., Titus) name the apostle Paul as their author. In addition, early tradition unanimously insists that Paul wrote them. However, many scholars question this claim on the basis of several difficulties. The Pastoral Epistles include words that do not appear in Paul’s uncontested letters. Moreover, the Pastorals record certain events that are difficult to harmonize with the account of Paul’s journeys in Acts. For example, Paul has conducted a mission in Crete (Titus 1:5), plans to spend the winter in Nicopolis (Titus 3:12), and has made visits to Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3), to Miletus (2 Tim. 4:20), and to Troas (2 Tim. 4:13). Furthermore, some scholars feel that these letters describe a church organization too far advanced for Paul’s time.
So far as vocabulary is concerned, we may conclude that the subject matter of the Pastorals is so different from that of Paul’s other letters that he would necessarily use some words he had not previously employed. It would be foolish to restrict an educated man like Paul to a limited vocabulary. The fact that he was writing to close associates is also a consideration.
The obvious answer to the problem of harmonizing the accounts of Paul’s journeys in the Pastorals with those in Acts is that Paul was released from the Roman imprisonment described in Acts and continued his ministry for several more years. There is solid evidence from the writings of early Christian leaders that this was the case. During this period of continued activity, Paul wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. Later he was arrested again and wrote 2 Timothy during his second Roman imprisonment.
The mention of elders, bishops, and deacons in the Pastorals does not imply a monarchical episcopacy that demands a date later than Paul’s time. Paul appointed elders in the churches on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:23) and greeted bishops and deacons in his Philippian letter. Furthermore, Paul used the terms “bishop” and “elder” interchangeably (see Titus 1:5–7).
The preponderance of evidence supports Paul as the author of the Pastoral Epistles.
Date
Paul visited Ephesus in about A.D. 63, following his release from his first Roman imprisonment. Soon thereafter, he left, placing Timothy in charge of the church there. He probably wrote the letter in about A.D. 64.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the epistle was to encourage Timothy in his difficult task of dealing with doctrinal errors and practical problems in the church at Ephesus, and to give him instructions concerning pastoral responsibilities and the qualifications and duties of church leadership.
Content
The work to which Paul assigned Timothy involved serious difficulties, and he felt it necessary to write a letter of instruction to his young associate as he faced the problems. In the letter he told Timothy how to combat false teachers, how to order the church’s worship, how to choose church leaders, and how to deal prudently with different classes in the church. All the while Timothy was to teach the apostolic faith and lead an exemplary life.
Personal Application
This letter not only guided Timothy in fulfilling his responsibilities as a church leader, but it has been a handbook for pastors throughout the whole church age. A clear lesson gleaned from Paul’s instructions is that the church must have a well-trained, deeply devoted, and highly consecrated ministry. Furthermore, ministers must stay in constant touch with God through prayer and study of the Bible (see 2:1, 8; 4:6, 12–16). The pastor must first nourish his own soul in the words of faith and good doctrine (4:6) and then teach the people the essentials of the faith (4:11). Practicing godliness in his own conduct, he must bring his congregation to do the same (4:16).
Christ Revealed
The deity of Jesus is apparent, because Paul equates Him with God the Father (1:1, 2; 3:16) and proclaims His universal sovereignty and eternal nature (6:15, 16). Jesus is the source of grace, mercy, and peace (1:2, 14) who commanded Paul’s apostleship (1:1) and enabled him for service (1:12). Christ is both Lord (1:2, 12, 14; 5:21; 6:3, 14, 15) and Savior (1:1, 15) “who gave Himself a ransom for all” (2:6). By virtue of His redemptive work He is the “one Mediator between God and men” (2:5), the way of access to God. He who became incarnate has ascended (3:16). Meanwhile, He is our hope (1:1), and the promise of His return is an incentive to fidelity in service and to purity in life (6:14).
The Holy Spirit at Work
Direct references to the Holy Spirit in 1 Timothy are rare, but He was at work from the inception of the church at Ephesus (see Acts 19:1–7). The “intercessions” (2:1) are prayers that involve the Holy Spirit’s assistance (Rom. 8:26, 27). The statement that “the Spirit expressly says” (4:1) underscores the continuing activity of the Holy Spirit and Paul’s sensitivity to His promptings. In 4:14 Paul reminds Timothy of “the gift” that was given to him “by prophecy,” a special ability for ministry given as a charisma of the Spirit when hands were laid on him. Further, “a good testimony” (3:7) would also include a leader’s being “full of the Holy Spirit” as with the first appointment of leaders (Acts 6:3).
Outline of 1 Timothy
Introduction 1:1–20
B. Charge to Timothy 1:3–11
C. Thanksgiving 1:12–17
D. Restatement of the charge 1:18–20
I. Instructions concerning the church 2:1—3:16
A. Its worship 2:1–15
B. Its officers 3:1–13
C. Its function in relation to the truth 3:14–16
II. Instructions concerning pastoral duties 4:1—6:10
A. Toward the church as a whole 4:1–16
B. Toward various classes in the church 5:1—6:10
III. Concluding exhortations 6:11–21
A. To keep the faith and fight the fight 6:11–16
B. To present the claims of Christ to the rich 6:17–19
Greeting
1 PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our *Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
2 To Timothy, a atrue son in the faith:
bGrace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
No Other Doctrine
3 As I urged you awhen I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may 1charge some bthat they teach no other doctrine,
4 anor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
5 Now athe purpose of the *commandment is love bfrom a *pure heart, from a good conscience, and from 1sincere* faith,
6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to aidle talk,
7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is agood if one uses it lawfully,
9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is 1contrary to *sound doctrine,
11 according to the glorious gospel of the ablessed God which was bcommitted to my trust.
Glory to God for His Grace
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has aenabled me, bbecause He counted me faithful, cputting me into the ministry,
13 although aI was formerly a *blasphemer, a persecutor, and an 1insolent man; but I obtained mercy because bI did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 aAnd the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, bwith faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
15 aThis is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that bChrist Jesus came into the world to *save *sinners, of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this reason I obtained *mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all *longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17 Now to athe King *eternal, bimmortal, cinvisible, to 1God dwho alone is wise, ebe honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Fight the Good Fight
18 This 1charge* I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the *prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,
20 of whom are aHymenaeus and bAlexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to cblaspheme.
Pray for All Men
1 Therefore I 1exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
2 afor kings and ball who are in 1authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and 2reverence.
3 For this is agood* and acceptable in the sight bof God our Savior,
4 awho desires all men to be saved band to come to the knowledge of the truth.
5 aFor there is one God and bone *Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ *Jesus,
6 awho gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,
7 afor which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth 1in Christ and not lying—ba teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Men and Women in the Church
8 I desire therefore that the men pray aeverywhere, blifting up holy hands, without wrath and *doubting;
9 in like manner also, that the awomen *adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and 1moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,
10 abut, which is proper for women *professing godliness, with good works.
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.
12 And aI do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.
13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
Qualifications of Overseers
1 This is a faithful saying: If a man *desires the position of a 1bishop, he desires a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;
3 not 1given to wine, not violent, 2not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not 3covetous;
4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence
6 not a 1novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the asnare of the devil.
Qualifications of Deacons
8 Likewise deacons must be *reverent, not double-tongued, anot given to much wine, not greedy for money,
9 holding the 1mystery* of the faith with a pure conscience.
10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.
11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not 1slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For those who have served well as deacons aobtain for themselves a good standing and great *boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The Great Mystery
14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;
15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and 1ground of the truth.
16 And without controversy great is the 1mystery of godliness:
aGod2 was *manifested in the flesh,
bJustified in the Spirit,
cSeen by angels,
dPreached among the Gentiles,
eBelieved on in the world,
fReceived up in glory.
The Great Apostasy
1 Now the Spirit 1expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed ato deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
2 aspeaking lies in *hypocrisy, having their own conscience bseared with a hot iron,
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and *know the *truth.
4 For every *creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
5 for it is 1sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ
6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, anourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.
7 But areject profane and old wives’ fables, and bexercise yourself toward godliness.
8 For abodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, bhaving promise of the *life that now is and of that which is to come.
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
10 For to this end 1we both labor and suffer *reproach, because we trust in the living God, awho is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
11 These things command and teach.
Take Heed to Your Ministry
12 Let no one 1despise your youth, but be an aexample to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, 2in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to *exhortation, to 1doctrine.
14 aDo not neglect the *gift that is in you, which was given to you by *prophecy bwith the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be *evident to all.
16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Treatment of Church Members
1 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,
2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.
Honor True Widows
3 Honor widows who are really widows.
4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and ato repay their parents; for this is 1good and acceptable before God.
5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers anight and day.
6 But she who lives in 1pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 And these things command, that they may be blameless.
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, aand especially for those of his household, bhe has denied the faith cand is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man,
11 But 1refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,
12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first 1faith.
13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.
14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15 For some have already turned aside after Satan.
16 If any believing 1man or woman has widows, let them 2relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.
Honor the Elders
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
18 For the *Scripture says, a“You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, b“The laborer is worthy of his *wages.”
19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except afrom two or three witnesses.
20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may *fear.
21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the 1elect* angels that you observe these things without aprejudice, doing nothing with partiality.
22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor ashare in other people’s sins; keep yourself *pure.
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent 1infirmities.
24 Some men’s sins are aclearly evident, preceding them to *judgment, but those of some men follow later.
Honor Masters
1 Let as many abondservants as are under the yoke count their own *masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.
2 And those who have believing *masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
Error and Greed
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to awholesome* words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, band to the 1doctrine which accords with godliness,
4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
5 1useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 2From asuch withdraw yourself.
6 Now godliness with acontentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, 1and it is acertain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be acontent.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful *lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
The Good Confession
11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, *patience, gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on *eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus awho witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate,
14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing,
15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only 1Potentate,* the King of kings and Lord of lords,
16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in aunapproachable light, bwhom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
Instructions to the Rich
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain ariches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things bto enjoy.
18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
19 astoring up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Guard the Faith
20 O Timothy! aGuard what was committed to your trust, bavoiding the profane and 1idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—
21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
1:1 Paul states his apostleship incidentally. There was no controversy between the teacher and his pupil regarding the chain of authority.
1:2 Timothy was Paul’s spiritual son, having been converted through his ministry. See Phil. 2:22.
1:3–7 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
1:3 I urged you: False teaching had been sown in the church, and Timothy must prevent its spread. Paul’s description of the teachers in the following verses indicates that they were legalists trying to mix law and grace.
1:4 Fables probably refer to the numerous legends which the Jews had added to the OT. See Titus 1:14. The Jews often amplified the OT genealogies, inventing names and weaving tales about them.
1:5 God’s commandment does not lead to strife and debate but rather to love for God and man.
1:7 The false teachers sought to be esteemed as teachers of the law who can untie the knotty questions of life, but they did not even understand what they were talking about, let alone comprehend the question at hand.
1:8–11 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
1:8 Paul does not disparage the law of Moses. In the epistles to the Romans and the Galatians, he explains that the Law is necessary to bring conviction of sin (uses it lawfully).
1:9 The law is not a needed restrainer for a righteous person, the Christian who already shows his regard and allegiance to it. The lawless have no respect for the law and have no intention of keeping it. Insubordinate: Those who do not acknowledge authority and rule. Unholy: Those unclean within and without. Profane: Those so unholy they are a shame in any public gathering.
1:10 Fornicators: Those who practice any sexual immorality. Sodomites: Perverts, homosexuals, those who defile themselves with other men. Any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine: Paul completes the list with a general statement entailing everything in conflict with the immutable moral law of God, the accepted precepts of Christianity.
1:13 A blasphemer: One who speaks unjustly of Jesus, His doctrines, His ways, and His followers. I did it ignorantly: Paul acted according to the prejudices he was taught in his nation and by his Pharisaism. God showed him mercy because he was misinformed.
1:14 The grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant: The original Greek is emphatic. The grace of God superabounded toward Paul.
1:15 Of whom I am chief: Paul had not forgotten what he had been. His boasting was never in himself, but rather in the God who redeemed and changed him.
1:17 Now to the King eternal: The King ever living and ever able to redeem; One who will never see decay or corruption; One who cannot be seen but who works everywhere; One who possesses wisdom above any creature, including man; One who is to be respected, honored, and glorified forever. This confession of praise was likely an early Christian hymn that Paul used to conclude his opening words to Timothy.
1:18 See section 4 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
1:18 Timothy’s charge was to stop those who were teaching a doctrine contrary to that delivered by Paul. This responsibility evidently had been prophesied at his ordination (4:14). By meditating upon these prophetic words, he would receive the determination to fight a good warfare. This passage would recommend that the ordination of people to ministry today might well be attended by such sensitive and supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit as godly people pray with and minister to the candidate (see 2 Tim. 1:6).
1:19 Those who abandon the truths and morals of the gospel in favor of false doctrine meet with catastrophe.
1:20 To deliver an offender to Satan refers to excommunication, which was remedial as well as punitive (see 1 Cor. 5:5).
2:1–6 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
2:2 We must pray for those who are in authority over us if we wish to reap the benefits of good government, which is a prized gift from God for the church’s welfare and advancement of the gospel.
2:5 Paul’s statement alludes to Deut. 6:4, which states that God is One.
2:7 Paul received a divine commission as apostle to the Gentiles. See Gal. 1:1, 15, 16; 2:7–9.
2:8 Prayer with the lifting up of holy hands was customary among the Jews and even the heathen. The hands were lifted and spread out toward heaven as a posture of surrender.
2:9, 10 See section 1 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
2:9, 10 Women should observe a proper sense of modesty, free from vanity and worldly display, at all times, but especially in public worship. A godly woman’s attractiveness is her character, not her costly clothing. See 1 Pet. 3:3, 4.
2:11, 12 Positively, Paul exhorts women to be disciples and to maintain a conduct that would not discredit the church. The prohibition of v. 12 refers to the authoritative office of apostolic teacher in the church. It does not forbid women to educate, proclaim truth, or exhort (prophesy). See Acts 2:17; 18:26; 21:9; 1 Cor. 11:5; Phil. 4:3; 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14, 15; Titus 2:3–5.
2:13 The fact that Adam was formed first by God indicates a priority of responsibility. God appointed the man as the head of the family, and the wife is not to usurp authority over him in this office. Conversely, the man is therewith charged to accept and serve this role, not as a tyrant but as a servant under God’s assignment and subject to His holy and loving Spirit.
2:14 Adam acted by deliberate choice, but Eve was deceived. Paul does not teach that Adam was morally, intellectually, or spiritually superior to Eve, simply that her trustfulness made her susceptible to deception.
2:15 To be a Christian homemaker, wife, and mother is as lofty a work as can be inspired, especially as we study the abundant historical evidence of a mother’s influence in shaping the destiny of children, who have in turn shaped the history of the church and of nations.
3:1–7 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
3:1 The position of a bishop is not the monarchical episcopate, which developed later. The Greek word episkopos designates a local pastoral oversight. Hence, a better word than “bishop” to express its meaning may be “supervisor” or “overseer.” Paul elsewhere uses the words “presbyter” or “elder” to refer to the same office (see Titus 1:5–9).
3:2 Before the bishop takes the oversight of the flock to teach and correct them, he must be blameless—not perfect, but one against whom no evil charge can be proved. The husband of one wife: Literally, the bishop must be a “one-woman man.” Although the phrase obviously prohibits polygamy, that is not the sole point. The dominant thought is monogamous fidelity; that is, the bishop must be a faithful husband. For some, the phrase may refer to prohibiting remarriage after divorce, but Paul’s chief concern is the potential bishop’s conduct as a husband at the time of his candidacy for office. He should exemplify the principles taught by Paul in Eph. 5:25–33.
3:4, 5 Success or failure in managing the home indicates the ability or inability to handle successfully the administration of the church.
3:6, 7 Only one who is mature in the faith should be entrusted with the responsibility of leadership.
3:8–13 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
3:8 The NT does not define the exact nature and duties of the office of deacon, but the meaning of the word suggests the function of serving as an attendant (see v. 10). The office probably originated with the choosing of the seven assistants to the apostles (Acts 6), but they are not referred to as such officeholders.
3:11 The qualifications laid down for women could well apply to the office of deaconess, an office recognized in the early church (see Rom. 16:1).
3:15 The function of the church is to support and transmit to the world the truth God has revealed.
3:16 Jesus’ ministry, identity, and vocation are substantiated by the work of the Spirit. The structure of the verse indicates that Paul may be quoting an early hymn or confession.
4:1, 2 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
4:1 The Holy Spirit speaks openly and prophetically. Latter times: This term denotes the period of time between the First Coming and the Second Coming of Christ. See Acts 2:17; Heb. 1:2; 1 John 2:18. Depart from the faith: They will apostatize, that is, deny the essential doctrines of Christianity. Deceiving spirits: The false teachers are teaching doctrines inspired by Satan; they may even lead astray careless leaders (see John 8:44; 1 John 4:1–6).
4:2 Although they are motivated by evil spirits, the false teachers will pretend divine inspiration. In abandoning God’s Word they have become insensitive to spiritual truth.
4:3–5 See section 3 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
4:3 A person who departs from the true faith falls prey to all sorts of traps that are alleged to make one more spiritual, such as a false asceticism.
4:4, 5 It is likely that the false teachers claimed that some foods should be avoided because they defiled the person.
4:6, 7 The responsibility of the minister involves both positive and negative aspects of teaching. He must faithfully teach sound doctrine, but resist and shun godless myths.
4:7, 8 See section 1 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
4:10 The salvation that God has intended for all men He gives to those who believe.
4:11, 12 In his capacity as spiritual leader, Timothy was to meet the false teaching at Ephesus by commanding and teaching sound doctrine. His conduct was to give no cause for criticism, but was to be such as would elicit the respect of his people and serve as an example to them.
4:12 See section 1 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
4:13 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
4:13 Paul’s admonition to Timothy describes the minister’s responsibility to study, to expound, and to apply the Scriptures.
4:14 The reference is to the occasion when the elders of Iconium and Lystra laid hands on Timothy and prophesied concerning the gifts and purposes of God. The laying-on of hands, with prophecy, is one of the means the Holy Spirit employs to reveal His will and purposes to His servants. Paul urged Timothy to exercise his gift.
4:15 The purposes of God need to be thoroughly fastened in our heart and mind, and we must give our time and attention to them. Matters of importance do not come automatically. Those around us quickly observe the progress we make or the ground we lose.
4:16 The personal life of God’s ministers ought to be as pure as their doctrine. The two were made for each other. If the servant of the Lord does not take heed to himself, his doctrine will be sporadic and fuzzy. God’s influence can depart from the human heart through carelessness, and our minds can lose the intensity of His call.
5:1 An older man may refer to an officer of the church. However, the mention of four groups may rather indicate age.
5:2 Older women must be treated with a great degree of respect, and younger women should be treated respectfully as sisters. All social and physical relationships must be clean and wholesome.
5:3–16 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
5:3 Widows who are really widows are those who have no relatives to care for them.
5:4 The responsibility of caring for widows must not fall on the church when the person in question has children and grandchildren. The family must perform their duty to the family patriarchs.
5:5 Widows who are without family should be praying, loving, and God-fearing women. To these the local church has a responsibility.
5:6 A widow who indulges in riotous living, who is physically alive but spiritually dead, is not to receive financial support from the church.
5:8 A person who does not provide for his own family not only fails to live up to the principles of the faith that he professes, but fails to live up to the code of unbelievers concerning filial obligations.
5:9, 10 A widow enrolled as a ward of the local church had to be at least 60 years old, an age limit probably intended as a safeguard against remarriage. She also must have had a blameless married life, a reputation for good works, and an exemplary Christian life.
5:11, 12 Young widows who are able to work should not be cared for by the church. Furthermore, their youthful impulses will incline them to remarriage or may lead to improper behavior, resulting in a marriage without regard to Christ. Such action would lead to discipline because of unfaithfulness to their vow of service. Paul wants to spare them the condemnation that would be incurred by breaking the pledge made when they were placed on the roll to receive support.
5:13 Young widows who do not work or have responsibilities may succumb to the temptation of filling their idle time by meddling in the affairs of other people.
5:14 Young widows will find fulfillment in remarriage and household management, serving as a testimony to the unconverted. Paul sanctioned second marriages if the persons involved stood on scriptural grounds (see notes on 5:11).
5:15 Some widows had already abandoned the true faith, necessitating the restrictions mentioned above.
5:17 Elders who govern and feed the church are to be given the double honor of office and suitable salary. Those who preach and teach should be honored above those who serve in administration.
5:19 An accusation brought against an elder must not be considered unless it can be proved by two or three witnesses. Jewish law required two witnesses for all civil matters.
5:20 Public discipline of guilty elders is appropriate as a warning to others.
5:22 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
5:22 Haste must be avoided in the appointment of leaders. Failure to exercise caution implicates those responsible for the ordination of an unwise choice.
5:23 Paul’s reference to purity in the previous verse may have led him to insert a personal note to Timothy to the effect that denial of the medicinal use of wine for a stomach disorder had nothing to do with purity. He was to guard against a false asceticism.
5:24, 25 One’s character, with attendant sins or good works and their results, will be revealed sooner or later.
6:1 Christian slaves were to serve unbelieving masters with respect so that the faith would not be spoken against.
6:2 Equality in Christ does not cancel differences of functions and place in the church or society.
6:3–10 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
6:3 Paul reverts to the necessity of sound doctrine (see 1:3). All teaching is to be judged by its agreement with the words of our Lord Jesus Christ.
6:4 Some teachers, inflated by their own importance, had substituted contentious and hair-splitting doctrines for the wholesome teaching of Christ (see 1:4).
6:5 Some arguments are useless and totally unprofitable. There are also those who incite controversy for the sake of gain, knowing that some people love to rally to strange causes. We are to have no religious fellowship with them.
6:6 Godliness is synonymous with true religion, and true religion should be enough to satisfy us.
6:9, 10 A restless desire to be rich subjects one to great spiritual peril.
6:12 See section 4 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
6:12 Using terms derived from the field of competition, Paul admonishes Timothy to contend for the gospel against all adversaries and to seize the prize of eternal life.
6:13 The good confession that Christ gave was the truth concerning Himself in His statements to Pilate.
6:15 The incentive for faithfulness is the Second Coming of Christ, when the validity of a good confession will be openly demonstrated.
6:17–19 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
6:18, 19 Wealthy people should be good stewards. What they share with others is an investment bringing eternal dividends.
6:20, 21 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 Tim.
6:20 Paul’s final charge to Timothy, which likens the gospel to a treasure committed to his trust, summarizes the entire epistle.
CHAPTER 1
a Acts 16:1, 2; Rom. 1:7; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4
b Rom. 16:17; 2 Cor. 11:4; Gal. 1:6, 7; 1 Tim. 6:3
1 command
a 1 Tim. 6:3, 4, 20; Titus 1:14
1 Lit. unhypocritical
* See WW at Acts 16:24.
* See WW at 1 Pet. 1:22.
1 opposed
1 violently arrogant
* See WW at James 5:20.
1 NU the only God,
* See WW at Matt. 28:20.
1 command
* See WW at Acts 16:24.
* See WW at 1 Thess. 5:20.
CHAPTER 2
1 encourage
1 a prominent place
2 dignity
* See WW at Matt. 13:48.
* See WW at Phil. 4:23.
1 NU omits in Christ
1 discretion
* See WW at Matt. 25:7.
CHAPTER 3
1 Lit. overseer
* See WW at Matt. 13:17.
1 addicted
2 NU omits not greedy for money
3 loving money
1 new convert
* See WW at 1 Tim. 3:11.
1 hidden truth
1 malicious gossips
1 foundation, mainstay
a [John 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:20; 1 John 1:2; 3:5, 8]
b [Matt. 3:16; Rom. 1:4]
e Rom. 16:26; 2 Cor. 1:19; Col. 1:6, 23
1 hidden truth
2 NU Who
CHAPTER 4
1 explicitly
1 set apart
* See WW at 1 John 5:20.
1 NU we labor and strive,
a Phil. 3:17; Titus 2:7; 1 Pet. 5:3
1 look down on your youthfulness
2 NU omits in spirit
1 teaching
* See WW at 1 Cor. 1:7.
* See WW at 1 Thess. 5:20.
* See WW at 1 Cor. 11:19.
CHAPTER 5
1 NU, M omit good and
1 indulgence
1 Refuse to enroll
1 Or solemn promise
1 NU omits man or
2 give aid to
* See WW at Rev. 22:12.
* See WW at 1 John 4:18.
1 chosen
* See WW at 1 Pet. 2:9.
* See WW at 1 John 3:3.
1 illnesses
* See WW at Matt. 5:22.
CHAPTER 6
1 teaching
1 NU, M constant friction
a Job 1:21; Ps. 49:17; Eccl. 5:15
1 NU omits and it is certain
a Prov. 30:8, 9
* See WW at 2 Tim. 2:22.
* See WW at Heb. 10:36.
1 Sovereign
a [Matt. 6:20, 21; 19:21]
a [2 Tim. 1:12, 14]
1 empty chatter