Skip to main content
New Testament✉️ Paul's Epistles
Author:Paul
Date Written:62-64 AD
Chapters:6
Position:Book 15 of 27

More in Paul's Epistles

RomansRom1 Corinthians1 Cor2 Corinthians2 CorGalatiansGalEphesiansEphView all Paul's Epistles →

1 Timothy

Book Overview​

Author: Paul the Apostle Date of Writing: Approximately 62-64 AD (after release from first Roman imprisonment) Historical Context: Paul leaves Timothy in Ephesus to deal with false teachers and organize church leadership Original Audience: Timothy, Paul's young associate, and the church in Ephesus Purpose: To instruct Timothy on church leadership, sound doctrine, and combating false teaching Genre: Epistle; pastoral instruction

One-Sentence Summary​

Guard sound doctrine against false teaching, appoint qualified leaders based on godly character, conduct worship properly, and pursue godliness with contentment as you faithfully shepherd God's church.

Book Structure​

I. Introduction: Charge to Timothy (1:1-20)

  • Warning against false teachers (1:3-11)
  • Paul's testimony of God's mercy (1:12-17)
  • Timothy's charge to fight the good fight (1:18-20)

II. Instructions for Church Life (2:1-3:16)

  • Prayer and worship (2:1-15)
  • Qualifications for overseers/elders (3:1-7)
  • Qualifications for deacons (3:8-13)
  • Purpose: conduct in God's household (3:14-16)

III. Warnings and Pastoral Duties (4:1-6:2)

  • Warning against false teaching (4:1-5)
  • Timothy's personal ministry (4:6-16)
  • Instructions for various groups (5:1-6:2)
    • Older and younger members (5:1-2)
    • Widows (5:3-16)
    • Elders (5:17-25)
    • Slaves (6:1-2)

IV. Final Charges (6:3-21)

  • False teachers and love of money (6:3-10)
  • Fight the good fight of faith (6:11-16)
  • Instructions for the rich (6:17-19)
  • Guard the deposit (6:20-21)

Key Verses​

1 Timothy 3:16 - "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."

  • Significance: An early Christian hymn summarizing the gospel mystery—Christ's incarnation, resurrection, proclamation, and ascension form the foundation of authentic godliness and church life.

1 Timothy 4:12 - "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

  • Significance: Paul's encouragement to young Timothy demonstrates that godly character and exemplary conduct, not age or credentials, qualify one for spiritual leadership and influence.

1 Timothy 6:6 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

  • Significance: Counters materialistic culture by declaring that true wealth consists not in possessions but in godly character combined with satisfaction in God's provision.

Key Themes & Messages​

Major Themes​

  1. Sound Doctrine vs. False Teaching

    • Warning against false teachers promoting myths and genealogies
    • Proper use of the law
    • Some shipwreck their faith through false teaching
    • Guard the good deposit entrusted to you

  2. Qualifications for Church Leaders

    • Overseers (elders) must be above reproach
    • Character qualifications more important than abilities
    • Deacons also must be worthy of respect
    • Leadership requires proven godly character

  3. Prayer and Worship

    • Pray for all people, especially authorities
    • God desires all to be saved
    • One mediator between God and humanity: Christ Jesus
    • Instructions for proper public worship

  4. Godliness and Contentment

    • Godliness with contentment is great gain
    • Love of money is root of all evil
    • Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love
    • Fight the good fight of faith

  5. Pastoral Ministry

    • Don't let anyone look down on your youth
    • Set example in speech, conduct, love, faith, purity
    • Devote yourself to public reading, preaching, teaching
    • Watch your life and doctrine closely

Central Message​

1 Timothy provides practical instruction for church leadership and organization. Paul charges Timothy to combat false teaching with sound doctrine, appoint qualified elders and deacons based on character, and conduct public worship properly. The letter emphasizes godliness, contentment, and faithful stewardship of the gospel. Paul addresses issues like prayer for authorities, role relationships, care for widows, and treatment of elders. The pastoral epistle shows that healthy churches require faithful leaders who combine sound doctrine with godly character and diligent ministry.

Practical Application​

For Daily Living:

  • Pursue Godliness: Make godliness with contentment your goal rather than material wealth - great gain comes from being satisfied in Christ, not accumulating possessions
  • Pray for Leaders: Regularly pray for those in authority (government officials, employers, church leaders) that you may live peaceful, godly lives
  • Watch Your Life and Doctrine: Pay careful attention to both how you live and what you believe - persevering in both ensures your spiritual health
  • Flee Evil, Pursue Good: When tempted by greed, false teaching, or ungodliness, run away decisively and actively chase after righteousness, faith, love, and peace
  • Fight the Good Fight: Engage in spiritual battle by taking hold of eternal life and standing firm in your faith despite opposition

For Spiritual Growth:

  • Study the qualifications for elders (3:1-7) as a personal growth guide - these character traits should mark every mature believer
  • Recognize that false teaching often begins subtly - develop discernment to identify teaching that strays from sound doctrine
  • Practice contentment daily by thanking God for what you have rather than constantly desiring more
  • If in leadership, ensure your character matches or exceeds your competence - who you are matters more than what you can do

Commentaries​

Best Overall The Letters to Timothy and Titus (Pillar New Testament Commentary) by Philip H. Towner - Excellent contemporary treatment of Paul's pastoral instructions with theological depth.

For Beginners 1 Timothy (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Donald Guthrie - Clear, accessible guide to church leadership and sound doctrine.

For In-Depth Study 1-2 Timothy and Titus (NIV Application Commentary) by Walter L. Liefeld - Outstanding at applying Paul's pastoral wisdom to contemporary church ministry and leadership.

Technical/Academic The Pastoral Epistles (Word Biblical Commentary) by William D. Mounce - Comprehensive scholarly treatment with extensive discussion of Greek text and church order.