New Testament
1 Timothy
6 chapters
Start reading: 1 Timothy 1About this book
First Timothy is a personal letter from the apostle Paul to his younger co-worker Timothy, who had been left to guide the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to help him protect sound teaching against false teachers, and to set out how life in God's household should look. He gives instructions about prayer for all people, about the character of those who oversee and serve the church, and about caring for widows and honoring those who labor in teaching. Paul also encourages Timothy personally, telling him not to be discouraged by his youth but to be an example in speech, love and faith. Alongside this he warns that love of money causes great harm and urges the wealthy to be generous. Christians differ on how some of the instructions about roles in worship apply today, but the letter's steady concern is a church that is faithful, orderly and full of good works. It ends with a charge to guard what has been entrusted and to hold fast to the faith.
- Author
- The apostle Paul; some scholars propose a later follower writing in his name, but the church has traditionally received it as Paul's.
- Date
- Probably the early to mid AD 60s, after Paul's first imprisonment in Rome.
- Audience
- Timothy, Paul's younger colleague, serving the church in Ephesus, and through him the congregation there.
Themes
Outline
- 1:1–1:20Greeting and warning against false teaching
- 2:1–2:15Prayer and order in worship
- 3:1–3:16Overseers, deacons and the household of God
- 4:1–4:16A good servant of Christ Jesus
- 5:1–5:25Caring for widows, elders and others
- 6:1–6:21Contentment, riches and a final charge
Key verses
Chapters of 1 Timothy
- 11 Timothy 1Paul writes to Timothy, his young co-worker in Ephesus, urging him to stay there and confront those teaching different doctrine and getting lost in myths and endless genealogies.
- 21 Timothy 2Paul gives guidance for the church's public worship, beginning with prayer for everyone, including kings and those in authority, so that believers can live peaceful, godly lives.
- 31 Timothy 3Paul lists the qualities expected of those who oversee the church: above reproach, faithful in marriage, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, not violent or greedy, managing their own household well, and respected by outsiders.
- 41 Timothy 4Paul warns that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits, promoting rules such as forbidding marriage and certain foods.
- 51 Timothy 5Paul gives Timothy practical guidance for different groups in the church.
- 61 Timothy 6Paul addresses slaves and their masters and warns against those who teach different doctrine out of pride and love of controversy, treating godliness as a way to make money.