1 Timothy

Word of the Day: Asceticism - the doctrine that a person can attain a high spiritual and moral state by practicing self-denial, self-mortification, and the like

Overview of the Letter

Overview of the Letter

Paul is writing this letter to his son in the ministry, Timothy. This letter serves as the equivalent of Rev. English penning a letter to me (as the new, young Pastor) in hopes to equip and strengthen me. These types of letters, those to Timothy and Titus, are called Pastoral Epistles.

It has been taken as early thought that Timothy is the only recipient of this letter. Upon study of the letter’s language, we understand that both Timothy and the Ephesian church are its intended recipients.

This is important: Even the statements in this letter that directly address Timothy are meant to be overheard by the church.

Emphases of 1 Timothy

the truth of the Gospel as God’s mercy shown toward all people

character qualifications for church leadership

speculative teachings, asceticism, and love of controversy and money disqualify one from church leadership

Timothy, by holding fast to the Gospel, should model genuine Christian character and leadership

A Walkthrough of the Letter

1:1-2 Salutation

1:3-20 First Charge to Timothy

2:1-15 Instructions on Community Matters

3:1-13 Qualifications for Church Leaders

3:14-4:5 the Purpose for the Letter

4:6-16 Renewed Charge to Timothy

5:1-6:2b on Widows and Elders (and Slaves)

6:2c-10 Final Indictment of the False Teachers

6:11-20 Final Charge to Timothy