Paul's 1st letter to Timothy

Paul's First Letter to:

TIMOTHY

AD:63
Some cast doubts on Paul's authorship if this letter because Paul's travels and other writings do not fit into this account's timeframe.... According to Jamieson: The ancient Church never doubted of their being canonical and written by Paul. They are in the Peschito Syriac version of the second century. MURATORI'S Fragment on the Canon of Scripture, at the close of the second century, acknowledges them as such. IRENÆUS [Against Heresies, 1; 3.3.3; 4.16.3; 2.14.8; 3.11.1; 1.16.3], quotes 1 Timothy 1:4 1 Timothy 1:9 ; 6:20 ; 2 Timothy 4:9-11 ; Titus 3:10 ALEXANDRIA [Miscellanies, 2, p. 457; 3, pp. 534, 536; 1, p. 350], quotes 1 Timothy 6:1 1 Timothy 6:20 TERTULLIAN [The Prescription against Heretics, 25; 6], quotes 1 Timothy 6:20 ; 2 Timothy 1:14 ; 1 Timothy 1:18 ; 6:13 EUSEBIUS includes the three in the "universally acknowledged" Scriptures. Also THEOPHILUS OF ANTIOCH [To Autolychus, 3.14], quotes 1 Timothy 2:1 1 Timothy 2:2 ; Titus 3:1 (in EUSEBIUS [Ecclesiastical History, 6.20]) recognizes their authenticity. CLEMENT OF ROME, in the end of the first century, in his first Epistle to the Corinthians [29], quotes 1 Timothy 2:8 IGNATIUS, in the beginning of the second century, in Epistle to Polycarp, [6], alludes to 2 Timothy 2:4 in the beginning of the second century [Epistle to the Philippians, 4], alludes to 2 Timothy 2:4 and in the ninth chapter to 2 Timothy 4:10 the second century, in EUSEBIUS [Ecclesiastical History, 3.32], alludes to 1 Timothy 6:3 1 Timothy 6:20 ATHENAGORAS, in the end of the second century, alludes to 1 Timothy 6:16 MARTYR, in the middle of the second century [Dialogue with Trypho, 47], alludes to Titus 3:4 The Gnostic MARCION alone rejected these Epistles.

The First Epistle to Timothy was written not long after Paul had left Ephesus for Macedon ( 1 Timothy 1:3 Timothy was in Macedon with Paul ( 2 Corinthians 1:1 having passed from Ephesus into that country, as recorded, Acts 19:22 Acts 20:1 stay of Timothy in Ephesus, MOSHEIM supposes that Paul was nine months of the "three years" stay mostly at Ephesus ( Acts 20:31 Macedonia, and elsewhere (perhaps Crete), (the mention of only "three months" and "two years," Acts 19:8 Acts 19:10 months being spent elsewhere); and that during these nine months Timothy, in Paul's absence, superintended the Church of Ephesus. It is not likely that Ephesus and the neighboring churches should have been left long without church officers and church organization, rules respecting which are giver in this Epistle. Moreover, Timothy was still "a youth" ( 1 Timothy 4:12 years of age.

1 Timothy 1:

CONCERNING DOCTRINE:

1 Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, by the order of God our Savior and the LORD Jesus Christ our hope;

2 To Timothy, my child in the faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our LORD.

NO TRINITY

3 I urged you when I left for Macedonia, that you might make a stop at Ephesus, to give orders to certain men who are teaching wrong doctrine.

4 Don't let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only leads to disputes rather than godly way of life which is in faith.

5 The purpose of my teaching is that all the Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith,

6 from which some have been turned away, giving themselves to foolish talking;

7 Desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they make so certainly.

8 We know that the Law is good, when they are followed lawfully.

9 We know that the Law was made, not for the upright man, but for those who have no respect for It, for evil men and sinners, for the unholy and those who have no religion, for those who put their fathers or mothers to death, for takers of life,

10 For those who go after loose women, for those with deviant desires, for those who take men prisoners, who make false statements and false oaths, and those who do any other things against the right teaching,

11 Which may be seen in the good news of the glory of the great God, which was given into my care.

12 I thank Jesus Christ our LORD who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,

13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it in ignorance and unbelief.

14 And the grace of our LORD was abundant, with faith and love which is in Jesus Christ.

15 This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- and I was the worst of them all.

16 But for this reason I was granted mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Jesus Christ might make clear all His mercy, as an example to those who in the future would have faith in Him to eternal life.

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

God is immortal, nobody else... see chapter 6:12 of this Book

18 This order I give to you, Timothy my son, in harmony with the words of the prophets about you, so that by them you may be strong, fighting the good fight,

19 Keeping faith, and being conscious of well-doing; for some, by not doing these things, have gone wrong in relation to the faith:

20 Such are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have given up to Satan, so that they may say no more evil words against God.

There is no difficulty in supposing him to be the Hymenæus of 2 Timothy 2:17 . Though "delivered over to Satan" (the lord of all outside the Church, Acts 26:18 , and the executor of wrath, when judicially allowed by God, on the disobedient, 1 Corinthians 5:5 , 2 Corinthians 12:7 ), he probably was restored to the Church subsequently, and again troubled it. Paul, as an apostle, though distant at Rome pronounced the sentence to be executed at Ephesus, involving, probably, the excommunication of the offenders ( Matthew 18:17 Matthew 18:18 ). The sentence operated not only spiritually, but also physically, sickness, or some such visitation of God, falling on the person excommunicated, in order to bring him to repentance and salvation. Alexander here is probably "the coppersmith" who did Paul "much evil" when the latter visited Ephesus. The "delivering him to Satan" was probably the consequence of his withstanding the apostle ( 2 Timothy 4:14 2 Timothy 4:15 ); as the same sentence on Hymenæus was the consequence of "saying that the resurrection is past already" ( 2 Timothy 2:18 ; his putting away good conscience, naturally producing shipwreck concerning FAITH, 1 Timothy 1:19 . If one's religion better not his morals, his moral deficiencies will corrupt his religion. The rain which falls pure from heaven will not continue pure if it be received in an unclean vessel [ARCHBISHOP WHATELY]).

1 Timothy 2:

A PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH:

1 I urge you, first and foremost, to pray. As you make your requests, plead for mercy for them, and give thanks always.

2 For in this way, kings and all others who are in authority, can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity.

3 This is good and pleasing in the eyes of God our Savior;

4 for He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.

5 For there is one God and one peacemaker between God and men, the man Jesus Christ,

6 Who gave Himself as an offering for all; witness of which was to be given at the right time;

7 And I have been chosen -- this is the absolute truth -- as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles about faith and truth.

8 It is my desire, then, that in every place men may give themselves to prayer, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or argument.

9 And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.

10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.

11 Women should listen and learn quietly and submissively.

12 In my opinion it is right not let women teach men or have authority over them. Rather, let them listen quietly.

13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve;

14 And Adam was not taken by deceit, but the woman, being tricked, became a wrongdoer.

15 But women will be saved through childbearing and by continuing to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.

Paul is writing to an individual church and NOT to all churches. In Paul's time, many women, were easily led astray.

1 Timothy 3:

Church Leaders:

1 It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility.

2 The elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be the husband of one wife. He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach.

Paul does not want a polygamous man being the leader of this church. This implies polygamy, even at this time!

3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money.

4 Ruling his house well, having his children under control with all serious behavior;

5 (For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church? )

6 An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.

7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil's trap and be disgraced.

8 In the same way, lesser church leaders must be people who are respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers and must not be greedy for money.

9 They must be committed to the revealed truths of the faith and must live with a clear conscience.

10 Before they are appointed as leaders, they should be given other responsibilities in the church as a test of their character and ability. If they do well, then they may be promoted.

11 Women are to be serious, saying no evil of others, controlling themselves, true in all things.

12 Let the leaders be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their houses well.

13 For those who have done good work as leaders get for themselves a good position and become free from fear in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

14 I am writing these things to you, though I am hoping to come to you before long;

15 But if I can't come for a while, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the house of God. It's the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth.

16 And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

1 Timothy 4:

END TIMES:

1 But the Spirit says clearly that in the end times some will be turned away from the faith, giving their minds to spirits of deceit, and the teachings of evil spirits,

2 Through the false ways of men whose words are untrue, whose hearts are burned as with a heated iron;

3 Who forbid people from being married and commanding them to abstain from {the cleasn} foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Like the Catholic church who breaks God's commands by preventing priests and nuns from marrying, and what foods they can eat on what days. (Fish Fridays)

4 Because everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it. We may receive it gladly, with thankful hearts.

5 For it is made holy by the word of God and by prayer.

6 If you explain this to the brothers and sisters, you will be doing your duty as a worthy servant of Jesus Christ, one who is fed by the message of faith and the true teaching you have followed.

7 But have nothing to do with unclean and foolish stories. Give yourself training in religion:

8 Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.

9 This is a true saying, in which all may put their faith.

10 We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly of those who believe.

11 Let these be your orders and your teaching.

12 Let no one make little of you because you are young, but be an example to the church in word, in behavior, in love, in faith, in holy living.

13 Till I come, give attention to the reading of the scripture, to comforting the saints.

14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.

15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to everyone.

16 Keep a close watch keeping the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1 Timothy 5:

GENERAL DIRECTIONS:

1 Do not rebuke an older man, but talk to him as your father, and to the younger men as to brothers:

2 To the older women as to mothers, to the younger as to sisters, with a clean heart.

3 Give honor to widows who are truly widows.

4 But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God very much.

5 If she is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in prayer day and night.

6 But the widow who lives only for pleasure is already dead.

7 Give orders to this effect, so that no evil may be said of anyone.

8 If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 Let no woman be numbered among the widows who is under sixty years old, and only if she has been the wife of one man,

10 She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers? Has she served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?

11 The younger widows should not be on the list, because their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ and they will want to remarry.

12 Then they would be guilty of breaking their previous vow.

13 Besides, they are likely to become lazy and spend their time gossiping from house to house, getting into other people's business and saying things they shouldn't.

14 So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children, and take care of their own homes. Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them.

15 For even now some are turned away to Satan.

16 If any woman of the faith has relations who are widows, let her give them help, so that the care of them does not come on the church, and so it may give help to those who are truly widowed.

17 Let rulers whose rule is good be honored twice over, specially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

18 For the Scripture says, "Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain." And in another place, "Those who work deserve their pay!"

19 Do not believe as true any statement made against one in authority, but only if two or three give witness to it.

A judicial conviction was not permitted in Deuteronomy 17:6 , 19:15 , except on the testimony of at least two or three witnesses (compare Matthew 18:16 , John 8:17 , 2 Corinthians 13:1 , 1 John 5:6 1 John 5:7 ). But Timothy's entertaining an accusation against anyone is a different case, where the object was not judicially to punish, but to admonish: here he might ordinarily entertain it without the need of two or three witnesses; but not in the case of an elder, since the more earnest an elder was to convince gainsayers ( Titus 1:9 ), the more exposed would he be to vexatious and false accusations. How important then was it that Timothy should not, without strong testimony, entertain a charge against presbyters, who should, in order to be efficient, be "blameless" ( 1 Timothy 3:2 , Titus 1:6 ). 1 Timothy 5:21 1 Timothy 5:24 imply that Timothy had the power of judging in the Church. Doubtless he would not condemn any save on the testimony of two or three witnesses, but in ordinary cases he would cite them, as the law of Moses also allowed, though there were only one witness. But in the case of elders, he would require two or three witnesses before even citing them; for their character for innocence stands higher, and they are exposed to envy and calumny more than others "Receive" does not, as ALFORD thinks, include both citation and conviction, but means only the former. (Jamieson)

20 Say sharp words to sinners when all are present, so that others will have a proper fear {of God.}

21 I charge you before God and the LORD Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, to keep these orders without giving thought to one side more than another.

22 Never be in a hurry about appointing an elder or church leader. Do not participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

DRINK WINE-It's good for you!

23 Do not take only water as your drink, but take a little wine for the good of your stomach, and because you are frequently ill.

24 The sins of some men are clearly seen and everyone knows they will be judged. But there are others whose sin will not be revealed until later.

25 In the same way, there are good works which are clearly seen; and those which are not so, may not be kept secret.

1 Timothy 6:

1 Let all who are slaves give all honor to their masters, so that no evil may be said against the name of God and His teaching.

2 And let those whose masters are true believers have respect for them because they are brothers, working for them the more readily, because those who take part in the good work are of the faith and are dear. Give orders and teaching about these things.

3 If anyone gives a different teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our LORD Jesus Christ, and with the teaching which is in agreement with His true religion,

4 He has an over-high opinion of himself; being without knowledge, having only an unhealthy love of questionings and wars of words, from which come envy, fighting, cruel words, evil thoughts,

5 Bitter talk of men who, being evil in mind and dead to what is true, take the faith to be a way of making profit.

6 But true faith, with peace of mind, is of great profit:

7 For we came into the world with nothing, and we are not able to take anything out;

8 But if we have food and a roof over us, let that be enough.

9 But people who desire to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is a root of all evil: and some whose hearts were fixed on it have been turned away from the faith, and been wounded with unnumbered sorrows.

not the money itself, but the love of it--the wishing to be rich ( 1 Timothy 6:9 )--"is a root (ELLICOTT and MIDDLETON: not as English Version, 'the root') of all evils." (So the Greek plural). The wealthiest may be rich not in a bad sense; the poorest may covet to be so ( Psalms 62:10 ). Love of money is not the sole root of evils, but it is a leading "root of bitterness" ( Hebrews 12:15 ), for "it destroys faith, the root of all that is good" [BENGEL]; its offshoots are "temptation, a snare, lusts, destruction, perdition."

11 But you, O man of God, keep yourself from these things, and go after righteousness, religion, faith, love, a quiet mind, gentle behavior.

12 Be fighting the good fight of the faith; take for yourself the life eternal, for which you were marked out, and of which you gave witness in the eyes of all.

13 I give you orders before God, the giver of life, and Jesus Christ, who before Pontius Pilate gave witness to the faith,

14 that you obey His commands with all purity. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our LORD Jesus Christ returns.

15 For at the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only Almighty God, the King of kings and Lord of lords... {The YAHWEH of Gods}....

ONLY GOD IS IMMORTAL:

16 who alone has immortality, and lives in a light so brilliant that no human can approach Him. No one has ever seen Him, nor ever will. To him be honor and power forever. Amen.

17 Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever has been given to them.

19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life.

20 O Timothy,guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge.

[21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God's grace be with you all. ]

He restricts the salutation to Timothy, as the Epistle was not to be read in public [BENGEL].