KNOW YOUR BIBLE IN 50 DAYS:
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CHAPTER 54 – 1 Timothy: Approx. 64 A.D.

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Timothy is the fifty-fourth book of the Bible. The title of the book in Greek is Pros Timotheon A meaning “To Timothy 1.” The title in the English Bible is “The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy.”

Authorship

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, is the author of the book, The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy. It was probably written about 64 A.D.

Summary

The book of 1 Timothy is actually a letter (epistle) that was written by the apostle Paul to Timothy, the young pastor of the Christian church in the city of Ephesus, in what is modern-day Turkey. It was probably written during the interval between Paul’s first and second imprisonment in Rome, Italy, in approximately 64 A.D.

The book opens with greetings from Paul to Timothy whom Paul had asked to remain at the church in Ephesus as its pastor. Paul then urges Timothy to command some members of the church that they teach no false doctrine, nor give attention to fables and endless genealogies.

Next, Paul declares that the purpose of God’s law was to promote love out of a pure heart in people, a good conscience, and sincere faith in Christ. However, there were some in the church who were teaching the law without understanding its significance.

Paul then thanks God who had deemed Paul to be faithful to Him and had, therefore put Paul into Christian ministry despite the fact that Paul was formerly in violent opposition to the gospel. But God’s grace was active in Paul’s life and Christ’s long-suffering towards Paul was meant to be a pattern to all who would believe in Christ in the future. Paul then commands Timothy that he should wage a good warfare against Satan regarding his faith in Christ, for some have made a spiritual shipwreck of their faith.

After this, Paul declares that the church should pray for all humanity, that God desires to save everyone, and that Christ is the only Mediator between God and the human race. Paul then states that God has appointed him as an apostle of Christ to the non-Jewish nations, and he describes how women should conduct themselves in public worship in the church.

Next, Paul describes the character, habits, the godly rule over one’s family, the necessary Christian experience, and good reputation, which are the qualifications for becoming a bishop. Similar qualifications he says are required of deacons. He then says that he is writing to Timothy so that Timothy would know how to conduct himself in the church. Paul then refers to the mystery of godliness wherein God came to the earth in human flesh.

After this, Paul prophesies of a future turning away from the gospel as a result of satanic teachings. He then describes how Timothy can be a good minister of Christ, and that Timothy should teach these things, with Timothy himself being a godly example to the church. Paul also urges Timothy to give attention to reading the Scriptures, to encouraging the church, to teaching, and to Timothy’s own spiritual gift from God. Timothy, Paul says, should meditate on these things, fully consecrate himself to God, and be watchful over his own conduct, all this so that he can exert a godly influence in the church.

Next, Paul advises Timothy how he should treat young and old members of the church, widows, church elders, and his duty to be impartial and careful in the appointment of elders. He then gives Timothy advice relating to Timothy’s health.

After this, Paul describes the duties of servants to their masters, commands Timothy to separate himself from teachers of false doctrines, and states the blessings of contentment. He then describes the spiritual peril of desiring riches, Timothy’s duty to avoid covetousness, to seek godliness, and to fight the good fight of faith in Christ against Satan’s schemes to turn people away from God.

Paul next commands Timothy to keep himself pure until the return of Christ to the earth as King of kings and Lord of lords. Timothy, Paul says, is to warn the rich against pride and trust in uncertain riches, and urge the wealthy to be rich in good works and to be willing to share their wealth, thereby taking hold of eternal life. Paul closes his letter by urging Timothy to guard his faith in Christ, avoid vain talk and the conflicting theories of false science, and he wishes that God’s grace will be with Timothy.

Themes

• An experienced, godly Christian leader’s advice and guidance of a young pastor.
• Teachers of false doctrine in a church.
• The necessity of pastors maintaining strong faith in Christ and fully consecrating themselves to God.
• Qualifications for leadership positions in a church.
• How pastors should conduct themselves in a church so as to have a godly influence.
• How women should conduct themselves in the church.
• How a pastor should treat various groups of members in the church.
• The ungodly desire for riches and the blessings of contentment.
• Warnings to, and spiritual encouragement of, the rich in the church.
• The necessity of a pastor to avoid useless talk among church members.

God as Revealed in the Book

• God who gave his law of love for the uplifting of humanity through God’s ways of love.
• God who is long-suffering and forgiving of sins.
• God who appoints persons as His ministers in Christian ministry.
• God who desires to save the entire human race from eternal death (annihilation).
• God who is King of kings and Lord of lords.
• God who bestows spiritual gifts upon His people.

Connections with the Rest of the Bible

God says that every person should be able say of themselves in truth, “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God [which is the Bible]: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17. “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:2.

And God’s command is, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace [be a blessing] unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29.

Also, God’s desire for us who listen to teachers of the word of God, the Bible, is “that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine [teaching], by the sleight [trickery] of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body [which is the church] fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying [building up] of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:14-16.

Spiritual Applications

Pray to God sincerely and ask God to help you to do His will, believing that God will help you, and thus you will be enabled to make the spiritual applications noted below:

• Become an experienced Christian and, therefore, able to give advice and guidance to new converts to the Christian faith.
• Ensure that you are not a teacher of false doctrine.
• Have strong faith in Christ, fully consecrating yourself to God.
• Know for yourself what qualifies someone to be in a leadership position in the Christian church.
• Know for yourself how you should conduct yourself in a church so as to have a godly influence.
• Know how women should conduct themselves in the church.
• Know how to treat various groups of members in the church.
• Do not have an ungodly desire for riches, but instead be content with what God has given to you.
• Warn and give spiritual encouragement to the rich in the church.
• Avoid useless talk among church members and wherever else you may encounter it.
• Understand God’s purpose in giving His law of love.
• Ensure that you carry out your God-given Christian ministry.
• Thank God for His long-suffering and forgiveness toward you.

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