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1 TIMOTHY

AT-A-GLANCE

Chapter 1:1-20

Instructions for

Timothy:

Teach Sound Doctrine

Chapter 2:1-3:16

Instructions for

the Church:

Proper Behavior

Chapter 4:1-16

Instructions for

Timothy:

Train Yourself for Godliness

Chapter 5:1-6:2a

Instructions for

the Church:

Conduct

Chapter 6:2b-21

Instructions for

Timothy:

Pursue Righteousness

QUICK FACTS

Author: Paul the Apostle

Original Reader: Timothy, in Ephesus

Date Written: c. AD 63

Written From: Macedonia

Key Verse: 4:16 (3:14-15; 6:11-12)

Major Themes: Christian behavior; false doctrine vs. sound doctrine

DISCOVER THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF 1 TIMOTHY

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE INDUCTIVELY

OBSERVE

What does the text say?

There’s no better way to understand the literary context than carefully observing what is said.

INTERPRET

 What does the text mean?

In light of both the literary and historical context, what was the original intended meaning of this passage?

APPLY

How do I apply what the text means?

In order for us to grow and mature more into Christ’s likeness, we must apply the truths we discover in our lives.

Chapter 1:1-20 — Teach Sound Doctrine

OBSERVE

  • 1:3-4 — Why does Paul say that he left Timothy in Ephesus?
  • 1:5 — How does Paul’s instruction contrast from what is present in the Ephesian church?
  • 1:6-7 — What is the warning that Paul gives?
  • *1:8-11 — What does Paul say is the purpose of the law?
  • 1:12-13 — How does Jesus see Paul, compared to how he used to be?
  • 1:13-16 — Why did Jesus come into the world? Why did he give mercy to Paul?

INTERPRET

  • 1:3-7 — What are the dangers of allowing these “certain people” to continue to influence this church?
  • 1:12-16 — How does Paul’s history compare to Timothy’s? In light of this, why do you think Paul is emphasizing these truths to Timothy?

APPLY

  • 1:3-5 — What is a way that we can recognize some false teachings from sound doctrine?
  • 1:13-16 — How does Jesus see me? How can I extend this mercy to others, so that they may know Christ’s mercy?

* HELPFUL NOTES

  • 1:10 — The Greek word that is translated as “men who practice homosexuality” (ESV), or “practicing homosexuals” (NET), or “sodomites” (NRSV, NKJV), has become a topic of discussion among certain Christian circles, especially in light of today’s Western culture. In situations like this, it is a wise decision to defer to some of the top Greek scholars of today. In light of this, we defer to the translator’s note for this word, from the NET Bible. “On this term BDAG 135 s.v. ἀρσενοκοίτης states, “a male who engages in sexual activity w. a pers. of his own sex, pederast 1 Cor 6:9…of one who assumes the dominant role in same-sex activity, opp. μαλακός…1 Ti 1:10; Pol 5:3. Cp. Ro 1:27.” L&N 88.280 states, “a male partner in homosexual intercourse—‘homosexual.’…It is possible that ἀρσενοκοίτης in certain contexts refers to the active male partner in homosexual intercourse in contrast with μαλακός, the passive male partner” (cf. 1 Cor 6:9). Since there is a distinction in contemporary usage between sexual orientation and actual behavior, the qualification “practicing” was supplied in the translation, following the emphasis in BDAG.” (The NET Bible, New English Translation, Thomas Nelson, 2019)

WOMEN SHOULD DRESS PROPERLY, LEARN QUIETLY AND NOT TEACH?

What do these instructions for women in 1 Timothy 2:9-12 mean and how are we to interpret them for us today?

Chapter 2:1-3:16 — Proper Behavior in the Church

OBSERVE

  • 2:1-2 — What is Paul’s command? What is the result he hopes for?
  • 2:3-6 — What truths of God do we see in this passage?
  • *2:8-15 — Observe the commands that Paul gives to each group.
  • 3:1-7 — What characteristics should an overseer have?
  • *3:8-13 — What characteristics should a deacon have?
  • 3:16 — Carefully observe and meditate on each statement about Jesus here.

INTERPRET

  • 2:3-6 — In light of some of the groups and mentioned in chapter 1, who specifically does God want to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth?
  • *2:8-15 — Which of these are timeless truths for us today, and which are temporal or cultural for that time? Why do you think so?
  • 3:1-7 — Why would these characteristics be important for the Ephesian church?
  • 3:16 — What can we learn about Jesus here?

APPLY

  • 2:3-6 — Is there any person or group of people that I feel differently towards than God does? If so, how can I rectify this and bring myself into alignment with how God sees everyone?
  • 2:9-10 — Do I find myself being more concerned with my outward appearance to others, than to faithfulness to Jesus?

  * HELPFUL NOTES

  • 2:9 — There was a cultural practice at the time, where women would display their reverence for their god through elaborate dress and decoration during public worship events, rather than through obedience and quality of character. Hair might be braided with valuable materials like gold to draw more attention. This seems to be what Peter has in mind as well in 1 Peter 3:3-4. (Sources: Arnold, Clinton E., Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, vol 3. p. 456; Keener, Craig S., IVP Bible Background Commentary, 2nd Ed. p. 605) 
  • 2:11 — In Jewish culture, it was rare for women to be allowed to learn the Scriptures. Note the first words of Paul’s instruction: “Let a woman learn…”. See also Proverbs 10:19; James 1:19.
  • 3:8 — The word ‘deacon’ comes from the Greek word διάκονος (diakonos), which refers to a person who serves. Deacons are first appointed in Acts 6:1-6.

Chapter 4:1-16 — Train Yourself for Godliness

OBSERVE

  • *4:1-3 — What is Paul’s warning? What is it that they teach?
  • 4:3-5 — How does this false teaching contrast with God’s truth?
  • 4:6-8 — What are Paul’s instructions to Timothy?
  • 4:11-16 — What are Paul’s next instructions to Timothy?

INTERPRET

  • 4:1-3 — Why does Paul give Timothy this warning?
  • 4:6-8 — How would these instructions help Timothy put the Ephesian church in order?
  • 4:6-8 — How would these instructions help Timothy in his ministry in Ephesus?
  • 4:6-16 — How do these two sets of instructions to Timothy differ?

APPLY

  • 4:6-8 — Which of these instructions is God challenging me to better apply in my life? What practical steps can I take to carry this out?

  * HELPFUL NOTES

  • 4:1 — The phrase that Paul uses for ‘the later times’ suggests that this is near future for them, and not something that is only to be thought of as far future.

Chapter 5:1-6:2a — Conduct in the Church

OBSERVE

  • 5:1-2 — How is Timothy to treat an older man? Younger men? Older women? Younger women?
  • 5:3-10 — What are Paul’s instructions regarding widows?
  • 5:11-16 — What are Paul’s instructions regarding young widows?
  • 5:17-25 — What are Paul’s instructions regarding elders?
  • 6:1-2a — What are Paul’s instructions regarding slaves?

INTERPRET

  • 5:1-2 — Why might these instructions be important for young Timothy as he is to instruct this Ephesian church?
  • 5:3-16 — What principles of these instructions are applicable today?
  • 5:17-25 — What principles of these instructions are applicable today?
  • 6:1-2a — What principles of these instructions are applicable today?

APPLY

  • 5:3-6:2a — Is the Holy Spirit convicting me to better apply any of these principles?

Chapter 6:2b-21 — Pursue Righteousness

OBSERVE

  • 6:2b-12 — List the characteristics of those who align with the words of Jesus, with those who do not align with the words of Jesus.
  • 6:13-16 — What does Paul say about Christ? God?
  • 6:17-19 — What are Paul’s commands to those who are rich?
  • 6:20-21 — What are Paul’s closing charge to Timothy?

INTERPRET

  • 6:2b-12 — Why is it important that Christian leaders align with the words of Jesus?
  • 6:20 — Paul has repeated instructions and warnings about proper and improper speech many times throughout 1 Timothy (1:3ff; 2:11-12; 3:2, 8; 4:1ff, 7, 12, 16; 5:1-2, 13, 17; 6:2bff, and 13). What differentiates between proper and improper speech in this letter? Why is this such a central theme to Timothy?

APPLY

  • 6:2b-12 — How can I continue to align myself more with all of the words of Jesus and reflect true godliness?
  • 6:20 — How can I ensure that my speech and testimony is aligned with proper doctrine?

  * HELPFUL NOTES

  • 6:15 — God is called the Lord of lords in Deuteronomy 10:17 and Psalm 136:3, while Jesus is also called King of kings and Lord of lords in Revelation 17:14 and 19:16.

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