About This Book
First Timothy provides instruction for church leadership and conduct, as Paul guides his young protégé Timothy in pastoral ministry at Ephesus. Paul charges Timothy to remain at Ephesus and command certain people not to teach false doctrines or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies promoting speculations rather than God's stewardship by faith. The aim of this charge is love from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. Some have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of law without understanding.
The law is good if used lawfully—it's laid down not for the just but for lawless, disobedient, ungodly sinners. Paul recounts his former life as a blasphemer and persecutor whom Christ Jesus came into the world to save. This saying is trustworthy: Christ Jesus came to save sinners, of whom Paul is foremost. He received mercy to display Christ's perfect patience as an example.
Instructions for worship include that prayers be made for all people, for kings and those in authority, that believers may lead peaceful and quiet lives. God desires all people to be saved and come to knowledge of truth. There is one God and one mediator between God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Men should pray without anger or quarreling.
Women should adorn themselves modestly, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good works. Women should learn quietly with all submissiveness; Paul doesn't permit women to teach or exercise authority over men. Overseers must be above reproach, husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, managing his household well. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to wine, not greedy, holding faith's mystery with clear conscience.
Paul writes these things so Timothy may know how to behave in God's household, the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth. The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and demonic teachings, forbidding marriage and requiring abstinence from foods God created to be received with thanksgiving. Train yourself for godliness—bodily training is of some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. Let no one despise Timothy's youth, but set believers an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
The widow who is truly alone has set her hope on God. Younger widows should marry. Elders who rule well should be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. Don't admit a charge against an elder except on evidence of two or three witnesses.
The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. Fight the good fight of faith. Charge the rich not to be haughty nor set hopes on uncertain riches but on God who richly provides.