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Bible Overview is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in Bible study. Each month we feature a book of the Bible (in order) by Bible scholar and lecturer, Mary Jane Chaignot.

This month we continue our exploration of letters attributed to Paul, namely the first Letter to Timothy. This is the first of three letters commonly referred to as the Pastoral Letters. That phrase was coined by German scholars in the eighteenth century. There is considerable debate among scholars whether or not Paul is the real author of this book, despite the fact that Timothy was one of Paul’s dearest companions. Most modern scholars think the author is pseudonymous, but the debate continues. If you want to read some of the history previous to this selection, you can find the earlier books in our archives.

The Bible Time-Line is another quick reference for locating individuals or specific books. We encourage readers to share their Bible Study success stories on this site. Email us at overview@biblewise.com to be included on next month's site.

1 Timothy

Timothy was a close companion of Paul’s for many years. He is included in the greetings of several authentic as well as some of the Deutero-Pauline letters. We learn from Acts that he met Paul in Lystra, possibly his hometown, shortly after the Jerusalem Council. Paul and Barnabas had just parted ways and Paul had chosen Silas to accompany him on his second journey through Syria and Cilicia. That led to a stop in Derbe and then on to Lystra. Timothy had come highly recommended to Paul by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. Timothy had had a Greek father and a Jewish mother, but somewhere over the years, they had become Jewish Christians. Prior to taking Timothy along on his journey, Paul had him circumcised.

According to Paul’s authentic letters, he sent Timothy to Thessalonica and then to Corinth while he was in Athens. It appears that Timothy also went to Philippi (and was possibly imprisoned there with Paul). At some point, they all landed in Ephesus and Timothy stayed behind. Paul purportedly wrote this letter to Timothy while he was still in Ephesus. Of course, if this letter really was written after the turn of the century, Paul would have been long gone. That doesn’t mean, however, that there is no valid historical information to be obtained from this book. The references to Ephesus suggest that the Pastorals are connected with this city. Perhaps Timothy lived there after Paul’s death.

These letters are called “Pastorals” because they are addressed to “pastors” outlining their duties. Basically, these leaders had two main jobs – to maintain sound doctrine and sound discipline. That is certainly the clarion call in 1 Timothy where “Paul” repeatedly instructs Timothy to resist the false teachers. He also addresses other problems and gives advice on how to proceed.

There are several main reasons why scholars think these letters came from a period long after Paul. Like some of the previous Deutero-Pauline letters, the language is very different from Paul’s authentic letters. In fact, the language of the Pastorals has more commonality with pagan ethical philosophy. And some of Paul’s key phrases are notably absent, as is any mention of the cross. The styles are also vastly different. Many of the words used for Christ and God are different in the Pastorals. Moreover, these churches already have a well-established clergy, comprised of deacons and presbyters. And there seems to be a list of an order of widows. Over against this, however, is the fact that Paul addresses Timothy as though he is still a young man and in need of paternal advice. If these letters were written later in Paul’s career, Timothy would have been a seasoned worker, not an inexperienced assistant.

If these letters were not written by Paul during his ministry, then why were they written and to whom? Scholars are convinced that these letters were written to real leaders of the early church – the exact location remains unknown. But these individuals had a great deal of authority in these churches. Some scholars have even called these letters a “handbook” for church leaders. Since Timothy was not an apostle, these letters do not provide a warrant for apostolic succession. What we see here is an acknowledgement that apostolic teaching and authority must remain, but not apostolic succession. Another main function of these letters was to provide a defense against heresy. False teachers seem to be an urgent concern in the church. There is much speculation about their precise nature, but they are always addressed in general terms. There may have been various groups; some might have evolved out of a Jewish heritage, or Gnosticism, or asceticism, or spiritualized elements. It’s possible that a bit of all of these were present. Their influence was seen as threatening to the young and evolving church. The fact that these letters are attributed to Paul is also an indication that the author wanted to affirm Pauline doctrine. If they were written at the turn of the century, it would be an indication of Paul’s continuing influence on the church. In a sense, the author was bringing Paul’s teachings into the next century.

There are roughly seven small sections in the first letter to Timothy: 1:1-2 – Introduction; 1:3-20 – Timothy’s Charge; 2:1-3:16 – Worship and Conduct; 4:1-16 – Expectation and Duties for Those in Church Ministry; 5:1-6:2 – Special Groups in the Church; 6:3-10 – Final Judgment on False Teachers; 6:11-21 -- Final Instructions and Conclusion.


I -- 1:1-2 – Introduction

1:1-2		Salutation This is the standard salutation from the Greco-Roman period Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus (Obviously Timothy already knew this, so this would be an indication that this letter really was for people other than Timothy.) Timothy is “true son in the faith” Timothy was a true believer Greeting includes grace, mercy, peace Addition of "mercy" might be reference to Timothy

II – 1:3-20 – Timothy’s Charge

1:3-7		Stay in Ephesus and stop the false teachers

		1:3-4 (Paul skips the standard thanksgiving – maybe wasn’t thankful for them) Paul appears to be in Macedonia Church has been endangered by some elders who are teaching false doctrines Timothy is supposed to put a stop to this Teaching “false doctrines” means to teach “other things,” novelties Included in “false doctrines” were myths and endless genealogies Most scholars see this as rebuking Gnosticism Could also refer to Jewish influences “False doctrines” lead to controversies rather than God’s work – by faith Work here means “stewardship” 1:5 Goal of the command is “love” Goal is derived from “pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith” “Pure heart” is one cleansed from self-centeredness “Good conscience” means the capacity for moral consciousness “Faith” refers to the Christian virtue 1:6-7 Some had wandered from these goals Their teachings had become “meaningless talk” (empty speech) They want to be “teachers of the law”; clearly, they are not They simply don’t know what they are talking about

1:8-11		The purpose of the Law Law is good when used properly Law reflects the will of God Main purpose, however, is for the ungodly and sinful Those who are “good” (have the Spirit) do not need the law Paul lists those who are “lawbreakers” List includes those who would break the Ten Commandments God gave the Law so these “sins” would not be committed Paul summarizes by saying “and for whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel” Glorious gospel reveals the glory (majesty) of God This is what was entrusted to Paul

1:12-17		Thanksgiving to God for his grace toward sinners

		1:12-14 Paul gives thanks to Jesus who has given him strength He is grateful (even a bit awed) to have been chosen for this work He was commissioned despite all his faults These would include being a persecutor and blasphemer God showed him mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief Paul gives thanks for Jesus’ abundant grace 1:15-16 A faithful saying “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” Of these sinners, Paul is the worst Yet Paul has been the recipient of God’s great grace This makes Paul a good example for others If God could forgive him, God can forgive anyone Jesus will have patience for the worst of sinners 1:17 Doxology Praise to God; God is eternal, immortal, invisible All honor and glory is due him forever

1:18-20		Renewed charge for Timothy Paul renews his charge to Timothy Begins by recalling his “calling” Timothy fulfilled the “prophecies” that had been made about him Paul didn’t just choose him at random (These prophecies might have been about Timothy’s gift of the Spirit. Mostly, though we don’t know the content of these prophecies.) Nonetheless, by following these prophecies, Timothy can “fight the good fight” “Fight” is a military reference used here in the context of a fight between his opponents Timothy’s “fight” is against the false teachers For that he is to hang on to his faith and good conscience Paul claims these false teachers have “shipwrecked” their faith Two of them are named: Hymenaeus and Alexander Paul says he has “turned them over to Satan” (This is a possible reference to sending them back out to the world.) Paul hopes that this excommunication will “jolt” them back to their senses They will learn not to blaspheme “Blaspheme” probably means to speak against God’s gospel Bottom line: Timothy is in Ephesus to stop these false teachers

III – 2:1-3:16 – Worship and Conduct

2:1-7		Proper objects of prayer Prayers should be offered for everyone Four different words are used for prayer – all should be offered for everyone (Request, prayers, intercession, thanksgiving) “Everyone” includes governing authorities – all those in authority Pray that “we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (Might be a reflection on false teachers who are disrupting everything) Paul does not suggest church will be free from trouble He asks that people live their lives so that no one will speak evil of God Another reason to pray for all people is that it is pleasing to God God wants all people to be saved and to know the truth The message of the gospel is universal God is one – One God for all people Christ is mediator – Jesus mediates (is the go-between) between God and humanity Christ’s death secured redemption – “ransom” can mean “payment” or “redemption” Metaphors are helpful, but most important they are for all people The testimony of Christ’s death is the “witness in its own time” It all took place at God’s appointed time This is why Paul was appointed He was to bear witness, to be a herald, to teach the true faith to Gentiles Paul adds, “I am telling the truth; I am not lying” Obviously some in the church were challenging his authority

2:8-15		Proper demeanor for prayer

		2:8 Proper posture for men Men should pray with hands lifted, without anger or disputing This posture is traditional in Judaism There should be no quarreling with each other 2:9-10 Proper posture for women Women should be respectably dressed – no ostentatious garments That would include conduct as well as apparel 2:11-15 Women’s behavior They should learn in silence and with all submissiveness Harsh words, but women should still learn – that’s the good news They should not have authority over a man, they should be silent – that’s the bad news (Scholars think that it’s possible the heretical teachers were making inroads among the women, that they were “too emancipated.” It was more than the church could do and more than society could accept. If I Tim was written around the turn of the century, it reflects the changing role of the church in surviving persecutions and adapting to Roman society. These commands are very similar to I Cor 14:34ff. and are in conflict with I Cor 11:5ff.) The “proof” for these statements comes from Gen 2-3 Women cannot have authority over men because Adam was created first (?) Women cannot teach because Eve (not Adam) was deceived (?) This reflects Jewish tradition dating back to Sir 25:24 that states “From a woman sin had its beginning, and because of her we all die.” (Yet elsewhere Paul states Adam was the first transgressor, Rom 5:12ff, I Cor. 15:21ff. It is clear that this author wants to ignore that.) Finally, “women will be saved through childbirth” This is a possible reference to the birth of Jesus through Mary For this author, women have a particular “place” in the divine order Though all are saved through Christ, women have a “duty” to bear children and to maintain “faith and love and holiness” (Paul would not say that women can be saved by doing something – even if that “something” was having children) [Scholars know that much of this stands over against what was happening in the early church regarding women. Many women were very active in the Pauline congregations and these passages are intended to reduce those opportunities for women. Scholars are still not clear why that was so important at the beginning of the second century, and even more to the point, why certain religious leaders look to these verses to determine modern day policy.]

3:1-13		Qualifications for Church leadership

		3:1-7 Qualifications of overseers Paul begins with a “trustworthy” saying It is a noble task to be an overseer Obviously people aspired to this office, and the task was worthy of them Those who would aspire to being an overseer must lead exemplary lives They must be “above reproach” – having irreproachable conduct They must be married to “one wife” – possible reference to no divorce It could also be a litmus test for remaining faithful to marriage vows He must also be “temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable and able to teach” These are high ideals for behavior (and say nothing about his duties) He must also have a good family -- he will take care of God’s church in the same way he takes care of his family His children will be known for their obedience and good behavior He cannot be a new convert – needs to be mature in the faith He must have a good reputation with outsiders – As the face of the church, he cannot bring disgrace or disrepute upon its members 3:8-13 Qualifications of deacons 3:8-10 The word “deacon” means “servant” (might not have been leaders) It is not clear what their duties were, or how they differed from the overseers Firstly, they were to be men of great respect, not much wine, and no dishonest gain They were to “keep hold of deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience” They were also to be tested before they could serve It is not known what this testing consisted of or who conducted it Once they passed the test, they could serve as deacons 3:11 It is not clear whether this refers to wives of deacons or deaconesses Arguments abound for both The structure of the sentence lends scholars to think it refers to deaconesses Regardless, it suggests that women were involved in lives of service Those who participated were to be worthy of respect, temperate and trustworthy 3:12-13 Like overseers, deacons were to only have one wife and manage their children and their household well Those who serve well will have good standing within the community

3:14-16		Purpose for writing the letter Paul had hoped to visit them, but instead sent the letter (See above discussion on whether Paul really wrote this letter) The purpose of the letter was to let them know how to conduct themselves as members of God’s household The church is God’s household (family metaphor) It is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth (Reference to the temple) Church is both All this concern over proper behavior has to be seen in light of false teachers The people are to uphold and proclaim the true gospel The mystery of godliness This is followed by a hymn fragment describing aspects of Christ’s life He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, and seen by angels (Incarnation and resurrection) He was preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory (Ascension and ongoing ministry) The great mystery, then, has to do with Christ’s humiliation and exaltation and the witness of the church to these facts

IV – 4:1-16 – Expectation and Duties for Those in Church Ministry

4:1-5		Censure of false teachings The Spirit says that in later times people will abandon the faith Apparently those “later times” are the present These people will follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons Such teachings will come through hypocritical liars! This is a strong indictment of the false teachers What they are saying is not true; they are speaking lies Their consciences have been seared as with a hot iron Not only have they been branded by Satan, but they also do his will The teachings include: people cannot marry and must abstain from certain foods Such asceticism may have been influenced by Gnostics who taught all matter was evil, but true Christianity brings freedom in Christ Also, everything God created was good and to be received with thanksgiving Prayer of thanksgiving recognizes God’s role in creation of food All is consecrated by the word of God The gospel does not preach abstinence

4:6-16		How Church leaders should behave This was addressed to Timothy but surely intended for other leaders as well

		4:6-10 Message regarding false teachers Timothy is to relate this information to the brothers He has been brought up in the truths of the faith He should have nothing to do with “godless myths and old wives’ tales” This refers to stories elderly people tell small children In contrast, Timothy should train himself to be godly – like an athlete trains Godliness holds the promise for both the present and future life This is another trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance God is the savior of all men, especially those who believe 4:11-16 A series of imperatives for Timothy He is to “command and teach these things” This information is not just for Timothy, but also for the church Though young, he should set an example for the believers in his speech, life, love, faith, and purity Along with years come wisdom; Timothy is still a young man Church members needed to respect his authority Paul tells him not to neglect his “gift,” given through prophesy at his commissioning (laying on of hands) All will be watching his progress Timothy should not neglect his pastoral duties He is to watch his life and doctrine closely The inner life and outer life must be the same In so doing, Timothy will save himself as well as those who hear him

V – 5:1-6:2 – Special Groups in the Church

5:1-2		Those who are old and the young Older men and women should not be rebuked, but treated as parents Younger men and women should be treated as brothers and sisters All are one family in the church

5:3-16		Instructions regarding widows

		5:3-8 The church must give proper recognition to widows who are in need Those who are alone are distinct from those who have children/grandchildren If a widow has relatives, they are responsible for her care In so doing, they will be putting their religion into practice This is, of course, pleasing to God The “real” widow puts her faith in God and prays night and day for help She is a prayerful, trusting woman who does not live for pleasure Those who live for pleasure are dead even while they live These words are necessary because of the behavior of some younger widows “Real” widows are to be cared for by the church Other widows are to be cared for by their relatives If they do not, they have denied their faith and are worse than unbelievers 5:9-10 Widow’s list There are three qualifications for being on this list (even though scholars have no idea what is being described here) She must be over sixty, faithful to her husband, and well known for her good deeds, which would include raising children, showing hospitality, helping those in trouble, washing feet of the saints, and other good deeds 5:11-15 Widows who are younger than sixty do not qualify for the “list” They still have feelings and want to marry (This is seen as a judgment against them) Paul obviously sees widowhood as a great honor Here, their desire to remarry outweighs their devotion to Christ In doing this, they have broken their first pledge (to Christ) Some must have been abandoning their faith Another reason is that they are “idle and go from house to house” They have become gossips and busybodies Since they have been rejected as “real” widows, they are encouraged to remarry Then they will give the enemy no opportunity for slander Some have already turned away to follow Satan 5:16 Women who have the means should help care for “real” widows This could include relatives or wealthy women

5:17-25		Instructions regarding elders

		5:17-18 Elders responsible for teaching and preaching are to be honored Elders may include all those who govern the church They are worthy of twofold honor when they do their work well Paul bolsters his argument with examples from Scripture “Do not muzzle the working ox; laborer is worthy of his hire” 5:19-21 Discipline of elders Accusation must be backed up by two or three witnesses Those who sin are to be publicly rebuked This will be seen as a warning to others This makes especial sense if these are the false teachers Timothy is instructed to carry out judgment with impartiality, not favoritism These erring elders have quite an influence upon the community 5:22-25 Replacement of erring elders Timothy should exercise caution before “laying on of hands” in replacing them If it turns out the replacements are sinners, Timothy would share in their sins He is to keep himself pure This does not mean an ascetic lifestyle, however He is to enjoy wine – especially since he has many stomach problems (Wine was considered medicinal for many ailments) Just as the sins of some are obvious, so are the good deeds of others On the other hand, the sins of others are not so readily seen This was probably the case with the false teachers In time, all that is hidden will be revealed

6:1-2		Instructions for slaves Slaves should consider that their masters are worthy of respect In so doing, God’s name and the gospel would not be slandered This has to do with how the church was perceived by those on the outside If slaves were seen throwing off their yokes, it would be cause for outrage Slaves should remain as slaves in loving obedience If masters were believing members, slaves still needed to show respect Being equal before Christ did not mean abusing the slave/master relationship Precisely because they were equal before Christ, they should be respectful Slaves must serve them even better than they had before Their masters are “dear” to them Timothy is urged to give this instruction

VI – 6:3-10 – Final Judgment on False Teachers

6:3-5		Those who teach false doctrines do not understand anything They have abandoned the truth of the gospel, which comes from Jesus Christ Still, they think of themselves as wise and knowing everything In truth, they have an “unhealthy” interest in quarrels and controversies The effects of this are twofold: An unhealthy community leads to envy and strife The false teachers are corrupt in using godliness for financial gain All they ever were interested in was getting rich

6:6-10		Godliness with contentment is great gain Godliness does lead to “riches,” just not the money kind Contentment from Christ means they are above the world’s definitions of “rich” We bring nothing into the world when we are born; we take nothing out when we die – yet we have life’s essentials False teachers, however, want to get rich The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil Greed is a trap that leads to all kinds of sins Many people in their quest for money have left the faith – sold out to greed

VII – 6:11-21 – Final Instructions and Conclusion

6:11-14		Final instructions to Timothy Unlike the false teachers, Timothy is a “man of God” and is to flee from all this “Man of God” means he is a minister of the Word of God He is to pursue “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness” In so doing, he will “fight the good fight of faith” The prize is the “eternal life” to which he was called Timothy is to persevere in his life in Christ and in his ministry Paul charges Timothy to keep this commandment without spot or blame He should do this until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ Paul is certain that God will bring this about in his own time Just as God sent Jesus the first time, he will send him the second time

6:15-16		Doxology Language is very similar to that which is found in the Old Testament God is the blessed and only ruler, king of kings, lord of lords, He is immortal, living in unapproachable light (reference to God’s blinding glory) To him be honor and might forever

6:17-19		Final instructions to the wealthy Those who are rich should not be arrogant, but should put their trust in God Arrogance, the sin of pride, seems to be often associated with the rich God will provide everything for their enjoyment They are to do good and to be rich in good deeds One of the “good deeds” is to be generous and share In this way, they will lay up treasures for themselves in the coming age (This does not mean that they are “earning” salvation; it has nothing to do with the world’s understanding of riches) The goal is always that “they may take hold of the life that is truly life”

6:20-21		Final words to Timothy He is to “guard what has been entrusted to your care” He was under a sacred duty to keep “it” safe “It” could refer to the gospel, or to the truth over against the false teachers Paul has repeatedly warned him to resist the false teachers Avoid godless chatter and contradictions There is no point to enter into debates that go nowhere “Grace be with you” This is a shortened version of Paul’s typical closings. Since “you” is plural, scholars know that this was meant for the whole community

Even though the letter ends with the beauty of God’s grace, it follows a warning that remains relevant even today. Christian living is not just talk and arguments; it is life in the trenches. It is the demonstration of the Word of truth, not clever debates. It is not known what specific events prompted this letter in the ancient world, but its timelessness is uncanny. Christianity should not be a battle ground of arguments, not hair-splitting points of law; Christianity is something to live by.

Bibliography

Barclay, William. “The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.” Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press. 1975.

Duling, Dennis and Norman Perrin. The New Testament. Proclamation and Parenesis, Myth and History. Philadelphia, PA: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. 1994.

Fee, Gordon. “1 and 2 Timothy, Titus.” New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. 1988.

Gaebelein, Frank. “I Timothy.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing. 1985.

Hanson, A.T. “The Pastoral Epistles.” The New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans. 1982.

Hultgren, Arland. “I-II Timothy, Titus.” Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing. 1984.