1 Timothy Introduction
Paul’s first letter to Timothy is one of four letters he wrote to individuals (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon), and one of thirteen letters generally ascribed to Paul.
Timothy was from the area of Central Turkey known as Pisidia near the cities of Lystra and Iconium. His father was Greek but his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were Jewish followers of Jesus. Timothy was a believer since his youth and had a good reputation among the churches in his area, according to Acts 16:2. Paul and Barnabus visited this area and began churches here on Paul’s first missionary journey [Acts 14]. Paul returned here with Silas on his second missionary journey and added young Timothy as well as the doctor Luke to his missionary team. Paul circumcised Timothy [Acts 16:3] who was half Jewish so that he would be accepted by Jewish believers.
Acts 16-18 describes Paul’s second missionary journey which brought Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke through northern Turkey but then west to Macedonia, where they brought the word and established churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, and then south to the Greek cities of Athens and Corinth, and finally to Ephesus, before Paul brought the team to his home church of Antioch in Syria. When Paul embarked again on his third missionary journey, he likely had Timothy with him again. Most of his time in this journey was spent establishing the church in Ephesus, as described in Acts 19-20. After three years Paul had to leave Ephesus in a hurry because of much controversy over idol worship, and Paul used the opportunity to visit the churches again in Macedonia and Achaia.
​It is likely that Paul was still in Macedonia on this trip that he wrote to Timothy who had remained in Ephesus. By this time, Timothy has been with Paul for 5-6 years, and Paul could trust him to understand what Paul considered the essential doctrines for a church to stay true to the Good News. Even though Timothy was still a young man, Paul trusted him more than anyone else to deliver his instructions with apostolic authority and faithfulness. Much of this confidence came from what the Spirit had shown him and other elders when they had prophesied over Timothy, perhaps at his ordination, as described in both 1 Timothy 4:4-14 and 2 Timothy 1:6.
This brings us to the assignment that Paul lays out to Timothy in this letter:
- Chapter 1 - Timothy’s assignment and gifting to correct self-appointed teachers
- Chapter 2 - The need for well-organized church prayer meetings so that every member would receive prayer
- Chapter 3 - Clarification to Timothy for directing the church in Ephesus in Paul’s absence by appointing first tier leaders (elders) and second tier leaders (deacons)
- Chapter 4 - Further clarification to Timothy on what types of teachings were deceptive or unhelpful, and encouragement that Timothy had the gifting to direct others
- Chapter 5 - Instruction to Timothy on how to treat older and younger believers when exercising his leadership, as well as the operating principles for supporting widows within the church, and instructions in dealing with sins.
- Chapter 6 – Miscellaneous instruction to Timothy about how to handle the issue of slavery and the related subject of contentment with one’s place in life, and encouragement to Timothy to stay strong.
1 Timothy Guide to the Transcommentary
This is a little bit more than a translation and a bit less than a full commentary. It serves a similar function to the Amplified Bible, though that work’s purpose was to provide a complete sense of the meaning of the words used by the writers of scripture. This work has a somewhat different purpose:
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To convey as close as possible the actual meaning of the sentences as they would have been understood at the time they were originally spoken or written. To accomplish this for twenty-first century Americans, dynamic equivalent words and sayings have been used at a sentence level. An attempt has been made to preserve intended wordplay and irony from the original author.
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We have attempted to clarify ideas, references, and thought sequences that would have been clear to first century audiences but are not clear to modern audiences because of differences in culture, customs, language, or degree of familiarity with Old Testament scriptures and Messianic prophecies. The phrasing of the translation itself aims at that clarity, but we have also added words, phrases, and sentences to the narrative for improved understanding. All such additions are in brackets []. This allows the reader to have the explanatory additions when reading but also insulate these additions from the translated scripture – indeed, with a little effort they can be skipped entirely when reading aloud.
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Color codes for different types of additional material are intended to further aid understanding:
- Green is used for words added to descriptive narrative because they are implied or as commentary to explain the context.
- References to scriptures are shown in gold.
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As in many translations and editions, we have added headings in bold to help understand when a new theme is introduced by the author.
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The author frequently refers to "Christ" or to "Jesus Christ". We have employed the words “the Anointed One” rather than "Christ", since that is the meaning of “Christ”. We wanted to avoid the sense of "Christ" as Jesus’ surname, yet still recognize it as a well-known title.
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We have also added study questions at the end of each chapter to help you think more thoroughly about the meaning and application of the author’s writing.
We will have succeeded in this translation if you the reader find that you can read this work of scripture with greater comprehension and enjoyment than ever before. Please let us know if you find the various supplementary materials helpful. or too distracting, or if you have any other suggestions about how to improve this approach to translation.
Richard Tittle, pneuma9@gmail.com
1 Timothy Chapter 1
Timothy’s assignment to correct false teaching
1 [From] Paul, an apostle [sent-out representative] of Jesus, the Anointed One, [commissioned] by the command of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, who is our hope. [Acts 9:15-16 describes Paul receiving his overall commissioning when the Lord tells Ananais he will show Paul all he will suffer and do for the Lord. Acts 13:1 describes when Paul and Barnabus were called by God to go forth as apostles. And in Galatians 1:12, Paul explains that what he teaches came from revelation directly from the Lord Jesus himself.] 2 To Timothy, my true son in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace [be yours] from God our Father, and the Anointed One, Jesus, our Lord. [Acts 16:1-3 describes how Paul took Timothy on as a disciple.]
3 When I went to Macedonia, I directed you to stay in Ephesus so that you might instruct some of them [in Ephesus] to not teach strange doctrines 4 or give attention to stories and endless genealogies, which leads to speculation rather than the godly building up which comes from faith. 5 But the goal of my assignment [to you] is [for each to achieve] love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith. 6 But some have deviated from that, turning instead into useless babble. 7 They desire to be teachers of the Law, but they don’t understand what they are saying or the basis of their conclusions. [These teachers were self-appointed Jewish followers of Jesus who believed Christians needed to essentially become Jews and follow the Law.]
8 But we know that the Law [especially the moral law] is good if a man uses it “lawfully” [according to its purpose], 9 understanding that the Law is not needed to constrain the righteous man [who has already learned basic morality], but it is for those who are lawless, rebellious, for the ungodly, for sinners, for the unholy and wicked, for father killers and mother killers and murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, homosexual men, for the dishonest, oath breakers, and for whatever else that stands against sound teaching 11 based on the glorious good news of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.
12 And I thank the one who empowered me, Jesus, the Anointed One, our Lord, that he has considered me faithful, appointing me to ministry, 13 considering that I used to curse others, persecuting them and bringing them to harm, but I received mercy because I did [these things] lacking knowledge and faith [in Jesus]. 14 And the grace and love our Lord was more than abundant, along with trust and love that is in the Anointed One Jesus[, to forgive me].
15 This is a trustworthy saying and worthy of all to accept, that, “The Anointed One, Jesus, came into the world to save sinners”. And I am foremost [as a sinner] among them. 16 Yet it was for this reason that I was given such mercy, so that in me, first, as an example, Jesus the Anointed One, might demonstrate his patience [with sinners] to everyone who will come to believe in him to everlasting life” [No one is beyond God’s forgiveness, no matter how bad their past sin, but it is easier for people to believe they aren’t beyond redemption when they can see Paul as an example.] 17 “Now, unto the King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, honor and glory, forever and ever. Amen.” [Paul praises God for his mercy towards him, perhaps using the first line of a hymn, or so it became later among Christians.]
18 This assignment [already described in 1 Timothy 1:3-5] I am committing to you, my son Timothy, considering the prophecies previously given about you, that by them, you may [have confidence you will successfully] accomplish your purpose. [It might seem to Timothy that he was given a difficult assignment to instruct others about what and how to teach, especially given his youth, but Paul wants Timothy to continue with this assignment, and is reassuring him that he has the giftings to be successful at it. It seems the prophesies spoken over Timothy were related to his ability as a teacher and to handle great responsibilities in the church.]
19 Hold on to your faith and good conscience, even when others have abandoned theirs, having made a shipwreck of their faith. 20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have turned over to Satan that they might learn not to misrepresent God. [Both are likely among those Paul described who were teaching falsely (1 Timothy 1:6-7). According to 2 Timothy 2:16-18, Hymenaeus was among those who taught the Resurrection had already taken place. According to 2 Timothy 4:14, Alexander did Paul much harm. Turning them over to Satan involved ousting them from the fellowship of the church (1 Corinthians 5:4-5, Matthew 18:15-17)]
Discussion questions
1. What gives Paul the right and authority to send Timothy to do this challenging work of directing and correcting?
2. Have you ever speculated about matters of faith, how things work beyond what is described in scripture? What might the dangers be of allowing these speculations to be taught as though they were doctrine?
3. Who or what empowers a person to be a good leader or teacher? A mistake free life? A desire to teach? Why was Paul a good teacher, since he at one time persecuted the church? Why was Timothy a good choice to lead, since he was young and unsure of himself?
1 Timothy Chapter 2
Church prayer meetings
1 [As I’ve already said, it is easy for anyone to go astray, including leaders, so it is important we pray for everyone.] Therefore, I encourage, first of all, [for there to be a regular time] to make specific prayer requests, general prayers, and intercessions, as well as giving thanks for [what the Lord is doing for] every individual [in the church]. 2 Then [we should pray] for rulers and everyone in authority, so we can live a quiet and peaceful life with purity and dignity.
[The purpose was to pray for each known person and for the community as a whole. It seems likely that, in every gathering, there was a time given to prayer, which included specific requests, liturgical or pre-written prayers, and intercessions perhaps made in spirit-given language, followed by thanksgiving to God in advance for answering these prayers. Then they would pray for the government leadership so that their communities would remain well ordered and peaceful.]
3 For this is what is expected by God, our savior, 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth [2 Peter 3:9]. 5 For there is only one God and one mediator between God and men, the man, the Anointed One, Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom payment for all. This testimony [that salvation was available to all and not the Jews only] was given to the world at just the right time. 7 And it was for that purpose I was called [directly by Jesus himself as recounted in Acts 22:21], especially to be a preacher and an apostle to the non-Jews concerning faith and truth. I am not lying but am speaking the truth in Christ [that the Lord Jesus directly spoke the words to me to bring the Good News to the non-Jews, no matter the cost to me]!
Men and women are called to their best behavior in church
8 I would like the prayer meetings to go like this - Men lifting up holy hands without exhibiting resentment or argumentativeness. [The standard way for Jewish men to pray was with their hands raised. The men were used to free-flowing discussion and argument, but Paul wanted something more orderly and effective. And the women were used to competing for the attention of the men and gossiping with one another, even during a serious time of teaching.] 9 Likewise, women sensibly dressed, not drawing attention but serious in intent, not with braided hair or jewelry or fancy clothing, 10 but what is suitable for women, displaying their godliness and good works [1 Peter 3:3-4].
11 Let the wives restrain themselves from noisy interactions and be submitted to their husbands. 12 For I do not allow a wife to teach or dominate her husband but to restrain herself. 13 For Adam was created first and then Eve [1 Corinthians 11:8]. 14 And it was not Adam but the woman whose deception [by the serpent] led to the breaking of the command [and the fall of creation]. But she [the woman] will make up for this through bearing children and training them up to grow in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
[Unlike in Jewish society, women in a Pauline church were treated with equality and respect (Galatians 3:27-28), displaying spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 11:5, Acts 18:26) and functioning in positions of responsibility (note Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, and Junia are listed as leaders in Romans 16:1-7). However, nearly universally among ancient societies, women were dependent on men and under their authority and protection. Paul is careful not to displace the separate roles of men and women (1 Corinthians 11:2-10), even within the church, so he didn’t want wives, even if they were spiritually gifted, to lead their husbands. He believed that the order of creation was indicative of the submissive role of women to men within marriage and society.]
[Furthermore, he argued, women are more likely than men to be swayed into error by clever arguments. Yet women are more effective at training their family in spiritual values. In the following paragraphs, Paul describes the qualifications of leaders and appears to aim his descriptions towards men, though he does include as well the qualifications of wives of male leaders. Women leaders were allowed but were the exception rather than the rule.]
Discussion questions
1. What types of things do you think should be prayed for each person in the church? What might change in the church if you regularly pray for every person?
2. Besides the church members, who ought we to pray for on a regular basis? What might happen differently around us if we pray for leaders around us? If we pray for people around us who don’t know the Lord Jesus, what do we think will happen?
3. What are the kinds of things that distract men or women in church meetings you attend? In what ways are men and women different from one another in church in your observation? Do you think women can be good leaders?
1 Timothy Chapter 3
Qualifications for church leaders
1 This is a trustworthy saying, “If someone aspires to be an overseer [the official leader of a church – not a bishop outside the church], he is seeking a valuable role.” 2 An overseer must be blameless [have no critical weaknesses in the following list] - the husband of one wife [given that some who have become Christian formerly had multiple wives or were divorced], vigilant [avoiding improper appearances], sober [not quick to fly off the handle], modest [not trying to look good], hospitable [looks after the needs of others not only himself], able to teach [Christian principles and doctrine], 3 not indulging in wine [a little wine might actually help digestion], not quarrelsome [inclined to argue], nor greedy for financial gain, instead patient, refraining from fighting, free from the love of money.
4 [A church overseer should be] one who manages his own house well, and whose children follow his leadership and take him seriously, 5 for if someone doesn’t know how to manage his own house, how can he take care of the church. [This does not necessarily mean that someone has no family problems, but that they have gained wisdom.] 6 Not a new convert, lest [he] be inflated with pride [thinking he is something great] leading to condemnation, like the fall of the devil [Isaiah 14:12-14, Ezekiel 28:12-19]. 7 Furthermore, [the overseer] should have a good reputation among those outside [the church], or else he might fall into criticism [among the very people the leader should be attracting to the church], which is the very trap of the devil. [For instance, a new overseer might have been popular with women outside the church, but this could later be a basis for concern or criticism within the church.]
8 In the same way, the servant leaders [deacons – who manage the ministries of the church under the authority of the overseer - ] must be honorable, not deceptive, not indulging in wine, not motivated by riches, 9 staying true to the mysteries of the faith with a pure conscience. [As the administrators of the church programs, they should be totally moral and reliable, and fully understand and follow all of the church doctrines of faith.] 10 Let them first be tested [with smaller, less important, assignments] and if found blameless, they are qualified to serve as a servant leader.
11 Their wives should also be honorable, not slanderers [who spread rumors and gossip], but careful and faithful in all they do. [The spouse of a leader is a leader too, able to do much good or much harm. The spouse’s character is also a strong indicator of the leadership ability of a potential church leader. Though this qualification is applied here to servant leaders it was likely considered to apply as well to overseers. Paul does not appear to be describing female servant leaders here, though his commendations of specific women in Romans 16:1-7 are indicative of his support of women leaders.] 12 Let the servant leaders be the husband of one wife only and a good manager of his children and his household. [The qualifications are similar for servant leaders and overseers, except that overseers must be able to teach.]
13 For those who serve well in the position of servant leader have obtained for themselves a good step [towards greater responsibility] and great boldness in [the sharing of] their faith. [For example, Stephen and Philip were both appointed in a servant leader role in Acts 6:5 but after they served well as administrators, they each stepped into the anointing to be powerful evangelists (Acts 6:8, Acts 8:6).]
14 I am hoping to come to you shortly [to put leadership issues in order], 15 but I am writing you now in case I am held up, so you may know how each should conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God and the bedrock and pillar of the truth.
16 And there is no great controversy to the secret of holiness – “God manifested in the flesh [as Jesus], was shown righteous through the Spirit [by miracles including Jesus' Resurrection], was seen by angels [at his Resurrection], was preached to the non-Jews, believed in by the world, and was received into glory”. [These phrases appear to be words of an early creed or song about Jesus. Our understanding of holiness is simply to follow Jesus and allow him to live his life in us.]
Discussion questions
1. What are the leadership roles in your church? Do you know the qualifications for these roles? Have you ever sought a leadership role yourself? Is there anything you need to do to become better qualified?
2. Do you think someone should be disqualified from leadership if they were known at some time to be involved in sin or questionable behavior? If there a process in your church for a person to be restored from sin?
1 Timothy Chapter 4
Last Days deceptions
1 Now the Spirit has specifically said that in the Last Days [the time leading up to the return of Jesus], some will leave the faith, following deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. 2 They [the false teachers] will speak things contrary to the truth, pretending to be experts, since their conscience has already been seared by a hot iron. [Once they have declared new traditions and commands which give them influence and authority, going beyond what the Spirit has shown the apostles, their conscience stops bothering them.] 3 They forbid marriage [to prove their devotion to Jesus]. [Paul discusses the advantages of singleness versus marriage in 1 Corinthians 7 but gives no commandment against it - in fact, he recommends it for most. Various groups during the time of the early church promoted various ascetic practices and disciplines.]
They [the false teachers] require abstinence from certain foods. But God has created [all things] to be received with thanksgiving by believers who understand the truth. [In Mark 7:18, Jesus declares that what you eat does not make you impure and, in 1 Corinthians 8:8, Paul makes the point that what we eat does not affect our standing before God.] 4 For everything created by God is good and shouldn’t be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, and, 5[besides,] foods are made holy by the word of God and prayer [when we bless our food].
[Genesis 1:29 and Genesis 9:3 describe God’s provision of both plants and animals for food. God gave the Jewish people dietary laws which are specified in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. However, the Holy Spirit in Acts 10:9 removed all barriers for Christians between people groups, including the dietary laws. Paul describes in Romans 7:4 how we died to the Law when we became followers of Jesus and Romans 10:4 explains how, when we follow Jesus, we satisfy the intention of the Law. 1 Corinthians 9-10 describe how we are to regard food offered as sacrifices to idols.]
6 If you remind the brothers of these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus, the Anointed One, yourself having been nurtured by the words of our faith and good doctrine which you have followed. 7 But avoid questionable and made up stories [that are not reliable or sound doctrine] but [instead] train yourself in godly practices [such as memorizing scripture and speaking in the Spirit], 8 since physical exercise helps you some but godliness benefits you in every way, assuring fulfillment in your current life as well as the life to come.
9 This saying is worthy to be accepted by everyone, 10 “For this reason we both labor [to share the Good News of Jesus with the non-Jews] and are willing to be persecuted [by both Jews and non-Jews], since our hope is in the living God, who is the savior of all men, especially of those who believe.” [We are willing to devote our life to working to share the Good News since God is actively working to save every single person in the world, but he provides the greatest benefit for those who submit to his saving grace.]
Reading scripture, instruction, and teaching doctrine
11 Command and teach these things! [These are not opinions to be argued about but the basic truths of our faith as followers of Jesus.] 12 Don’t let anyone show you disrespect because of your young age, but be a model believer in what you teach, in what you say, in love, in spirit [attitude], in faith, and in holiness. 13 Until I come [1 Timothy 3:14], apply yourself to reading, to instruction, and to teaching doctrine. [Paul is directing Timothy to deepen his leadership by privately studying and then publicly teaching, using the Old Testament scriptures, Paul’s letters, instructing church members in how to conduct their lives, and teaching the doctrines of the church.]
14 Don’t underestimate the spiritual gift in you that was given to you by prophecy when the elders laid hands on you. [2 Timothy 1:6-7 implies Timothy had been ordained as an elder and teacher, and that ordination included prophecy over him to confirm his spiritual gifts.] 15 Meditate on these things [your gift and calling], giving yourself fully to them, so that your progress may be obvious to everyone. 16 Pay attention to your own walk and continue teaching others the principles [of faith], for this will protect both yourself and those who hear you.
Discussion questions
1. Why was teaching Christian doctrine so important that it made up a large portion of Timothy’s assignment? Why do you think it was easy for new Christians to be persuaded by either those who wanted them to maintain Jewish customs or other speculative concepts?
2. Paul himself had been trained as a Rabbi and understood Jewish doctrine and many other philosophies of his day. How did Paul want Timothy to train himself so that he would be a good teacher of others? What practices do we need to help us not go astray in our thoughts and beliefs?
1 Timothy Chapter 5
Attitudes toward older and younger Christians, widows, and orphans
1 Don’t sharply correct an older man but persuade him as you would your father. But treat younger men like brothers [at the same level as yourself]. 2 [Likewise, treat] older women as you would your mother and younger [women] as you would your sisters, with purity [not sexually or flirtatiously].
3 Honor [and support] widows who are [truly] widows [that is without family to provide support]. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them be first to take responsibility and pay back their parents for this is good and righteous before God. 5 Now, she who is a widow and alone puts her hope in God and continues in prayer and worship day and night [not only for herself but for the whole church]. 6 But if she lives for her own pleasure she might as well have died. 7 Teach these things [concerning widows and their families] so that they will [understand their responsibility and] not fall into blame. 8 But if anyone fails to provide for the needs of their own family, he has denied his faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
[Carefully consider before adding a widow to the list of those for the church to support. Any woman to be supported by the church is expected to take a pastoral and committed role.] 9 Enroll only widows older than 60 years old who have been married once only, 10 who are known for their good works, who have brought up children, cared for strangers, washed the feet of believers, helped those in difficulty, and have practiced every form of charity.
11 Refrain from enrolling the younger widows, for when they grow cold in their commitment to the Anointed One, they will marry [again], 12 with this against them, that they have let go of the one [Jesus] they first loved. 13 Furthermore, they learn to become idle, wandering from house to house – not only idle, but gossips and busybodies speaking things they should not.
14 Therefore, I want the younger widows to remarry, raise children, manage their household, and give no occasion for the adversary [Satan] to speak negatively about them. 15 For some have already turned aside to follow Satan [through gossip and spreading lies]. 16 If any believer, man or woman, has a widow [in their family], let them provide for their needs rather than the church, so that the church can help other widows [who have no family support].
Honoring, correcting, selecting elders
17 Let the [church] elders who lead well be doubly honored [for the responsibility of leadership as well as the wisdom of age], especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For as the scriptures say, “Don’t muzzle the ox that treads the corn”. [Deuteronomy 25:4 says oxen are allowed to eat from the grain they are producing when sowing and reaping] and “The laborer is worthy of his pay” [Leviticus 19:13].
19 Don’t receive as true an accusation brought against an elder unless validated by two or three witnesses. 20 Correct [an elder who has committed] a fault in front of all so that others may fear [to do the same].
21 I commit [these responsibilities] to you before God and the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, and the elect angels [who serve him] so you will carry out these assignments without partiality, avoiding the favoring of one person over another. [Remember you are accountable to heaven.] 22 Don’t be in a hurry to lay hands on someone [to ordain them for ministry], partaking of their sins [by giving them leadership before they have been sufficiently tested to reveal any weaknesses].
Keep yourself clean, 23 yet [don’t be stiff in your purity. For example, it’s OK for you to] take wine in addition to water, as medicine for your stomach and other infirmities.
[Now, back to choosing leaders.] 24 Some men’s sins are clear before they are even examined, while the sins of others aren’t revealed until later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are known in advance, but they will not remain hidden. [This is why it is important to test leaders with various responsibilities before ordaining them over a congregation.]
Discussion questions
1. Do you think the ways to approach older and younger men and women are pretty much the same as in Paul’s time? How would you instruct church members in how to treat each age group and gender?
2. Paul is careful in adding widows to the list of those being helped by the church. Do you feel this is justified. How would you modify his approach for your church?
3. How does your church honor its elders and teachers? Do you think they should be paid for their service?
4. How do you feel about the many Christian leaders who have harmed those under their care? Do you feel these “sin tendencies” could have been addressed if these leaders had been more thoroughly tested in their earlier ministry?
1 Timothy Chapter 6
False teaching demanding freedom from slavery for believers
1 Whoever serves under the yoke [of slavery], consider your master deserving of your full respect [and obedience], so neither God’s name or the teachings [about him] be given a bad reputation [as promoting resistance and rebellion]. 2 And if your master is a believer [in Jesus], don’t disrespect him [and ignore his commands, thinking that] because you are his brother believer [you should not be his slave], but instead serve him as [a] faithful and beloved [brother believer], a recipient of the benefits [one Christian should expect to receive from another]. Teach and encourage these things!
3 If anyone teaches differently, not accepting the sound words from our Lord Jesus the Anointed One [concerning being servant of all in Mark 10:44] and the teachings about righteousness[, for example 1 Corinthians 7:20-24], 4 they are proud and ignorant, with an unhealthy attraction to controversial subjects and disputes, resulting in envy, strife, evil speaking, suspicious thinking. 5 They are wasting time and energy and corrupting men’s minds. They are totally missing the truth, thinking that personal gain [is the measure] of godliness. [In this case the personal gain they are seeking in getting free from slavery, but Jesus and Paul teach us the opposite, to use our circumstances to win the hearts of others.] Don’t associate with them [those who teach the seeking of personal profit].
6 For it is practicing godliness with contentment that brings us great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain that we will carry nothing with us [when we leave it]. 8 Therefore, let us be content that we have food and clothing. 9 But those who indulge the desire to be rich will fall into temptation. It’s a trap [containing] many [additional] foolish and harmful longings which overwhelm a man with destruction and ruin. 10 For the love of money is the root of all [kinds of] evil, which when some indulged in it, they have strayed away from faith and been pierced with many sorrows.
11 But you, man of God, must flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, sacrificial love, patience, and humility. 12 Fight the good fight of faith [Ephesians 6:10-17, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27], lay hold of eternal life [as your single aim], for that is your calling, to which you publicly declared your commitment before many witnesses [perhaps at Timothy’s baptism or ordination].
13 I am commanding you before God who gives us life and before the Anointed One, Jesus, who [himself] publicly declared [in Mark 15:2 the truth of who he was] before Pilate [even though it would mean his death], 14 that you would hold fast to your commitment without ever wavering until the appearing of our Lord Jesus the Anointed One, 15 which will come when it is his time [at his second coming]. He is the Blessed One, the highest authority, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, 16 the only immortal one [who existed before time], dwelling in inaccessible light, who no man has seen or can see – to Him be all honor and power everlasting. Amen.
Giving up riches for the reward of our future life
17 Charge those who possess much in this present age not to think highly of themselves or to trust in their riches, which are uncertain, but rather in the living God, who richly bestows on us all things to enjoy, 18 they might do good, in fact that they be rich in good works, ready to give to others, and share. 19 By this they will store up for themselves a treasure as foundation for their future where they will obtain eternal life. [It is not that eternal life is granted because of our giving in this life, but that we will receive rewards during our eternal life based on our generosity in this life.]
20 Oh, Timothy, watch over what has been entrusted to you [the doctrine of the Good News], avoiding vain babblings from those who are evil and conflicting doctrines falsely described as knowledge, 21 by which some have gone astray when confessing their faith. Grace be with you! Amen.
Discussion questions
1. Why does Paul not want those who were in the bondage of slavery to use their Christian belief as a basis for insisting on being set free by their masters? In what ways are all Christians set free from slavery?
2. Why does Paul talk to Timothy about serving the Lord for contentment rather than financial profit? What are the kinds of riches servants of the Lord can count on?