Book introduction
The book of 1 Timothy
1 Timothy is a letter to Paul’s younger co-worker, left in Ephesus to lead the church. It covers false teaching, prayer, church leaders, widows, and the danger of loving money.
Who wrote 1 Timothy?
The letter names Paul. Most scholars think 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus (the “Pastoral Letters”) were written by a follower of Paul after his death, because of their style and church setting. Many others still hold Paul wrote them late in life.
When was it written?
About AD 62–64 if by Paul; about AD 80–100 on the other view.
Main themes
- Sound teaching
- Guard the truth against false teaching.
- Character in leaders
- Leaders are chosen for character more than gifts.
- Godliness with contentment
- The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Outline of 1 Timothy
Key verses
This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them.
Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for it, have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Read chapter 1, then chapter 6.
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Questions about 1 Timothy?
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