Greetings (1:1–2)
- Introduction and Salutation: Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope. He addresses Timothy, his true son in the faith, and offers grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Warning against False Teachers (1:3–11)
The Nature of the Heresy (1:3–7)
- False Teachings in Ephesus: Paul urges Timothy to remain in Ephesus to command certain people not to teach false doctrines or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These unprofitable discussions promote speculation rather than advancing God’s work, which is by faith.
The Purpose of the Law (1:8–11)
- Rightful Use of the Law: Paul explains that the law is good when used properly. It is not made for the righteous but for the lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly, and sinners. The law exposes sin, and Paul highlights its role in convicting individuals of their sinful behaviors, ultimately pointing them to Christ.
The Lord’s Grace to Paul (1:12–17)
- Paul’s Testimony: Paul thanks Christ Jesus for His strength, who considered him trustworthy, appointing him to His service despite Paul’s past as a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man. Paul acknowledges God’s grace and mercy in saving him and using him as an example for others, emphasizing that Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom Paul is the worst.
The Purpose of Paul’s Instructions to Timothy (1:18–20)
- Charge to Timothy: Paul urges Timothy to wage the good warfare, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and shipwrecked their faith. Paul mentions Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom he has handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme, as examples of those who strayed from the truth.
Instructions concerning Church Administration (chs. 2–3)
Public Worship (ch. 2)
Prayer in Public Worship (2:1–8)
- Call to Prayer: Paul urges that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, including kings and those in authority, so that believers may live peaceful and godly lives. Prayer should be offered without anger or disputing, and men should lift holy hands in prayer.
Women in Public Worship (2:9–15)
- Instructions for Women: Paul addresses women in the church, urging them to dress modestly and with propriety, not with elaborate hairstyles or costly clothes, but with good deeds appropriate for women who profess to worship God. He instructs women to learn in quietness and full submission. Paul also discusses the order of creation and the role of women in the church, noting that women will be saved through childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.
Qualifications for Church Officers (3:1–13)
Overseers (3:1–7)
- Qualifications of Overseers: Paul outlines the qualities required for overseers (or bishops): they must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach. They must not be given to drunkenness, violence, or quarrelsome behavior, but gentle, peaceable, and not lovers of money. They should manage their own family well, as a well-managed household is a prerequisite for managing the church.
Deacons (3:8–13)
- Qualifications of Deacons: Likewise, deacons must be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, not pursuing dishonest gain, and holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. They should be tested first, and if they prove themselves blameless, they may serve as deacons. Women, likewise, are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers, but temperate and trustworthy in everything. Deacons must be the husband of one wife and manage their children and households well.
Purpose of These Instructions (3:14–16)
- Paul’s Reason for Writing: Paul explains that he writes these instructions to Timothy, hoping to visit him soon, but he writes so that if he is delayed, Timothy will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Instructions concerning False Teaching (ch. 4)
False Teaching Described (4:1–5)
- The Coming Apostasy: Paul warns that in the latter days, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. These false teachings come through hypocritical liars whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They will forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods. Paul affirms that all foods created by God are good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.
Methods of Dealing with It Explained (4:6–16)
- Faithful Ministry: Paul encourages Timothy to point out these things to the brothers and sisters. He instructs him to be nourished on the truths of the faith and the good teaching he has followed. Paul urges Timothy to train himself in godliness, as physical training has limited value, but godliness holds promise for both the present life and the life to come. He calls Timothy to persevere in his work and to teach and exhort others in these matters.
Instructions concerning Different Groups in the Church (5:1—6:2)
The Older and Younger (5:1–2)
- Respecting Others in the Church: Paul advises Timothy to treat older men as fathers, older women as mothers, younger men as brothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Widows (5:3–16)
- Care for Widows: Paul provides guidelines for caring for widows in the church, emphasizing that those who are truly in need and who have no family to care for them should be supported by the church. Widows who are over 60, have been faithful to their husbands, and have a reputation for good works are particularly worthy of support. Widows who indulge in pleasure are warned, as they are spiritually dead even while they live.
Elders (5:17–25)
- Honoring Elders: Elders who lead well, especially those who preach and teach, should be worthy of double honor. Paul gives instructions on how to deal with accusations against an elder, warning against accepting accusations without proper testimony. He also charges Timothy to keep himself pure and not to be hasty in the laying on of hands.
Slaves (6:1–2)
- Instructions for Slaves: Slaves are instructed to respect their masters, especially those who are believers, as a way of honoring God and not bringing the name of God and His doctrine into disrepute.
Miscellaneous Matters (6:3–19)
False Teachers (6:3–5)
- Warning Against False Teachers: Paul warns against those who teach contrary to the sound doctrine of Christ. These false teachers are motivated by unhealthy interests in controversies and quarrels, which lead to envy, strife, malicious talk, and constant friction.
Love of Money (6:6–10)
- The Dangers of Wealth: Paul teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain. He reminds Timothy that we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it. Those who desire to get rich fall into temptation and ruin. The love of money is the root of all evil, and many have wandered from the faith because of it.
Charge to Timothy (6:11–16)
- Pursuing Righteousness: Paul charges Timothy to flee from all the temptations and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. He is to fight the good fight of the faith and take hold of eternal life, for which he was called. Paul encourages Timothy to keep God’s commandments until the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Rich (6:17–19)
- Instructions for the Rich: Paul instructs Timothy to command the rich not to be arrogant or put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain. Instead, they should place their hope in God, who richly provides for all things. They are to be generous and willing to share, laying up treasure for themselves in heaven.
Concluding Appeal and Benediction (6:20–21)
- Final Charge and Benediction: Paul exhorts Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him and to avoid godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge. He concludes with a benediction, wishing grace to all who love Jesus Christ.