1 + 2 TIMOTHY

1 TIMOTHY 1

PAUL ENTRUSTS TIMOTHY TO CORRECT FALSE TEACHING + SHARE TRUTH 

Paul begins his letter to Timothy by reminding him of the hope and peace of Jesus. Paul views Timothy as a valuable co-laborer and talented leader. He commissions Timothy to remain in Ephesus to help correct false teaching. In Ephesus, there are a group of leaders who are devoted to speculating about the faith instead of spreading the truth of God. Paul is not advocating against wrestling with challenging parts of scripture or questioning God, but instead encourages Timothy to help the Ephesians grow in love and understanding.

Paul believes that the purpose of the law is to show humanity's need for a Savior, not to speculate about genealogies or make assumptions regarding specific laws. Timothy’s role is to help the people of Ephesus not miss the entire point of learning Scripture: to know the character of God.

In Paul’s great efforts to spread the gospel, he highly values correct theology. The law is only good if the people use it lawfully, not as a source of distraction or false assumptions. Paul thanks God for his personal conversion from a persecutor of believers to a messenger of Jesus. Paul sees his success as an overflowing of God’s faithfulness and love in his life. Although Paul has accomplished a great deal, he gives all of the glory and honor to God.

Prioritizing the integrity of the church, Paul entrusts Timothy with correcting false teaching and rejecting corrupt theology within the church in Ephesus. Paul mentions two specific individuals, Hymenaeus and Alexander who are guilty of blasphemy. Desiring the church to be a place of truth and hope, Paul sends Timothy to share the truth according to the gospel.

1 TIMOTHY 2

PAUL ADVISES HUMILITY + PRAYER AMONG THE CHURCH LEADERS 

Providing Timothy with instructions for how to correct the corrupt leadership in Ephesus, Paul advises all people to respond with prayer. Paul desires the Christian leaders to lead peaceful, dignified, and quiet lives. God wants all people to acknowledge the truth and be saved, which requires admirable leaders sharing the news of Jesus. Because Paul was appointed to share the gospel message, he provides direction for other leaders to share the news of Jesus.

Offering advice to the people of Ephesus, Paul instructs Timothy to lead the men in prayer, not in arguing or fighting. For the women, Paul teaches them to wear respectable clothes and to value good works over flashy appearances.

Paul’s instructions to women, advising them to remain quiet and not exercise authority, is a highly debated topic and often misinterpreted. While some believe this teaching applies to all women, that is not consistent with the teaching of Paul or Jesus. Looking at Paul’s other letters, he includes women as his co-laborers in sharing the gospel, including Lydia, Priscilla, and Phoebe (Acts 16-18, Romans 16). One interpretation is that Paul’s directions apply only to these women in Ephesus, who may not be educated or equipped to lead at that time. Considering the cultural circumstances, Paul's directive might have been tailored to address issues specific to that local context rather than a universal instruction for all women in every church setting.

Continuing his thoughts on roles within the church, Paul discusses the specific roles of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman created. Although it was Eve who was first deceived by sin, it was a woman who eventually gave birth to the Savior, showing the importance and honor accorded to women throughout Scripture.

1 TIMOTHY 3

QUALITIES OF LEADERS IN THE CHURCH 

Because Paul has sent Timothy to establish new leaders in Ephesus, Paul describes the qualities of a person worthy of leading within the church. Paul outlines two different roles, overseers and deacons, who serve the church in different capacities. These people are to be trustworthy, respectable, hospitable, gentle, and generous. Before someone can manage a church, they must be able to manage their own household. Paul desires the men to be committed to their wives and attentive to their children. All of these traits are related to character, not skill or status, revealing what God values most.

Paul gives caution to those who are new converts in the faith, advising them to wait before taking on a leadership role, so they are able to grow in their faith and not stumble. Paul also teaches that the leaders should be well thought of by outsiders, encouraging others to become followers of Jesus.

Considering God's mysterious nature, Paul states that while many things are unknown about God, he knows one thing for sure. Jesus was God on Earth, and His truth was proclaimed among all kinds of people.

1 TIMOTHY 4

TIMOTHY REMAINS DEVOTED TO SHARING THE TRUTH OF JESUS  

Paul warns Timothy that despite his teaching, many will leave the faith to follow lies and deceit. The false teachers in Ephesus have negatively influenced the people there. Although Timothy will be able to correct many, not all will listen. Some of the false teachers have focused on strange elements of the law, teaching believers not to eat meat or get married. Knowing the truth, Paul corrects these ideas by stating that God created both meat and marriage and stated they were good. Paul wants believers to be freed from the law and able to enjoy every good thing God has provided for them.

Because of Timothy’s sound understanding of God, he is able to serve the Ephesians by bringing truth and correct teaching. Paul encourages Timothy to train himself in godliness, exercising his faith and righteousness. Paul says that while physical training is of some value, spiritual discipline is far more important.

Timothy’s hope is set on Jesus as the living God and Savior. Because of this, he can preach the gospel confidently. Although Timothy is young in age, Paul calls him to set the example for righteous speech and conduct. Timothy is instructed to devote himself to the reading and scripture and continue sharing the news of Jesus. Paul does not want Timothy to neglect his gifts, but instead let others see his persistence and progress.

1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 TIMOTHY 5

GUIDANCE FOR SUPPORTING + CARING FOR THE CHURCH FAMILY 

Paul encourages Timothy to teach the Ephesians to care for and encourage all generations. He instructs them not to be harsh with older people, but show them patience and treat them like family. Likewise, they are to treat the younger people as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul teaches that one’s family is their first priority and primary ministry. Everyone is to care for their own household and provide for their needs. When someone is widowed, their family is called to support them and provide assistance. Paul specifies that the Church must care for older widows, prioritizing those who have no other family. From Paul’s letter, it appears that some of the younger widows were taking advantage of the church's support or exploiting the money they received. Paul is not advocating for not helping younger widows, but cautions the church to be good stewards of who they provide with financial support.

Giving instructions for the church leaders, Paul outlines how to respond to both righteous and struggling leaders. Paul tells Timothy to honor those who preach and teach, rewarding their diligent work. For those who are persistent in sin, Timothy is to rebuke and correct them. Paul teaches Timothy to collect evidence from reliable witnesses and maintain impartiality.

Paul teaches that some sins have immediate consequences, while others will not appear for some time. In the same way, not all good works have instant results and some result in delayed gratification.

1 TIMOTHY 6

PRACTICING GOOD STEWARDSHIP + EMBRACING CONTENTMENT 

Paul gives instructions for Christians who are bond servants or slaves to honor their masters and for the masters to be respectful of their servants. Although Paul acknowledges servants, this relationship was far more mutually beneficial than what is considered modern slavery. Instead, this relationship more closely models an employee and an employer. Despite the cultural norms that now seem outdated or immoral, Paul urges all people to show mutual respect to one another.

Timothy is charged with the task of confronting false teachers. Paul states that those who teach without understanding of Jesus are conceited and lack understanding. Those who teach without knowledge crave controversy and seek out arguments. For those who do not understand the teaching of Jesus, they will seek godliness as a means of selfish gain. But for those who know the truth, they will see contentment in Christ as the true goal of godliness.

Paul warns that those who desire to become wealthy will often fall into destruction. Although money is neither moral or immoral, the love of money is the root of evil. Instead of pursuing wealth, pursue the God who provides all things!

Paul encourages believers to fight the good fight of faith instead of being consumed by worldly ambitions. In the end, all honor and glory will be given to God. Just as we came into the world with nothing, we will also leave with nothing. Paul calls believers to be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share. Finishing his letter to Timothy, Paul encourages him to be a good steward of the opportunities that have been entrusted to him.

1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

2 TIMOTHY 1

GOD’S SPIRIT PROVIDES POWER, LOVE, + SELF CONTROL 

When Paul writes his second letter to Timothy, he is imprisoned and awaiting trial. Knowing the possibility of the execution that awaited him, Paul’s letter contains meaningful emotion and urgency for sharing the gospel.

Paul greets Timothy and reminds him that he considers him like a beloved child. Although Paul does not have children of his own, he sees his mentoring relationship with Timothy as fatherly love. Paul reflects on the faithfulness of Timothy’s family, including his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, who Paul met when he first met Timothy (Acts 16). These women instilled faithfulness and righteousness in Timothy, and Paul instructs him to guard what has been entrusted to him.

In the face of potential fear and opposition, Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him of the spiritual strength available through God—a spirit of power, love, and self-control. Because Paul has been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned, many of his friends and followers have forgotten or abandoned him. Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel or ashamed of Paul himself.

Following in Jesus's suffering, Paul encourages believers to endure suffering as a holy calling. They are to do this not out of their own ambitions, but to glorify God and fulfill His purposes. Remembering the hope of the gospel, Paul shares that Jesus abolished death and suffering.

Paul advises Timothy on interpreting Scripture, encouraging him to focus on the patterns and themes within the text. This instruction underscores the importance of understanding the cohesive message of Scripture, looking for recurring themes and overarching principles rather than isolated verses.

2 Timothy 1:7 - for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 TIMOTHY 2

EMBRACING GRACE, ENDURING SUFFERING, TEACHING TRUTH

Paul urges Timothy to rely on God’s grace as a source of power. Timothy is instructed to utilize God’s strength within him to teach others the gospel. Paul compares this mission like a soldier being enlisted, an athlete in training, or a farmer growing crops. Sharing the gospel requires hard work and dedication, but the harvest is fruitful and eternal. In case Timothy does not feel equipped, Paul ensures him that God will provide understanding.

Because Jesus suffered greatly, being a follower of Jesus also entails suffering, endurance, and sacrifice. In Paul’s case, he has been imprisoned for the sake of the gospel. Because he believes the gospel message is worth sharing with everyone, he trusts that his endurance in suffering benefits other believers.

Remembering the power of the resurrection, Paul states that those who have died with Christ have been raised to life again. Those who endure in their faith will ultimately reign with Jesus. But those who deny God will also be denied by God. Paul emphasizes that sharing in Jesus’ victory also involves sharing in His sufferings. Paul reminds Timothy that God is faithful, even when people are not.

Paul offers Timothy guidance for dealing with corrupt leaders. At this time, false teachers were still influential in Ephesus, where Timothy is ministering. Many of these teachers are confused by the resurrection of Jesus and the establishment of his eternal kingdom. The teachers were unclear about the return of Jesus, and some were preaching that it had already occurred.

Instead of following the immoral and incorrect teachings of these leaders, Timothy is charged with appointing faithful people. These leaders are to rightly handle God’s word and teach truth. Instead of bickering with others and having unproductive conversations, they are to avoid irreverent arguments. Paul specifically addresses two leaders who he believes have swerved from the truth.

Timothy is challenged to be set apart as holy, used as a vessel for God, and ready for every good work. Paul wants his predecessor in the faith to be willing and prepared for whatever tasks God has planned for him.

Leaving Timothy with practical guidance, Paul teaches that followers of Jesus should flee immature passions and pursue righteousness. They are to avoid foolish, ignorant controversies so that they can call on God with a pure heart. Paul desires for believers to be kind to everyone, willing to teach, patient in endurance, and gentle in correction. By doing these things, followers of Jesus will be better equipped to escape the snare of the enemy.

2 TIMOTHY 3

ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD’S WORD 

Offering a warning, Paul cautions Timothy to be aware of godlessness amongst the people.

Before the return of Jesus, people will become self-absorbed, greedy, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient, and ungrateful. Paul continues to list traits of those who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God: unholy, heartless, slanderous, brutal, and conceited. Many of these people will claim to believe in God, but do not allow their lives to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

For those who follow false teachers, they will always be learning something new and never able to gain knowledge of the truth. People will spend their whole lives searching for something meaningful, but miss out on the message of truth: Jesus.

Paul mentions Jannes and Jambres who once opposed two righteous leaders, Moses and Aaron. Although they were able to do some miraculous signs, Moses and Aaron relied on God’s strength to do far greater miracles (Exodus 7). At the time of this letter, Paul was warning Timothy of men who oppose the truth with corruption. Like those who opposed Moses, their message may be appealing, but it is disingenuous and fleeting.

Recalling the persecution he endured along his missionary journey, Paul reminds Timothy that he faced opposition in Iconium, Lystra, and Antioch (Acts 14). Paul views this as a sign that he is living a righteous life, because all those who pursue godliness will face persecution. To endure these hard times, Paul teaches Timothy to cling to His belief in Jesus and trust God as his source of wisdom.

Paul urges believers to focus on the core message of the Scriptures and remember the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. Because the entirety of Scripture points to the coming of Christ, wisdom can lead to salvation through faith in Jesus. All of this is breathed by God and has a specific purpose. Encouraging Timothy, Paul says that all Scripture is useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness. Through knowing God’s word, believers are equipped for every good work God has for them!

2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness . . .

2 TIMOTHY 4

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, FINISH THE RACE, KEEP THE FAITH

Paul charges Timothy to continue preaching God’s Word, reproving, rebuking, and teaching with patience. Despite sharing the good news of Jesus, people will turn away from the truth and seek other messages from false teachers.

Paul encourages Timothy to be alert, sober-minded, and enduring of suffering so that he can fulfill his ministry of evangelism. Knowing that he is near the end of his life, Paul reflects on his own faithfulness, stating that he has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. In the end, Paul believes God will award a crown of righteousness to all those who love Him.

Concluding the letter, Paul says that the time of his departure is near. Although many have scattered from Paul, Timothy has remained faithful. Despite being abandoned by friends and followers, Paul is comforted by the message of Jesus.

Paul requests that Timothy come soon, preferably before wintertime and asks Timothy to bring his cloak and some scrolls. Despite facing execution for his faith, Paul boldly states that God will rescue him from every evil deed and bring him safely into God’s kingdom.