First Timothy reminds us that the gospel leads to practical, visible changes in the lives of those who believe in Jesus. Belief in the true gospel, contrasted with false teaching, will always lead to godliness. This visible community, displaying a life of faith in the context of a local church in every place, is what God uses to proclaim the good news among the nations.

Author and Title

First Timothy is one of three pastoral letters (including 2 Timothy and Titus) that the aging apostle Paul sent to those who would continue the work he started. Timothy was, in every way, Paul’s spiritual son. Timothy was a part of leading the church in Ephesus – a church plagued by false teaching and disorder. Paul seeks to encourage and strengthen this young man in his spiritual leadership.

Date

Somewhere in the mid-60s A.D.

Outline

I. Timothy’s Commission: Confront the False Teachers (1:1-20)

II. Instructions for Ephesus, Part 1: Prayer, Qualifications, and the Mystery of Godliness (2:1-3:16)

III. Instructions for Ephesus, Part 2: Godliness, Caring for Others, and Honoring Others (4:1-6:2a)

IV. Timothy’s Commission: Confronting Greed and the False Teachers (6:2b-21)

Key Themes*

1. The gospel produces holiness in the lives of believers, and there is no legitimate separation between belief and behavior. Thus, those who profess faith but do not demonstrate any progress in godliness should question their spiritual state.

1:5; 2:8–15; 3:1–16; 4:6–16; 5:4–6, 8; 6:3–5, 11–14, 18–19

2. Worldwide evangelization is essential and is rooted in God’s own evangelistic desire.

1:15; 2:1–7; 3:16; 4:10

3. One key evidence of reception of the gospel is proper behavior in corporate worship (evangelistic prayer, unity, modesty, and submission).

2:1–15

4. Church leaders should be people whose lives are shaped by the gospel.

3:1–13; 4:6–16

5. Appropriate honor is a key element in how Christians should relate to one another in the church.

5:1–6:2

6. The created order (e.g., wealth) is good and is to be appreciated, though not worshiped.

4:4–5; 6:17–19

7. It is important to labor for the purity and preservation of the gospel.