1 Timothy: A reading guide
This is among the last of Paul’s letters and is
concerned with the administrative guidance of the church.
Timothy was a young pastor in Ephesus (1 Tim. 6:21). It was not a private letter to Timothy, but a
public letter containing instructions for the whole church. Nevertheless, you get the impression that Paul
is speaking face to face with Timothy.
It was written
in 62 or 63 AD when Nero was Caesar. Caesar
Nero ruled from 56-68 when he was declared an enemy of the empire at which time
he committed suicide as he faced certain assassination. Nero was also the one to give the command for
Paul’s execution. Paul instructs the
Ephesian church to pray for the rulers (1 Tim. 2:1-5).
The church at Ephesus was a difficult one to administer because of
all the fashionable “new teachings.” A
young pastor like Timothy would have had his hands full dealing with just this
one issue.
Sketch:
Greeting (1 Tim. 1:1-2)
1. The false teachers (1 Tim. 1:3-20)
The community (1 Tim. 2:1-15)
The leaders of the church (1 Tim. 3:1-13)
The purpose of the letter (1 Tim. 3:14-4:5)
2. The false teachers (1 Tim. 4:6-16)
The widows, the elderly and slaves (1 Tim. 5:1-6:2b)
3. The false teachers (1 Tim. 6:2c-10)
Final Commendation (1 Tim. 6:11-20
Content:
Greeting:
Paul identifies himself as "apostle" at the beginning of the letter. This clearly is related to what Paul wants to achieve with this letter. Paul wants to establish order in the church. This requires authority commissioned by Jesus himself. Paul also stated that we should not go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6). False teachers always add to or remove something from that which has been written down.
1. False teachers: (1Tim. 1:3-20)
Of first importance to Paul is that sound doctrine is preached. Paul urges that no other doctrine (i.e. than what has been written down) be taught (1 Tim. 1:3-11; Gal. 1:8-9). Today we also see many variations or differences in Christian teaching. Part of this is due our hermeneutic or to how we study the Scriptures. But our willingness to listen to the novel or the new takes away from the essence of our faith.
Sketch:
Greeting (1 Tim. 1:1-2)
1. The false teachers (1 Tim. 1:3-20)
The community (1 Tim. 2:1-15)
The leaders of the church (1 Tim. 3:1-13)
The purpose of the letter (1 Tim. 3:14-4:5)
2. The false teachers (1 Tim. 4:6-16)
The widows, the elderly and slaves (1 Tim. 5:1-6:2b)
3. The false teachers (1 Tim. 6:2c-10)
Final Commendation (1 Tim. 6:11-20
Content:
Greeting:
Paul identifies himself as "apostle" at the beginning of the letter. This clearly is related to what Paul wants to achieve with this letter. Paul wants to establish order in the church. This requires authority commissioned by Jesus himself. Paul also stated that we should not go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6). False teachers always add to or remove something from that which has been written down.
1. False teachers: (1Tim. 1:3-20)
Of first importance to Paul is that sound doctrine is preached. Paul urges that no other doctrine (i.e. than what has been written down) be taught (1 Tim. 1:3-11; Gal. 1:8-9). Today we also see many variations or differences in Christian teaching. Part of this is due our hermeneutic or to how we study the Scriptures. But our willingness to listen to the novel or the new takes away from the essence of our faith.
A. genealogies and legends
Some of the bad doctrine was characterized by "myths (legends, fables) and genealogies." This refers to teaching of the "fantastic." The closest example in the city of Ephesus was the myth of Artemis (Greek) or Diana (Latin), the goddess of the city of Ephesus, whose image had fallen from heaven. She had many powers and made life easier for her followers (Acts 19: 23-41). In fact, these mythical stories of Diana altered at least the local history in Ephesus and not in a positive way.
The salient feature of Christianity is that it is an historical religion. Our beliefs are based on incidents that happened in the real world which were carefully written down as they occurred: the Old Testament stories of Moses, the walls of Jericho, King David’s reign, and the New Testament stories of Jesus' virgin birth, the resurrection, Jesus walking on water, Jesus healing people, etc.
Some of the bad doctrine was characterized by "myths (legends, fables) and genealogies." This refers to teaching of the "fantastic." The closest example in the city of Ephesus was the myth of Artemis (Greek) or Diana (Latin), the goddess of the city of Ephesus, whose image had fallen from heaven. She had many powers and made life easier for her followers (Acts 19: 23-41). In fact, these mythical stories of Diana altered at least the local history in Ephesus and not in a positive way.
The salient feature of Christianity is that it is an historical religion. Our beliefs are based on incidents that happened in the real world which were carefully written down as they occurred: the Old Testament stories of Moses, the walls of Jericho, King David’s reign, and the New Testament stories of Jesus' virgin birth, the resurrection, Jesus walking on water, Jesus healing people, etc.
When we say, “It
is not history which is the important thing.
The significant thing is the power that God has given us,” this centers
our beliefs and theology on ourselves and not Christ. Occasionally I hear what might be termed
“fantastic” teaching. For example, “It
is not important what Jesus did in history, but rather the importance lies in
what He is doing today; i.e., transforming us.”
Christianity is
primarily a religion of The Book. Its
center must remain the history recorded therein and the application of those
events to our lives. If the two get
turned around, we will quickly lose sight of the glory of the love of God in
Christ to an existentialist (self-absorbed) religion which necessarily focuses
on ourselves & not on God. We also
turn things around when we try to verify the Scriptures by our experience &
not vice-versa.
B. use of the law
A second error touches the use of the law. These false teachers considered themselves to be "righteous" before God. In other words they were proud (Hab. 2:4), and used the law to show this righteousness. This is, unfortunately for them, beyond the scope of the law (Gal. 3:11). Instead, justification is a gift of God (Rom. 10:3).
The law is designed for those who oppose sound doctrine, and is meant to drive such people to Christ.
Paul saw himself, in his present spiritual condition, as the result of God’s grace and not the result of his own efforts. He regarded himself as a sinner (See Rom. 7; Phil. 3).
The gospel (good news) is that God saves sinners through belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
The community (1 Tim. 2:1-15)
A. prayer
A second error touches the use of the law. These false teachers considered themselves to be "righteous" before God. In other words they were proud (Hab. 2:4), and used the law to show this righteousness. This is, unfortunately for them, beyond the scope of the law (Gal. 3:11). Instead, justification is a gift of God (Rom. 10:3).
The law is designed for those who oppose sound doctrine, and is meant to drive such people to Christ.
Paul saw himself, in his present spiritual condition, as the result of God’s grace and not the result of his own efforts. He regarded himself as a sinner (See Rom. 7; Phil. 3).
The gospel (good news) is that God saves sinners through belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
The community (1 Tim. 2:1-15)
A. prayer
We should pray that all men have peace and come to the knowledge of
the truth and be saved. The church is not elitist; it's for
everyone (2:6).
We pray this way because the man Jesus is the only mediator between God and
men.
B. the
participation of women
Even today
there is much debate among Christians about the function of women in the
church.
Some say that Paul's prohibition is the Word of God and must be obeyed as such or literally.
But there are several things that should be taken into account. The New Testament says there is no difference between men and women (Gal. 3:29). Women participated in the ministry in the New Testament church. Women prophesied in the New Testament churches. There are also women who taught men in the New Testament. Evidence Priscilla who taught Apollos (Acts 18:26).
Women should have an attitude of submission. Of course men should have the same attitude (Eph. 5:21). The participation of all must reflect harmony and unity (Eph. 5:21).
In the culture of Jesus’ day, women were not taught how to read. Women and men were not allowed to sit together in the synagogue. There was a veil or curtain separating the men from the women. Cultic practices of the day allowed women to participate but for this to take place in the synagogue would have created much confusion in worship. Usually men could not see the women who were in the synagogue service. In other words, if a woman talked in the service, it would have disrupted the service taking place on the men’s side of the room.
Perhaps even more significant is the portion that speaks of Eve (1Tim. 2:13-4). Eve altered the word of God and substituted other words under the influence of Satan. And she influenced Adam. Paul may be saying that you cannot add speculation to the words of God as Eve did.
I do not pretend to resolve all doubts as to the participation of women in worship. There are several resources to help. Catalina de Padilla gave a presentation on women in the church in CLADE 4 and Bonnidel Clouse and Robert G. Clouse, Women In Ministry: Four Views, CLIE, 2005 are excellent sources for research on the topic.
The leaders of the church (1 Tim. 3:1-13)
Each community (church) leadership has people fit for or gifted for community work. Paul is not against leadership, but such leadership must fit a certain profile. There are many leaders, but there are requirements and functions that the church leadership has to fulfill.
The words "bishop, elder, and pastor” refer to the same office in the New Testament. Paul states the requirements for an elder to be in charge of a congregation.
Deacons must also fulfill similar requirements.
Paul sees the importance of the proper administration of the church. Leadership is by the best men and these men are not to be discredited.
The purpose of the letter (1 Tim. 3:14-4:5)
This letter is written so that one knows how to behave in the house (church) of the Lord. The church is the pillar and foundation of truth.
Paul puts a little creed (doctrine) in the middle of this letter that expresses the central point of Christian worship. It is important to always be aware of the object of our worship; i.e., Christ.
Some say that Paul's prohibition is the Word of God and must be obeyed as such or literally.
But there are several things that should be taken into account. The New Testament says there is no difference between men and women (Gal. 3:29). Women participated in the ministry in the New Testament church. Women prophesied in the New Testament churches. There are also women who taught men in the New Testament. Evidence Priscilla who taught Apollos (Acts 18:26).
Women should have an attitude of submission. Of course men should have the same attitude (Eph. 5:21). The participation of all must reflect harmony and unity (Eph. 5:21).
In the culture of Jesus’ day, women were not taught how to read. Women and men were not allowed to sit together in the synagogue. There was a veil or curtain separating the men from the women. Cultic practices of the day allowed women to participate but for this to take place in the synagogue would have created much confusion in worship. Usually men could not see the women who were in the synagogue service. In other words, if a woman talked in the service, it would have disrupted the service taking place on the men’s side of the room.
Perhaps even more significant is the portion that speaks of Eve (1Tim. 2:13-4). Eve altered the word of God and substituted other words under the influence of Satan. And she influenced Adam. Paul may be saying that you cannot add speculation to the words of God as Eve did.
I do not pretend to resolve all doubts as to the participation of women in worship. There are several resources to help. Catalina de Padilla gave a presentation on women in the church in CLADE 4 and Bonnidel Clouse and Robert G. Clouse, Women In Ministry: Four Views, CLIE, 2005 are excellent sources for research on the topic.
The leaders of the church (1 Tim. 3:1-13)
Each community (church) leadership has people fit for or gifted for community work. Paul is not against leadership, but such leadership must fit a certain profile. There are many leaders, but there are requirements and functions that the church leadership has to fulfill.
The words "bishop, elder, and pastor” refer to the same office in the New Testament. Paul states the requirements for an elder to be in charge of a congregation.
Deacons must also fulfill similar requirements.
Paul sees the importance of the proper administration of the church. Leadership is by the best men and these men are not to be discredited.
The purpose of the letter (1 Tim. 3:14-4:5)
This letter is written so that one knows how to behave in the house (church) of the Lord. The church is the pillar and foundation of truth.
Paul puts a little creed (doctrine) in the middle of this letter that expresses the central point of Christian worship. It is important to always be aware of the object of our worship; i.e., Christ.
He appeared in a
body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed in by the world,
taken up in glory. (1 Tim. 3:16)
was vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed in by the world,
taken up in glory. (1 Tim. 3:16)
This is a summary of the Gospel and of Christian doctrine. When there are people who despise the doctrine, they are underestimating what Jesus did for us and over-evaluating what they themselves do (practice). They are going from gospel to law, from Christianity to humanism, Kantian Christianity, a believer in Christ becoming a believer in himself.
2. False teachers: (1 Tim. 4:1-16)
This section returns to the issues of doctrine or teaching in the congregation. It more clearly illustrates the false teaching that was current in the church that Timothy was pastoring. Also this second section concerning false teachers is very similar to our false teachers today.
"The Spirit clearly says that in latter times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (1 Tim. 4:1).
Clearly there is much danger in the church of being cheated by "….seducing spirits and doctrines of demons." One source of false teaching is the "revelations" and "prophecies" that occur in the name of God that are not grounded in Scripture.
To be against these things Paul suggests that you abandon the ascetic practices (“….religious and philosophical doctrine that seeks to purify the spirit through the denial of material pleasures.” Wikipedia) and realize that God has created food to be enjoyed with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. Jesus declared all foods "clean" (Mark 7:19) and in Acts 10:15, we have the statement that all foods are clean. It is evident that one of the errors taught was that created things are not good.
If one is going to be a good Christian teacher, he should reject secular legends and myths and exercise Godliness. It is a healthy way to communicate faith in Jesus.
The good pastor-teacher in the church must nurture "….with the truths of faith and of the good teaching that you have followed” (1 Tim 4:6). This contrasts with false methodology & beliefs.
The good pastor-teacher must practice his faith (train yourself in godliness) and not rely on knowledge only. Teaching has to be backed by life.
"Let no one despise you for your youth," (1 Tim. 4:12) is a commentary on the culture of the time. It was customary to be considered young up to age 40 when one was then considered to be an adult. In today’s world, adulthood is when you can take alcohol and vote. Paul had warned against rookie leadership in the church as well. Timothy was 38 or 39 when he received this letter.
The pastor-teacher should be a role model in his life: speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
".... devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, and teach and encourage the brethren.” (1 Tim. 4:13) This is the positive summary of how the minister of God should conduct himself. Many times today the Scriptures are read, a short homily is appended and the remainder of the meeting is spent in congregational singing. We spend most of the time singing though Paul does not even mention singing in his directive. That is not to say that we should not sing but we seem to have gotten away from the directives at hand.
If you persevere in these activities, ".... you will save both yourself and your hearers "(1 Tim. 4:16).
How should the church care for its people?
The widows, the elderly and slaves (1 Tim. 5:1-16)
In a community you have all kinds of people. Paul in
this section defines the relationship that we have with people who cannot fend
for themselves. We might here consider the abortion issue and how the church can
help another class who cannot fend for themselves. The church does not care for people who can
fend for themselves or have family members who can care for them. Also people who are less than 60 years old do not get
help. Paul seeks to minimize the people in charge of the
church. This contrasts
with the many programs of assistance that sustain the church today.
The support of those who serve (1 Tim. 5:17-20)
Paul sees that the church should support its ministers. Paul indicates that it is right to receive financial support from those who receive the teaching of the church. The pastor may have up to a double honor, ie. a double salary. "Honor" is the root of the word fee.
Jesus said if people do not receive those going on a missionary journey by give lodging, food and sustenance, one should give up and curse those people and go to another city (Matt. 10:1,9-14, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1, 3-5). Jesus also indicates that one should not go from house to house looking for their livelihoods (Luke 10:7) If we take this idea to the church or ministry today, it seems to indicate that the pastor ought to be willing to relocate from one place, or city, to another.
Also the minister is obliged to provide financially for his family. Failure to do so is called being worse than an infidel (1 Tim. 5:8).
"Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? "(1 Cor. 9:7) "Do not muzzle an ox while it is threshing" (1 Tim. 5:18, 1 Cor. 9:9) and "The worker deserves his wages" (1 Tim. 5:18, Luke 10:7). In other words, the flock ought to be happy to pay the shepherd a reasonable wage that he might be able to support his family.
Paul tells Timothy that these instructions are to be applied in ministry. (1 Tim. 5:21)
The selection of new leaders (1 Tim. 5:22)
Do not choose new leaders hastily.
Sins and good deeds are not always visible (1 Tim. 5:24-25).
Masters and slave believers (1 Tim. 6:1-2)
3. False teachers: (1 Tim. 6:2 c-10)
False teachers think that religion is only a means to achieve gain (prosperity). On the contrary, “….godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1Tim. 6:6) Those who seek to enrich themselves become slaves to their desires, which statement in 1 Tim. 6:9 reflects a Biblical truth that those who sin become slaves to it. (John 8:34) And the love of money is the root of many evils leading to sorrow. (1 Tim. 6:10) Authentic Christianity does not promote greed. This ends any idea that Paul preached a gospel of prosperity.
Final Commendation (1 Timothy 6:11-20)
Paul makes a solemn charge to Timothy not only to lead a blameless life but to positively add to his character the virtues listed in vs.11. He is also instructed to remember that he is in a battle and so must continue the fight to the end, even as his Lord did before him. (1 Tim. 6: 12-13)
In 1 Tim. 6:15, Paul breaks into one of the most beautiful Biblical doxologies or praises of God to be found in Scripture:
The support of those who serve (1 Tim. 5:17-20)
Paul sees that the church should support its ministers. Paul indicates that it is right to receive financial support from those who receive the teaching of the church. The pastor may have up to a double honor, ie. a double salary. "Honor" is the root of the word fee.
Jesus said if people do not receive those going on a missionary journey by give lodging, food and sustenance, one should give up and curse those people and go to another city (Matt. 10:1,9-14, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1, 3-5). Jesus also indicates that one should not go from house to house looking for their livelihoods (Luke 10:7) If we take this idea to the church or ministry today, it seems to indicate that the pastor ought to be willing to relocate from one place, or city, to another.
Also the minister is obliged to provide financially for his family. Failure to do so is called being worse than an infidel (1 Tim. 5:8).
"Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? "(1 Cor. 9:7) "Do not muzzle an ox while it is threshing" (1 Tim. 5:18, 1 Cor. 9:9) and "The worker deserves his wages" (1 Tim. 5:18, Luke 10:7). In other words, the flock ought to be happy to pay the shepherd a reasonable wage that he might be able to support his family.
Paul tells Timothy that these instructions are to be applied in ministry. (1 Tim. 5:21)
The selection of new leaders (1 Tim. 5:22)
Do not choose new leaders hastily.
Sins and good deeds are not always visible (1 Tim. 5:24-25).
Masters and slave believers (1 Tim. 6:1-2)
3. False teachers: (1 Tim. 6:2 c-10)
False teachers think that religion is only a means to achieve gain (prosperity). On the contrary, “….godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1Tim. 6:6) Those who seek to enrich themselves become slaves to their desires, which statement in 1 Tim. 6:9 reflects a Biblical truth that those who sin become slaves to it. (John 8:34) And the love of money is the root of many evils leading to sorrow. (1 Tim. 6:10) Authentic Christianity does not promote greed. This ends any idea that Paul preached a gospel of prosperity.
Final Commendation (1 Timothy 6:11-20)
Paul makes a solemn charge to Timothy not only to lead a blameless life but to positively add to his character the virtues listed in vs.11. He is also instructed to remember that he is in a battle and so must continue the fight to the end, even as his Lord did before him. (1 Tim. 6: 12-13)
In 1 Tim. 6:15, Paul breaks into one of the most beautiful Biblical doxologies or praises of God to be found in Scripture:
The
blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has
immortality, who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can
see, to whom be honor and power forever. Amen (1 Tim. 6:15)
A final instruction concerns Timothy’s dealings with the rich. "Command them to do good, to be rich in good works and generous and willing to share what they have" (1 Tim. 6:18)
“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you! Avoid profane and useless discussions and arguments of what is falsely called knowledge. By professing such knowledge, some have wandered from the faith.” (1 Tim. 6:20-21)
Conclusions:
The teaching of doctrine is very important to Paul and us today. If we do not understand the details of our faith, we cannot share it with others. False teachings are always a threat to faith in Christ Jesus. The support of Christians in general and pastors in particular is very important lest faith in Christ be discredited.
Paul shows a concern for the new leadership in the church. We must not hastily choose leaders. It's important to select persons of good reputation and maturity.
Bibliography:
Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible Book by Book, mundo Hispano.
Donald Guthrie, The Pastoral Epistles, IVP.
William Hendriksen, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Baker.
Michael Horton, http://www.whitehorseinn.org/blog/2011/07/03/whi-1056-doctrine-life/.
A final instruction concerns Timothy’s dealings with the rich. "Command them to do good, to be rich in good works and generous and willing to share what they have" (1 Tim. 6:18)
“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you! Avoid profane and useless discussions and arguments of what is falsely called knowledge. By professing such knowledge, some have wandered from the faith.” (1 Tim. 6:20-21)
Conclusions:
The teaching of doctrine is very important to Paul and us today. If we do not understand the details of our faith, we cannot share it with others. False teachings are always a threat to faith in Christ Jesus. The support of Christians in general and pastors in particular is very important lest faith in Christ be discredited.
Paul shows a concern for the new leadership in the church. We must not hastily choose leaders. It's important to select persons of good reputation and maturity.
Bibliography:
Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible Book by Book, mundo Hispano.
Donald Guthrie, The Pastoral Epistles, IVP.
William Hendriksen, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Baker.
Michael Horton, http://www.whitehorseinn.org/blog/2011/07/03/whi-1056-doctrine-life/.
