1 Timothy 1-2

Approximate Dating:

• 48-56 – Paul’s missionary journeys
• 56-60 – Paul was slowly making his way through the Roman courts, arriving ultimately at Rome.
• 61-62 – Paul was held under house arrest in Rome, at the end of which time, he was released.
• 62-67 – Paul traveled more or less freely about.
• 63-66 – Paul wrote 1 Timothy and Titus
• 66-67 – Paul wrote 2Timothy after being recaptured and once again imprisoned. This represents the last Pauline Epistle.

• Bible Text
• Printer Friendly Notes
• Download Audio

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

---

Chapter 1

1    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope – “command” (epitagē) – a decree made by a king. Paul used the phrase “our Savior” six times in the letters to Timothy and Titus (see 1 Timothy 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4).

2    To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord – Timothy had lived in Lystra, a city in the province of Galatia (Acts 16:1-3). He was the son of a Greek father (Acts 16:2), and a Jewish mother named Eunice (2 Timothy 2:5). From his youth, he had been taught in the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15).

3    As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer – “false doctrines” (Heterodidaskalein) literally means “teachings of a different kind.”

“certain men” were more than likely elders in this church

• First, they presumed to be teachers (1:7), a role reserved for elders (3:2; 5:17).
• Second, Paul excommunicated Hymenaeus and Alexander. That implies they were in positions of authority and the congregation couldn’t deal with them.
• Third, the qualifications of an elder are given in great detail in chapter 3.

Chapter 2

2    for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness – Nero was the current emperor (A.D. 54–68) yet Paul instructed them to pray for him.

8    I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing – Not about posture of prayer, but attitude of heart.

9    I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes – “dress” is kosmos and is often translated “world,” but it really means “order,” or “system.”

• Priscilla, taught Apollos, the great preacher (Acts 18:24-26).
• Phoebe worked in the church (Romans 16:1).
• Mary, Tryphena, and Tryphosa were the Lord’s workers (Romans 16:6, 12), as were Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2).

13   For Adam was formed first, then Eve. ¹⁴And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner – Divine order.