1 Timothy

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the arrangement of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, our hope, 2 to Timothy my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 This is why, when I was going into Macedonia, that I urged you to remain in Ephesus, so that you might warn certain ones not to teach other doctrines, 4 nor to give heed to myths and endless genealogies which bring meaningless controversies, rather than the stewardship of God, which is inside of faith. 5 For the goal of our instruction is love out of a pure heart, out of a good consciousness, and out of a faith that is not fake, 6 from which some, having missed the point, have turned away to meaningless talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, but not understanding what they are saying nor anything concerning what they so confidently assert.

8 We are aware, now, that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully. 9 We know that law is not enacted for the just, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the disrespectful and sinful, for the unholy and false intruders, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for the sexually immoral, homosexuals, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and anything else to which healthy teaching is opposed, 11 according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. [a]

a. Paul is referencing his earlier statement that the law is what exposes sin, making it exceedingly sinful. For that reason, we see this list as the many ways by which the law shows humans how lost they are. This knowledge of lostness – silent, guilty, and executed – then, is the entrance into Christ, as Paul lays out in Romans 3.

12 I am thankful for the One having empowered me, Christ Jesus our Lord, that He considered me faithful, having placed and set me forth into service, 13 though I was once a slanderer, a persecutor, and violent; but, I was given mercy, because I was ignorant and did all that in unbelief. 14 Abundantly multiplied, then, was the grace of our Lord to me, with the faith and love that are inside of Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance, that “Christ Jesus came into the world to actively save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” 16 But through this I was given mercy, that in me, the worst, Jesus Christ might make fully evident His complete longsuffering as an example for those about to believe upon Him into age-unfolding life. 17 Now to the King of the ages, invisible and unable to decay, to God alone be honor and glory into the seasons of the ages. Let it be so – it is so.

18 This charge I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the guiding prophecies upon you, that you might fight the good warfare by them, 19 possessing faith and a good consciousness, which some, having refused concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have given over to Satan that they might learn not to speak accusation.

b. as hard as this action is, I see that I have had to do the same. Speaking accusation cannot be in our mouths, neither can we continue with those who will not stop accusing others.


2:1 I encourage, therefore, first of all, that you make entreaties, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for the sake of all men and women, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness and respect. [c] {c. The prayer is not “for” human power, but for the chance to live our lives in peace and freedom.} 3 This is good and acceptable in the presence of our Savior, God, 4 who wills all mankind to be saved, and to come into the acknowledgement of the truth, that is, truth [Jesus] as personal to them. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man, Christ Jesus, 6 the One who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony coming to each in their own right time, 7 in regard to which I was set forth as a herald and an apostle (I am speaking the truth, I do not lie) a teacher of the ethnic peoples inside of faith and truth.

8 I desire, therefore, the men to pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, separate from opposing anger and argument. 9 Likewise, also women should wear respectable clothing, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothing. 10 But with what is suitable for women proclaiming the reverence of God through good works. 11 Let a woman learn in quietness and in all submissiveness. 12 I do not entrust a woman to teach or to govern a man, but to be in quietness, [d] 13 for Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived [e] {e. he understood fully everything at stake and made his decision coldly}, but the woman, having been deceived [f] {f. believing the serpent’s words were from God, as well she should have been able to do}, went contrary. 15 Mothers will be helped in childbearing, however, if they abide inside of faith and love and holiness, with self-restraint.

d. We can draw truth from this passage, nonetheless it speaks against everything Paul taught elsewhere regarding our full inclusion together inside of Christ where there is no distinction of male and female. Remember, Paul warned is that if he himself did not understand his gospel, that we should disregard his ideas.}


3:1 It is a trustworthy saying, that if anyone aspires to watchcare, [g] {g. This term does not denote “authority over,” but rather, personal care for others} he is desirous of a good work. 2 It is necessary, then, that the watch-carer be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to wine, not a brawler, but gentle and peaceable, not loving money, 4 managing his own household well, having children in submission with all respect. 5 For if one does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the Church of God? 6 He should not be a novice, so that, having become arrogant, he might then fall into the judgment of the accuser. 7 It is necessary for him also to have a good testimony from those outside, so that he might not fall into reproach and the traps of the accuser.

8 Servants in the church, likewise, must be respectful, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, 9 holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear consciousness. 10 Let these also be proven first, then let them serve, being blameless. 11 Women, likewise, must be respectful, not accusers, clear-minded, faithful in all. 12 Let servants in the church be husbands of one wife, managing their children well and their own households. 13 For those who have served well gain a good standing for themselves and great confidence in speaking boldly inside the faith that is inside of Christ Jesus.

14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you in a short time. 15 If I should be delayed, however, I would have you know how it is necessary for one to conduct oneself inside the household of God, which is the living Church of God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 And as we speak the same word, great is the mystery of godliness: “The One who was made visible inside of flesh, was made just and innocent inside of Spirit; the One who was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the ethnic peoples, was believed on in the world, and was received up inside of glory.”


4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith [g] {g. the fall into Roman darkness and Nicene Christianity}, giving heed to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons [h] {h. the words of the serpent in the garden}, 2 speaking lies in fakery, having been seared in their own consciousness, 3 forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from foods that God created for sharing with thanksgiving by the faithful and those acknowledging the truth. 4 For everything created of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, but received with thanksgiving 5 and made holy through the word of God and prayer.

6 As you set these things before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being sustained in the words of faith and of the good teaching that you have followed closely. 7 But refuse improper and silly fables. Train yourself, rather, towards devotion to God. 8 For bodily exercise is only a little beneficial, but devotion to God is beneficial towards everything, holding the promise of life in the present and in the future. 9 This saying is trustworthy, that is, worthy of full acceptance. 10 “Into this purpose we toil and strive, because we have hope upon the living God, who is Savior of all mankind, and very much so of believers.” 11 Entreat and teach these things.

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be a pattern for the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. 13 Until I come, attend to the public reading of Scripture, to encouragement and to teaching. 14 Do not be negligent of your gift, which was given to you through prophecy {i. calling forth Christ into our knowing}, with the laying on of the elders’ hands. 15 Ponder these things, make them your own, sot that your progress may be visible to all. 16 Hold tightly to yourself and to the teaching. Continue in them, for doing this, you will save both yourself and those hearing you.


5:1 Do not rebuke an elder, that is, a shepherd of the church, but encourage him as a father, and younger men as brothers; 2 treat female elders, shepherds of the church, as mothers [j]: and younger women as sisters inside of all purity. {j. You see, Paul’s words on women in ministry are contradictory, thus we take fully the liberty that is inside of Christ Jesus regarding sisters serving the Lord.}

3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 If any widow, however, has children or grandchildren, let those of her own household first learn to be devoted and to give recompense to their own parents, for this is pleasing in the presence of God. 5 Now, she who is indeed a widow and alone has hope upon God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 She who lives in self-indulgence, however, is dead even while living. 7 Instruct also these things, so that each should be above reproach. 8 Now, if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his household, he has refused the faith and he is worse than an unbeliever.

9 Let a widow be enrolled [in financial assistance from the church] who is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 having borne witness in good works, if she has reared children, if she has entertained strangers, if she has washed the feet of the holy ones, if she has helped those in great pressure, and if she has followed after every good work.

11 Refuse younger widows [from church financial assistance], however; for when they have become sensuous of Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. [k] {k. Again, Paul is speaking nonsense here completely contrary to his gospel of Christ our life and against his own teaching that we are led by the Spirit. If a younger woman is led by the Spirit to marry, she is in no way “guilty” of breaking any vow, since vows are already forbidden to the Christian, that is, we do not bind ourselves to anything, so that we might be free to be led by the Spirit in every present moment.} 13 At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going about houses, not only idle, then, but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things that are not proper. 14 I want younger women, therefore, to marry, to bear children, to manage their households, to give no opportunity to those in opposition, because of reproach. 14 For some have already turned away after Satan. 16 If any believer has dependent widows, let them aid them, and let them not be a burden to the church, so that they might aid those who are truly widows.

17 Let the elders, shepherds of the flock, who give good attention be counted worthy of double honor, especially those laboring in the word and teaching. 18 As the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox treading out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4), and, “The workman is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7). 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except it be upon two or three witnesses. 20 Those sinning, however, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also might have fear.

21 I give solemn testimony in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that you should watch over these things, without pre-judgment, doing nothing out of partiality. 22 Do not lay hands hastily on anyone, nor share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23 Don’t drink only water but use a little wine for your stomach and your frequent ailments. 

24 The sins of some men are clearly evident, going before them into judgment, some however, will follow after. 25 Likewise, also, good works are clearly evident, but even those things appearing otherwise are not able to be concealed.


6:1 As many as are under a yoke as slaves, let them regard their own masters to be worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching [of Christ] should not be slandered. 2 Those, now, having believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers; but rather let them serve, because they are believers and beloved, receiving good service. Teach and encourage these things.

3 If anyone teaches another teaching, and does not approach to connect with the healthy words of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the teaching according to devotion to God, 4 he is arrogant, knowing nothing, but is all about unhealthy controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, accusation, suspicions, evil, 5 and constant arguing among men corrupted in mind, and devoid of the truth, who consider devotion to God to be a means of gain. Withdraw away from such. 

6 Devotion to God is great gain, however, but with contentment. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and neither are we able to carry anything out. 8 Having food and clothing, then, with these we will be satisfied. 9 Those who desire to be rich, however, fall into temptation and a snare, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and loss. 10 For the love of money is the root of all sorts of evils, which some reach for, having wandered away from the faith, and have wounded themselves with many sorrows. 

11 You, however, O man of God, flee these things; pursue justice, devotion to God, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith. Seize hold of the age-unfolding life into which you were summoned and which you also spoke, that same word of the same good-speaking in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, the One giving life to all, and [in the presence of] Christ Jesus, the One having testified these same good words before Pilate, 14 to keep watch over the full consummation [of God-speaking] without stain, above reproach, until our Lord, Jesus Christ, becomes consciously visible, 15 God will display Christ-made-visible in each one’s own seasons, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of those being kings, and the Lord of those being lords, 16 alone possessing no death, dwelling in unapproachable light, who no one of mankind has seen nor is able to see, to whom be honor and age-unfolding strength. Let it be so – it is so.

17 Instruct the rich in this present age not to be self-exalted, nor to have hope upon uncertain riches, but upon God, the One providing all things richly for enjoyment, 18 to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, to be ready to share, 19 treasuring up for themselves a good foundation into the future, so that they may seize hold of that which is indeed life.

20 O Timothy, guard well the trust committed to you, avoid improper and opposing arguments falsely called knowledge, 21 which some proclaim, having gone astray concerning the faith.
Grace be with you all. Let it be so – it is so.