This epistle is generally held to have been written by Paul after his two years' imprisonment at Rome, recorded at the end of the Acts. That record implies that at the end of the two years Paul was liberated, and in the two epistles to Timothy and in the one to Titus there are certain statements that do not coincide with any of the travels of the apostle as given in the Acts: such as begging Timothy to remain at Ephesus while Paul went to Macedonia (1 Tim. 1:33As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, (1 Timothy 1:3)); directions to Timothy to bring a cloak and some books which Paul had left at Troas. Paul had left Trophimus at Miletus sick. (2 Tim. 4:13,2013The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. (2 Timothy 4:13)
20Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. (2 Timothy 4:20).) Titus was left at Crete. (Titus 1:55For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:5).)
The release of Paul after his first imprisonment is confirmed by the fact that in the 1St Timothy and in Titus nothing is said of his being a prisoner; but in 2nd Timothy he is again a prisoner, and looking for his speedy martyrdom.
We may probably place the 1St Timothy (from Macedonia) and Titus about A.D. 67; and 2nd Timothy perhaps a year later.
This epistle has the character of a charge to an apostolic delegate as to the sound doctrine to be maintained in the assembly, and may be said to recognize the church in its normal condition—the church, as the house of God, in order: in the second epistle the church is regarded as in disorder.
In this epistle the assembly being the house of God in contrast to the Jewish temple, the character in which God is represented is the Savior-God with regard to men, His creatures.
1 Tim. 1:1-41Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (1 Timothy 1:1‑4).
Paul, apostle of Jesus Christ according to the command of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timotheus, Paul's true child in faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul had besought Timothy to remain at Ephesus, that he might enjoin some not to teach strange doctrine, nor give heed to fables and useless genealogies (Jewish fables and pedigrees, though Gnosticism seems to be alluded to in 1 Tim. 6:2020O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: (1 Timothy 6:20)).
1 Tim. 1:5-175Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:5‑17). But the end of what was enjoined to Timothy was love out of, 1, a pure heart; 2, a good conscience; and, 3, unfeigned faith: from which some had swerved, desiring to be law-teachers, but without intelligence.
The law has its use, if used lawfully. It was made for and has its application, not to the righteous, but to the wicked of every character, anything opposed to sound teaching according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God committed to Paul.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom Paul was first (or chief). Mercy was shown him that his salvation might be a delineation of the Lord's great long-suffering to those who should afterward believe on Christ to eternal life. It calls forth a burst of praise from Paul.
1 Tim. 1:18-2018This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:18‑20). The above-named charge (vers. 3, 4) was committed by Paul to his son Timothy, who had been pointed out by prophecy to Paul (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1414Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (1 Timothy 4:14)), that he might war the good warfare, and maintain faith, and a good conscience. Some had put away the latter, and had made shipwreck of faith: of these two are named who had been delivered unto Satan (cf. 1 Cor. 5:55To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:5)) that they might learn not to blaspheme.
Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings were to be made for all men, that the saints might be able to live quiet and tranquil lives in all piety and gravity.
This is good and acceptable in the sight of our Savior-God, who desires that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. (It is not the counsels of God here, but His dealings with men under the gospel, for Christianity presents a Savior-God to men: cf. 2 Cor. 5:2020Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20).)
1 Tim. 2:5, 65For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:5‑6). There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, the testimony to be rendered in its own times (namely, in this bright gospel day).
1 Tim. 2:7-157Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. (1 Timothy 2:7‑15). Whereunto Paul was appointed a herald, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and in truth.
He wills that men should pray, lifting up holy hands.
That women should adorn themselves with becoming apparel and with good works.
Women were to learn in silence and not to teach, nor usurp authority over man. (Our earthly relationships must be sought for at the beginning of creation.)
For Adam was first formed, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression (brought it in, though Adam was equally guilty in following Eve: in other connections it is all charged on Adam).
1 Tim. 3:1-131This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:1‑13)
describe the qualifications for the office of bishop (overseer) and deacon (minister). It will be seen that no specific gift is needed, but there must be good moral character.
To desire to be a bishop is a good work. He must be blameless; the husband of one wife; rule well his own house; not a novice; must have a good report of those without.
A deacon's qualifications are then detailed.
Those that minister well obtain a good degree and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus (Stephen and Philip were witnesses of this).
1 Tim. 3:14-1614These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Timothy 3:14‑16). Paul hoped to come to Timothy shortly, but should he delay, these things were written that Timothy might know how to behave himself in, 1, the house of God (Eph. 2:2222In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)), which is, 2, the church of the living God; 3, the pillar and base of the truth (it is the only witness that can maintain the truth on earth: it is not the truth, but maintains it).
Confessedly the mystery of piety is great. God has been manifested in flesh; justified in [the] Spirit (the absence of all sin during His whole life was made manifest by the power of the Holy Spirit, cf. Rom. 1:44And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:4)); has appeared to angels (in Christ the angels have seen God); has been preached among the nations; has been believed on in the world; has been received up in glory. (This gives a living epitome of what the church maintains before the world. It is Christianity as embodied in the Person of Christ.)
But the Spirit declares that in the latter times some would apostatize from the faith, giving their mind to deceiving spirits, and teachings of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, cauterized in their conscience. These cast a slur upon God's creation: for They forbid to marry, and bid to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received. For every creature of God is good and to be received with thanksgiving (thus going back before the restrictions of Judaism: cf. Gen. 9:33Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. (Genesis 9:3)). Notwithstanding the curse it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
1 Tim. 4:6-106If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (1 Timothy 4:6‑10). Timothy was to teach these things, and he would be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the truth. He was to refuse profane and old wives' fables. Bodily exercise (training the body) profits a little, but piety is profitable for the present life and the life to come.
The word is faithful and worthy of all acceptation; for this Paul labored and suffered, because he trusted in the living God, the Savior (preserver, Matt. 5:4545That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:45)) of all men, and, especially of those that believe.
1 Tim. 4:11-1611These things command and teach. 12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:11‑16). Timothy was to teach these things with authority, and live them: be a model to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. To give himself to reading, ** exhortation, teaching; and not to neglect the gift that was given to him by prophecy (cf. 1 Tim. 1:1818This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; (1 Timothy 1:18)), and with (not by here: cf. 2 Tim. 1:66Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (2 Timothy 1:6)) the imposition of the hands of the elderhood.
For himself, he was to be occupied with these things, to give himself wholly to them (to live as it were in them), that his progress might appear to all; and he was to give heed to himself and to his teaching. In this way he would save both himself and those that heard him (from the false teachings, and from all other dangers to which the saints were exposed.) The apostle now turns to the work of such a workman.
1 Tim. 5:1-161Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 3Honor widows that are widows indeed. 4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 9Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 11But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15For some are already turned aside after Satan. 16If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. (1 Timothy 5:1‑16).
Rebuke not an elder sharply, but exhort him as a father, and the younger men as brethren: the elder women as mothers, and the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Honor widows that are really widows. Let their descendants, if they have any, support them.
Those really widows trusted in God and continued in prayer. Others lived in self-indulgence and were dead (spiritually) while they lived.
If any did not provide for his own, he practically denied the faith, and was worse than an unbeliever.
In the list of widows none were to be entered under the age of threescore: what should characterize them is detailed: the younger ones were to be refused: their tendencies and their dangers are described. Some had already turned aside to Satan. If any had relatives who were widows they should support them, and not let them be chargeable to the assembly.
1 Tim. 5:17-2517Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. 18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. 19Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 21I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. 23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. 24Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. (1 Timothy 5:17‑25). Elders who led well were to be esteemed worthy of double honor, as the ox is not to be muzzled that treads out the corn, and the workman is worthy of his hire.
An accusation against an elder must be verified by two or three witnesses. Those that sin were to be reproved (convicted) before all, that the rest might fear.
Timothy is solemnly charged to keep these things without prejudice or favor.
Hands (in recognition) were not to be laid quickly on any man: and others' sins were to be avoided. Some men's sins are manifest beforehand (they are known to be sinners); in others they are hidden, but their sins will follow them to judgment. So also some good works are manifest beforehand, and indeed others cannot be hidden.
Timothy was counseled to take a little wine because of his frequent illnesses.
1 Tim. 6:1-81Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (1 Timothy 6:1‑8).
Those under the yoke of servitude (slaves) are exhorted to honor their masters, that the name of God and His teaching be not blasphemed. If the masters are believers they are not to be despised, but to be served faithfully.
If any taught otherwise they were puffed up, knowing nothing; they were destitute of the truth, holding gain to be (the end of) piety. But piety with contentment is great gain.
1 Tim. 6:11-1611But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:11‑16). Timothy, as a man of God, is exhorted to a godly walk; to strive earnestly in the good conflict of faith; to lay hold on eternal life.
Timothy is again charged before God and before Christ Jesus that he should keep the command spotless, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which the blessed and only Ruler shall shew in its own time, the King of kings and Lord of lords: who only has immortality; dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man hath seen, nor is able to see: to whom be honor and eternal might. Amen. (Here it is the inaccessible majesty of God as God; to whom man is responsible, and of such a God the Christian is the representative on earth! In Rev. 19 the Lord is King of kings and Lord of lords: here He is so who will so manifest the Lord Jesus.)
1 Tim. 6:17-2117Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. <<The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.>> (1 Timothy 6:17‑21). Exhortations are added to the rich, that they may lay hold of what is really life.
Timothy is again warned of what to keep and what to avoid. "Grace be with thee" ends the epistle.