Timothy was a young man who met Paul in Lystra. His father was a
Greek gentile. His mother was Jewish. His mother was named Eunice,
and his grandmother's name was Lois. After Timothy met Paul, he
became a Christian. He traveled with Paul and helped set up many new
churches.
Timothy traveled with Paul, but then later, he led churches on his
own. He was young, and some of the older Christians did not
accept him. He felt discouraged. Paul wrote him 2
letters that became the books of the Bible, 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy.
These letters were to encourage Timothy and to teach him more about
leading the churches.
Topics in
1 Timothy:
Warning against false teaching
Instructions how to pray
Instructions for church leaders
The treatment of widows
Fighting the good fight for the faith
1 Timothy 1
Paul warns Timothy about false teachers.
This letter is from Paul, an apostle of
Jesus Christ (our hope) by the commandment of God (our Saviour).
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of
God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
This letter is to Timothy, my son in the
faith. I send to you grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and
Jesus Christ our Lord.
[2] Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and
peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
When I went to Macedonia, I asked you to
stay at Ephesus. I wanted you to tell people to stop teaching
false doctrines. They should not listen to fake stories and long
genealogies. These subjects emphasize questions. They do not
teach God's work and faith.
[3] As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went
into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no
other doctrine,
[4] Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies,
which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in
faith: so do.
You should teach people to have love from a
pure heart. They should also have a good conscience and a
strong faith.
[5] Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure
heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
Some of the people there have turned away
from love, faith, and a good conscience. They have given up
and turned to empty talk.
[6] From which some having swerved have turned aside unto
vain jangling;
They want to be teachers of the law. But
they don't know what they are talking about.
[7] Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither
what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
We know that the law is good if it is used
right.
[8] But we know that the law is good, if a man use it
lawfully;
The law was not made for good people.
It is for people who do not obey. It is for people who do not
believe in God. It is for people who murder, even murder their own
parents.
[9] Knowing 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,
It is for people who sin and lie and don't
obey God's laws. I have been trusted to tell the glorious gospel.
[10] For 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;
[11] According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God,
which was committed to my trust.
Paul and Timothy were called by God to set up
the new churches.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord. He
made me strong. He feels I am faithful and put me into ministry.
[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me,
for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
Before that, I talked bad against
God. I judged people and hurt them. God was merciful to me because I
did these things when I didn't know the truth.
[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and
injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in
unbelief.
The Lord's grace was abundant with
faith and love from Christ Jesus.
[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with
faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
This is what I always say. It is
worth accepting. Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners. I am the worst of the sinners. That is why Jesus
Christ showed me mercy. Other people can see that. They can believe
that Jesus will save them, too. People who believe in Jesus
will live forever.
[15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all
acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;
of whom I am chief.
[16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me
first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern
to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
God is the King forever. He is
invisible. He is the only wise God. Honor Him and give Him
glory forever. Amen.
[17] Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only
wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
This is your job, Timothy. There have been prophecies about
you. You will fight a good war. You will hold your faith and do what
is right. Some other people have lost their faith. Their faith has
been shipwrecked.
[18] This 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;
[19] Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having
put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Two people who lost their faith are
Hymenaeus and Alexander. I have handed them to Satan. They need to
be taught not to talk bad about Jesus.
[20] Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have
delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 2
Paul asks Timothy to pray.
I ask that you pray for all men. Pray
for kings who are in authority to give us a quiet and peaceful life
with godliness and honesty.
[1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
[2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may
lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
This is good in God's eyes.
[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Saviour;
God wants all men to be saved and to know
the truth. There is one God. There is one way between God and men. That
is Christ Jesus.
[4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the
knowledge of the truth.
[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and
men, the man Christ Jesus;
Jesus gave Himself to pay for
everyone. This happened at the right time.
[6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due
time.
That is why I was made a teacher and
follower of Christ. I tell the truth in Christ. I do not lie.
I am a teacher of the Gentiles. I want everyone to pray everywhere.
They should pray without being angry and doubting.
[7] Whereunto 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.
[8] I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up
holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Paul writes about women.
Women should dress modestly (not showing
too much skin). They should not decorate themselves with fancy hair
and jewels. They should be godly women who do good things.
[9] In 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;
[10] But (which becometh women professing godliness) with
good works.
Women should learn quietly and not be
bossy.
[11] Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
I do not allow a woman to teach or be a
boss over a man. Women should be quiet.
[12] But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp
authority over the man, but to be in silence.
God made Adam first, then He made Eve
second.
[13] For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
Satan tricked Eve. He did not trick
Adam.
[14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived
was in the transgression.
Even so, women will be saved by having
babies if they are faithful, generous, and holy.
[15] Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if
they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
1 Timothy 3
Paul writes about church leaders.
This is true: if a man wants to
be a bishop (church leader), he wants to do good work. But he must
have good behavior. He should only have one wife. He should have
self-control, stay sober with a clear mind, be nice to other people,
be a good teacher, not drink a lot of alcohol, not be violent, not
be greedy. He should be patient.
[1] This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a
bishop, he desireth a good work.
[2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife,
vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to
teach;
[3] Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy
lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
He should have good management of his
own home. His children should have good discipline. If a man can't
control his own house, how can he take care of God's house?
[4] One 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?)
He should not be a new Christian. If he
is new to Christianity, he might have too much pride. He might be
tempted by the devil. He should have a good reputation with
outsiders or he might be tempted by the devil.
[6] Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall
into the condemnation of the devil.
[7] Moreover he must have a good report of them which are
without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Also, deacons must be serious. They
should not be hypocrites. They should not drink too much wine. They
should not be greedy for money. They should have clear consciences.
They should first be tested. If they pass the test and no one says
anything bad about them, then they can be deacons.
[8] Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued,
not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
[9] Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
[10] And let these also first be proved; then let them use
the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
The church leaders' wives should be
serious. They should not talk bad. They should be faithful in all
things.
[11] Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers,
sober, faithful in all things.
Deacons should be faithful to their
wives. They should have good control over their homes and their
children.
[12] Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling
their children and their own houses well.
If they are good when they are deacons,
people will think highly of them. The people will then have strong faith
in Christ Jesus.
[13] For 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.
I write these things to you, and I hope
to visit you soon.
[14] These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee
shortly:
But if I don't get to visit soon, I am
sending this so you know how to behave. You are part of God's house,
the church of the living God. God's church is the foundation of
truth..
[15] But 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.
God's mystery is clear. God became flesh (a real man),
the Spirit proved He was God, the angels saw Him, the Gentiles
learned about him, people believed in Him, and God took Him up to glory.
[16] And 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 4
Some things that will happen in later
times.
God's spirit says that in the latter
times, people will not believe. They will follow other
teachings like evil spirits and devils' work. They will follow
liars and hypocrites.
[1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of devils;
[2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience
seared with a hot iron;
They will tell people not to
get married. They will tell them not to eat certain foods. But
God created these foods to be eaten by people who believe and
know the truth.
[3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from
meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of
them which believe and know the truth.
Every animal made by God is good. Nothing should be refused if people are grateful for it. It is cleaned by God and prayer.
[4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be
refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
[5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
More advice for Timothy
If you remind the brothers about
these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ. You
will be enriched by faith and good teaching. Refuse things that are
wrong or just silly stories. Always follow godliness.
[6] If 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.
[7] But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise
thyself rather unto godliness.
Physical exercise is not as valuable as
godliness. You will have the promise of life now and in the future.
This is a true fact that you should accept.
[8] For 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.
[9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
Because of this, we work hard and
suffer. We trust in the living God. He is the Saviour of all
men especially those who believe.
[10] For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach,
because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men,
specially of those that believe.
Command and teach these things. Don't
let anyone put you down because you are young. You can be an example
to the believers by what you say, how you give, how you believe, and
how you are pure.
[11] These things command and teach.
[12] Let 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.
Until I come, be sure to read, praise
God, and study the scripture.
[13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation,
to doctrine.
Don't neglect the gift that is in you.
It was given to you when the church leaders laid their hands on you
and said a prophecy about you. Think about these things and devote
yourself to them. Everyone will see that you are doing well.
Continue to obey the scripture. This is how you will save yourself
and save the people who hear you.
[14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given
thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
[15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them;
that thy profiting may appear to all.
[16] Take 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 5
The treatment of older people, other Christians, and widows
Do not criticize an older
person. But treat him like your father. Treat younger
men like your brothers. Treat the older women like mothers.
Treat the younger women with purity like sisters.
[1] Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the
younger men as brethren;
[2] The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with
all purity.Honor the widows who are
alone. If a widow has children and other relatives, let them take
care of their parents and family members. That is good and
acceptable to God. But a widow who is alone and poor must trust God.
She must pray night and day.
[3] Honour widows that are widows indeed.
[4] But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn
first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that
is good and acceptable before God.
[5] Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in
God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
If a widow only thinks about having
a good time, she is already dead.
[6] But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
Tell everyone these things so they know
what to do.
[7] And these things give in charge, that they may be
blameless.
If someone does not take care of his own
family, he is not faithful. He is worse than someone who has
no faith.
[8] But 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.
Once a widow is 60 years old, she can be
put on the list of widows. That is only if she was faithful
when she was married, has a reputation for good behavior, raised her
children well, took care of strangers and saints, helped people in
need, and did good work.
[9] Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore
years old, having been the wife of one man,
[10] Well 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.
Do not put the younger widows on the list. They will drift
away from Christ. They will want to get married again. If they do
not continue their faith, they will become lazy and gossips.
[11] But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun
to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
[12] Having damnation, because they have cast off their first
faith.
[13] And 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.
It is better that young women get married, have children, and take care
of their homes. Then, no one will have a reason to talk bad about
them.
[14] I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear
children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to
speak reproachfully.
Some of them have already started to
follow Satan.
[15] For some are already turned aside after Satan.
If a family of believers has widows, they should help them. Then, the church will be able to
help the widows who don't have anyone to help them.
[16] If 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.
Church leaders who are good leaders
should be honored twice as much. They deserve extra honor especially
if they are good teachers and preachers.
[17] Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of
double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
The scriptures say, "Do not put a muzzle
on the ox that is walking on the grain," and "The worker is worthy
of his pay."
[18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox
that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his
reward.
Do not listen to an accusation against a
church leader unless there are 2 or 3 witnesses.
[19] Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before
two or three witnesses.
People who sin should be corrected in front of others so that others
will learn from it.
[20] Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may
fear.
I tell you to follow what I say in front of God and the Lord
Jesus Christ and the special angels. Do not favor one thing over
another. Do everything fairly.
[21] I 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.
Don't take people in suddenly. Stay pure, and don't sin when others
sin.
[22] Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of
other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Don't drink water only. Use a little wine to help your stomach
and other illnesses.
[23] Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy
stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
Some people's sins are known before the time of judgment.
Other sins are secret for a long time.
[24] Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to
judgment; and some men they follow after.
It is the same with good works.
Some are seen earlier than others, but they will all eventually be
known.
[25] Likewise also the good works of some are manifest
beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
1 Timothy 6
Christians who are slaves should
respect their owners. Then, no one can talk bad about God because of
them.
[1] Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their
own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his
doctrine be not blasphemed.
If slaves have masters who are
Christians, they should not hate them. They are brothers in Christ.
They should help them because they also follow Christ. Teach these
things.
[2] And 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.
Anyone who teaches something
different doesn't listen to true words from our Lord Jesus Christ.
He doesn't follow what Jesus taught. That person is too proud of
himself. He doesn't know anything. He just likes to argue.
They cause arguments and fights. Their minds are sick.
Don't be around them.
[3] If 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;
[4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions
and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil
surmisings,
[5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and
destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such
withdraw thyself.
We should be content.
Being content and having faith in God is a great thing. We don't
bring anything into the world. We can't carry anything out after we
die. We should be content to have food and clothing.
[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain.
[7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out.
[8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
People who want to be rich are tempted and can be trapped. They can
be trapped by foolish and lustful feelings. These feelings can drown
men and destroy them.
[9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a
snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in
destruction and perdition.
The love of money causes much evil. Some people want money very
badly. It causes them to leave their faith. They have many sad
things happen to them.
[10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which
while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Man of God, run away from these things. Follow goodness,
righteousness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
[11] But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Fight the good fight of faith. Hang on to eternal life. God has
promised it to you. You have done well to tell many people about
Jesus.
[12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life,
whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession
before many witnesses.
A promise to follow Jesus until He
comes back.
I want you to make a promise. Make
the promise in front of God who gives life and in front of Christ
Jesus who told Pontius Pilate about his faith. Make a promise that
you will follow what you have been told about Jesus until He comes
back.
[13] I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth
all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate
witnessed a good confession;
[14] That thou keep this commandment without spot,
unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
When He comes back, He will show that He is
the King of kings and Lord of lords. He lives forever. He lives in
the light that no one can see. He will have power and honor forever.
Amen.
[15] Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and
only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
[16] Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which
no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to
whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Warn the rich people that they should
not be too proud. They should not trust their money. They
should trust the living God who gives us everything we need to enjoy
life.
[17] Charge 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;
Tell them they should do good things to help people. That will help
them be ready for the future so they can live forever.
[18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works,
ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
[19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation
against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Timothy, take care of what you have been
given. You have been trusted. Don't talk bad, and don't pay attention to stupid
talk. Some people say they are telling the truth, but they are
not. Grace be with you! Amen.
[20] O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust,
avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science
falsely so called:
[21] Which some professing have erred concerning the faith.
Grace be with thee. Amen.
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