Workers For Jesus Online Bible Study

The Book of 1 Timothy

 1 Timothy is one of Paul's Epistles. Epistles are letters Paul wrote to Christians in the early churches.
 


Timeline of the Bible


God creates the world. --- God destroys the world with the flood, but saves  Noah and his family.---
 God chooses Abraham and his descendants to His people. ---Abraham's grandson, Jacob, has 12 sons who lead the 12 tribes of Israel.--- The Israelites become slaves in Egypt.--- God helps the Israelites escape and leads them to Canaan. ---The Israelites fight in wars and take control of Canaan.---Judges lead the Israelites, but the Israelites want to have kings instead of judges. ---    David is Israel's greatest king. ---   Israel divides into 2 parts: Israel and Judah.---  The people of Israel and Judah continue to sin and worship false gods.--- God allows the Assyrians and the Babylonians to take the Israelites out of Israel and Judah.---   The Israelites (Jews) live in Babylonia and then Persia. --- When Persia defeats the Babylonians, the Jews go back to Judah.--- The Jews build God's Temple in Jerusalem again.--- Greece defeats Persia, and the Greeks control Judah (also now called Israel).--- The Jews become independent for 100 years.-- The Romans take control of Israel.--- Jesus is born. At age 30, Jesus begins his ministry. ---Jesus is crucified and then is resurrected.     A Roman named Saul is converted to Christianity and becomes Paul.--- Christianity spreads. ---    This book of the Bible happens between theses times   Paul write letters to Christians in other places. In the year, 70 A.D., God's Temple in Jerusalem is destroyed again.

 

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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