1 Timothy
Audience
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Key References
Explore the Structure
Explore the structure of each book.
| Section | Focus | Connection to the whole |
|---|---|---|
| The charge and the gospel 1 Timothy 1:1–20 Interpretation | Sound teaching and Paul's mercy | Paul identifies the problem of contrary teaching and grounds Timothy's charge in the gospel and the mercy shown to Paul. |
| Prayer, conduct, and leadership 1 Timothy 2:1–3:16 Interpretation | Order in God's house | Directions concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God. |
| False teaching and faithful ministry 1 Timothy 4:1–16 Interpretation | Doctrine joined to example | Paul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness. |
| Care and responsibility 1 Timothy 5:1–6:2 Interpretation | Age groups, widows, elders, and servants | Practical directions apply the church's calling to material support, honour, correction, and daily relationships. |
| The final charge 1 Timothy 6:3–21 Interpretation | Godliness, wealth, and keeping the trust | Paul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight. |
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.