FocusThe purpose of the commandment
Connection to the wholePaul directs Timothy against speculative teaching and explains the proper use of the law in relation to the glorious gospel.
interpretation 1 Timothy 1:4
KJVNeither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Read it in context
Contrary teaching confronted
Start reading at 1 Timothy 1:1 (1 Timothy 1:1 to 1 Timothy 1:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul directs Timothy against speculative teaching and explains the proper use of the law in relation to the glorious gospel.
- 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
- 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
- 1:3 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,
- 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
- 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
- 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
- 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
- 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
- 1:9 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,
- 1:10 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;
- 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 1:1–3:16): Paul addresses Timothy, urged to remain at Ephesus, about false teaching, prayer, conduct, and the qualifications of overseers and deacons. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Contrary teaching confronted. Read 1 Timothy 1:1 through 1 Timothy 1:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul directs Timothy against speculative teaching and explains the proper use of the law in relation to the glorious gospel. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter recalls Paul's departure into Macedonia and Timothy's charge at Ephesus. It does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Timothy's assignment is associated with Ephesus. Some instructions concern assemblies and households rather than a single scene. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Contrary teaching confronted (1 Timothy 1:1 to 1 Timothy 1:11). Start reading at 1 Timothy 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's saving work and, in the KJV, confesses God manifested in the flesh. Read the household and ministry instructions in relation to the truth the church is charged to uphold. See 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Guard sound teaching, practice godliness, and care responsibly for the congregation and vulnerable people. Keep the addressed situations visible when applying instructions about leaders and households. interpretation
Cited: 1 Timothy 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:11, 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Timothy 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedMany critical scholars treat the three Pastoral Epistles as later, based on vocabulary and church structure.
Related passages
- to 1 Tim 4:7 1 Tim 6:4,20 2 Tim 2:14,16-18 2 Tim 4:4 Titus 1:14 2 Pet 1:16
- endless Titus 3:9
- questions 1 Tim 6:4-5 2 Tim 2:22
- godly 1 Tim 3:16 1 Tim 6:3,11 2 Cor 1:12 2 Cor 7:9-10 Eph 4:12-16 Titus 1:1 Heb 13:9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 1
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.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
Paul's example of mercy
1 Timothy 1:12–17FocusGrace toward a former persecutor
Connection to the wholePaul's testimony shows the gospel's saving mercy and redirects attention from speculative ambition toward gratitude and praise.
interpretation Timothy's charge
1 Timothy 1:18–20FocusFaith and a good conscience
Connection to the wholeThe charge is joined to warnings from those who have made shipwreck, retaining the seriousness of continuing in faithfulness.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
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.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
FocusSound teaching and Paul's mercy
Connection to the wholePaul identifies the problem of contrary teaching and grounds Timothy's charge in the gospel and the mercy shown to Paul.
interpretation Prayer, conduct, and leadership
1 Timothy 2:1–3:16FocusOrder in God's house
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
interpretation False teaching and faithful ministry
1 Timothy 4:1–16FocusDoctrine joined to example
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
interpretation Care and responsibility
1 Timothy 5:1–6:2FocusAge groups, widows, elders, and servants
Connection to the wholePractical directions apply the church's calling to material support, honour, correction, and daily relationships.
interpretation The final charge
1 Timothy 6:3–21FocusGodliness, wealth, and keeping the trust
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.