1 Timothy is book 15 of the 27 books of the New Testament and belongs to the Paul's Letters section. See how it fits with the rest in our guide to all 66 books of the Bible.
Quick facts
- Section
- New Testament · Paul's Letters
- Genre
- Letter (epistle): pastoral instruction
- Author (traditional)
- The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy (1:1–2).
- Other views on authorship
- Many scholars think 1 Timothy, with 2 Timothy and Titus, was written by a follower of Paul after his death because of differences in vocabulary and church structure; others defend Paul's authorship, perhaps using a secretary.
- Date (traditional)
- About AD 62–64, between a first Roman imprisonment and a later one.
- Other views on dating
- If by Paul, about AD 62–64; otherwise usually placed around AD 80–100.
- Chapters
- 6
- Verses
- 113
- Reading time
- About 12 minutes (2,325 words in the BSB)
What is 1 Timothy about?
Timothy was a young believer from Lystra, son of a Jewish mother and Greek father, who became Paul's close companion (Acts 16). Paul calls him his true son in the faith. In this letter Paul has left Timothy in Ephesus to deal with teachers who were spreading myths, endless genealogies and confused ideas about the law.
Paul's instructions cover the life of the church as God's household. He urges prayer for everyone, including rulers, since God desires all people to be saved and there is one mediator, Christ Jesus. He gives guidance on men and women in worship — a passage Christians interpret in different ways — and lists the character qualities required of overseers (elders) and deacons: self-control, faithfulness in marriage, a good reputation, and the ability to manage their homes well.
Later chapters address caring for genuine widows, honouring elders, and the dangers of wealth. Paul warns that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil and that godliness with contentment is great gain. Throughout he encourages Timothy personally: not to let anyone despise his youth, to set an example, to keep studying and teaching Scripture, and to fight the good fight of faith.
Outline of 1 Timothy
| ChaptersCh. | Section |
|---|---|
| 1 | Charge against false teaching The purpose of the law and Paul's testimony of mercy. |
| 2 | Prayer and worship Prayer for all people and order in public worship. |
| 3 | Church leaders Qualifications for overseers and deacons, and the mystery of godliness. |
| 4 | A good servant of Christ Warnings about deceptive teaching and Timothy's own example. |
| 5–6 | Care for the household Widows, elders, slaves, wealth, contentment and a final charge. |
Key themes
- Sound teaching. Healthy doctrine produces love from a pure heart and a good conscience; false teaching produces quarrels and speculation.
- Character in leadership. Leaders are chosen for proven character and faithfulness at home more than for gifts or status.
- God's mercy to sinners. Paul calls himself the worst of sinners, shown mercy as an example of Christ's patience.
- Contentment and wealth. Godliness with contentment is real gain; the rich are to be generous and hope in God rather than riches.
- Faithful perseverance. Timothy is urged to guard what was entrusted to him and fight the good fight of faith.
Key people and places
- Paul — Author and Timothy's mentor.
- Timothy — Paul's younger co-worker, leading in Ephesus.
- Hymenaeus and Alexander — Men who had shipwrecked their faith.
Places: Ephesus, Macedonia.
Key verses in 1 Timothy
Quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
“This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.”
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”
“Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
“Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.”
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
How 1 Timothy fits the big story
1 Timothy shows the church moving from its founding era, told in Acts, toward a settled life that would outlast the apostles. Like Israel's priests and elders in the Old Testament, the church needs faithful leaders to guard and teach God's word. Paul's teaching on contentment echoes Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, and his summary of the gospel centres on Jesus as the one mediator. The letter belongs with 2 Timothy and Titus as the pastoral letters, written to equip the next generation of leaders.
How to read 1 Timothy
At 2 chapters a day you can read 1 Timothy in 3 days. Read it as a mentor's letter to a younger leader. Notice how often Paul turns from church matters to Timothy's own heart and example.