The Book of 1 Timothy can best be titled, 'Leadership Manual (a book of instructions; a handbook) for Church (derived from the late Greek kyriakon which meant “the Lord's house”; Yeshua referred to "the church" as individual believers coming together as “the body of Christ” that He nourishes and cares for as He does Himself (Ephesians 5). The church is His glorious temple, in which He is pleased to dwell (1 Corinthians 6:19 & Revelation 21:3)) Organization (a group of people who work together)' because the theme of this Pauline Epistle is to encourage Timothy in organization and oversight (watching over something; the responsibility for making sure something is working properly) of the Asian churches, as a faithful minister (one who serves, as distinguished from the master; a watchman of a local Body of Believers) of *Elohim.
The ^Apostle Paul writes this letter as a reference (a source of information, a mention of information) manual for leadership so that Timothy will have effective guidance for his work during Paul's absence in Macedonia (3:14 & 15). Paul want to encourage and exhort his younger assistant to become an example to others, exercise his spiritual gifts, and "fight the good fight of faith" (1:18, 4:12-16, 6:12 & 20). ^^Timothy's personal and public life must be above reproach (meaning that one cannot honestly be accused of wrongdoing); and he must be ready to deal with matters of false teaching, organization, discipline, proclamation of the Scriptures, poverty & wealth, and the roles of various groups. Negatively, he is to refute error (1:7-11 & 6:3-5); positively, he is to teach the truth (4:13-16 & 6:2, 17 & 18).
Timeframe: 62 - 63 A.D.
Key Verses: 1 Timothy 3:15, 16; 6:11-12 - "But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of Elohim, which is the church of the Living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy (dispute or argument in which people express strong opposing views) great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh worn by **Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, justified is the ***Ruach HaKo'desh, seen by ****angels, preached among the ^^^Gentiles, believed on by the world, and received (#raptured) up into glory" (3:15 & 16) … "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (6:11 & 12).
Key Chapter: 1 Timothy 3 - Listed in Chapter 3 are the qualifications for the leaders of God's Church, the elders & deacons. Notably absent are qualities of worldly success or positions.
Paul's last three recorded letters, written near the end of his full and fruitful earth life, were addressed to his authorized (power given to act; to carry out a specific act) representatives (a person who has been chosen to act or make decisions on behalf of another person) Timothy & ^^^^Titus - these are the only letters Paul wrote exclusively to individuals; and they are designed to exhort and encourage Timothy & Titus in their ministry of solidifying the churches in Ephesus & Crete. In the 18th Century, these ##epistles came to be known as the Pastoral Epistles even though they do not use any terms such as shepherd, pastor, flock, or sheep - still, this title is appropriate for 1 Timothy & Titus, since they focus on the oversight of church life. It is less appropriate in the case of 2nd Timothy, which is a more personal .. rather than church-oriented letter.
The chapters of 1 Timothy can be broken down into specific sections: (1) Concerning Doctrine (2 & 3) Concerning Public Worship (4) Concerning False Teachers (5) Concerning Church Discipline (6) Concerning Pastoral Duties; in addition, there was an insidious doctrine being taught that godliness will eventually result in material blessing - Paul, in no uncertain terms, states to Timothy … "from such, withdraw yourself" (6:5).
If you are involved in - or attending - a "prosperity preaching" church: close your ears to any further lies, and get out asap!
Before we begin today's study, be forewarned that many will be offended by what they read in a certain portion of this epistle - too bad. Suck it up. Life is hard - and so is reality. People in generations past had servants … people, today, have servants (one that serves others; domestic helper = especially: a person performing household or personal services. Etymology. Middle English servant "servant," from early French servant (same meaning)), from a form of servir "to serve," from Latin servire "to be a slave, serve," from servus "slave, servant" - related to serf). Get over yourself, shelf the pious anger (primarily motivated by a perception of injustice or other profound moral lapse), and better yourself by applying the message of The Word to your life, with full understanding of what words mean in the context they are used.
Yeshua, Himself, came to Earth as a bondservant (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, Philippians 2:5-7 & 1 Corinthians 7:22), and true Christians today, following in the footsteps of Early Church teaching … also refer to themselves as "bondservants of Christ" (Mark 9:35 = Romans 1:1, James 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1, & Jude 1:1). The term 'bondservant' describes someone who willingly gave themselves into servitude.
I teach - and post - the entire Word.
I do not cherry-pick, omit, or distort the Word to satisfy personal whims.
I am not overly concerned with feelings - which come from the heart and more often that not, lead people away from truth & salvation (Jeremiah 17:9-10 & Mark 7:21-23); I am more concerned with getting the Good News out, which leads to knowledge and eternal life. That is my goal - I am not going to be pulled into arguments fueled by emotions.
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1 TIMOTHY ~ Chapter 6
Exhortation To Servants
(vv. 1 & 2)
"Let as many servants as are under the yoke (to be under the oppressive control or burden of someone or something, like being forced to endure a difficult situation) count their own (personal) masters (a person who has control over a particular situation) worthy of all honor, so that the name of Elohim and His doctrine may not be blasphemed (the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for Elohim)~ (Ephesians 6:5)
And those who have believing masters, let them not despise (to look down on with disrespect: to regard as worthless, or distasteful) them because they are brethren, but rather serve (perform duties or services) them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
Exhortation To Godliness With Contentment
(vv. 3 thru 16)
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness - he is proud and knows nothing; but is obsessed (to be so bothered with, or interested in something, that you can't stop thinking about it) with disputes (aimless debate; discuss heatedly) and arguments (hold fast to an opinion or view; accuse; blame) over words, from which come every envy (a strong longing for what someone else has), strife (quarrel; war), reviling (to verbally abuse or attack someone with hatred or anger. It can also mean to publicly shame, threaten, or injure someone. Reviling is a form of verbal sin that includes slander, name-calling, and foul language), evil suspicions (unfounded negative thoughts about others that can lead to harmful judgments and damaged relationships), useless wrangling's (constant frictions; pointless arguments or quarrels that are contrary to the unity of the Christian community) of men of corrupt minds (a state of being dishonest or immoral; having a loss of moral integrity) and destitute of the truth (ignorant or willfully blind to the correct information or reality) - who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
Now godliness (a life of devotion to God that honors him in all aspects of life) with contentment (satisfaction and acceptance that comes from knowing Elohim's Will, and trusting Him with everything; a habit or permanent way of thinking, rather than a feeling about a specific event or thing) is great gain (Hebrews 13:5).
For we have brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out: having food and clothing - with these, we should be content (Proverbs 30:8 & 9).
But those who desire to be rich, fall into temptation (a strong urge to knowingly do wrong) and a snare (a carefully constructed trap) … and into many foolish and harmful lusts (an overwhelming longing for something someone else has, someone you desperately want - a forbidden, or taboo experience; can relate also to sexual desires) which drown (soak, drench, overcome) men in destruction (violent action causing physical death; ruination) and perdition (a state of eternal damnation or punishment for the wicked and those who reject Yeshua). For the love of money (a desire for wealth that can lead to bad actions and is often considered a form of idolatry) is the root (comes from the Latin word radix, which means "starting point," and you can think of the root of something as the place it starts from) of all kinds of evil (a condition of depravity that goes against Elohim's Will and nature; perverse behavior lacking moral decency), for which some have strayed (to wander away, as from the correct path) from the Faith (belief and trust in and loyalty to Elohim; trust and confidence in Elohim and His promises, even when you can't see Elohim or how He's working) in their greediness (inordinate desire for money, power, and security that can override moral and spiritual integrity; an excessive or extreme desire that can be harmful or lead to dissatisfaction), and pierced (stabbed) themselves through with many sorrows (a feeling of grief, pain, or affliction that can be caused by sin or tragic circumstances).
But you, O man of God, flee (avoid, or to leave) these things and pursue (follow, or seek) righteousness (live justly, honestly, and faithfully according to God's instruction), godliness, faith, love, patience (suffering, enduring or waiting, as a determination of the will and not simply under necessity), gentleness (humble, meek, and kind; softness of manners = polite, considerate approach; mildness of temper = friendly and likable; sweetness of disposition = easy to get along with); fight the good fight of Faith = stay on the straight and narrow; preach the truth of the Gospels, lay hold on eternal life - to which you were called and have confessed (to acknowledge the truth, sins, or faith openly) the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
I urge you in the sight of Elohim, Who gives life to all things; and before Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, Who witnessed the good confession before ^^^^^Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment (direction of Elohim, concerning particular matters) without spot (anything that soils purity), blameless (free from guilt or fault) until our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach's appearing (return to Earth; Second Coming), which He will manifest in His own time - He, Who is the blessed and only Potentate (Head Ruler; undivided sovereignty or rule of a single person; there is no higher authority), the King of kings (power and authority over all kings and worldly powers) & Lord of lords (a title used to describe Yeshua's supremacy and authority over all rulers and creation); Who alone has immortality (condition free from both death and decay), dwelling in unapproachable light (a phrase that describes Elohim's dwelling place and the gulf between God and humans; Elohim's immense glory and overwhelming holiness), Whom no man has seen or can see: to Whom be honor and everlasting power (not subject to time; no limits of duration period), Amen (Daniel 2:22 & John 6:46).
Exhortation To The Rich
(vv. 17 thru 19)
Command those who are rich in the present age not to be haughty (having an attitude of arrogance, pride, and ego-driven towards others), nor to trust in uncertain riches (wealth that is unstable, inconsistent, or can be taken away easily; avoid materialism = do not treat materials as idols, putting them in a place reserved only for Yeshua), but in the Living God - Who gives us richly all things to enjoy (Jeremiah 9:23). Let them do good (Psalm 37:3 tells us to “do good,” = to represent our Father in heaven, Who is good), that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come (laying the groundwork for a righteous and meaningful future according to Elohim's Will; building one's life on the solid rock of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach); that they may lay hold of eternal life (Matthew 6:20-21 & 19:21).
Fifth Charge: "Guard What Was Committed!"
(vv. 20 & 21)
O Timothy! Guard (be watchful, protective, and to avoid negative influences) what was committed (an agreement or pledge to do something) to your trust (a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or strength of someone), avoiding (keep away; do not get involved) the profane (Latin root profanus means "unholy,") and vain (empty, worthless, or without value) babblings (speech that is foolish, incoherent, or meaningless = to talk idly or irrationally; to talk thoughtlessly; to talk much) and contradictions (different than what has been said or affirmed; denial) of what is falsely called knowledge = empty chatter: by professing (to openly declare or affirm one's faith, beliefs, or allegiance; to tell; to show; to share) it, some have strayed concerning the Faith. Grace (a supernatural help from Elohim, granted in consideration of the merits of Christ) be with you. Amen."
Maranatha - 'Micah 6:8' lyrics:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Tb4-riE7o)
*Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾּlōhīm: (eloˈ(h)im) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the God of Israel.
**Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.
Christ (from the Hebrew word, Ha’Mashiach ישוע המשיח & the Greek word, Christos/khris-tos) = The Anointed, Yeshua the Messiah, in both languages.
***Ruach HaKo'desh (The Hebrew language phrase ruach ha-kodesh is pronounced ROO-akh-KOH-desh: רוח הקודש, "holy spirit" also transliterated ruaḥ ha-qodesh) is used in the Hebrew Bible and Jewish writings to refer to the spirit of YHWH (רוח יהוה); the Holy Spirit occurs 90 times in the Brit Chadashah. Luke 3:16; Ephesians 1:13, & 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:9; & Jude 1:20.
The New Testament is called the B'rit Chadashah in Hebrew, meaning "New Covenant" (the word B'rit means "covenant" and Chadashah means "new").
****Angel: (n) – a spiritual being in position of attendant, agent, or messenger of Elohim (often represented in human form with wings and a long robe).
^Apostle Paul = known as Saul before he converted to Christianity (Acts 9), was the chief killer of Christians following Yeshua’s death, resurrection, and ascension – being the foremost witness to the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7).
The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the early Christian Church. He played a crucial role in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews) during the first century, and his missionary journeys took him all throughout the Roman empire.
^^Timothy = son of the devout Jewish woman, Eunice, and a Greek father, Timothy became a follower of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach when Apostle Paul preached the Gospel in Lystra, Timothy’s hometown. Paul invited the young convert to accompany him on his second missionary journey; and was sent to Thessalonica to strengthen the fellowship there. After another journey with Paul, Timothy was sent to Corinth to straighten out some problems upsetting the fellowship there.
Timothy later looked after Paul during Paul’s imprisonment. Timothy subsequently was asked to go to Ephesus to represent Paul, and received the two letters from Paul that bear Timothy’s Name. Timothy – these letters reveal, was like a son to Paul.
The last word in the New Covenant about this sensitive, sickly, but faithful young helper was that he was imprisoned but finally released. Acts 16:1, 17:14-15, 18:5, 19:22 & 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4;17 & 16:10; 2 Corinthians1:1 & 19; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 3:2, & 6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 & 2 Timothy; Philemon 1; and Hebrews 13:23.
^^^Gentile = person who is not Jewish. The word stems from the Hebrew term ha-goyim, “the nations,” meant nations of the world that were not Hebrew.
^^^^Titus = a Greek who converted to Christianity, became one of Apostle Paul's most trusted and able assistants. Although Paul earlier had insisted that Timothy be circumcised, he refused to allow Titus to be circumcised in order to demonstrate once and for all to the Judaizers (then undermining Paul's work) that it is faith in Yeshua Ha'Mashiach that saves. Paul presented Titus as living proof of this doctrine at the Jerusalem Council. Titus continued to serve as Paul's preaching companion and troubleshooter. He was particularly useful in straightening out problems in the churches at Corinth after Timothy had failed, at Ephesus - and later, at Crete. The last mention of him in the New Covenant, 2 Timothy 4:10, states that Paul planed to send Titus to Dalmatia. The early church fathers, and others, link Titus closely to Crete, where he was supposed to have served as bishop and later, died. 2 Corinthians 2:13; 7:6, 13 & 14; 8;6, 16, &23; 12:18; Galatians 2:1 & 3; 2 Timothy 4:16; & Titus 1:4.
The Jerusalem Council: was a meeting of Christian leaders in Jerusalem around 50 CE. The council was called to decide whether Gentile Christians should follow Jewish law. The council's decision established that Gentile Christians did not need to follow most Jewish laws.
^^^^^Pontius Pilate = a hard-boiled army man, Pontius Pilate was the inept 5th Roman prosecutor of the province of Judea. He was a bad selection for such an explosive area, and immediately showed an insensitivity that brought the province to the brink of revolt. Moving his headquarters to Jerusalem, Pilate offended everyone by needlessly insisting upon bringing the hated and blasphemous Roman eagles and standards into the area overlooking the Temple. A violent 5-day demonstration erupted. In the end, Pilate was forced to remove the emblems. Next came the episode of the water mains: Pilate decided to raid the Temple treasury to improve the Jerusalem water system - this time, when the mob gathered to protest, Pilate turned his soldiers loose and massacred many. Third, came the episode of the shields, which Pilate had hung in Herod's palace. This time the emperor, himself, forced Pilate to back down. His vacillation before the authorities and the crowd during Yeshua's trial shows him as an impatient, unsympathetic opportunist. Part of the irony of the crucifixion was the fact that a representative of the best government in the ancient world had such a key role. Pilate was removed from office in 36 AD by the Emperor Vitellus after Pilate senselessly wiped out an entire village of Samaritans. He is the subject of many stories; some say that he was beheaded by Nero - others, that he committed suicide; still, others that he was banished to Vienna. His body was said to have been dumped in Lake Pilatus in Switzerland. Only the Abyssinian church (the church's name comes from Abyssinia, the ancient name of Ethiopia) has ever made a saint of Pilate, offering their belief that before his death, he prayed to Yeshua for forgiveness. Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 3:1, 13:1 & 23:1 thru 52; John 18 & 19; Acts 3:13, 4:27, & 13:28; 1 Timothy 6:13.
#Rapured = Biblically understood to mean the sudden transformation and catching up of all Christians, to meet Yeshua in the air - as He, Himself was caught up into Heaven following His resurrection; End Time belief among born-again Christians is that both living and dead Believers will take part in this occurrence. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 & 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.
##Epistles = letters written to Christians by apostles and other figures. The word "epistle" comes from the Greek word epistolḗ which means "letter".
**Wednesday Bible Study/1 TIMOTHY ~ Chapter 5: https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/02/wednesday-bible-study1-timothy-chapter-5.html
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