1 Timothy

Paul writes to Timothy, instructing him to correct those in Ephesus who are teaching false doctrine and focusing on meaningless genealogies and fables. The goal of Christian instruction is to promote love, a pure heart, and a good conscience, but some have turned away from this to engage in empty talk. Paul notes that the law is good when used properly, but it is not for the righteous, rather for the unrighteous and sinful. Paul expresses gratitude for God's mercy, which he received despite his past as a blasphemer and persecutor, and commends Timothy to remain faithful and serve like a soldier in a good war.

The passage instructs believers to pray for all people, including those in authority, so that they may live peaceful and godly lives. It emphasizes that God desires all people to be saved and come to know the truth, and that Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and humanity. The passage also provides guidelines for worship, stating that men should pray with pure hands and without anger, and that women should dress modestly and learn in silence, without teaching or having authority over men. Women will be saved through childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and self-control.

A bishop must be a man of good character, married to one wife, and able to manage his own household well. He should be a teacher, not prone to drunkenness or quarreling, and have a good reputation among outsiders. Deacons must also be of good character, married to one wife, and able to manage their households well, while their wives must be chaste, not slanderers, and sober. Those who serve well will gain a good standing and confidence in their faith.

In the end times, some will depart from the faith, following false teachings and hypocritical lies. However, those who understand the truth know that all of God's creations are good and can be received with thanksgiving. A good minister of Christ Jesus should be nourished by words of faith and good doctrine, avoiding silly fables and focusing on advancing in piety. One should prioritize spiritual exercise over physical exercise, as piety holds the promise of life in the present and future.

The elderly should be treated with respect, and widows who are truly in need should be honored and cared for by the church. However, those who have family members should be cared for by them first. A widow who is to be supported by the church should be at least sixty years old, have been the wife of one husband, and have a reputation for good works. Younger widows should be encouraged to remarry and have children, rather than being supported by the church, to avoid idleness and gossip. The church should also support its leaders, such as priests, who work hard in the Word and doctrine.

Servants should honor their masters, and those with believing masters should serve them even more because of their shared faith. Those who teach otherwise are arrogant and ignorant, and their teachings lead to envy, contention, and evil suspicions. True piety is content with basic necessities, and those who desire wealth fall into temptation and destruction. Believers should instead pursue justice, piety, faith, charity, patience, and meekness, and guard against false teachings and the love of wealth.