Paul wrote 1 Timothy. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.
This book is the first letter Paul wrote to Timothy. Timothy was his disciple and close friend. Paul probably wrote it near the end of his life.
Paul had left Timothy in the city of Ephesus to help the believers there. Paul wrote this letter to instruct Timothy about various matters. The topics he addressed included church worship, qualifications for church leaders, and warnings against false teachers. This letter shows how Paul was training Timothy to be a leader among the churches.
Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "1 Timothy" or "First Timothy." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's First Letter to Timothy."
Discipleship is the process of encouraging people to live the way Jesus wants them to live, to be more like Christ. This letter gives many instructions about how a leader should train a less mature Christian. (See: disciple)
In this book, the word "I" refers to Paul. Also, the word "you" is almost always singular and refers to Timothy. The exception to this is 6:21.
Paul used these phrases to express the idea of a very close union between Jesus Christ and believers--that believers belong to Christ. Belonging to Christ means the believer is saved and is made a friend with God.
These phrases also have specific meanings that depend on how Paul used them in a particular passage. Depending on the the context, the word “in” can mean “because of,” “by means of,” “that agrees with,” “in submission to,” “in the manner of,” or “in regard to.” The translator may represent those more immediate senses. But, if possible, it would be good for the translator to choose a word or phrase that represents both the immediate sense and the sense of “in union with.” (See: inchrist)
For the following verse, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULB text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope,
2 to Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 As I urged you to do when I was leaving for Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you can command certain people not to teach a different doctrine. 4 Neither should they pay attention to stories and endless genealogies. These promote arguments rather than the plan of God, which is by faith. 5 Now the goal of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith. 6 Some people have gone astray from these things and have turned to worthless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or what they so confidently affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully. 9 We know this, that law is not set in place for a righteous man, but for lawless and rebellious people, for ungodly people and sinners, and for those who are unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 for sexually immoral people, for those who practice homosexuality, for those who kidnap people for slaves, for liars, for false witnesses, and for whatever else is opposed to truthful teaching. 11 This instruction is according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord. He strengthened me, for he considered me faithful, and he appointed me to service. 13 I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. But I received mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith and the love that is in Christ Jesus. 15 This message is reliable and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 But for this reason I was given mercy, so that in me, the chief, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all patience. He did this as an example for those who would believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the king of the ages, the immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
18 I am placing this command before you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that you might fight the good fight, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Such are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered over to Satan so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1-2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.
In this chapter, Paul calls Timothy a "son" and his "child." Paul discipled Timothy as a Christian and a church leader. Paul may also have led him to believe in Christ. Therefore, Paul called Timothy his "son in the faith."
Genealogies are lists that record a person's ancestors or descendants. Jews used genealogies to choose the right man to become king. They did this because only a son of a king could normally become king. They also showed from what tribe and family they came. For example, priests came from the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron. Most important people had records of their genealogies.
The phrase "the law is good if one uses it lawfully" (1 Timothy 1:8) is a play on words. The English words "law" and "lawfully" come from the same root, and they translate words that come from the same root in the original language, so it would be well to translate the clause so as to preserve this word play.
In this book, unless otherwise noted, the word "our" refers to Paul and Timothy
"I, Paul, wrote this letter. I am an apostle." Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. Immediately after introducing the writer, you may want to indicate to whom the letter was written, as in the UDB.
"by the command of" or "by the authority of"
"God who saves us"
Here "our hope" refers to the person in whom we have confidence. Alternate translation: "Christ Jesus, who is the one in whom we have confidence" or "Christ Jesus, whom we trust"
Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though they were father and son. This shows Paul's sincere love and approval of Timothy. It is also likely that Timothy was converted to Christ by Paul, and so this is why Paul considers him like his own child. Alternate translation: "who is truly like a son to me"
"May grace, mercy, and peace be yours," or "May you experience kindness, mercy, and peace"
"God, who is our Father, and." Here "Father" is an important title for God.
"Christ Jesus, who is our Lord"
The word "you" in this letter is singular and refers to Timothy.
Paul encourages Timothy to reject the wrong use of the law and instead to use good teaching from God.
"As I pleaded with you" or "As I asked you very strongly"
"wait for me there in the city of Ephesus"
The implied information can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "a different doctrine from what we teach"
"And I also want you to command them not to pay attention"
These may have been stories about their ancestors.
With the word "endless" Paul uses exaggeration to emphasize that the genealogies are very long.
the written or verbal record of a person's parents and ancestors
"These make people angrily disagree." The people debated about stories and genealogies about which no one could know the truth for certain.
Possible meanings are 1) "rather than helping people to understand God's plan to save us, which we learn by faith" or 2) "rather than helping us to do God's work, which we do by faith."
This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here Paul explains the purpose of what he is commanding Timothy.
Here this does not mean the Old Testament or the Ten Commandments but rather the instructions that Paul gives in 1 Timothy 1:3 and 1 Timothy 1:4.
Possible meanings are 1) "is to love God" or 2) "is to love people."
Here "pure" means the person does not have hidden motives to do wrong. Here "heart" refers to a person's mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "from a mind that is honest"
"a conscience that chooses right instead wrong"
"genuine faith" or "a faith without hypocrisy"
Paul speaks of people who no longer try to "love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith"
"begun to have useless discussions"
Here "law" refers to the law of Moses.
"even though they do not understand" or "and yet they do not understand"
"what they so confidently state is true"
"we understand that the law is useful" or "we understand that the law is beneficial"
"if a person uses it correctly" or "if a person uses it the way God intended"
"Because we realize this" or "We also know this"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God did not set the law in place for the righteous man"
Here "man" includes both male and female. Alternate translation: "a righteous person" or "a good person"
This refers to anyone who sleeps with someone to whom they are not married.
"sexual activity with other members of the same sex." The Greek word specifies males, but it probably is intended here to includes females as well.
"those who kidnap people to sell as slaves" or "those who take people to sell as slaves"
The Greek has "healthy" but that term is a figure for "truthful" here. It is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "whatever other things people do that we teach is wrong"
"the gospel about the glory that belongs to the blessed God" or "the gospel of the glorious and blessed God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which God has given me and made me responsible for"
"he considered me trustworthy" or "he regarded me as reliable"
"he assigned me to serve him" or "he appointed me as his servant"
Paul begins to tell how he acted in the past.
"I was a person who spoke evil against Christ." Paul is referring to his character before he was a Christian.
"a person who persecuted those who believed in Christ"
"a person who was cruel to other people" or "a person who believed I had the right to hurt others"
"But because I did not believe in Jesus, and I did not know what I was doing, I received mercy from Jesus"
"Jesus showed me mercy" or "Jesus had mercy on me"
Paul speaks of God's grace as if it were a liquid that could fill a container and spill out of the top when the container is full. Alternate translation: "God showed me much grace"
This is the result of God showing much grace to Paul. Alternate translation: "overflowed, which caused me to trust in Christ Jesus and love him"
This speaks about Jesus as if he were a container that holds a liquid. Here "in Christ Jesus" refers to having a relationship with Jesus. Alternate translation: "that Christ Jesus enables me to give to God because I am united to him"
"This statement is true"
"we should receive it without any doubt" or "deserves for us to accept it with full confidence"
"sinners, of whom I am the chief sinner" or "sinners, of whom I am the worst." Paul is saying that he has sinned more than any other sinner, not that he has been the leader of a group of sinners.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God showed me mercy" or "I obtained mercy from God"
"the chief sinner" or "the worst sinner." Paul is saying that he has sinned more than any other sinner, not that he has been the leader of a group of sinners. See how you translated this in 1 Timothy 1:15.
The word "Now" is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here Paul praises God.
"the eternal king" or "the chief ruler forever"
The abstract nouns "honor" and "glory" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "Now may people forever honor and glorify the king of the ages, who is immortal, invisible, and the only God"
Paul begins to encourage Timothy to trust God.
Paul speaks of his instructions as if he could physically put them in front of Timothy. Alternate translation: "I am entrusting you with this command" or "This is what I am commanding you"
Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though Paul is the father and Timothy is the child. It is also likely that Timothy was converted to Christ by Paul, and so this is why Paul considered him like his own child. Alternate translation: "who is truly like my child"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "in agreement with what other believers prophesied about you"
Paul speaks about Timothy working for the Lord as if he were a soldier fighting a battle. Alternate translation: "continue to work hard for the Lord"
"a conscience that chooses right instead wrong." See how you translated this in 1 Timothy 1:5.
Paul speaks of these people's faith as if it were a ship that could be wrecked at sea. He means that they have ruined their faith and no longer believe in Jesus. You should use this or a similar metaphor if it will be understood in the project language.
These are names of men.
Paul has cast the men out of the community, so Satan now has power over them and can harm them.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God may teach them"
Paul was made an apostle according to the commandment of God.
Timothy was Paul's true son in the faith.
Timothy was to remain in Ephesus.
He was to command them not to teach a different doctrine.
His goal was love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.
The law is for lawless, rebellious, ungodly people, and sinners.
They commit murder, sexual immorality, kidnapping, and lying.
They commit murder, sexual immorality, kidnapping, and lying.
Paul was a blasphemer, persecutor, and a violent man.
The grace of our Lord overflowed to Paul.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Paul says he is an example because he was the worst of sinners, yet he received God's mercy first.
Paul says he is an example because he was the worst of sinners, yet he received God's mercy first.
Paul agrees with the prophecies made about Timothy, concerning Timothy's good warfare done with faith and a good conscience.
Paul agrees with the prophecies made about Timothy, concerning Timothy's good warfare done with faith and a good conscience.
Paul gave them over to Satan so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
1 Therefore, first of all, I urge that humble requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable before God our Savior. 4 He desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator for God and man, the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave himself as a ransom for all, as the testimony at the right time. 7 For this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 Therefore, I want men in every place to pray and to lift up holy hands without anger or arguing. 9 In the same way, the women are to dress with proper clothing, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothing, 10 but with what is proper for women who proclaim godliness through good works. 11 A woman should learn in silence and with all submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to live in quietness. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 However, she will be saved through bearing children, if they continue in faith and love and sanctification with self-control.
Paul encourages Christians to pray for everyone. They should pray for rulers so that Christians can live peacefully, in a godly and dignified way.
Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe men and women are perfectly equal in all things. Other scholars believe God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.
These terms overlap each other in what they mean. It is not necessary to view them as distinct categories.
Paul encourages Timothy to pray for all people.
"most importantly" or "before anything else"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I urge all believers to make requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving to God"
"I plead" or "I ask"
Here "peaceful" and "quiet" mean the same thing. Paul wants all believers to be able to live calm lives without trouble from the authorities.
"that honors God and that other people will respect"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God desires to save all people and for them to come to the knowledge of the truth"
Paul speaks of learning the truth about God as if it were a place to which people could go. Alternate translation: "to know and accept what is true"
A mediator is a person who helps negotiate a peaceful settlement between two parties who disagree with each other. Here Jesus helps sinners enter into a peaceful relationship with God.
"died willingly"
"as a price of freedom" or "as a payment to obtain freedom"
It can be made explicit that this was the testimony that God wants to save all people. Alternate translation: "as the proof at the right time that God wants to save all people"
This means that this was the time that God had chosen.
"For this" or "For this reason"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Christ appointed me to be a herald and an apostle" or "Christ made me a preacher and an apostle"
"an official messenger." A herald is an official messenger who is sent to bring news.
With these two comments Paul emphasizes that he is telling the truth when he says that he was appointed to be a herald, an apostle, and a teacher. Some translators may prefer to put these comments at the end of the verse.
This probably refers to what Paul was to teach about. He may be using "faith" and truth" to express one idea. Alternate translation: "about the message of faith and truth" or "about the true faith"
Paul finishes his instructions on prayer and then gives some special instructions for women.
Here "holy hands" is a metonym for a holy person. Alternate translation: "I want holy men in every place to lift up their hands and pray"
"the males in all places" or "the males everywhere." Here the word "men" refers specifically to males.
It was a normal posture for people to raise their hands while praying.
Both of these words mean basically the same thing. Paul is emphasizing that women should wear clothes that are appropriate and do not attract improper attention from men.
During Paul's time, many Roman women braided their hair to make themselves attractive. Braiding is only one way a woman can give undue attention to her hair. If braided hair is unknown, it can be stated in a more general way. Alternate translation: "not having fancy hairstyles" or "not having elaborate hairstyles that attract attention"
These are beautiful and valuable white balls that people use as jewelry. They are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean.
Possible meanings of this verse are 1) the words "through good works" tell how the women Paul is talking about "proclaim godliness" or 2) those words tell how women are to "dress," a metaphor that refers to what people are to see and think about when they look at the women to whom Paul is writing. Alternate translation: "but with good works, as is proper for women who proclaim godliness"
"who want to show that they honor God by doing good deeds"
"in quietness"
"and submit to what is taught"
"I do not allow a woman"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Adam is the one God formed first" or "God created Adam first"
The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "and then God formed Eve" or "and then God created Eve"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "And Adam was not the one whom the serpent deceived"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but it was the woman who disobeyed God when the serpent deceived her"
Here "she" refers to women in general. Possible meanings are 1) God will keep women physically safe as they give birth to children, or 2) God will save women from their sins through their role as child bearers.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will save her" or "God will save women"
"if they remain" or "if they continue living." Here "they" refers to women.
The abstract nouns here can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "in trusting Jesus and loving others and living a holy life"
Other possible meanings are 1) "with good judgment" or 2) "with modesty."
Paul requests prayers be made for all people, for kings and all who are in authority.
Paul requests prayers be made for all people, for kings and all who are in authority.
Paul desires that Christians be allowed to live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Christ Jesus is the mediator between God and man.
Christ Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all.
Paul is a teacher of the Gentiles.
Paul wants men to pray and lift up holy hands.
Paul wants women to dress modestly and with self-control.
Paul does not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man.
Paul says his reasons are that Adam was formed first, and that Adam was not deceived.
Paul says his reasons are that Adam was formed first, and that Adam was not deceived.
Paul wants women to continue in faith and love and sanctification with soundness of mind.
1 This saying is trustworthy: If someone desires to be an overseer, he desires a good work. 2 Therefore the overseer must have a good reputation. He must be a husband of one wife. He must be moderate, sensible, orderly, and hospitable. He must be able to teach. 3 He must not be addicted to wine, not a brawler, but instead, gentle, peaceful. He must not be a lover of money. 4 He should manage his own household well, and he should make sure his children obey and respect him in every way. 5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for a church of God? 6 He should not be a new convert, so that he does not swell with pride and might fall into condemnation as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with those outside, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil. 8 In the same way, deacons should be dignified, not double-talkers. They should not drink too much wine or be greedy. 9 They should keep the mystery of the faith with a clean conscience. 10 They should also be approved first, and then they should serve because they are blameless. 11 In the same way, their wives should be dignified, not slanderers, but sober and faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife. They must manage well their children and household. 13 For those who have served well acquire for themselves a good standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14 As I write these things to you, I hope to come to you soon. 15 But if I delay, I am writing so that you may know how to conduct yourself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16 We all agree that the mystery of godliness is great:
"He was revealed in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was proclaimed among nations,
was believed on in the world,
and was taken up in glory."
1 Timothy 3:16 was probably a song, poem, or creed the early church used to list important doctrines that believers all shared.
The church has used different titles for church leaders. Some titles include elder, pastor, and bishop. The word "overseer" reflects the meaning of the original language in verses 1-2. Paul writes about "deacons" in verses 8 and 12 as another kind of church leader.
This chapter lists several qualities that a man must have if he is to be an overseer or deacon in the church.
Paul gives some special instructions on how the overseers of the church should act and be.
"an honorable task"
An overseer must have only one wife. It is unclear if this excludes men who have been previously widowed or divorced, or never married.
"He must not do anything to excess, must be reasonable and behave well, and must be friendly to strangers"
"He must neither drink too much alcohol nor like to fight and argue, but instead he must be gentle and peaceful"
"greedy for money"
"He should lead" or "He should take care of"
Possible meanings are 1) the overseer's children should obey and show respect to their father or 2) the overseer's children should show respect to everyone or 3) the overseer should show respect to those in his household as he leads them.
"For when a man cannot manage"
Paul uses a question to teach Timothy. Alternate translation: "he cannot take care of a church of God." or "he will not be able to lead a church of God."
Here "church" refers to a local group of God's people. Alternate translation: "a group of God's people" or "the believers over whom he is in charge"
"He should not be a new believer" or "He must be a mature believer"
Paul speaks of a person being condemned for having done wrong as if he were falling into a hole. Alternate translation: "have God condemn him as he condemned the devil"
"those outside of the church." Paul speaks of the church as though it were a place, and of unbelievers as though they were physically outside of it. Alternate translation: "those who are not Christians"
Paul speaks of disgrace and the devil causing someone to sin as if they were a hole or a trap into which a person falls. Here "fall into" means to experience. Alternate translation: "nothing causes him shame before the unbelievers and so that the devil does not cause him to sin"
Paul gives some special instructions on how the deacons of the church and their wives should act and be.
"Deacons, like overseers,"
Paul speaks about some people as if they were "double-talkers" who could say two things at once. He is talking about people who say one thing but mean something else. Alternate translation: "should act properly and mean what they say"
"They must continue to believe, with a clean conscience, the true message God has revealed to us." This refers to a truth that had existed for some time but that God was showing to them at that moment. Paul speaks of true teaching about God as if it were an object that a person could keep with himself.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the truth of the faith that God revealed"
Paul speaks of a person's knowledge that he has done no wrong as if that knowledge or conscience were clean. Alternate translation: "faith, knowing they have tried their hardest to do what is right"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Other believers should approve of them first" or "They should prove themselves first"
This means other believers should evaluate those who want to be a deacon and determine if they are fit to serve in the church.
Possible meanings of "their wives" are 1) the wives of deacons or 2) female deacons or 3) women in general.
"act properly" or "be worthy of respect"
"should be dignified; they should not speak evil about other people, and they should not do anything to excess; rather, they should be faithful"
"moderate." See how you translated "moderate" in 1 Timothy 3:2.
A man must have only one wife. It is unclear if this excludes men who have been previously widowed, divorced, or never married. See how you translated this in 1 Timothy 3:2.
"properly take care of and lead their children and others who live in their homes"
"For those deacons" or "For these church leaders"
"receive for themselves" or "gain for themselves"
The implied meaning may be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "a good reputation among other believers"
Possible meanings are 1) they will trust in Jesus with even more confidence or 2) they will speak confidently to other people about their faith in Jesus.
Paul tells Timothy the reason he wrote to him and then describes Christ's godliness.
Paul expected that his desire to visit them soon would happen. Alternate translation: "I expect to come to you soon"
"But in case I cannot go there soon" or "But if something prevents me for being there soon"
Paul speaks of the group of believers as if they were a family. Possible meanings are 1) Paul is referring only to Timothy's behavior in the church. Or 2) Paul is referring to believers in general. Alternate translation: "so that you all may know how to conduct yourselves as members of God's family"
This phrase gives us information about "the household of God" rather than making a distinction between a household of God which is the church and one that is not the church. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "household of God. Those who belong to the family of God are the community of believers in the living God"
Paul speaks of the believers bearing witness to the truth about Christ as if they were a pillar and a base supporting a building. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "which is the church of the living God. And, by keeping and teaching God's truth, these members of the church support the truth just as a pillar and base support a building"
Here this expression may be speaking of God as the one who gives life to all, as in the UDB.
"No one can deny"
"that the truth that God has revealed is great"
This is most likely a song or poem that Paul is quoting. If your language has a way of indicating that this is poetry you could use it here. If not, you could translate this as regular prose rather than poetry.
Some modern translations read, "God was revealed" or "God appeared." If Paul is quoting a song or poem, the word "he" refers to Jesus Christ. If he is not quoting, the word "he" could refer to either God or Jesus Christ.
Paul uses "flesh" here to mean a human being. Alternate translation: "as a true human being"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit confirmed that he was who he said he was"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the angels saw him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people in many nations told others about him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people in many parts of the world believed in him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God the Father took him up to heaven in glory"
This means he received power from God the Father and he is worthy of honor.
The work of an overseer is good work.
An overseer must be able to teach.
An overseer must not be addicted to alcohol, and must not love money.
An overseer's children must obey and respect him.
It is important because if he cannot manage his household well, he will likely not care well for a church.
The danger is that he will become proud and fall into condemnation.
An overseer must have a good reputation with those outside the church.
Before they serve, deacons should be approved.
Godly women are dignified, not slanderers, moderate, and faithful in all things.
The house of God is the church.
Jesus was proclaimed among nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory.
1 Now the Spirit clearly says that in later times some people will leave the faith and pay attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons 2 by the hypocrisy of liars, their own consciences having been seared. 3 They will forbid people to marry and require them to abstain from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creation of God is good, and nothing received with thanksgiving is to be rejected. 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you place these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ. For you are being nourished by the words of faith and by the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But reject profane stories loved by old women. Instead, train yourself in godliness. 8 For bodily training is a little useful, but godliness is useful for all things. It holds promise for this life now and the life to come. 9 This message is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance. 10 For it is for this that we labor and struggle. For we hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, but especially of believers. 11 Instruct the people and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity. 13 Until I come, attend to the reading, to the exhortation, and to the teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders. 15 Care for these things. Be in them, so that your progress may be evident to all people. 16 Give careful attention to yourself and to the teaching. Continue in these things. For by doing so, you will save yourself and those who listen to you.
1 Timothy 4:1 is a prophecy. (See: prophet)
This is another way of referring to the last days. (See: lastday)
Paul tells Timothy what the Spirit says will happen and encourages him in what he should teach.
This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here Paul starts to tell a new part of the teaching.
These words could refer to 1) a time after Paul dies or 2) a later time in Paul's own life.
Paul speaks of people ceasing to trust in Christ as if they were physically leaving a place or an object. Alternate translation: "stop trusting in Jesus"
"and give attention" or "because they are paying attention"
"spirits who trick people and the things that demons teach"
This can be stated as a separate sentence if verse 1 is ended with a period. Alternate translation: "They will learn these things by the hypocrisy of liars" or "They will learn these things from hypocrital liars"
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is speaking of people who can no longer tell that they are doing wrong as if their minds were ruined. He speaks of their minds being ruined as if their minds were skin that someone had burned with a hot iron. Or 2) Paul is speaking of these people as if Satan had put a mark on them with a hot iron to indicate that they belong to him.
touched with a hot object until it burns brown or black
"These people will"
It is implied that they will forbid believers to marry. Alternate translation: "forbid believers to marry"
It is implied that they will forbid only certain foods. Alternate translation: "they will not allow people to eat certain foods"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that God has created is good"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we should not refuse anything for which we give thanks to God" or "everything that we eat with thanksgiving is acceptable"
Here "word of God" and "prayer" are used together to express one idea. The prayer is in agreement with the truth that God has revealed. Alternate translation: "it is dedicated for God's use by praying in agreement with his word"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we sanctify it" or "we have set it apart"
Here "word" refers to God's message or what he has revealed.
Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were objects that could be physically presented to the believers. Here, to place before means to instruct or to remind. Alternate translation: "If you help the believers remember these things"
This refers to the teaching that started in 1 Timothy 3:16.
This refers to all believers whether male or female.
Paul speaks of God's word and its teaching as if it could physically feed Timothy and make him strong. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the words of faith and the good teaching that you have followed are causing you to trust more strongly in Christ"
"words that cause people to believe"
"ungodly stories and old wives' tales." "Profane" here refers to stories that purposely dishonor God. Translate "stories" as you did in 1 Timothy 1:4.
This is probably an expression that means "silly" or "absurd." Paul is not purposely insulting women in his reference to "old women." Instead, he and his audience knew that men die younger than women, so there are more women than men whose minds have become feeble due to old age.
"train yourself to honor God" or "train yourself to act in ways that please God"
"physical exercise"
"is beneficial to this life"
"worthy of your complete belief" or "worthy of your full trust"
"This is the reason"
The word "labor" here refers to working very hard, and "struggle" is a metaphor for dealing with difficulties and dangers.
Paul and his fellow workers confidently expect that God will do all that he has promised to do. Alternate translation: "For we confidently expect that the living God... believers, will do what he promised to do" or "For we fully trust in the living God ... believers"
Possible meanings are 1) "the God who is alive," as opposed to idols, who are not alive, or 2) "God, who acts," as opposed to idols that do nothing, or 3) "God, who gives life to all living beings."
The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: "but he is especially the Savior of those people who believe"
"Command and teach these things" or "Instruct and teach these things I just mentioned"
"Do not let anyone consider you less important because you are young"
Paul wanted Timothy to be an example in these things. Alternate translation: "by speaking and doing what is right, by loving others, and by being faithful and pure"
The words "reading," "exhortation," and "teaching" can be translated with verbal phrases. The implied information can also be supplied in translation Alternate translation: "continue reading the scripture to the people, exhorting the people, and teaching the people"
Paul speaks of Timothy as if he were a container that could hold God's gifts. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Do not neglect your spiritual gift"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Be sure to use"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you received when leaders of the church spoke God's word"
This was a ceremony in which the church leaders put their hands on Timothy and prayed that God would enable him to do the work he had commanded him to do.
Paul speaks of God's gifts to Timothy as if he could physically be in them. Alternate translation: "Do all these things and live according to them"
Paul speaks of Timothy's increasing ability to serve God as if it were a physical object that others could look at. Alternate translation: "so other people will know that you are serving God better and better"
"Conduct yourself carefully and give attention to the teaching" or "Control your own behavior and give attention to the teaching"
"Continue to do these things"
Possible meanings are 1) Timothy will save himself and those who hear him from God's judgment or 2) Timothy will save himself and those who hear him from the influence of false teachers.
The Spirit says that some people will leave the faith and pay attention to deceitful spirits in the later times.
They will forbid marriage and forbid eating some foods.
Anything we eat is consecrated and acceptable through the word of God and prayer.
Paul tells Timothy to train himself in godliness.
Training in godliness is more profitable because it holds promise for this life and the life to come.
Paul exhorts Timothy to proclaim and teach these things to others.
Timothy is to be an example in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
The gift was given to Timothy by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elders.
Timothy will save himself and those who listen to him.
1 Do not rebuke an older man. Instead, exhort him as if he were a father. Exhort younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows, the real widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show honor in their own household. Let them repay their parents, because this is pleasing to God. 5 But she who is a real widow, who is left all alone, has set her hope in God and continues in offering earnest appeals and prayers night and day, 6 but the woman who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Instruct them in these things as well, so that they may be blameless. 8 But if someone does not provide for his own relatives, especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let a woman be enrolled as a widow who is not younger than sixty years old, a wife of one husband. 10 She must have a reputation for doing good deeds, whether it is that she has cared for children, or has been hospitable to strangers, or has washed the feet of God's holy people, or has relieved the afflicted, or has been devoted to every good work. 11 But as for younger widows, refuse to enroll them in the list. For when they give in to bodily desires against Christ, they want to marry. 12 In this way they incur condemnation because they set aside their first commitment. 13 At the same time, they also learn to be lazy and they go around from house to house. They not only become lazy, but they also talk nonsense and are busybodies, saying things they should not say. 14 I therefore want younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage the household, and to give no opportunity for the enemy to slander us. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has widows, let her help them, so that the church will not be burdened, so that it might help the real widows.
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor with the word and in teaching. 18 For the scripture says, "You must not put a muzzle on an ox while it threshes the grain" and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses. 20 Correct sinners before all so that the rest may be afraid. 21 I solemnly command you, before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels, to keep these commands without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 22 Place hands hastily on no one. Do not share in the sins of another person. You should keep yourself pure. 23 You should no longer drink water. Instead, you should take a little wine for the stomach and your frequent sicknesses. 24 The sins of some people are openly known, and they go before them into judgment. But some sins follow later. 25 In the same way, some good works are openly known, but even the others cannot be hidden.
Paul encourages younger Christians to honor and respect older Christians. Cultures honor and respect older people in different ways.
In the ancient Near East, it was important to care for widows, because they could not provide for themselves.
Paul was giving these commands to one person, Timothy. Languages that have different forms of "you" or different forms for commands would use the singular form here.
Paul continues to tell Timothy how to treat the men, women, widows, and younger women in the church.
"Do not speak harshly to an older man"
"Instead, encourage him"
Paul uses these similes to tell Timothy that he should treat fellow believers with sincere love and respect.
You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "exhort older women ... exhort younger women" or "encourage older women ... encourage younger women"
"with pure thoughts and actions" or "in a holy way"
"Respect and provide for widows"
"widows with no one to provide for them"
"first of all they should learn" or "let them make it a priority to learn"
"to their own family" or "to those living in their homes"
"Let them do good to their parents in return for the good things their parents have given them"
"But one who is truly a widow, who has no family"
The widow confidently expected that God would do what he promised to do. Alternate translation: "confidently expects that God will do what he promised to do" or "fully trusts in God"
"continues to make requests and prayers"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how much these widows pray.
The words "night" and "day" are used together to mean "at all times." Alternate translation: "all the time"
Paul speaks about people who do not seek to please God as if they were dead. Alternate translation: "is like a dead person; she does not respond to God"
This refers to physical life.
"Teach them these things, too" or "Command them to do these things, too"
"so that no one can find fault with them." Possible meanings of "they" are 1) "these widows and their families" or 2) "the believers." It might be best to leave the subject as "they."
"does not help with his relatives' needs, especially for those family members living in his home"
"he has acted contrary to the truth we believe"
"is worse than those who do not believe in Jesus." Paul means this person is worse than an unbeliever because even unbelievers take care of their relatives. Therefore, a believer should certainly take care of his relatives.
There seems to have been a list, written or not, of widows. The church members met these women's needs for shelter, clothing, and food, and these women were expected to devote their lives to serving the Christian community.
As Paul will explain in 5:11-16, widows who were younger than 60 years old might get married again. Therefore the Christian community was to care only for widows who were older than 60.
Possible meanings are 1) she was always faithful to her husband or 2) she had not divorced her husband and then married another man.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People must be able to tell others about her good deeds"
"has welcomed strangers into her home"
Washing the dirty feet of people who have been walking in the dirt and mud is one way of meeting other people's needs and making life more enjoyable for them. This probably means she did humble work in general. Alternate translation: "has done common work to help other believers"
Some versions translate this word as "the believers" or "saints." The essential idea is to refer to Christian believers.
Here "the afflicted" is a nominal adjective that can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "has helped those who are suffering"
"has given herself to doing all kinds of good deeds"
"But do not include younger widows in the list." The list was of widows aged 60 years and older whom the Christian community would help.
"For when they prefer to fulfill their sensual desires and get married, they go against their promise to serve Christ as widows"
"do not keep their prior commitment" or "do not do what they promised before to do"
The commitment of the widows was their agreement to serve the Christian community for the rest of their lives if the community would supply the widows' needs.
"get into the habit of doing nothing"
These three phrases are probably three ways of speaking of the same activity. These people should not be looking into other people's private lives and telling about them to others who are no better off after hearing.
words that do not help those who hear them
people who look into other people's private lives for their own good and not for the good of the other people
"to take care of everyone in her house"
These words could refer to 1) Satan or 2) unbelievers who are hostile to Christians.
Here "us" refers to the entire Christian community, including Timothy.
Paul speaks of living in faithfulness to Christ as if it were a path to be followed. This means the women stopped obeying Jesus and started obeying Satan. Alternate translation: "left the path of Christ to follow Satan" or "decided to obey Satan instead of Christ"
"any Christian woman" or "any woman who believes in Christ"
"has widows among her relatives"
Paul speaks of the community having to help more people than they are able as if they were carrying too much weight on their backs. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that the church will not have more work to do than they can" or "so that the Christian community will not have to help widows whose families could provide for them"
"those women who have no one to provide for them"
Paul again talks of how elders (overseers) should be treated and then gives Timothy some personal instructions.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "All believers should think of the elders who are good leaders as worthy"
Possible meanings are 1) "respect and payment" or 2) "more respect than others receive"
Paul speaks about the word as if it is an object that a person can work with. Alternate translation: "those who work hard preaching and those who teach God's word"
This is personification that means that this is what someone has written in the scriptures. Alternate translation: "For we read in the scriptures that"
Paul is using this quotation as a metaphor meaning that church leaders deserve to receive payment from the Christian community for their work.
place a sleeve over an animal's snout and mouth to prevent it from eating
An ox "threshes the grain" when it walks on or pulls a heavy object over the cut grain to separate the grain from the stalks. The ox was allowed to eat some of the grain as it worked.
"deserves"
Paul speaks of accusations as if they were objects that could be physically accepted by people. Alternate translation: "Do not accept as true any accusation that someone speaks"
"at least two" or "two or more"
This refers to anyone doing anything that disobeys or displeases God, even things that other people do not know about.
"where everyone can see"
"so that others will be afraid to sin"
This means the angels whom God and Jesus have chosen to serve them in a special way.
The words "partiality" and "favoritism" mean basically the same thing. Paul is emphasizing that Timothy must judge honestly and be fair to everyone. Alternate translation: "to keep these rules without being partial or showing favor to anyone"
The phrase "these commands" could refer to 1) the rules Paul just told Timothy or 2) the rules Paul is about to tell Timothy.
The placing of hands was a ceremony in which one or more church leaders would place their hands on people and pray that God would enable those people to serve the church in a way that would please God. Timothy was to wait until the person had shown good character for a long time before officially setting that person apart to serve the Christian community.
Paul speaks of someone's sin as if it were an object that could be shared with others. Alternate translation: "do not join in another person's sin" or "do not participate when another person sins"
Possible meanings are 1) if Timothy chose someone who was guilty of sin to be a church worker, God would hold Timothy responsible for that person's sin or 2) Timothy should not commit sins he saw others committing.
It is implied that Timothy should not drink only water. Paul is telling Timothy to use wine as medicine. The water in that area often caused sickness.
"because of your stomach and your frequent sicknesses" or "to help your stomach and to stop your frequent illnesses"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The sins of some people are very obvious"
"their sins go before those people into judgment." Paul speaks of sins as if they were moving. Possible meanings are 1) Their sins are so obvious that everyone will know they are guilty even before anyone testifies against them or 2) Their sins are evident, and God judges them now.
"But some sins follow people later." Paul speaks of sins as if they were moving. Possible meanings are 1) Timothy and the Christian community will not know about certain sins until later or 2) God will not judge some sins until the final judgment.
"some good works are obvious"
The works are considered "good" because they fit with God's character, purposes, and will.
Paul speaks of good works as if they were objects that someone cannot hide. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but people will later find out about even the good deeds that are not obvious"
Paul told Timothy to treat him as if he were a father.
Children and grandchildren should repay their parents and take care of her.
He has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
A widow should be known for good deeds.
There is the danger that she will later want to marry, revoking her prior commitment.
There is the danger that she will later want to marry, revoking her prior commitment.
Paul wants younger women to marry, to bear children, and to manage the house.
Elders who lead well should be considered worthy of double honor.
There must be two or three witnesses before an accusation is received against an elder.
Paul commands Timothy to be careful to keep these rules without favoritism.
For some people, their sins are not known until the judgment.
1 Let all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor. They should do this so that the name of God and the teaching might not be blasphemed. 2 The slaves who have believing masters should not show them disrespect because they are brothers. Instead, they should serve them all the more. For those who receive the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and declare these things.
3 If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the truthful words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, 4 he is proud and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and arguments about words that result in envy, strife, insults, evil suspicions, 5 and constant conflict between people who have morally corrupt minds. They have lost the truth and they think that godliness is a way to get more money. [1]6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 Instead, let us be satisfied with food and clothing. 9 Now those who desire to become wealthy fall into temptation, into a trap. They fall into many foolish and harmful desires, and into whatever else sinks people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people who desire it have been misled away from the faith and have pierced themselves with much grief.
11 But you, man of God, flee from these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the everlasting life to which you were called, and about which you gave the good confession before many witnesses. 13 I give these orders to you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who testified before Pontius Pilate and made the good confession, 14 to keep the command without spot or blame until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 God will reveal Christ's appearing at the right time—God, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King who reigns and the Lord who rules. 16 Only he has immortality and dwells in inapproachable light. No man sees him or is able to view him. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
17 Instruct the rich in this world not to be proud and not to hope in riches, which are uncertain. Instead, they should hope in God. He offers to us all the true riches to enjoy. 18 Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In that way they will store up for themselves a good foundation for what is to come, so that they will take hold of real life.
20 Timothy, protect what was given to you. Avoid the profane and empty talk and the conflicting ideas of what is falsely called knowledge. 21 Some men proclaim these things and so they have gone astray from the faith. May grace be with you.
Paul does not write in this chapter about whether slavery is good or bad. Paul teaches about honoring, respecting, and diligently serving masters. Paul teaches all believers to be godly and content in every situation.
Paul gives some specific instructions to slaves and masters and then continues with instructions on living in a godly way.
Paul speaks of people working as slaves as if they are oxen carrying a yoke. Alternate translation: "Let all who are working as slaves"
It is implied that Paul is speaking about believers. Alternate translation: "Let all who are believers"
This can be stated in active and positive form. Alternate translation: "the unbelievers might always speak respectfully about the name of God and the teaching"
Here "name" refers to God's nature or character. Alternate translation: "the character of God" or "God"
"the faith" or "the gospel"
Possible meanings are 1) it is because the believing masters are brothers that their slaves should not show them disrespect or 2) slaves should not think that because their masters are believers they can therefore show them disrespect.
Here "brothers" means "fellow believers."
You may need to add the words omitted by the ellipsis. Alternate translation: "the masters whom the slaves help with their good work"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "and the slaves should love them" or 2) "whom God loves"
The word "truthful" is a figure of speech from the Greek word for "healthy."
The word translated as "truthful" comes from the term "healthy" here, and it is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. See how you translated the word "healthy" in [1 Timothy 1:10]
Here "he" refers to anyone in general that teaches what is not correct. To make this clear, you can translate "he" as "they."
"understands nothing about God's truth"
Paul speaks of people who feel compelled to engage in useless arguments as if they were ill. Such people greatly desire to argue, and they do not really want to find a way to agree. Alternate translation: "All he wants to do is argue" or "He craves arguments"
"controversies and arguments about words, and these controversies and arguments result in envy"
"about the meanings of words"
arguments, fights
bad things that people falsely say about each other
evil beliefs that innocent people have done something wrong or are planning on doing something wrong
"wicked minds"
Here the word "They" refers to anyone who teaches anything that does not agree with the teaching of Jesus. The phrase "have lost the truth" represents ignoring it or forgetting it. Alternate translation: "They have ignored the truth" or "They have forgotten the truth"
This marks a break in the teaching. Here Paul begins to contrast the kind of riches the wicked people seek through godliness (1 Timothy 6:5) and the true kind of gain people receive through godliness. Alternate translation: "Of course"
The words "godliness" and "contentment" are abstract nouns. Alternate translation: "it is great gain for people to do what is godly and to be content with what they have"
"provides great benefits" or "does many good things for us"
"we brought nothing into the world when we were born"
"we can take nothing out of the world when we die"
"we should"
This word marks a break in the teaching. Here Paul returns to the topic about those who think being godly will make them wealthy (1 Timothy 6:5).
Paul speaks about those who let the temptation of money cause them to sin as if they were animals that fall into holes that hunters use as traps. Alternate translation: "to become wealthy will encounter more temptation than they can resist, and they will be like an animal in a trap"
Paul continues the trap metaphor and speaks of people who give in to their foolish and harmful desires and do evil as if they were animals who fall into a trap. Alternate translation: "They desire many foolish and harmful things and then do things that sink"
These are probably desires to do things that will harm those who do them as much as or more than they will harm other people.
Paul speaks about people who suffer because of their sins as if sin were a person who had put them under water or in mud. Alternate translation: "into other kinds of evil that ruin and destroy people"
Paul speaks of the love of money as if it were the root of a plant whose fruit is all kinds of evil. Alternate translation: "This happens because loving money is a cause of all kinds of evil"
"who desire money"
Paul speaks of wrong desires as if they were evil guides who intentionally guide people down the wrong path. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "have let their desires lead them away from the truth" or "have stopped believing the truth"
Paul speaks about grief as if it were swords that people have used to stab themselves. Alternate translation: "have caused themselves to be very sorrowful"
Here "you" is singular and refers to Timothy.
"servant of God" or "person who belongs to God"
Paul speaks of these temptations and sins as if they were things that a person could physically run away from. Alternate translation: "completely avoid these things"
Possible meanings of "these things" are 1) the "love of money" or 2) the different teachings, pride, arguments, and the love of money.
"Run after righteousness" or "Chase righteousness." Paul speaks of righteousness and other good qualities as if they were things that a person could run after. This metaphor is the opposite of "flee from." It means to try your best to obtain something. Alternate translation: "Seek to gain" or "Do your best to act in"
Here Paul speaks about a person continuing in faith as if he were an athlete fighting to win a contest or a warrior fighting a battle. Alternate translation: "Try your hardest to obey Christ's teachings with as much energy as an athlete uses in a contest"
This continues the metaphor. Paul speaks about a person receiving eternal life as if he were a victorious athlete or warrior taking their prize. Alternate translation: "Take eternal life as your reward as a victorious athlete takes his prize"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to which God has called you"
"you confessed what is good" or "you confessed the truth"
Paul expresses the idea of location in order to signal the idea of the people to whom Timothy was speaking. Alternate translation: "to many witnesses"
Paul talks of Christ's coming, gives specific instructions to the rich, and lastly closes with a special message to Timothy.
"This is what I command you"
"in the presence of God, who causes all things to live." It is implied that Paul as asking God to be his witness. Alternate translation: "with God, who causes all things to live, as my witness"
"in the presence of Christ Jesus, who spoke ... Pilate." It is implied that Paul is asking Jesus to be his witness. Alternate translation: "with Christ Jesus, who spoke ... Pilate, as my witness"
The phrase "without spot" is a metaphor for being without moral fault. Possible meanings are 1) Jesus will not find fault with Timothy or blame him for doing wrong or 2) other people will not find fault with Timothy or blame him for doing wrong.
"until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again"
It is implied that God will reveal Jesus. Alternate translation: "God will reveal Jesus"
"the One worthy of praise who rules over the world"
"Only he has the power to live forever"
"dwells in a light so bright that no one can approach him"
Here "rich" is a nominal adjective. It can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Solemnly charge those who are rich in this world"
Paul tells rich people not to confidently expect that their wealth will always provide what they need. Alternate translation: "not to confidently expect that they will always have what they need, because it is uncertain how long they may have their many possession"
Paul tells rich people that they should confidently expect God to do what he has promised to do. Alternate translation: "they should confidently expect that God will do what he has promised to do" or "they should fully trust in God"
"all the things that will make us truly happy." The reference here may include physical objects, but it more likely refers to states like love, joy, and peace that people try to obtain by means of physical objects.
Paul speaks of spiritual blessings as if they were earthly wealth. Alternate translation: "serve and help others in many ways"
Here Paul speaks about the blessings that God gives in heaven as if they were riches that a person is storing away for later use. Also, the certainty of these blessings that people will never lose is spoken of as if it were the foundation of a building. Alternate translation: "it will be as though they were storing up for themselves many things that God will give them"
This recalls the sports metaphor of 1 Timothy 6:12, where the prize is something that the winner can actually hold in his hands. Here the "prize" is "real" life.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "faithfully proclaim the true message that Jesus has given to you"
"Do not pay attention to the ungodly and useless talk"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "of what some people falsely call knowledge"
Paul speaks of those who stop obeying Christ as if they were children or animals who have gone away from where they belong and are safe. Alternate translation: "they have stopped believing the truth"
"May God give grace to all of you." The "you" is plural and refers to the whole Christian community.
Paul said that slaves should regard their masters as worthy of honor.
The person who rejects healthy words and godly teaching is proud and knows nothing.
The person who rejects healthy words and godly teaching is proud and knows nothing.
Paul says that godliness with contentment is great gain.
We should be content because we have brought nothing into the world, and cannot take anything out.
We should be content because we have brought nothing into the world, and cannot take anything out.
Those who desire to become wealthy fall into a temptation and trap.
The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Some who have loved money have wandered away from the faith.
Paul says Timothy must fight the good fight of faith.
The Blessed One dwells in inapproachable light where no man can view him.
The rich should hope in God because he offers all the true riches.
Those who are rich in good works store up for themselves a good foundation, and take hold of real life.
Paul tells Timothy to protect what has been given to him.