This post will focus on 1 Timothy 2:1-4:16. This focuses on Paul’s presentation of the material by giving a brief summary of the sections.
For whatever reason, WordPress does not like the formatting of the original document I produced. I have tried to correct it as much as possible, however, I see the spacing is off between the bullet points.
Presentation Continued
III. Instructions Concerning the Conduct of the Church (2:1-3:16)
A. Instructions on Public Worship (2:1-15)
-
-
- The Priority of Prayer for People’s Salvation (2:1-7)
-
The appointed apostle Paul strongly exhorts that all types of prayers be made on behalf of all people, particularly those in authority, for the purpose that Christians may live peaceful and quiet lives in all the “godliness and holiness” (2:3) that comes from God. Paul sees these type of prayers as good and pleasing to “God our Savior” (2:4). Paul confirms that God views prayer for all people as good because God desires for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth. Paul reminds Timothy and all who read this letter of the hope found in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator between God and man, and who paid the ransom for all people with His life. For the purpose of the mediation of Christ for all humans, Paul was appointed a preacher and an apostle to be “a true and faithful teacher” (2:7) to the Gentiles.
-
-
- Primary Responsibilities for Men and Women (2:8-15)
-
Paul concludes this chapter by discussing what this good and pleasing prayer to “God our Savior” (2:4) looks like for men and women. Starting with the men, he encourages the men in all places to pray without strife and to lift “up holy hands” (2:8). Paul urges the godly women to adorn themselves with good deeds and with proper and modest clothing, not gaudy or costly apparel. Paul addresses issues concerning male and female responsibilities in encouraging the women to receive instructions with submission and to not assume authority over a man. However, Paul gives two reasons for why a woman should not be allowed to teach or exercise authority over a man. First, the order of creation supports male authority and female submission. The second reason is because it was the woman who was deceived first and fell into sin. Finally, Paul sees God’s provision of childbearing to the women as a blessing and an opportunity of serving that is rewarding, sanctifying, and glorifying.
B. Qualifications for Church Leaders (3:1-13)
-
-
- Qualifications of Overseers (3:1-7)
-
Anyone who desires the task of church leadership seeks an excellent and noble work. It is necessary for those who desire to be overseers to live above reproach so that the gospel message of salvation in his life may not be disgraced or hindered by the temptations of Satan. An overseer must be sober, self-controlled, respectable in all his action, and not seek financial gain. The families of ministers are to be managed well and to be examples of good to others. A warning against a recent convert and pride is given as Paul describes how that sin led to the judgment of the devil. Finally, the minister should have a reputation with neighbors and non-Christians as one who lives above reproach.
-
-
- Qualifications of Deacons (3:8-13)
-
In the same way as overseers, so Paul sees it with deacons desiring to do good work. Deacons are to be worthy of respect, show dignity, and just as with overseers, they should not be drunkards or greedy. A deacon is to hold on to the mystery of the faith trusting what has been revealed. They should first be tested to see if they can perform the service responsibilities in the church. If they pass the test and live above reproach, then they can serve as deacons. While there is some debate about verse eleven referring to wives of deacons or women who assist deacons, for various reasons that are outside the bounds of this argument, it is the author’s opinion that this probably refers to women who assist the deacons in the function of the church.[1] In this regard, the women helpers must be similarly honorable, faithful, self-controlled, and not slander or gossip. Deacons should also be a good manager of their home and only have one wife. Paul explains the reason deacons are to be men of respect is that if they serve well they will obtain for themselves a good standing and have greater confidence in their faith that is in Christ Jesus.
IV. Instructions for Guarding the Truth in the Church (3:14-4:16)
A. The Mystery of Godliness (3:14-16)
Once again, Paul shows his personal side by longing to visit Timothy soon. But, knowing the delays he oftentimes faces, Paul describes the purpose for the letter and his writing. Like a father, Paul encourages his son how one should conduct themselves in the “household of God” (3:15). He reminds Timothy that the “household of God” is “the church of the living God,” which is a “pillar and support of the truth” (3:15). Paul describes the great “mystery of godliness” (3:16) and how that mystery is manifested in Christ. Paul confesses the great truth of Jesus Christ’s work and ministry on the earth. God was manifested in the flesh through Jesus, who took away our sins, redeemed us from all iniquity, and has purified us. This hymn addresses Christ’s ministry in the incarnation, resurrection, glorification by the angels, as well as being preached among the nations, believed in and “taken up in glory” (3:16).
B. The Problem of Apostasy in the Church (4:1-5)
Paul explains to Timothy that the Spirit expressly says that in the future many people will deny their faith by believing in false teachers that are full of deceitful spirits and demons. Hypocritical liars will claim to know the truth, but will actually impose legalism on believers by restricting and forbidding marriage and certain foods. The “false teachers forbid as evil what God has allowed, and command as a duty what he has left indifferent.”[2] But Paul responds to this hypocrisy by saying that all of God’s creation is good and should not be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, or if God sanctified it through His word and prayer.
C. Responsibilities of a Good Minister of Christ (4:6-16)
In this section, Paul provides guidance to Timothy for the purpose of godliness, which is profitable in every way, including the promise for this life and the one to come. In order to be a good servant of Christ, Timothy should have nothing to do with myths, but be constantly nourished with the words of faith and the good doctrine he has followed. Good ministers of
Christ are those who work hard and struggle in this age because their hope is in God, who is the Savior of all people, especially believers. Paul commands Timothy to teach these truths and set an example for all people in the way he lives, including speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Timothy is encouraged to read the Scriptures publicly, “to exhortation and teaching” (4:13). Paul reminds Timothy of the spiritual gifts within him and encourages him not to neglect those gifts that were given to him by prophecies “with the laying on of hands” (4:14). Timothy is to practice hard and immerse himself in these truths so that he may progress in godliness and others will see that progress. Paul urges Timothy to be attentive to himself and his teachings, and persevere in these disciplines because this work will make certain the salvation of himself and his audience.
[1] Robert M. Lewis, “The ‘Women’ of 1 Timothy 3:11,” Bibliotheca Sacra 136 (1979): 167-170.
[2] Matthew Henry, “Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: 1 Timothy,” Biblehub, 1706, accessed July 18, 2015, http://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/1_timothy/4.htm.