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FIRST TIMOTHY BIBLICAL ARGUMENT – Structure, Outline, and Presentation (pt. 2)

Structure, Outline, and Presentation

Structure and Outline

First Timothy contains a personal but official salutation. The body of the letter contains four main parts: Paul’s instructions for Timothy against false teachers, instructions concerning the conduct of the church, instructions for guarding the truth in the church, and instructions regarding various groups within the church. Paul concludes this personal letter with a final charge to Timothy.

  1. The Salutation                                                                                 1:1-2
  2. Instructions for Timothy Against False Teachers                    1:3-20
    1. Warnings Against False Teachers                                      1:3-11
      1. The Charge to Timothy Stated                                  1:3
      2. Ignorant Teaching of the Law                                  1:4-7
      3. The Proper Use of the Law                                        1:8-11
    2. The Lord’s Abundant Grace to Paul                                  1:12-17
    3. Paul’s Charge to Timothy Reiterated                                 1:18-20
  3. Instructions Concerning the Conduct of the Church               2:1-3:16
    1. Instructions on Public Worship                                         2:1-15
      1. The Priority of Prayer for People’s Salvation        2:1-7
      2. Primary Responsibilities for Men and Women    2:8-15
    2. Qualifications for Church Leaders                                    3:1-13
      1. Qualifications of Overseers                                       3:1-7
      2. Qualifications of Deacons                                          3:8-13
  4. Instructions for Guarding the Truth in the Church                3:14-4:16
    1. The Mystery of Godliness                                                   3:14-16
    2. The Problem of Apostasy in the Church                         4:1-5
    3. Responsibilities of a Good Minister of Christ                4:6-16
  5. Instructions Regarding Various Groups in the Church         5:1-6:10
    1. Proper Treatment for All Ages                                         5:1-2
    2. The Care for Widows                                                         5:3-16
      1. Instructions for Older Widows                              5:3-10
      2. Instructions for Younger Widows                         5:11-16
    3. The Discipline and Selection of Elders                           5:17-25
      1. Reward for Worthy Elders                                      5:17-18
      2. Rebuking Sinful Elders                                            5:19-20
      3. Special Instructions to Timothy                             5:21-25
      4. The Responsibility of Slaves                                   6:1-2
      5. Instructions Concerning False Teachers and Greed 6:3-10
    4. The Final Charge to Timothy                                            6:11-21
      1. Fight the Good Fight of Faith                                  6:11-16
      2. Instructions for the Wealthy                                   6:17-19
      3. Guard What has been Entrusted                           6:20-21

Presentation

I. The Salutation (1:1-2)

The opening lines of 1 Timothy begin with a greeting from Paul that identifies himself as the author (1:1) and Timothy as the recipient (1:2a). Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of “God our Savior” introducing the theme of salvation. Paul recognizes the true faith of Timothy and also displays a Christian love. A blessing is prayed for Timothy that he might experience “grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (1:2b).

II. Instructions for Timothy Against False Teachers (1:3-20)

A. Warnings Against False Teachers (1:3-11)

    1. The Charge to Timothy Stated (1:3)

The apostle reminds Timothy of a previous charge for the purpose of impressing it more deeply on him. Paul urges Timothy and reiterates the reason he was left behind in Ephesus is to stop the false teachers and their false doctrines.

    1. Ignorant Teaching of the Law (1:4-7)

Timothy is charged to instruct certain people not to devote themselves to legends and genealogies which promote controversial speculation rather than God’s saving design which works through faith.[1] The objective of Paul’s charge is to teach love which comes from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. Paul confirms that some have departed from the “love” which comes from “a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith,” and have turned to foolish discussions. Paul identifies those who have turned from “love” as those who desire to be “teachers of the Law,” but they do not understand what they are saying or the beliefs they confidently speak about.

    1. The Proper Use of the Law (1:8-11)

Paul acknowledges that the Law is good when it is used properly. The Law was not made for the righteous, but, for the unrighteous or the lawbreakers who live opposed to the gospel message. The true gospel concerns the glory of the blessed God, and was entrusted to Paul.

B.     The Lord’s Abundant Grace to Paul (1:12-17)

Paul gives thanks to Jesus who has strengthened him for service and considered him trustworthy as he has been appointed to serve Christ. Paul describes his rebellious actions as living in ignorance and unbelief as a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; and how he was shown abundant grace by Jesus that resulted in faith and love. If God would show mercy, patience, and grace to Paul by redeeming him, the worst of sinners, then others should not despair in finding mercy. The goal of the abundant grace for all sinners is to live in faith and loving trust of Jesus finding peace, acceptance and most of all eternal life. Paul concludes his discussion showing his thanksgiving and praise of God’s gracious work by ascribing honor and glory forever to the eternal, immortal, invisible and only King.

C. Paul’s Charge to Timothy Reiterated (1:18-20)

Paul entrusts this command to Timothy in accordance with previous prophecies made about him so that he might fight the good fight. Unlike Hymenaeus and Alexander who Paul handed over to Satan because of their rejection of true faith, Paul charges Timothy to remain steadfast in his faith and live in good conscience so that he might complete his calling from God.

[1] David Malick, “An Argument of the Book of 1 Timothy,” Bible.Org, 2014, accessed July 17, 2015. https://bible.org/article/argument-book-1-timothy.

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