1 Timothy

The term "overseer," one of several terms used for church leaders, was used to refer to the presiding officials in civic or religious organizations. Here it refers to those who provided leadership for local congregations, rather than leaders over a group of churches, such as the office of episcopal bishop developed in the second century. The term "elder" and "overseer" are used interchangeably in Acts 20:17,28; Titus 1:5-7; and 1 Peter 5:1-5. These leaders are to teach the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3:2; 5:17), and to provide direction and administration for the church (3:5; 5:17), to shepherd the flock of God (Acts 20:28), and to guard the church from error (Acts 20:28-31).

An overseer must be a person of noble character. These leaders should be respected by other members of the church and by those outside the church. The overseer must be above reproach, should conform to a high view of sexual morality, should be able to discipline the family, should not be a new Christian, and should not be under the domination of strong drink. Only a person of excellent character should serve as an overseer (1 Tim. 3:1-7).

3:8-13. Then Paul moves to discuss the qualification of deacons. The qualifications for deacons are virtually the same as those for elders. Generally the service of deacons (the word means one who serves) was meant to free the overseers to give full attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word (see Acts 6:2-4). The two church offices mentioned in the New Testament are overseer and deacon (see Phil. 1:1). Before being elected as deacons they should have experience in church work (1 Tim. 3:8-10,12-13)

First Timothy 3:11 applies the same qualifications for women. The Greek for the phrase "wives" simply means "the women" and therefore could refer to deacons' wives or less likely to female deacons (see Rom. 16:1).

3:14-16. Paul informed Timothy of his hopes to come to see him and the church at Ephesus. He majestically described Christ in words many scholars believe were adopted from an early hymn of adoration to Christ.

4:1-10. As the repository and guardian of the truth, the church continually must be aware of the strategies of the enemies of the truth. Paul stressed that Timothy's pastoral duties involved guarding the truth and refuting the heretics. The church was instructed to confront the false teaching by teaching correct doctrine and by godly living.

The false teachers taught a false asceticism, forbidding marriage and the eating of various foods. But Paul maintained that God has given these things to be appreciated and used for God's glory.

4:11-16. The apostle moved from the general concerns of the church to personal exhortations specifically for Timothy. Paul recognized that Timothy was a young man and that some of the older believers might be tempted to look down on his youth. Timothy was to be an example for the church "in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." He was to give himself to the public proclamation of the Scriptures through the use of gift given to him. Since God had called Timothy and the church had sanctioned his ministry through the laying on of hands, Timothy was to strive to live up to these high responsibilities.

5:1-16. From the instructions about how Timothy was to live out his call to pastoral ministry, Paul turned his attention to the various groups that make up the church. The general principle passed on by Paul was to treat different people as one would treat the members of one's own family.

First, Paul addressed the care of widows. Specifically he offered guidelines for helping widows in need, for enabling widows as workers in the church, and suggestions for the younger widows. Younger widows were to be encouraged to marry again and get new husbands to support them. The church, then, would have the responsibility to care for the older widows who have no families to take care of them.

5:17-25. The overseers/elders were not only to teach but to provide oversight for the church. These leaders who do double duty are worthy of "double honor." That such honor involves financial support is indicated by the two illustrations in v. 18.

Early church leaders, like modern ones, were not perfect. Their imperfections need to be dealt with. Criticisms of leaders should be rejected unless they can be proven to be conclusively true. Formal discipline should be exercised with care and caution when needed. These leaders must be examined thoroughly. They should not be chosen or ordained too quickly.

6:1-10. This section gives advice for slaves and masters and the rich and poor in the congregation. Paul recognized that money could be made into a false god and bring all kinds of evil to those with misplaced affections. However, money rightly used can advance the work of God and be changed into a heavenly treasure.

Finally, Paul urged Timothy to do his very best to a man of God. Timothy had been a partaker of eternal life since he had first believed the gospel, but Paul encouraged Timothy to claim the gospel's benefits in greater fullness. Timothy should fight a good fight as a soldier of God in his pursuit of holiness, his persistence in service, and in the protection of the gospel. In order to do this Timothy, like all believers, must focus his adoration on the glorious Christ.

The letter concludes with a brief benediction, "Grace be with you."

Theological Significance. The letter to Timothy develops a theology of the church. The church needs organization to do its work effectively. Church leaders give guidance and enablement for the Christian community to carry out its service. The church is to be a pillar and bulwark, a custodian of the truth. The church must strive always to avoid heresy and to teach the truths of the gospel to succeeding generations.

See Titus.