“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. In the First Letter to Timothy, Paul instructs his young representative on how to appoint godly teachers and strengthen the church in Ephesus.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
In this letter Paul gives Timothy instructions for supervising the church, refutes false teachings, and guides Timothy in dealing with different groups of people in the congregation.
- Category: Epistle
- Theme: Instruction
- Timeline: Written around AD 62
Key Verse
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,” — 1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)
Practical and Theological
Paul gave Timothy instructions for the appointment of godly leaders and conduct in Christian worship. Timothy would also have to consider how to provide care for church members such as widows.
Paul expresses many important theological truths, such as the proper function of the law; salvation; the attributes of God; the Fall; the person of Christ; election; and the second coming of Christ.
7 Day Reading Guide
(See 30-day guide below.)
- Day 1: 1 Timothy 1-2
- Day 2: 1 Timothy 3-4
- Day 3: 1 Timothy 5-6
- Day 4: 2 Timothy 1-2
- Day 5: 2 Timothy 3-4
- Day 6: Titus 1-3
- Day 7: Philemon
Assistant to the Apostle
Paul often sent Timothy to churches as his representative, and 1 Timothy finds him on another assignment, serving as pastor of the church of Ephesus.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
