Paul’s First Letter to Timothy
Compiled by WD Kemner August 2025
Chapter 1 Overview
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
During Paul’s Third Missionary trip he spent a lot of time in Ephesus (Acts 19). Timothy was with him. At a point Paul did send Timothy ahead into Macedonia (Acts 19:22). It is unclear if there is another occasion Paul is referring to.
1Timothy 1:4-6
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
This is a time period when nations were creating their family timelines back to their false gods. The Jews whom family heritage was important to, were being warned not to fall into the same trap.
Concordance: Law is Good used correctly
Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
1Timothy 1:12-14 Paul Testimonial
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1Timothy 1:15-17 Paul an example of God’s forgiveness
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1Timothy 1:18-20
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Admonishment to Timothy to stick with the true message unlike false teachers that were already famously taking advantage to profit from the Gospel.
These men would be similar to all the men preaching today. They were already prominent enough in Paul’s day to get mentioned by Paul in the category of men “delivered unto Satan”! There has been almost 2000 years to perfect their deception.
They are mentioned “by name” again in:
Hymenaeus - 2 Timothy 2:17
Alexander - 2 Timothy 4:14-15; Acts 19:33
“…whom I have delivered unto Satan…” see also 1Corinthians 5:5