1 Timothy study section

1 Timothy chapter summaries

A one-line summary of every chapter. Open any chapter for the full study.

Back to 1 Timothy Start with chapter 1

Chapter list

Chapters 1–3

Sound Doctrine and Church Order

Paul charges Timothy to confront false teachers and hold to sound doctrine, recalls the grace shown to him as the foremost of sinners, gives instructions for prayer and conduct in worship, and sets out the qualifications for overseers and deacons in “the household of God.”

  • Chapter 1 (c. AD 64): Paul charges Timothy to confront false teachers and marvels at the grace that saved him, the foremost of sinners.
  • Chapter 2 (c. AD 64): Instructions on prayer for all people, and on the conduct of men and women in worship, grounded in the one Mediator.
  • Chapter 3 (c. AD 64): The qualifications for overseers and deacons, and the great confession of the mystery of godliness.

Chapters 4–6

A Good Servant of Christ

Paul warns of coming apostasy and ascetic errors, urges Timothy to be a godly example and to train himself in godliness, gives directions for widows, elders, and servants, and calls for godliness with contentment, warning against the love of money and charging Timothy to guard the deposit of faith.

  • Chapter 4 (c. AD 64): A warning of coming apostasy, and a call for Timothy to train in godliness and set an example.
  • Chapter 5 (c. AD 64): Directions for relating to older and younger believers, caring for widows, and honoring elders.
  • Chapter 6 (c. AD 64): Contentment versus the love of money, a charge to the rich, and the call to guard the deposit and fight the good fight.

My notes