1st Timothy 2:9–14 is one of the more hotly-debated passages of the New Testament. This begins the second main section of chapter 2, which actually began in verse 8 and extends to the end of the chapter at verse 15. The theme is that of the role of women within the church. The goal of…

1st Timothy 2:8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. This verse concludes Paul’s God-inspired instructions on prayer which began in verse 1 and leads into the next section of chapter 2 concerning the women in the church at Ephesus. Just as God desires all people…

1st Timothy 2:1 (NIV) I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— When the people of God come together, the first thing to be concentrated on is prayer and the recognition of God’s presence. This is the focus of the first 8 verses of 1st Timothy 2….

1 Timothy 1:18-20 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20 Among…

In this passage Paul, inspired by God, begins a digression from the main point he has been making. Such digressions are common in Paul’s writings. Paul has been charging Timothy to fulfill his duty as a preacher by opposing fables and doctrines that differ from the gospel. He has listed some of the practices that…

1st Timothy 1:12-17 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was…

This week we continue our summer series on 1st and 2nd Timothy. In 1st Timothy 1:3 Paul urges Timothy to stay in Ephesus. The specific mission Timothy has in Ephesus is to oppose false teaching. Some of the Ephesians have rejected the importance of conscience and attempt to teach without having the required knowledge. As…

Scripture warns about the serious responsibility of teaching. James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Bible scholars speculate that James’s warning was in response to a problem with too many self-titled teachers in the early church. It could…

1st Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. This week we began a summer series on the books of 1st…

The church in Ephesus crops up throughout the New Testament. Paul’s first visit there resulted in a riot (Acts 19). he nevertheless stayed on for three years, teaching and helping to build the church. From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church (Acts 20:17). beginning in verse 18 through verse 36…