Introduction: Following Paul’s release from his first Roman imprisonment around 62 a.d. he visited Asia and Macedonia as planned (Philemon 1:22, Phil 2:24, 1 Tim 1:3). Around this same time he also made a missionary trip with Titus to Crete where he had briefly stopped off on his imprisoned journey to Rome (Acts 27:7-9). Titus had…
1Ti 6:11-16 What does it mean “to flee”? From what things is Timothy to flee? See 1Ti 6:3-5, 10. What things does a man of God pursue? See 1Ti 6:11. Why is perseverance important? See Mat 10:22, 24:13. Note: “pursue” is the same word translated elsewhere as “persecute”—i.e., to pursue intensely; does Paul’s use of…
1Ti 6:1-2 What does Paul mean by “all honor”? For what reason did Paul instruct that slaves should regard as worthy of all honor even an unbelieving master? See also 1 Pet 2:13-15, 18-23. Why in the same manner is it important for Christian wives to be subject in honor to their husbands, even if they…
1Ti 5:17-18 How does an elder differ from an overseer (1Ti 3:1-7) or pastor? See Tit 1:5-7, Acts 20:17,28, 1 Pet 2:25, 5:1-4 and note that while “elder” describes the mature status of church leaders, “overseer” and “pastor” describe their role. What does Paul mean by those who “rule well”? Note: the Greek words he uses…
1Ti 5:3-8 From the context of the verses that follow, what does Paul mean to “honor” widows? See also 1Ti 5:17-18. What does he mean by those who are “widows indeed”? See 1Ti 5:4-5, 16. What example do we have in Scripture of a “widow indeed” who continued “in entreaties and prayers”? See Luke 2:37. …
1Ti 4:11 From the immediate context as well as the context of the entire letter, what “things” was Timothy to teach? See especially 1Ti 4:7-10 but also 1Ti 2:1-3:13 and the “these things” of 1Ti 3:14, and Ti 4:1-5 and the “these things” of 1Ti 4:6. See also 1Ti 4:15, 5:7,21, 6:2. How are all…
1Ti 4:7-8 What does 1Ti 4:8 teach us about the nature of the “worldly fables” he mentions in 1Ti 4:7? See also 1Ti 4:3, Col 2:20-23. What does Paul mean that they are “fit only for old women” (KJV and NIV = “old wives’ tales”; literally “profane and old-womanish myths”)? Is it like Paul to…
1Ti 4:3 Through what two desires mentioned in 1Ti 4:3a is the carnal flesh of man made most manifest? Are man’s appetites for food and intimacy inherently bad and something to be avoided? See 1Ti 4:3b-4. How would these longings have led man to fulfill God’s will and intention for his creation? See Gen 1:28-31,…
1Ti 4:1 In light of the godly roles Paul described for men and women in chapter 2 and the qualifications for church leaders in chapter 3, what evidences do we see today that people have fallen away from the faith? Is it significant that it is only here and in regard to apostasy that the…
Wives are the Cornerstone of Their Home: Notice in Eph 5:22-33, Col 3:18-19, and 1Pe 3:1-7 that the role of wives is mentioned before that of their husbands. This wasn’t just because of the seeds of chivalry sown in the Christian gospel that elevated the role of women from chattel to fellow heirs with men…