1 Timothy 1-2

1 Timothy is a pastoral epistle written to Timothy. Paul and Silas picked up Timothy when they went to Derbe and Lystra in Acts 16. He was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium and was born to a Greek father and a Jewish mother. In 2 Timothy we read about how he had a mother and grandmother who were firm in their faith.

Once again Paul needs to deal with people who are teaching a different doctrine. It's interesting how easily or often there is a tenancy to change or alter the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These people spend their time discussing about myths and genealogies that are not for the purpose of more important things, like stewardship. In addition, Paul wants to make it clear that he says this because of love, not because he wants to boast about himself or bring them down.

One of the ways in which Paul wishes to correct them is with respect to the law. The law is good if one uses it lawfully. This implies that it can be used unlawfully. The law was set for the lawless and not for the righteous. The law or the setting of the law was in accordance with the gospel, which Paul goes on to talk about. Though Paul used to be a bad guy, it is God's grace which saved him through the sending of Jesus Christ into this world to save sinners. In doing so, Jesus' perfect patience is displayed.

Now to Timothy, Paul encourages him to wage a good warfare in light of the prophecies previously made about him. Apparently there had been prophecies made about him and with this he is encouraging Timothy. Rejecting faith and a good conscience is not what should be done, as has been done by Hymenaeus and Alexander. Paul brings them up to remind Timothy and show him an example of what may happen.

Next there is an urge to pray for everybody. I guess it's natural for people to pray for their friends and family, but it would be somewhat unnatural to pray for people who you do not know. Praying for everyone is a good thing since God desire all men to be saved. Here we see and know that though there certainly are people who will not be saved and are not saved, God desires everyone to be saved. There is no distinction, and it's not as if there is more than one way to be saved. There is one way to be saved and that is through Jesus Christ.

Men are to pray everywhere without anger or quarreling. In addition, women are to dress modestly with self-control. Women are to learn quietly with submissiveness. They are not allowed to teach or exercise authority over a man. The reasoning given is that Eve was formed after Adam and that she will be saved through childbearing. I guess back then it was a largely male dominated society. It doesn't change the truth of the scripture, but it's important to keep in mind.