Quizzing the New Testament: 1 Timothy

Answer: Preventing the teaching of false doctrine

"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies." (1 Timothy 1 v. 3-4)

There are few clues in the letter as to the nature of this false doctrine. Paul does refer to those who "forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods" (1 Timothy 4 v. 3) and this has been used to speculate that the teachings involved were those of a sect called the Encratites. In this same section, he also affirms the physical nature of Jesus' incarnation:
"Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory" (1 Timothy 3 v. 16).

As a side note, this latter verse was the subject of a dissertation by Isaac Newton entitled "An Historical Account of Two Notable Corruptions of Scripture". Newton, who professed Unitarian views, argued against the King James Version's use of "God" rather than "He".

Answer: Young

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4 v. 12)

Although Timothy is described as a young man, he was clearly trusted by Paul as both a colleague on missionary journeys and as somebody who could be sent on troubleshooting missions. We read of him, in Paul's absence, managing the work not just in Ephesus but also in Thessalonica and Corinth. We also discover in this letter that Timothy did not enjoy the best of health and Paul recommends that he drink a little wine to alleviate stomach problems (1 Timothy 5 v. 23).

The book of Acts describes Timothy as having a Jewish mother and Greek father. As Jewish lineage is traced through the maternal line, this would rule out the possibility of his being a Gentile.

Answer: That Christians may be able to live peaceful and quiet lives

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Timothy 2 v. 1-2)

Elsewhere, Paul writes about submitting to those in authority on the grounds that God is the source of all such authority (Romans 13 v. 1). In this particular context, the emphasis is not on the rulers but on the believers. If, Paul says, they wish to be left alone to pursue lives of "godliness and holiness", then they should pray for those who have power over them.

Answer: The wearing of mixed fibres

"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." (1 Timothy 2 v. 9-10)

Clothing made from mixed fibres is outlawed in the Old Testament Law (Leviticus 19 v. 19). Paul's specific view on such clothing isn't known but was probably contained in his statement that the Law "is made not for the righteous [i.e. Christians] but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious" (1 Timothy 1 v. 1-9).

Before condemning Paul for his attitudes towards women, it must be remembered that he was writing within a cultural context and providing advice for specific situations. In chapter 6, Paul indicates that there were wealthy people within the Ephesian church and that such wealth could lead to arrogance (1 Timothy 6 v. 16). It is quite possible, therefore, that he is addressing a form of ostentatious "power dressing" within the congregation.

Answer: His own family

"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. ... He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)" (1 Timothy 3 v. 1 and 4-5)

Paul intimates that drunken, violent, out-of-control types with more than one wife might also be best advised not to apply!

The Greek word translated as "overseer" is "episkopos" from which the English word "episcopal" is derived. It means, literally, "one who watches over". Although the role described is a specific one, and some translators do use the word "bishop", it does not equate to bishops as we know them today.

Answer: She is under 60

"No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds." (1 Timothy 5 v. 9-10)

Paul also suggests that widows should be excluded if they have children or grandchildren to support them (1 Timothy 5 v. 4). Remember that this list represents regular long-term aid, a form of Christian social security program. Anyone who failed to meet the criteria could still be helped on a one-off basis. Widows aged 60 or less were, presumably, deemed sufficiently able to provide for themselves or find a new partner.

In encouraging the Ephesians to support widows, Paul is following a Jewish tradition well-documented in the Old Testament and the book of Acts. Indeed, God is described as the one who "defends the cause of the widow" (Deuteronomy 10 v. 18). Nor was the job of administering a widows' list necessarily devoid of tensions. One of the first church disputes arose over the care of widows (Acts 6 v. 1).

Answer: That they are a member of Timothy's own family

"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." (1 Timothy 5 v. 1-2)

We know little about Timothy's own family except that:
(a) the family lived in Lystra;
(b) his father was Greek and his mother, who was a Christian, was Jewish (Acts 16 v. 1); and
(c) his mother's name was Eunice and his grandmother, Lois (2 Timothy 1 v. 5).

Paul had him circumcised (Acts 16 v. 3) and this has led to speculation that Timothy's father was dead by this stage. If this is true it would add poignancy to Timothy's administration of the widows' list.

Answer: Refuse to allow it unless there is more than one witness

"Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses." (1 Timothy 5 v. 19)

Paul knew how dangerous malicious gossip could be. He, therefore, cautions that, to protect the integrity of the leadership from innuendo and slander, no charge should be considered unless it is supported by more than one witness. In requiring this, he is doing no more than reflecting the Old Testament Law:
"One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses" (Deuteronomy 19 v. 15).

Once, however, an elder has been found guilty of sin, Paul commands that the rebuke should be public (1 Timothy 5 v. 20). This is the point where the earlier advice on issuing rebukes comes into its own.

Answer: Sell all you have and give to the poor

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
(1 Timothy 6 v. 17-18)

Contrary to what is sometimes taught, the Bible does not seem to be against being a rich Christian, provided that one's attitude is right. Jesus' injunction to "Sell all you have and give to the poor" is often quoted but, taken in context, relates specifically to the personal situation of one individual. It cannot therefore be expanded into a universal command. What Jesus does more commonly is to warn about the temptations and dangers that wealth can bring.

Outside of the gospels there is little about how to live as a wealthy Christian. This is probably because most of the first Christians were both drawn from the lower socio-economic levels and expecting an imminent second coming. It is only here and in the book of James that any concerted teaching can be found.

Answer: Through a spiritual gift, imparted by way of a prophetic message

"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you." (1 Timothy 4 v. 14)

No further details are given but this is probably the same incident that Paul refers to in the opening chapter:
"Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience" (1 Timothy 1 v. 18-19).

Paul's views are not restricted to the personal situation of Timothy. Throughout his letters he conveys the belief that ALL Christians are called by God, transformed in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit for the ministry that God has for them.