Bible Study 101:

16. Outline of I Timothy

Chapter 1

1–2: Salutation and blessing

3–4: Reminder of responsibility delegated to Timothy

5–11: The basis for not being under the law; purpose of the law

12–17: Paul’s testimony of the grace of God in his own life

18–20: The charge of verses 3–4; example of how to deal with the ones who violate gospel principles

Chapter 2

1–4: Therefore (in light of true gospel message), pray for all, lead a quiet and peaceable life, while understanding God’s purpose

  Note: not universal salvation. Verse 4: “Who will have all men be saved” is poor translation; should be “Who would,” meaning that would be His desire; but must be taken in context of the fact that man is rebellious, and in the end, although God has provided salvation through Christ’s death, and ordained that faith for salvation comes through the preaching of the gospel, nevertheless, no man comes to Christ unless God draws him; in fact, few are saved, so it is clear it is by God’s grace, not of works, lest any should boast.

5–7: Only one way of salvation, for which Paul is ordained to be a preacher (proclaimer) and apostle (one sent out by God)

8: Repeating the admonition of verses 1–4 (verbal parentheses)

9–15: Admonitions to women

  9–10: Modesty of apparel and behavior

  11: Divine order; subjection

  12: I do not put it upon a woman to teach or to assume authority in the manner of a man, but to be in silence (re: teaching)

  13–15: Reason: not a restriction, but respect; to spare them

Chapter 3

1–7: Desired qualities for being a bishop (overseer) of an assembly

8–13: Desired qualities for a deacon (servant) in an assembly; also for wives of deacons (would apply to wives of bishops as well)

14–16: Need for writing; unusual benediction

Chapter 4

1–6: Warning concerning latter times deceptions

7–11: Warning about folk traditions; putting exercise in perspective

12–16: Encouragement of Timothy not to feel inadequate because of young age (perhaps in thirties, where forty considered adult)

Chapter 5

1–2: Relating to brothers and sisters of various degrees of maturity

3–16: Responsibilities toward widows by church and family

17–18: Respect for leaders (not a pedestal; must keep in balance)

19–20: Conditions for dealing with faults in leaders of church

21–22: Admonition to be fair and equal; avoid compromising own ministry by hasty laying on of hands (implying approval, which may constitute partaking in other men’s sins); keep pure

23: A divine instruction (not medical advice)

24–25: Observation that not all sinners are dealt with in this life; so also a similar principle concerning good works

Chapter 6

1–2: Relations between servants and masters, especially if believers

3–5: Motives of those who dispute previous principles

11–16: Personal charge to Timothy concerning these admonitions; another benediction (verses 15–16)

17–19: How to exhort those who are wealthy in a positive way, for their encouragement, not to put them down

20–21: Final admonition and blessing