FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. The subject of false teachers returns (cf. 1Ti_1:3-11; 1Ti_1:19-20; 1Ti_4:1-5; 1Ti_6:3-11; 1Ti_6:17-19). This entire letter addresses the problems caused by the doctrinal and moral issues raised by the heretics.
B. 1Ti_6:1-2 seem out of place, but they probably also relate to the false teachers' messages about Christian slaves and their new rights and freedoms. The UBS4 and TEV both see the structure of this section of the book as Paul encouraging Timothy on how to deal with different groups within the church.
1. older men and women (1Ti_5:1-2)
2. widows (1Ti_5:3-11)
3. elders (1Ti_5:17-25)
4. slaves (1Ti_6:1-2)
C. Surprisingly 1 Timothy does not end with a series of personal greetings. Paul stayed longer in Ephesus than in any other city and had tremendous evangelistic results. He knew many faithful believers in this city. Why greet only Timothy?
This letter is obviously meant to be read to the assembled church or in the house churches ("you" is plural in 1Ti_6:21). However, it was also a personal letter with advice and instructions specifically for Timothy, his Apostolic surrogate.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Why didn't the Christian church attack the issue of slavery? (Other passages of Paul's which deal with slaves are 1Co_7:21-24; Gal_3:28; Eph_6:5-9; Col_3:22-25; Phm_1:16-17; Tit_2:9; 1Pe_2:18).
2. What do 1Ti_6:1-2 say about our modern day employer/employee relationships?
3. What is heresy?
4. What is the difference between a false teacher and differences in interpretation?
5. Is money evil?
6. Describe as much as you can the theology of the false teachers.