Book of 1 Timothy — New World Translation Study Guide

Section: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 6 · Written by: Paul · Approximate date: c. AD 62–64 · Theme: Congregation Organization & Sound Doctrine

Summary of the Book of 1 Timothy

Paul writes his young associate Timothy with practical instructions for congregation order, qualifications for elders and ministerial servants, and the importance of protecting sound doctrine against false teaching in Ephesus.

Why the Book of 1 Timothy Matters Today

First Timothy is the most detailed scriptural treatment of congregation organization and qualifications for overseers and ministerial servants (chapters 3 and 5). For Witnesses today, especially those involved in congregation appointments, the qualifications listed by Paul are the operational standard. The letter also contains essential teaching on prayer for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–4), the role of women in the congregation, the danger of love of money (1 Timothy 6:9–10), and the importance of sound teaching. It is the operations manual for the modern congregation.

Key Verses in 1 Timothy

• 1 Tim 2:5
• 1 Tim 4:12
• 1 Tim 6:6

Notable Passages in 1 Timothy

Study Questions for 1 Timothy

As you read the book of 1 Timothy, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

1. What qualifications for elders and ministerial servants (chapter 3) does Paul outline, and what do these teach about the standards Jehovah sets for congregation leadership?
2. How does Paul's instruction about prayer 'for kings and all those in positions of authority' (2:1–2) reflect the balanced attitude Jehovah's Witnesses have toward human governments?
3. What does 1 Timothy 6:6–10 teach about the danger of 'the love of money' and the contentment that comes with godly devotion?
4. How does Paul's charge to Timothy to 'fight the fine fight of the faith' (6:12) apply to the spiritual battles every Jehovah's Witness faces?
5. What does the statement 'there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus' (2:5) teach about the unique role of Jesus and our access to Jehovah?

Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Timothy

Who wrote the book of 1 Timothy?

Paul the apostle wrote 1 Timothy around 61–64 CE in Macedonia, after his release from his first Roman imprisonment, addressing his protégé Timothy at Ephesus.

When was the book of 1 Timothy written?

First Timothy was written approximately 61–64 CE in Macedonia, between Paul's first and second Roman imprisonments, instructing Timothy on how to manage the Ephesian congregation.

What is the main theme of 1 Timothy?

First Timothy establishes the qualifications for overseers and ministerial servants, gives counsel on prayer and congregation conduct, and warns against false teaching and love of money.

How to Study 1 Timothy with JW Study

Track your progress through all 6 chapters of 1 Timothy in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Reading Plans That Include 1 Timothy

The book of 1 Timothy is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

• NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
• Christian Greek Scriptures in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
• Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
• Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Read all 13 letters of the apostle Paul, from Romans to Philemon, in one focused month. (30 days, 87 chapters)
• Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

• Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
• Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
• Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
• Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
• The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
• The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
• What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
• What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
• God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
• Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
• The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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