Book of 1 Timothy — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: 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.

The book of 1 Timothy is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 6 chapters. It was written by Paul approximately c. AD 62–64. The central theme running throughout 1 Timothy is congregation organization & sound doctrine — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in 1 Timothy

  • 1 Tim 2:5
  • 1 Tim 4:12
  • 1 Tim 6:6

Notable Passages in 1 Timothy

1 Timothy 2:5

The declaration 'there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus' establishes the distinct roles of Jehovah and Jesus, refuting the Trinity doctrine.

1 Timothy 4:12

Paul's encouragement to Timothy to 'become an example to the faithful ones in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness' sets the standard for young servants of Jehovah.

1 Timothy 6:6

The principle that 'godly devotion along with contentment is a means of great gain' identifies spiritual richness before Jehovah as the true measure of a successful life.

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?

How to Study 1 Timothy with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 6 chapters of 1 Timothy in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, 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.

Consider reading 1 Timothy as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

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)
  • New Testament 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 just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Dive deep into 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

Continue Reading the Christian Greek Scriptures

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