Introduction
- Greetings and Encouragement: Paul greets Timothy, emphasizing his apostolic authority and expressing a desire for grace, mercy, and peace for Timothy.
Timothy’s Task
- Addressing False Doctrine: Paul instructs Timothy to stay in Ephesus to command certain individuals to stop teaching false doctrines and focusing on myths and endless genealogies, which cause speculations rather than advancing God’s work.
Timothy’s Target
- Goal of Love: The command aims to promote love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.
- Meaningless Talk: Some have turned to meaningless talk and desire to be teachers of the law without understanding it.
Timothy’s Teaching
- Proper Use of the Law: Paul explains the law is good when used properly and is not for the righteous but for the lawbreakers and sinners.
- List of Sins: Paul lists various sins, such as murder, sexual immorality, and slave trading, emphasizing the law’s purpose to show what is contrary to sound doctrine.
- Conforming to the Gospel: The teaching should conform to the gospel of God’s glory, which Paul has been entrusted with.