Chapter 1

1 Timothy 1:1 - Why does Paul say "God our Savior" and not Jesus Christ? See John 3:16, "For God so loved the world..." It is not so foreign a concept to think the Father is the author of salvation and the Son is the agent by which it is accomplished.

1 Timothy 1:3 - People are far too tied down here in the U.S. Paul picked up Timothy in Lystra on his first missionary journey. Here was an itinerant missionary/preacher coming through town, and Timothy jumps on board through all the dangers. Then Paul asks him to stay in Ephesus while he himself goes on to Macedonia! What courage! Timothy was young and must have overcome a great deal of internal battles to carry out the assignment in Ephesus. Indeed, 2 Timothy shows us a wavering Timothy in need of brotherly comfort and encouragement.

1 Timothy 1:12 - This goes back to the discussion on 2 Thessalonians 1:11.

1 Timothy 1:13 - Most lost people are in the position of Paul, acting "ignorantly in unbelief" (NASB). Thus, like Paul, they could expect mercy. But what about those whose minds were previously enlightened, who tasted of the heavenly gift and then spurned the covenant by which they were saved? There is no remedy. (see Hebrews 10:26-31)

1 Timothy 1:18 - Here we see a purpose of personal prophesy so that by them, "you may fight the good fight" (NASB).