Author and Audience:
The book of 1 Timothy was addressed by Paul to his former missionary companion, whom he refers to as “my own son in the faith”. This letter, together with 2 Timothy and Titus, are known as the pastoral letters because they provide significant counsel to those serving as pastors or leaders in the Church.
Historical Background:
Timothy was born in Lystra. His father was Greek. He grew up under the watchful care of his righteous Jewish mother and grandmother. They taught him the
scriptures from his youth.
Paul invited Timothy to serve with him during his second missionary journey. From that time on, Timothy served faithfully as a missionary and Church leader.
Paul wrote this letter while he was between his first and second Roman imprisonments, probably about A.D. 64. During this time Paul traveled to the regions where he had established branches of the Church, strengthening them in the faith. At some point Paul assigned Timothy to watch over the Church in Ephesus, with the specific assignment to stop the growth of false doctrine.
Theme:
In this letter, Paul counseled Timothy regarding how the Church should function and how members should interact with one another. He insisted that Church leaders should set an appropriate example for members to follow.
Timothy, when he received Paul’s letter, was a priesthood leader in Ephesus. Paul had entrusted him with many important assignments, and Timothy had always proved faithful. Timothy’s young age, however, made it difficult for older and more prominent members of the Church to accept his leadership. Paul wrote to counsel and encourage his frustrated friend. Like Timothy, we too receive challenging calls to serve. As you read this letter, look for counsel and advice that can help you as you serve in the Church.
Chapter 1
Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit; And their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their buckler; and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully for me; and their enemies shall be under their feet; and I will let fall the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine indignation will I preserve them. D&C 35:13–14
• How is this scripture related to the picture?
• Why do you think the Lord used military imagery in this scripture?
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck. 1 Timothy 1:18–19
• How is doing the work of the Lord like going to war?
And while we were yet in the Spirit, the Lord commanded us that we should write the vision; for we beheld Satan, that old serpent, even the devil, who rebelled against God, and sought to take the kingdom of our God and his Christ—Wherefore, he maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about. D&C 76:28–29
• Who is the enemy?
• Who has he declared war on?
• What kind of war are we fighting?
In Paul’s day apostasy was seeping into the Church. Paul warned about false teachers who taught erroneous doctrines based on Jewish fables or myths that twisted or changed the truth, and yet many members believed them.
• Why is it important for Church leaders to make sure that true doctrine is taught?
• What can our leaders do to help us learn true doctrine?
Counsel from Elder M. Russell Ballard:
“Those who teach must make sure the doctrine remains pure and that it is taught. Teach by the Spirit, using the scriptures and the approved curriculum. Do not introduce or dwell on speculative and questionable topics. . . . In a world that is filled with sin, conflict, and confusion, we can find peace and safety in knowing and living the revealed truths of the gospel”.
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 104; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 77)
• Why do our prophets speak so often about daily scripture study?
• How can daily study of the doctrines taught in the scriptures shield us from the false
teachings that are so popular in the world?
Justice is an attribute of Heavenly Father.
Law Sin
Punishment (Scale) Atonement
• If this scale represented your final judgment, how would you be affected by
Heavenly Father’s justice?
• Would it be fair?
• What does this teach about the power and hope that Jesus Christ offers us?
Mercy is also a characteristic of God.
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a alight from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Acts 9:1–5
• How unbalanced was Paul’s scale when he was on the road to Damascus?
• How would you feel if you were in Paul’s place? Why?
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. 1 Timothy 1:12–17
• How did Paul obtain mercy?
• Why do we need mercy?
Yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent, repent, for the Lord God hath spoken it! Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you. Alma 5:32–33
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Timothy 2:3–6
Who is willing to have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth which is in Christ Jesus, who is the Only Begotten Son of God, and ordained to be a Mediator between God and man; who is one God, and hath power over all men. JST 1 Timothy 2:4
Great mercy that comes to us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ as we repent.
Chapter 2
Qualities Paul said women in the Church should have:
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. 1 Timothy 2:9–15
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to [rule] speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to [rule] speak in the church. [JST] 1 Corinthians 14:34–35
In both of these verses, Joseph Smith changed the word speak to rule in the Inspired Version.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote:
"May women speak in Church? Yes, in the sense of teaching, counseling, testifying, exhorting, and the like; no, in the sense of assuming rule over the Church as such, and in attempting to give direction as to how God's affairs on earth shall be regulated: 'A woman has no right to found or organize a church – God never sent them to do it.‘ Paul is here telling the sisters they are subject to the priesthood, that it is not their province to rule and reign, that the bishop's wife is not the bishop."
(Commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, p. 297.)
Chapter 3
Although Paul was speaking of bishops, most of these are qualities that the Lord expects all men to develop:
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:1–7
• Who besides the Lord values these qualities?
• How do these qualities compare with those the world values?
• What can we do to develop these qualities?
Chapters 4-5
• What would you do if you made this much money in a month?
a week? a day? an hour?
• How many of you plan to be wealthy someday? Why?
• What are dangers of having a lot of money?
But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. Jacob 2:18–19
• What conditions does the Lord place on obtaining wealth?
• What are we to seek above all else?
• What is the value of this counsel?
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 1 Timothy 5:8–10
Why is it important to care for widows and family members?
Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. Ezekiel 16:49
What were the major reasons why God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah?
James described those who exercise pure religion:
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27
• How this doctrine relates to Paul’s teachings in 1 Timothy 5?
Chapter 6
Paul’s warning:
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:10–12
• What is the danger of wealth?
• What should we be seeking in this life?
• If we obtain riches according to the Lord’s counsel in Jacob 2, how should we use
them?
But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. Jacob 2:18–19
The six charges Paul gave wealthy Saints:
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:17–19
• What blessing comes to those who obey the six charges?
• When will this blessing be received?
It is one thing to be rich,
but another to be rich in the Lord’s way.
• What does it mean to be rich in the Lord’s way?
Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich. D&C 6:7
• How does being rich in the Lord’s way differ from the world’s way?
• Why might someone desire the riches of the Lord over the riches of the world?
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TIMOTHY
Author and Audience:
The book of 2 Timothy was addressed by Paul “to Timothy, my dearly beloved son”.
Historical Background:
Paul finished his ministry in Rome. Thirty years of strenuous service as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ had transformed Saul of Tarsus into Paul, the candidate for “a crown of righteousness”. This second imprisonment was difficult. Friends deserted him and others betrayed him; only Luke, Paul confided to Timothy, remained true. Still, despite the encircling gloom, Paul remained faithful and courageous to the end. Facing certain conviction and execution, he declared, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”. He wrote this letter shortly before his execution in about A.D. 65.
Theme:
Paul wrote 2 Timothy primarily to give his last instructions to a favorite son in the faith. The letter is positive despite Paul’s circumstances. He encourages Timothy to be faithful, reminds him of the eternal blessings that come to the “good soldier of Jesus Christ”, and once again warns of the encroaching evils of false doctrine. Paul wrote that we gain salvation through the grace of God and through applying the true doctrines taught both in the scriptures and by living prophets.
As people approach death, their perspective on what is most important often changes. Because of this we tend to pay special attention to a person’s last words. The book of 2 Timothy is a record of Paul’s last words, solemnized by his approaching death. They are his final legacy, the distillation of his experience and wisdom. You will find that Paul warned of dangers similar to those we face today. Read 2 Timothy looking for teachings about how to face death and for Paul’s parting counsel on how to successfully complete your life’s journey and secure the deep joy promised by the Savior.
Chapter 1
The Latter-day Church
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. Daniel 2:44–45
The Latter-day Church
The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth. Yea, a voice crying—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom. Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name, make known his wonderful works among the people. Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth. Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thine enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power and glory, forever and ever. D&C 65:2–6
• What do these verses prophesy for our day?
• Is there hope for us?
A statement by President Gordon B. Hinckley:
“There are still those, not a few, who criticize and rebel, who apostatize and lift their voices against this work. We have always had them. They speak their piece as they walk across the stage of life, and then they are soon forgotten. I suppose we always will have them as long as we are trying to do the work of the Lord. The honest in heart will detect that which is true and that which is false. We go forward, marching as an army with banners emblazoned with the everlasting truth. We are a cause that is militant for truth and goodness. We are a body of Christian soldiers ‘marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before’.
“Everywhere we go, we see great vitality in this work. There is enthusiasm wherever it is organized. It is the work of the Redeemer. It is the gospel of good news. It is something to be happy and excited about”.
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 115–16; or Ensign, May 1996, 83)
Why can we have hope for the Church in our day?
A statement by President Wilford Woodruff:
“The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray”.
(“Excerpts from Three Addresses by President Wilford Woodruff Regarding the manifesto,”
following Official Declaration 1 in the Doctrine and Covenants)
According to this statement what else can we do to avoid apostasy?
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7–8
If we are valiant we will be able to conclude our lives with the same confidence as Paul.
Chapter 2-3
• Have you been immunized for a disease?
• Can you remember how it felt?
• Was it worth the pain? Why?
• What risks do you take if you are not immunized?
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:1–5
• What kinds of diseases are represented here?
• How might they be even more dangerous than physical disease?
Paul prophesied that the spiritual diseases described would devastate society in the last days.
• If you could be immunized against these spiritual diseases, what price would you be willing to pay? Why?
Scripture Mastery: 2 Timothy 3:1–5, 16–17
These scriptures expose the evils of our day and guide us to salvation.
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15
• What has the Lord provided to help immunize us against spiritual diseases?
• How can the scriptures help protect us from these ills?
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16–17
Scripture Mastery: 2 Timothy 3:1–5, 16–17
These scriptures expose the evils of our day and guide us to salvation.
A statement by Elder Boyd K. Packer:
“Paul taught that a knowledge of the scriptures was our immunization against these [latter-day] evils”.
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1985, 42; or Ensign, May 1985, 33)
President Ezra Taft Benson added:
The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life”.
(“The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 80)
We should all be more consistent in our scripture study so that we might be fortified against the evils that surround us.
Chapter 4