Laws in the Letters to Timothy

"The Letter of Paul to Timothy, also called The Epistle of St. Paul, The Apostle to Timothy, orPastoral Epistle, either of two New Testament writings addressed to Timothy, one of Paul's most faithful coworkers. They (and the Letter of Paul to Titus) have been called Pastoral Epistles since the end of the 18th century, because all three deal principally with church administration and the growth of heresies. The interpretation of the letters depends in part on who actually wrote them. The majority of scholars doubt Paul's authorship of the letters but vigorously dispute to what degree they reflect Pauline ministry. Those who regard the epistles as not Pauline date them between AD 80 and 100.

The First Letter of Paul to Timothy insists on the need to shun unorthodox teachings and dangerous speculations and reiterates the qualities expected of bishops and deacons. It exhorts Timothy to fulfill his duties faithfully and to instill in his congregation traditional beliefs, notions of proper conduct, and respect for one another.

The Second Letter of Paul to Timothy similarly urges Timothy to "guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit" and to accept his share of suffering "as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." He is further admonished to "have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies" and to avoid "men of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith." – Encyclopaedia Britannica

Teach no other doctrine [than Christ's,] nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. – 1 Timothy 1:3‑4

Teach in love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith without straying, or turning aside to idle talk. – 1 Timothy 1:5‑6

If you desire to teach the law, you must first understand the laws and the things which they affirm. – 1 Timothy 1:7

The law is good if you use it lawfully. – 1 Timothy 1:8

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. – 1 Timothy 1:15

God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. – 1 Timothy 2:3‑4

The Law is not sexist: To shepherd the flock, you must be blameless, monogamous, temperate, sober‑minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules your own house well, whose children are well mannered (for if you do not know how to rule your own house, how will you take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride—you fall into condemnation. – 1 Timothy 3:2‑6

Deacons must be reverent, not double‑tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. – 1 Timothy 3:2‑9

Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron. – 1 Timothy 4:1‑2

Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. – 1 Timothy 4:8

Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters. – 1 Timothy 5:1‑2

Do not receive an accusation against anyone except from two or three witnesses. – 1 Timothy 5:19

Do not share in other people's sins. – 1 Timothy 5:22

Some people's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. – 1 Timothy 5:24‑25

We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. – 1 Timothy 6:7

The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. – 1 Timothy 6:10

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life. – 1 Timothy 6:12 p>Those who are rich in this present age ought not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. – 1 Timothy 6:17

Let the rich do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. – 1 Timothy 6:18

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7

Do not entangle yourself with the affairs of this life. – 2 Timothy 2:4

Do not strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. – 2 Timothy 2:14

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15

Shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness, and their message will spread like cancer. – 2 Timothy 2:16-17

The solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." – 2 Timothy 2:19

There are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. – 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Flee youthful lusts; pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. – 2 Timothy 2:22-23

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition. – 2 Timothy 2:24-25

Beware those who are always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. – 2 Timothy 3:7

All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. – 2 Timothy 3:12

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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching. – 2 Timothy 4:2

Be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of Christ, fulfill your ministry. – 2 Timothy 4:5

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