1 Timothy 1:1-4

¹ “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope,² to Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”³ Just as I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, to remain on at Ephesus so that you would instruct certain people not to teach strange doctrines, ⁴ nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation rather than advance the plan of God, which is by faith, so I urge you now.”

Verse 1: Paul is establishing his authority as an apostle, chosen by God and Jesus Christ. He wants believers to understand that his message comes directly from God and is therefore valid. He also highlights that our hope is not just a message, but a person – Jesus Christ. Our hope is found in knowing him and experiencing a relationship with him.

Verse 2: Paul expresses his close relationship with Timothy, referring to him as his “true child in the faith.” This shows the deep spiritual connection they share. Paul then recognizes the grace, mercy, and peace that comes from God the Father and Jesus Christ. God is not some angry or petulant deity. He is the God of love who has provided salvation for the entire world in Christ.

Verse 3: Paul reminds Timothy of his previous instruction to remain in Ephesus and warns him about false teachings. He emphasizes the importance of guarding against doctrines that deviate from the simplicity of the gospel. Paul wants Timothy to ensure that the believers in Ephesus are not led astray by teachings that distort the truth of Christ. The particular false teachings beings taught seemed to have connection to Abraham and Moses.

Verse 4: Paul specifically mentions two types of teachings to avoid: myths and endless genealogies. These teachings were rooted in Gnosticism and promoted speculation rather than the true message of faith in Christ. Paul encourages Timothy to focus on the stewardship from God that comes through faith. This stewardship refers to the responsibility believers have to faithfully live out their relationship with God, rather than getting caught up in speculative teachings.