First Timothy:
This book is a letter from Paul to Timothy, advising him in his ministry:
- "...command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies..." (1 Timothy 1:4)
- "...God our Savior...wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator (i.e., the One in between that brings things together) between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men ..." (1 Timothy 2:3-5)
Paul defines the way Christian men and women should present
themselves and the requirements for "an overseer"
(bishop; pastor) and deacons (1 Timothy 2,3), also indicating the
church's need to take care of widows.
Several of Paul's points on money and wealth:
- "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (1 Timothy 6:7, from King James' Version)
- "For the love of money is the root of all evil ..." (1 Timothy 6:10, from King James' Version)
- "Command those who are rich in this present world
not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which
is so uncertain, but ...in God...Command them to do good,
to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing
to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for
themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so
that they may take hold of the life that is truly
life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
Paul instructed that all Christians who are slaves should
work hard. (1 Timothy 6:1).