1 Timothy

1 Timothy is the first of the 'Pastoral Epistles', written to Paul's younger colleague overseeing the church at Ephesus. It gives guidance on sound teaching against false teachers, on prayer and worship, and on the character required of elders and deacons.

More a manual for church leadership than a theological treatise, it charges Timothy to 'fight the good fight of the faith' and to guard the gospel entrusted to him. Its concern is a healthy, well-ordered church led by people of tested character.