1 Timothy 3:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that,

NIV: Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,

NASB: I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long;

CSB: I write these things to you, hoping to come to you soon.

NLT: I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,

KJV: These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

NKJV: These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;

Verse 14 begins a new section that stretches through verse 16. It focuses on the purpose of Paul's instructions and the greatness of the church. Paul and Timothy are separated for now, with Paul likely in Macedonia and Timothy in Ephesus. Yet Paul hoped to see him again. At the time he will write 2 Timothy, Paul will be in a Roman prison. There, he also continues to hope to personally see Timothy again, but will ask Timothy to come to him instead (2 Timothy 4:9). It is uncertain whether the two men ever saw one another again, after this letter or 2 Timothy, prior to Paul's death.

There is a great sense of purpose in Paul's writing ministry, both to Timothy and in his other 12 New Testament letters. He often sought to encourage and assist from a distance, helping the churches and people he had led to faith in Christ through his ministry or influence. These words are similar to his statement to Philemon: "Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say" (Philemon 1:21).

First Timothy 3:14–16 explains Paul's reasons for writing this letter. While he hopes to see Timothy in person soon, he is unsure of what the future holds. Rather than wait, Paul wants to be sure Timothy has complete instructions on how to encourage the healthy function of the local church. Paul also presents a doxology—a short hymn of praise—to God.

First Timothy chapter 3 expresses requirements for two different levels of church leadership. The first are ''elders'' or ''overseers.'' These men are to be experienced Christians, respectable, capable teachers, with a good reputation and a well-ordered family life. The second group are ''servants,'' or ''deacons,'' who share many of the same expectations. Unlike elders, however, deacons are not necessarily called on to teach. And, they are expected to be ''tested'' prior to taking on their role.

Chapter 3 concludes Paul's general statements about church structure and behavior. In chapters 1, 2, and 3, he has laid out some broad concepts which Timothy needs to enforce in his congregation. This chapter specifically deals with the qualifications for leaders, including both elders and deacons. The next chapters will transition to Paul's warnings about certain dangers lurking around the Christian church.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.

Accessed 5/4/2024 3:56:55 AM