1 Timothy

This is the tenth in a series of twenty-one summaries of the New Testament letters.  The tenth is 1 Timothy, and the outline comes from Robert Arthur Bailey:

a   Address to Timothy and Blessing, 1:1-2
     b   Pastoral Charges to Timothy, Paul's Example, 1:3-20
          c   How Pastor Should Behave in God's Household, 2:1-3:16
               d   Pastoral Charges on Godliness, 4:1-16
          c'  How Pastor Should Behave in God's Household, 5:1-6:2a
     b'  Pastoral Charges, Anointed's (Christ's) Example, 6:2b-19
a'  Closing Charge to Timothy and Blessing, 6:20-21

The 'a' pattern connects the introduction to the conclusion of the letter.

The 'b' pattern connects two sections of pastoral charges to Timothy.  In the first, Paul warns Timothy about people teaching false doctrines, and devoting themselves to "myths and endless genealogies," which promote "controversial speculations."  People have turned to "meaningless talk."  In the second section, Paul warns Timothy about people who have "an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." (6:4-5)  In the first section, Paul gives an example of himself as a sinner who Christ has saved.  In the second section, Paul gives Jesus as an example of finishing the race of life well and making the "good confession."

The 'c' pattern connects two sections on how Timothy and others ought to conduct themselves in God's household.  The first section focuses on worship and qualifications for elders and deacons.  The second section focuses on wise use of resources with regard to caring for the needy and compensating teachers and preachers.

The 'd' section emphasizes being a good minister of Christ Jesus, "nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed."  If Timothy watches his "life and doctrine closely" and perseveres, he "will save both (himself) and (his) hearers." (4:16)