First Epistle to Timothy
Proper noun A book of the New Testament in the Christian Bible, presented as a letter from the Apostle Paul to his disciple Timothy. It is a pastoral epistle containing instructions and advice on church leadership, doctrine, and conduct.
The term "First Epistle to Timothy" is used to refer specifically to this canonical book of scripture. It is often cited in theological, historical, and pastoral discussions.
Examples * Scholars study the First Epistle to Timothy to understand early church structure. * The passage from First Epistle to Timothy, chapter 3, lists qualifications for bishops. * His sermon was based on a text from the First Epistle to Timothy.
- "The Pastoral Epistles": "First Epistle to Timothy" is grouped with the "Second Epistle to Timothy" and the "Epistle to Titus" under this collective term, as all three offer guidance to pastoral leaders.
- Abbreviated Reference: In academic and theological writing, it is commonly abbreviated as "1 Timothy".
- The commentary focuses on the themes of 1 Timothy.
- 1 Timothy: The standard abbreviated form of the title.
- First Timothy: A common alternative spoken form.
- Pastoral Epistles: The collective name for the letters to Timothy and Titus.
- The First Letter to Timothy: A synonymous full title.
- The First Letter of Paul to Timothy: A more descriptive synonymous title.
This term refers exclusively to the specific book of the Bible. It is not used in a general sense for any first letter written to someone named Timothy. Its primary context is religious, historical, and literary analysis of the New Testament.
- a New Testament book containing Saint Paul's first epistle to Timothy; contains advice on pastoral matters