1 Timothy – Chapter 1

New Testament20 Verses

1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the commandment of God our Saviour and Christ Jesus our hope:

2To Timothy, his beloved son in faith. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.

3As I desired thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some not to teach otherwise:

4Not to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which furnish questions rather than the edification of God which is in faith.

5Now the end of the commandment is charity from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and an unfeigned faith.

6From which things some, going astray, are turned aside unto vain babbling:

7Desiring to be teachers of the law: understanding neither the things they say, nor whereof they affirm.

8But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.

9Knowing this: That the law is not made for the just man but for the unjust and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the wicked and defiled, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

10For fornicators, for them who defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and whatever other thing is contrary to sound doctrine:

11Which is according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God which hath been committed to my trust.

12I give him thanks who hath strengthened me, even to Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he hath counted me faithful, putting me in the ministry:

13Who before was a blasphemer and a persecutor and contumelious. But I obtained the mercy of God, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14Now the grace of our Lord hath abounded exceedingly with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus.

15A faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.

16But for this cause have I obtained mercy: that in me first Christ Jesus might shew forth all patience, for the information of them that shall believe in him unto life everlasting.

17Now to the king of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

18This precept, I commend to thee, O son Timothy: according to the prophecies going before on thee, that thou war in them a good warfare,

19Having faith and a good conscience, which some rejecting have made shipwreck concerning the faith.

20Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered up to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Reflection for Today

As you read 1 Timothy Chapter 1, the Catholic Church invites you to encounter God's living Word through the lens of Sacred Tradition. The Catechism teaches that Scripture must be read "within the living Tradition of the whole Church" (CIC 113). The same Holy Spirit who inspired these words continues to guide the Church in understanding them today.

In Catholic theology, every passage of Scripture points ultimately to Christ and finds its fullest meaning in the Church's sacramental life. The Magisterium—the teaching authority of the Pope and bishops—guides the faithful in authentic interpretation. As you meditate on these verses, consider how the Church Fathers and saints have understood them.

Through lectio divina—the ancient Catholic practice of prayerful reading—allow these words to transform your mind and heart, drawing you deeper into communion with Christ and His Church. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate these verses and show you how they call you to deeper faith, hope, and love.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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