1Ti 3:14-15 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Tim 3:14-4:16: 3:14–4:16 This section addresses how Timothy should occupy himself until Paul arrives (3:14-15 ; 4:13 ).

a3:14–4:16►

b3:14-15►

c4:13►

d3:15►

eRom 16:5►

f1 Cor 16:19►

gCol 4:15►

hPhlm 1:2►

iEph 2:19-22►

jHeb 3:6►

k10:21►

l1 Pet 4:17►

mGal 2:9►

nRev 3:12►

o2 Cor 10:3-6►

‏ 1 Timothy 3:14-15

Summary for 1Tim 3:14-4:16: 3:14–4:16 ^a This section addresses how Timothy should occupy himself until Paul arrives (3:14-15 ^b; 4:13 ^c).
3:15 ^d household of God: The earliest churches were house churches (Rom 16:5 ^e; 1 Cor 16:19 ^f; Col 4:15 ^g; Phlm 1:2 ^h) that reflected the codes of conduct of Greco-Roman households (see study note on 1 Tim 3:4-5). Violating these norms brought disrepute, disgrace, and shame on the entire household and its head. The same is true for the church (cp. Eph 2:19-22 ⁱ; Heb 3:6 ^j; 10:21 ^k; 1 Pet 4:17 ^l).

• the church ... is the pillar and foundation of the truth: This idea may anticipate the transition from the time of the apostles to the period after their deaths (cp. Gal 2:9 ^m; Rev 3:12 ⁿ). The church must be active rather than defensive in upholding the truth in the world (cp. 2 Cor 10:3-6 ^o).