1 Timothy 3:15

Translations

Modern

…in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Traditional

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Literal

…but if I should delay, so that you may know how it is necessary to conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.

Latin

…si autem tardavero, ut scias quomodo oporteat te in domo Dei conversari, quæ est ecclesia Dei vivi, columna et firmamentum veritatis.

Original

Greek

English

…in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Notes

1 Timothy 3:15

God’s household: The earliest churches were churches that met in homes (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2). They followed similar rules of behavior to Greek and Roman households (see study note on 1 Tim 3:4–5). Breaking the rules brought shame to the whole household and its leader. The same applies to the church (compare Ephesians 2:19–22; Hebrews 3:6; 10:21; 1 Peter 4:17).
the pillar and foundation of the truth: This idea may be looking forward to the change from the time of the apostles to the period after their deaths (compare Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12). The church must be more active, not just defensive, to uphold the truth in the world (compare 2 Corinthians 10:3–6).

1 Timothy 3:14–4:16

This section explains how Timothy should spend his time until Paul arrives (3:14–15; 4:13).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) The Church The Church as a Living, Active Body The Household

Related verses

1 Peter 2:5
…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:21–22
In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
Matthew 16:18–19
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
1 Kings 2:4
…and so that the LORD may fulfill His promise to me: ‘If your descendants take heed to walk faithfully before Me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’
1 Chronicles 22:13
Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
1 Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God
1 Chronicles 28:9–21
As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
Matthew 16:16
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Romans 3:2
Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
1 Samuel 17:26
David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
Galatians 2:9
And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.

Glossary

Fellowship Mystery Timothy, First Letter to

Topics

Attending Church Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Church Building Church: Christian, Divinely Established Church: Church of the Living God Church: Design of Church: House of God Church: Pillar and Ground of the Truth Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Finding a Church Following Instructions Going to Church House: Figurative Order in the Church Pillars: The Church The Church: Belongs to God Titles and Names of the Church: Church of the Living God Titles and Names of the Church: House of God Titles and Names of the Church: Pillar and Ground of the Truth Truth: The Church is the Pillar and Ground of Truth: The Ekklesia (Body of Christ) is the Pillar and Ground of

1 Timothy 3:15

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