Writing from prison, Paul gives advice and direction to his protege, Timothy. In these letters he discusses church governance and how to prevent error from creeping into the body.

• 1Tim22_1-2, Endless Genealogies

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  Paul instructs Timothy to root out false teachers in the church at Ephesus. One of the subjects he mentions is 'endless genealogies.' To understand what he means it is useful to compare this letter with the letter to Titus and with the letter to the Ephesians.

• 1Tim22_3-4 The Teaching of Demons

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  After listing the qualifications for church leadership Paul warns that some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and their teaching. Given the list of symptoms Paul is probably referring to Gnosticism which appeals to intelligent people who are not able to fully understand the grace of God.