Reference: Timothy, The First Epistle To
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FIRST EPISTLE. Its authenticity as Paul's writing, and its canonical authority as inspired, were universally recognized by the early church with the solitary exception of the Gnostic Marcion. 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy are in the Peshito Syriac of the second century. The Muratorian Fragment on the canon in the same century acknowledges them. The Pastoral Epistles, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, have a mutual resemblance. Irenaeus (adv. Haeres. i. and iii. 3,. section 3-4; 4:16, section 3; 2:14, section 8; 3:11, section 1; 1:16, section 3) quotes 1Ti 1:4,9; 6:20; 2Ti 4:9-21; Tit 3:10. Clement of Alex. (Strom. 2:383, 457; 3:534, 536; 1:350) quotes 1Ti 4; 20/type/godbey'>6:20-21,2 Timothy as to deaconesses; Tit 1:12. Tertullian (de praescriptione Haereticorum, 25 and 6) quotes 1Ti 1:18; 6:13,20; 2Ti 1:14; 2:2; Tit 3:10-11; and adv. Marcion, Scorp. 13, compare 2Ti 4:6.
Eusebius includes the two epistles to Timothy and Titus in "the universally acknowledged Scriptures." Theophilus of Antioch (ad Autolycum 3:14) quotes 1Ti 2:1-2; Tit 3:1. Caius (in Eusebius' Ecclesiastes Hist. vi. 20) recognizes their authenticity. Clement of Rome (First Epistle to Cor. 29) quotes 1Ti 2:8. Ignatius in the second century (epistle to Polycarp 6) alludes to 2Ti 2:4. Polycarp in the same century (Epistle to Philipp. 4-5) alludes to 1Ti 6:7,10; 2Ti 2:4,11-12; and (in chapter 9) to 2Ti 4:10. Hegesippus, in the end of second century (in Eusebius, Ecc. Hist. iii. 32), alludes to 1Ti 6:3,20. Athenagoras at the same period alludes to 1Ti 6:16.
Heresies opposed in the Pastoral Epistles. Ascetic Judaism and legalism (1Ti 1:7; Tit 1:10,14; 3:9) on the one hand, and incipient gnosticism on the other (1Ti 1:4), of which the theory that a twofold principle existed from the beginning, evil as well as good, appears in germ, 1Ti 4:3, etc. In 1Ti 6:20 the term gnosis, "science," itself occurs. Another Gnostic error, "that the resurrection is past," is noticed (2Ti 2:17-18; compare 1Co 15:12-33). The Judaism herein refuted is not that controverted in the earlier epistles, namely, that which joined the law with faith in Christ, for justification. The intermediate phase appears in epistle to Colossians (Colossians 2), namely, that which superadded ascetical will worship and angel worship to Judaism. In the epistle to Philippians (Php 3:2,18-19) the further stage appears, immoral practice accompanying false doctrine as to the resurrection. The pastoral epistles - 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus - exhibit the mattered godlessness which followed superstition as superstition had followed legalism.
Not knowing the true use of "the law" (1Ti 1:7-8) the false teachers "put away good conscience," as well as "the faith" (1Ti 1:19; 4:2), "spoke lies in hypocrisy, corrupt in mind," regarded "piety as a means of gain" (1Ti 6:5; Tit 1:11); "overthrew the faith" by heresies "eating as a canker, saying the resurrection is past, leading captive silly women, ever learning yet never knowing the truth, reprobate as Jannes and Jambres (2Ti 3:6-8), defiled, unbelieving, professing to know God but in works denying Him, abominable, disobedient, reprobate" (Tit 1:15-16). The universal epistles of John (1Jo 2:18-23; 4:1,3; 2Jo 1:7,11; 3Jo 1:9-10), Jude, and Peter (2Pe 2), and to the Hebrew (Heb 6:4-8) present the same features. This proves the later date of Paul's pastoral epistles. The Gnosticism opposed is not the anti-Judaic later Gnosticism which followed the overthrow of the Jerusalem temple worship, but the earlier phase which amalgamated with Judaism oriental and Greek elements.
Directions in the Pastoral Epistles as to church ministers and officers. The apostle naturally directs Timothy, the church president for the time being at Ephesus, and Titus at Crete, concerning "bishop-elders and deacons," in order to secure due administration of the church at a time when heresies were springing up and when he must soon depart this life. He shows the same anxiety in his address to the elders of the same city Ephesus earlier (Ac 20:21-30). The presbyterate and diaconate existed long before (Ac 6:8; 11:30; 14:23). Paul's directions are not as to their appointment then first, but as to the due ordination and moral qualifications of elders and deacons thenceforth, according as vacancies might occur. Timothy and Titus exercised the same power in ordaining elders in Ephesus and Crete as Paul had in the Gentile churches in general (2Co 11:28).
Unique phrases and modes of thought in the Pastoral Epistles. The difference of subject and of circumstances of those addressed, and those spoken of, as compared with Paul's other epistles, accounts for these. They partly occur in Galatians also, where as here he with characteristic warmth controverts the perverters of the truth: 1Ti 2:6; Tit 2:4, "gave Himself for us," with Ga 1:4; 1Ti 1:17; 2Ti 4:18, "forever and ever," with Ga 1:5; 1Ti 5:21; 6:13; 2Ti 2:14; 4:22 with Ga 1:20; "a pillar," 1Ti 3:15, with Ga 2:9; "mediator," 1Ti 2:5, with Ga 3:20; 1Ti 2:6; 6:15; Tit 1:3, with Ga 6:9, "in due season." Fifty special phrases occur, e.g. "the faithful saying" (1Ti 1:15), "sound," "seared" (1Ti 4:2,7), "old wives' fables," "slow bellies" (Tit 1:12). Paul's writing with his own hand, instead of by an amanuensis, as he did to Galatians and Philemon, accounts for the more concise, abrupt, and forcible style and phraseology.
TIME OF WRITING: First Epistle to Timothy. Soon after Paul's leaving Ephesus for Macedon (1Ti 1:3). The object of leaving Timothy at Ephesus was primarily to restrain the false teachers (1Ti 1:3), not to organize the church for the first time. The institution for church widows implies a settled organization. Scandals occurring after the original institution rendered directions as to the existing ministry needful. The similarity in style, subject, and state of the church, of the second epistle to Timothy (written certainly just before Paul's death) with the first epistle, implies that the date of the latter is not much prior to that of the second. The mention of Timothy's "youth" (1Ti 4:12) is not inconsistent with a late date; he was "young" not absolutely but as compared with "Paul the aged" (Phm 1:9), and with some of the elders whom he had to superintend; probably 34 or 35, compare 1Ti 5:1.
As to Ac 20:25, "all" the Ephesian elders called to Miletus "never saw Paul's face" afterward; Paul "knew" this by inspiration; but this assertion of his is compatible with his visiting Ephesus again (1Ti 1:3; 2Ti 1:18; 4:20). Being at Miletum, so near Ephesus, after his first Roman imprisonment, he would be sure to visit Ephesus. In 1Ti 3:14 Paul says "I write, hoping to come unto thee shortly"; but on the earlier occasion of his passing from Ephesus to Macedon he had planned to spend the summer in Macedon and the winter in Corinth (1Co 16:6). Nor did Paul leave Timothy then as now (1Ti 1:3) at Ephesus, but sent him to Macedon (Ac 19:22). Paul in his address to the Ephesian elders (Ac 20:29-30) prophesies the rise of false teachers; in his epistle to the Ephesians from Rome at his first imprisonment he does not notice the Judaeo-Gnostic errors as yet; but in 1 Timothy he notices them as then actually prevailing.
PLACE OF WRITING: First Epistle to Timothy. Paul's using "went" not "came," "when I went (poreuomenos) into Macedonia" (1Ti 1:3), implies he was not there when he wrote the First Epistle to Timothy. Wherever he was he was uncertain how long he might be detained from coming to Ephesus to Timothy (1Ti 3:14-15). Corinth may have been the place. Between it and Ephesus communication was easy; his course on former occasions was from Macedon to Corinth (Acts 17-18). Coincidences occur between 1Ti 2:11-14 and 1Co 14:40 as to women being silent in church; 1Ti 5:17-18 and 1Co 9:8-10 as to ministers' maintenance, on the law's maxim not to muzzle the ox treading the grain; and 1Ti 5:19-20 and 2Co 13:1-4 as to charges against elders before witnesses. In the very place where these directions had been already enforced Paul naturally reproduces them in his First Epistle to Timothy.
DESIGN.
(1) To direct Timothy to restrain false teachers from teaching aught different from the gospel (1Ti 1:3,20; Re 2:1-6).
(2) To g
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And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and miracles among the people.
and this they did, sending to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And electing elders for them in every church, praying with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
And having sent two of those ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, himself spent the time in Asia.
witnessing both to Jews, and to Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go to Jerusalem bound in spirit, not knowing the things which shall come upon me in it: read more. except that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesses to me, saying that bonds and tribulations await me. But I consider my life worthy of no consideration to myself, so as to finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear testimony to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I came preaching the gospel of the kingdom, shall see my face no more.
And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I came preaching the gospel of the kingdom, shall see my face no more. Therefore I witness to you this clay, that I am pure from the blood of all men; read more. for I did not shrink to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed to yourselves, and all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has placed you shepherds, to shepherdise the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. I know, that after my departure grievous wolves will rise up against you, not sparing the flock;
I know, that after my departure grievous wolves will rise up against you, not sparing the flock; and men from you yourselves will rise up, speaking perverse things, in order to lead away disciples after them.
and men from you yourselves will rise up, speaking perverse things, in order to lead away disciples after them.
Whether do I speak these things according to a man? or does not the law indeed say these things? For in the law of Moses it has been written, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that plows. Is there a care to God for oxen, read more. or does he speak it altogether on account of us? For it was written on account of us, That the one plowing ought to plow in hope, and the one threshing in hope of partaking.
but let all things be done decently and in order.
But if Christ is preached that he is risen from the dead, how do certain ones among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? but if there is no resurrection of the dead, Christ is not risen: read more. but if Christ is not risen, then indeed is our preaching vain, and your faith is vain. And we are indeed found false witnesses of God; because we testified according to God that he raised Christ: whom he did not raise, if then the dead rise not. But if the dead rise not, neither is Christ risen. But if Christ is not risen, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins. Then indeed those having fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, the firstfruit of them that slept. For since death was through a man, the resurrection of the dead is also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so truly in Christ shall all be made alive. But each one in his own rank: Christ the first-fruit; then they who are Christ's, at His coming: then the end, when he may deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father, when he may destroy all government, all authority and power. For it behooves him to reign until he may put all enemies under his feet. Death the last enemy is destroyed. For, he has subordinated all things beneath his feet. But when he may say, that all things have been subordinated, it is evident that the One having subordinated all things to him is excepted. But when he may subordinate all things to him, then the Son himself will also be subordinated to him who hath subordinated all things to Himself, in order that God may be all things in all. Then what shall they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead rise not at all, why are they also baptized for them? Why indeed are we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with the wild beasts in Ephesus, what profit is it to me? If the dead rise not, let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die. Be not deceived: Evil communications corrupt good manners.
and perhaps I may abide with you, and even spend the winter with you, in order that you may send me forward whithersoever I may go.
Besides all these, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
This the third time I am coming to you: in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established. I have told you beforehand, and I am speaking to you in advance, as being present the second time, even now absent, that, if I may come to you again, I will not spare those who have previously sinned, and all the rest; read more. since you are seeking the approval of Christ, who is speaking in me, who is not weak towards you, bit mighty among you. For indeed he was crucified from weakness, but he lives by the power of God: for we indeed are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God unto you.
who gave Himself for our sins, in order that he might redeem us from the present evil age, according to the will of God even our Father: To whom be glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen.
and having known the grace of God which was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, who seem to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision;
But let us not get weary doing that which is good: for in due time we will reap, fainting not.
Beware of dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the counterfeit circumcision.
For many walk about, of whom I frequently spoke to you, and now I speak even weeping, the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their stomach, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.
As I exhorted you to remain in Ephesus, I going into Macedonia, in order that you may command certain ones not to teach heterodoxy,
As I exhorted you to remain in Ephesus, I going into Macedonia, in order that you may command certain ones not to teach heterodoxy,
As I exhorted you to remain in Ephesus, I going into Macedonia, in order that you may command certain ones not to teach heterodoxy,
As I exhorted you to remain in Ephesus, I going into Macedonia, in order that you may command certain ones not to teach heterodoxy,
As I exhorted you to remain in Ephesus, I going into Macedonia, in order that you may command certain ones not to teach heterodoxy,
As I exhorted you to remain in Ephesus, I going into Macedonia, in order that you may command certain ones not to teach heterodoxy, nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which present questions, rather than the economy of God which is in faith:
nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which present questions, rather than the economy of God which is in faith:
wishing to be teachers of the law, not knowing either what they are saying, or concerning what things they do affirm.
wishing to be teachers of the law, not knowing either what they are saying, or concerning what things they do affirm. But we know that the law is good, if any one may use it lawfully; read more. knowing this, that the law is not made for the righteous, but for the unrighteous and disorderly, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and the profane, for patricides, matricides and homocides,
It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:
This charge I commit unto you, O child Timothy, according to the prophecies that went before on you, that you may war a beautiful warfare in the same; having faith and a good conscience; which some having cast away have made shipwreck concerning the faith; read more. of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Moreover, first of all things, I exhort you, that prayers, supplications, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made in behalf of all men;
Moreover, first of all things, I exhort you, that prayers, supplications, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made in behalf of all men; for kings and all who are in authority; in order that we may lead a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and honesty.
for kings and all who are in authority; in order that we may lead a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and honesty. This is beautiful and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; read more. who wishes all men to be saved, and to come to the perfect knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is also one mediator of God and men, the man, Christ Jesus,
For there is one God, and there is also one mediator of God and men, the man, Christ Jesus, the one having given himself a ransom for all, a testimony in due time;
the one having given himself a ransom for all, a testimony in due time;
Therefore I wish that men in every place would all pray, holding up holy hands, without wrath and doubting:
Let a woman learn in silence in all submission; but I do not permit a woman to dictate or usurp authority over her husband, but to be in silence. read more. For Adam was first created, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression;
I write these things to you, hoping to come to you more speedily; but if I tarry, in order that you may know how it behooves you to deport yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
but if I tarry, in order that you may know how it behooves you to deport yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
speaking lies in hypocrisy, having been cauterized as to their own conscience,
speaking lies in hypocrisy, having been cauterized as to their own conscience, forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from meats, which God created for reception with thanksgiving to the faithful and to those perfectly knowing the truth.
but reject the unsanctified and silly stories: but exercise yourself unto godliness.
Let no one look with contempt upon your youth; but be you an example of the faithful, in word, in deportment, in divine love, in faith, in purity.
Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers:
Let the elders who stand before the people beautifully, be considered worthy of double remuneration, especially those laboring in the word and teaching. For the scripture says, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The laborer is worthy of his hire. read more. Bring not an accusation against an elder, except before two or three witnesses. Convict those who sin before all, in order that the rest may also have fear.
If any one teaches another doctrine, and does not give heed to the sound words which belonged to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
If any one teaches another doctrine, and does not give heed to the sound words which belonged to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he has been inflated, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and controversies, from which come envy, strife, blasphemies, evil surmisings, read more. wranglings of men having been corrupted as to their mind and turned away from the truth, considering that gain is godliness.
wranglings of men having been corrupted as to their mind and turned away from the truth, considering that gain is godliness. Godliness with contentment is great gain, read more. for because we have brought nothing into the world, we are not able to carry any thing out;
for because we have brought nothing into the world, we are not able to carry any thing out; however having food and raiment we shall be contented with these. read more. But those wishing to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown the people in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils: which some seeking after have wandered from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
For the love of money is a root of all evils: which some seeking after have wandered from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, fly from these things; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, divine love, patience, meekness. read more. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, into which you have been called, and witnessed a beautiful testimony before many witnesses. I charge you before God, who creates life in all things, and Jesus Christ, who witnessed a beautiful testimony before Pontius Pilate,
I charge you before God, who creates life in all things, and Jesus Christ, who witnessed a beautiful testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you keep the commandment, spotless and pure, unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: read more. which the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of the kings, and Lord of the lords, will manifest in his own due times; he alone having immortality, inhabiting light unapproachable; whom no one of men has seen, or is able to see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.
he alone having immortality, inhabiting light unapproachable; whom no one of men has seen, or is able to see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen. Charge the rich in this world not to think high things, nor to hope in uncertain riches, but in God, who richly supplies us all things for our enjoyment; read more. that they do good, be rich in good works, be cheerful givers, ready communicators; laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed. O Timothy, stand guard over that which has been committed to you, avoiding unsanctified, empty talks and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called,
O Timothy, stand guard over that which has been committed to you, avoiding unsanctified, empty talks and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called,
O Timothy, stand guard over that which has been committed to you, avoiding unsanctified, empty talks and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called,
O Timothy, stand guard over that which has been committed to you, avoiding unsanctified, empty talks and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called,
No one operating as a soldier is entangled with the affairs of life; in order that he may please his commander.
and their word like gangrene will have eating. Of whom are Hymenaeus and Phyletus; who have made shipwreck concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already come, and they overturn the faith of some.
For of these are those creeping into houses, and leading captive little, silly women laden with sins, being led by divers lusts, always learning, and never able to come into the perfect knowledge of the truth. read more. In the manner in which Jannes and Jambres also resisted Moses, so these indeed resist the truth; men who are corrupt as to their mind, reprobate concerning the faith.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
For Demas has left me, having loved the present age, and is gone into Thessalonica; Crescents into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia.
and manifested in his own seasons his word by preaching, with which I am intrusted, according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
For many are incorrigible, speaking vain things and egotistical, especially those from the circumcision, whose mouths it is necessary to stop; who overturn whole families, teaching those things which it does not behoove, for the sake of disgraceful gain. read more. A certain one of them, their own prophet, said, The Cretans are all liars, evil beasts, slow stomachs.
A certain one of them, their own prophet, said, The Cretans are all liars, evil beasts, slow stomachs.
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men turning away from the truth.
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men turning away from the truth. To the pure all things are pure: but to the corrupted and unbelieving there is nothing pure; yea, their mind and their conscience are polluted. read more. They profess to know God, but deny him by their works, being abominable, and unbelieving, and reprobate unto every good work.
That the elderly men be sober, grave, prudent, sound in faith, in divine love, in patience:
That the elderly men be sober, grave, prudent, sound in faith, in divine love, in patience:
in order that they instruct the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
in order that they instruct the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
For the grace of God, that brings salvation to all men, has appeared, teaching us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we must live prudently and righteously and holily in this present age;
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Remind them to submit to the governments, authorities, to obey the rule over them, to be ready unto every good work,
but reject foolish questions, and genealogies, and strife, and controversies about law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Reject a heretical man after the first and second admonition;
Reject a heretical man after the first and second admonition; knowing that such an one is turned away, and is sinning, being self-condemned.
on account of the divine love, I the more exhort you, being such as Paul the aged, and now also the prisoner of Jesus Christ.
For it is impossible that those having been once enlightened, and tasted the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and having tasted the beautiful word of God, and the dynamites of the coming age, read more. indeed having fallen away, to renew them again unto repentance; having crucified to themselves again the Son of God, and put him to an open shame. For the earth drinking the rain coming often upon her, and bringing forth the herb nutritious to those by whom it is also cultivated, receives blessings from God: but that which produces thorns and thistles, is reprobate, and nigh unto the curse; whose end is unto burning.
Little children, it is the last hour: and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, from which we know that it is the last hour. They came out from us, but they were not of us; for if they were of us, they would have remained with us: but in order that they might be made manifest that they are not all of us. read more. You have an unction from the Holy One, and you all know. I have not written unto you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar except the one denying that Jesus is the Christ? This one is the antichrist, the one denying the Father and the Son. No one denying the Son has the Father: the one confessing the Son has also the Father.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits if they are of God: because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God: and this is the spirit of antichrist, which you have heard that he is coming; and now he is already in the world.
To the angel who is in the church at Ephesus write; The one holding the seven stars in his right hand, the one walking about in the midst of the golden candlesticks, says these things; I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and that you are not able to bear the wicked; and you have tried those who say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them to be liars: read more. and you have patience and have borne with them for my name's sake, and have not fainted. But I have something against you, because you have left your first love. Remember therefore whence you have fallen, and repent, and do your first works; lest I come to you, and shall move your candlestick out of its place, if you do not repent. But you have this, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.