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/haweis'>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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Now Stephen, full of faith and of power, wrought great miracles and signs among the people.
which also they did, sending it off to the presbyters by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Then appointing them presbyters in every city, by prayer with fastings they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
Then he dispatched into Macedonia two of those who attended upon him, Timothy and Erastus; while he himself continued a while longer in Asia.
repeatedly urging both on Jews and Greeks repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold I am going, bound by the Spirit, unto Jerusalem, not knowing what things shall there befal me: read more. only this, that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and tribulation await thee. Yet I make no account of any [suffering], nor regard my life as of any value to myself, farther than as I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord, to testify fully the Gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I know that ye shall see my face no more, even ye all, among whom I have gone in and out preaching the kingdom of God.
And now behold, I know that ye shall see my face no more, even ye all, among whom I have gone in and out preaching the kingdom of God. Wherefore I appeal to you this day as witnesses that I am pure from the blood of all men. read more. For I have concealed nothing, so as not repeatedly to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed as shepherds the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. For this I know, that after my departure there will come among you grievous wolves, not sparing the flock:
For this I know, that after my departure there will come among you grievous wolves, not sparing the flock: Yea, from among yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverting doctrines, to draw away disciples after them.
Yea, from among yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverting doctrines, to draw away disciples after them.
Speak I these things [rationally] as a man, or doth not the law speak the same things? for in the law of Moses it is written, "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox which treadeth out the corn." Doth God take care for oxen? read more. or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes doubtless it was written; because he who ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he who soweth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
Let all things be done with propriety, and orderly.
But if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you, that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither is Christ risen: read more. and if Christ be not risen, vain indeed is our preaching, and vain also your faith. Yea, and we also are found false witnesses for God; because we have testified on the behalf of God, that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if indeed the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, neither is Christ risen: and if Christ be not risen, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then also they who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are more miserable than all other men. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruit of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all are dead, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But every one in his own rank: Christ the first-fruit; afterwards those that are Christ's at his appearing. Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, and the Father; when he shall have destroyed every dominion and every authority and power. For he must reign, until he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy shall be destroyed, death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, that all things are put under him, it is evident that there is an exception of him, who subjected all things to him. But when he shall have put all things under him, then also the Son himself shall be subjected to him who put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what will they do who are baptised? for the dead, if wholly dead they rise no more. Why are they then baptised for the dead? and why do we also expose ourselves to danger every hour? I solemnly declare by all the joy over you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, of what advantage would it be to me, if the dead did not rise again? shall we eat and drink; because to-morrow we die? Be not deceived: evil conversations corrupt good manners.
and perhaps I shall abide with you, yea and winter with you, that you may send me forward whithersoever I go.
and beside all these things from without, that accumulated burden which cometh on me daily, the care of all the churches.
THIS third time I am coming to you: by the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every charge be established. I have told you before, and I repeat it, as when I was present the second time, and now absent, I write to those who have sinned already, and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare you: read more. since ye demand a proof that Christ speaketh in me, who to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified in weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God: for we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God [displayed] towards you.
who gave himself for our sins, that he might pluck us out of this present wicked world, according to the will of God and our Father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Now respecting the things which I write unto you, behold, in the presence of God, I lie not.
And when they knew the grace which was bestowed on me, James and Cephas and John, who appeared to be the pillars [of the church], gave unto me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision:
Let us not then be weary of well-doing; for in due time we shall reap, if we faint not.
Beware of dogs, beware of the malicious labourers, beware of the concision.
For many walk, whom I have often mentioned to you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is perdition, whose God is their belly, and their glory in their shame, whose minds are occupied with earthly things.
As I exhorted thee to abide at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin certain persons to introduce no different doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to abide at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin certain persons to introduce no different doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to abide at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin certain persons to introduce no different doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to abide at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin certain persons to introduce no different doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to abide at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin certain persons to introduce no different doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to abide at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin certain persons to introduce no different doctrine, nor to attend to fables and endless genealogies, which give occasion to disputes rather than godly edification, which is by faith; [so do].
nor to attend to fables and endless genealogies, which give occasion to disputes rather than godly edification, which is by faith; [so do].
affecting to be doctors of the law, though they underhand neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
affecting to be doctors of the law, though they underhand neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good if a man use it according to its institution; read more. knowing this, that the law is not made for the just man, but for the lawless and disorderly, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for men-slayers,
It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.
This commandment, son Timothy, I give thee, according to the prophecies which were before delivered concerning thee, that by them thou mightest war a good warfare; holding faith and a good conscience, which some having renounced, as touching the faith, have been shipwrecked: read more. of whom are Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered over unto Satan, that they may be corrected, so as to blaspheme no more.
I EXHORT therefore, first of all, that there be offered supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings for the whole race of mankind:
I EXHORT therefore, first of all, that there be offered supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings for the whole race of mankind: for kings, and all that are in a state of eminence, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and seriousness.
for kings, and all that are in a state of eminence, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and seriousness. For this is becoming, and acceptable before God our Saviour; read more. who wills all men to be saved, and come to the acknowledgment of truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony to be born in his appointed times;
who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony to be born in his appointed times;
I will then that men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting:
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection: for I permit not a woman to teach in public, or to assume authority over the man, but to abide in silence. read more. For Adam was first formed, Eve afterwards. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, by transgression fell.
These things I write to thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: but should I be delayed, that thou mayest know how it behoveth thee to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and the pedestal of truth.
but should I be delayed, that thou mayest know how it behoveth thee to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and the pedestal of truth.
men who teach lies with hypocrisy; and have their own consciences cauterised;
men who teach lies with hypocrisy; and have their own consciences cauterised; prohibiting marriage, and enjoining abstinence from particular meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful, and those who acknowledge the truth.
But profane and antiquated fables reject, but exercise thyself unto godliness.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be a pattern of the faithful, in discourse; in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
REBUKE not harshly an aged man, but admonish him as a father; the younger men as brethren;
Let the elders who preside properly be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who are laborious in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he treadeth out the corn." And again, "The labourer is worthy of his hire." read more. Against a presbyter receive not an accusation, except it be from two or three witnesses. Those who sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may tremble.
If any man teach another doctrine, and attend not to the sound words, which are those of Jesus Christ our Lord, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
If any man teach another doctrine, and attend not to the sound words, which are those of Jesus Christ our Lord, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is conceited, knowing nothing, but delirious with disputes and quarrels about words, from whence come wrath, contentions, evil speakings, wrong suspicions, read more. perverse wranglings of men corrupt in mind, and destitute of truth, who think to make gain of godliness; depart from such men.
perverse wranglings of men corrupt in mind, and destitute of truth, who think to make gain of godliness; depart from such men. But godliness with contentment is great gain. read more. For that we brought nothing into the world is evident, neither can we carry any thing out of it.
For that we brought nothing into the world is evident, neither can we carry any thing out of it. Having then food and raiment, let us be therewith content. read more. For they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful passions, which sink men in the abyss of destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evils, which some coveting, have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
For the love of money is the root of all evils, which some coveting, have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. read more. Strain every nerve in the noble conflict of faith, lay fast hold on eternal life, unto which also thou hast been called, and hast confessed the good confession before many witnesses. I conjure thee in the presence of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who witnessed that noble confession before Pontius Pilate;
I conjure thee in the presence of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who witnessed that noble confession before Pontius Pilate; that thou observe this injunction spotless, irreproachable, unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: read more. which in his own appointed times he will shew forth, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who alone possesseth immortality, inhabiting light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and glory eternal. Amen.
who alone possesseth immortality, inhabiting light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and glory eternal. Amen. Charge the rich in this world not to be lifted up with pride, nor to trust on the stability of wealth, but on the living God, who giveth us richly all things for our enjoyment; read more. to do good, to be rich in generous actions, to take pleasure in liberality, ready to distribute; laying up treasure for themselves a noble foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, guard the sacred deposit, avoiding profane trifling talk, and antitheses of misnamed science:
O Timothy, guard the sacred deposit, avoiding profane trifling talk, and antitheses of misnamed science:
O Timothy, guard the sacred deposit, avoiding profane trifling talk, and antitheses of misnamed science:
O Timothy, guard the sacred deposit, avoiding profane trifling talk, and antitheses of misnamed science:
No man who enters the army involves himself with secular affairs; that he may please the person who hath enlisted him.
And their discourse will eat like as a gangrene; of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus; who with respect to the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection hath been already; and pervert the faith of some.
For such are they who insinuate themselves into houses, and captivate weak women laden with accumulated sins, and actuated by a variety of passions, always learning, yet never able to attain unto the knowledge of truth. read more. But in the same manner as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also set themselves in opposition to the truth; men corrupt in mind, reprobate respecting the faith.
For I am now ready to be sacrificed, and the time of my dissolution approaches.
for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is gone unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia.
but hath manifested in his own appointed season his word by the preaching, with which I have been entrusted, according to the command of our Saviour God;
For there are many disorderly persons vainly talkative, and under a spirit of delusion, especially some of the circumcised; whose mouths ought to be muzzled, who pervert whole families, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of base gain. read more. One of them, a poet of their own nation, hath said, The Cretans are always liars, wicked beasts, slothful gluttons.
One of them, a poet of their own nation, hath said, The Cretans are always liars, wicked beasts, slothful gluttons.
not attending to Jewish fables, and injunctions of men, who have turned away from the truth.
not attending to Jewish fables, and injunctions of men, who have turned away from the truth. All things indeed are clean to the clean: but to the defiled and to the unbelievers there is nothing clean; but their very mind and conscience are defiled. read more. They profess to know God; but in works deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
that the elder men be sober, grave, discreet, sound in faith, in love, in patience.
that the elder men be sober, grave, discreet, sound in faith, in love, in patience.
that they instruct the young women to be discreet, to love their husbands, to love their children,
that they instruct the young women to be discreet, to love their husbands, to love their children,
For the grace of God which leads to salvation hath appeared unto all men, instructing us, that denying ungodliness and worldly affections, we should live soberly and righteously, and godly in the present day;
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 be subject to princes and those invested with authority, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work,
But foolish disquisitions, and genealogies, and disputes, and contentions about the law avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain. An heretical person after a first and second admonition reject;
An heretical person after a first and second admonition reject; knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned.
I rather for love's sake entreat, being such as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner for Jesus Christ.
For it is not possible to renew again unto repentance those who have been once illuminated, and have tasted the celestial gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, read more. and yet have fallen away: for they crucify again to themselves the Son of God, and expose him to public infamy. For the earth which imbibes the rain which often falls upon it, and bringeth forth herbage suitable for those by whom it is cultured, receiveth a blessing from God; but if it produceth thorns and thistles, it is abandoned, and near the curse [of barrenness], whose end will be for burning.
My dear children, it is the last hour; and as ye have heard that antichrist is coming, even now there are many antichrists: by which we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they departed, that they might be made manifest that they are not all of us: read more. though ye have an unction from the Holy One, and know all things. I have not written to you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Messiah? This man is the antichrist, who denieth the Father and the Son. Every one that denieth the Son, neither doth he hold the Father; but he that acknowledgeth the Son, holdeth the Father also.
BELOVED, believe not every pretender to inspiration, but bring these spirits to the trial whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone forth into the world.
And every spirit who confesseth not that Jesus the Messiah is come into the world, is not from God: and this is that spirit of antichrist which ye have heard that it is coming, and now is already in the world.
TO the angel of the Ephesian church write; These things saith he who grasps the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh round in the midst of the seven golden lamps; I know thy works, and thy travail, and thy patience, and that thou canst not bear the wicked; and hast tried those who give themselves out as apostles, yet are not, and hast found them liars; read more. and hast borne, and hast exercised patience, and for my name sake hast endured great toil, and hast not fainted. Yet have I a charge against thee, that thou art gone back from thy first love. Remember then from whence thou hast fallen, and repent, and practise thy first works; but if not, I am coming to thee quickly, and I will remove thy lamp out of its place, except thou repent. But this thou holdest, that thou abhorrest the deeds of the Nicolatans, which I also abhor.