Reference: Timothy, The First Epistle to
Fausets
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 2000'>1Ti 4; 20/type/j2000'>6:20-21,2 Timothy as to deaconesses; Tit 1:12. Tertullian (de praescriptione Haereticorum, 25 and 6) quotes 2000'>1Ti 1:18; 2000'>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 2000'>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 (2000'>1Ti 1:3,20; Re 2:1-6).
(2) To g
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Only be thou strong and very courageous that thou mayest keep and do according to all the law, which Moses my slave commanded thee; turn not from it to the right hand or to the left that thou may be prospered in all the things that thou doest.
See that I command thee to be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for I, the LORD thy God, am with thee wherever thou goest. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, read more. Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, Prepare food; for within three days ye shall pass this Jordan, to enter in to inherit the land, which the LORD your God gives you to inherit.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles in the people.
which they likewise did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And having ordained elders for them in every congregation and having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed.
So he sent into Macedonia two of those that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
testifying both to the Jews and also to the Gentiles, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound of the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there, read more. except that the Holy Spirit witnesses in every city, saying that prisons and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me, neither do I count my life dear unto myself, only that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Therefore I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of everyone. read more. For I have not refrained from declaring unto you the full counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops to feed the congregation of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing, grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
For I know this, that after my departing, grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among your own selves, men shall arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves.
Also from among your own selves, men shall arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves.
Do I say this only according to men? or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the grain. Does God take care for oxen? read more. Or does he say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that plows should plow in hope, and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.
But let all things be done decently and in order.
Now if the Christ is preached that 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, then neither is Christ risen; read more. and if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain, and your faith is also vain. And we are even found false witnesses of God because we have testified of God that he raised up the Christ, whom he did not raise up, if it so be that the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not raised either; and if Christ is not raised, your faith is vain; ye are even yet in your sins. Then those also who are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have existence in Christ, we are the most miserable of all men. But now Christ is risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of those that slept. For since by a man came death, by a man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in the Christ shall all be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward, those that are Christ's at his coming. Then comes the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father, when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he has put all things under his feet. But when he says all things are put under him, it is clear that he is excepted, who did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also subject himself unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? I die daily to stay in the glory of having taught you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what does it advantage me, if the dead do not rise? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. Be not deceived: evil companions corrupt good character.
And it may be that I will abide and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey wherever I go.
Beside those things that are without, my daily combat is the welfare of all the congregations .
This third time I am coming unto you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I told you before and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now, I write to those who until now have sinned and to all others that, if I come again, I will not spare, read more. Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who unto you is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. By which we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God in you.
who gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, unto whom be the glory for the ages of the ages. Amen.
Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I do not lie.
and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision.
Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end shall be perdition, whose God is their belly and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things).
Even as I besought thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they not teach diverse doctrine,
Even as I besought thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they not teach diverse doctrine,
Even as I besought thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they not teach diverse doctrine,
Even as I besought thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they not teach diverse doctrine,
Even as I besought thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they not teach diverse doctrine,
Even as I besought thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they not teach diverse doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which generate questions other than that the edification of God is by faith.
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which generate questions other than that the edification of God is by faith.
desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor from where they affirm.
desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor from where they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it legitimately, read more. knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly sinners, for the evil and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
This is a faithful saying and worthy of acceptation by all, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first.
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, so that according to past prophecies regarding thee, that thou by them might war a good warfare; holding fast faith and a good conscience, which some, having cast away, have shipwrecked in their faith, read more. Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men,
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and integrity.
for kings, and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and integrity. For this is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, read more. who desires that all men be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is only one God and likewise only one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
For there is only one God and likewise only one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself in ransom for all, the testimony of which was confirmed at the time,
who gave himself in ransom for all, the testimony of which was confirmed at the time,
I desire, therefore, that the men in every place, pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and strife.
Let the woman learn, becoming silent in all subjection. For I do not allow a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over a mature man, but to be at rest. read more. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived in the rebellion;
These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly
These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly But if I tarry long, that thou may know how it is expedient to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.
But if I tarry long, that thou may know how it is expedient to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.
that in hypocrisy shall speak lies; having their conscience seared as with a hot iron;
that in hypocrisy shall speak lies; having their conscience seared as with a hot iron; they shall forbid to marry and shall command men to abstain from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who are faithful and have known the truth.
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the faithful in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father, and the younger men as brethren,
Let the elders that govern well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. read more. Against an elder do not receive an accusation, unless there are two or three witnesses. Those that persist in sin rebuke before all, that the others may also fear.
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but is driven mad concerning questions and controversy of words, of which comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, read more. perverse disputings of men of corrupt understanding, and destitute of the truth, using piety as a source of gain: from such withdraw thyself.
perverse disputings of men of corrupt understanding, and destitute of the truth, using piety as a source of gain: from such withdraw thyself. But piety with contentment is great gain. read more. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. So that, sustenance and covering, let us be content with this. read more. For those that desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, charity, tolerance, meekness. read more. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, unto which thou art also called, having made a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who gives life to all things and before Christ Jesus, who testified before Pontius Pilate a good profession;
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who gives life to all things and before Christ Jesus, who testified before Pontius Pilate a good profession; that thou keep the commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, read more. who in his time shall show the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; the only one who has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man has seen nor can see, to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
the only one who has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man has seen nor can see, to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge those that are rich in this world, that they not be highminded, not placing their hope in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; read more. but charge them to do good, that they be rich in good works, liberal to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the future, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, turn away from profane voices and vain things and arguments in the vain name of science,
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, turn away from profane voices and vain things and arguments in the vain name of science,
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, turn away from profane voices and vain things and arguments in the vain name of science,
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, turn away from profane voices and vain things and arguments in the vain name of science,
No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.
And that word will eat away as gangrene, of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past and have overthrown the faith of some.
For of this sort are those who creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with various lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. read more. And in the manner that Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt understanding, reprobate concerning the faith.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my release is at hand.
for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
and has manifested in due times. It is his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
For there are many insubordinate and vain talkers and deceivers of souls, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths it is expedient to stop, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain. read more. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies.
One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies.
not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. For unto the pure all things are pure, but unto those that are defiled and unfaithful, nothing is pure, but even their soul and conscience is defiled. read more. They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable and rebellious and reprobate unto every good work.
that the aged men be temperate, venerable, prudent, sound in faith, in charity, in tolerance.
that the aged men be temperate, venerable, prudent, sound in faith, in charity, in tolerance.
that they may teach the young women to be prudent, to love their husbands, to love their children,
that they may teach the young women to be prudent, to love their husbands, to love their children,
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live temperately, righteously, and godly in this present world;
who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a people of his own, zealous of good works.
Admonish them to be subject to dominion and power, and to persuade those who have authority, that they be quick unto every good work.
But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions and debates concerning the law, for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject him,
A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject him, knowing that he that is such is subverted and sins, being condemned of his own judgment.
yet for the sake of charity I rather beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the aged and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
For it is impossible that those who once received the light and tasted of that heavenly gift and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit and likewise have tasted the good word of God and the virtue of the age to come, read more. and have backslidden, be renewed again by repentance, crucifying again for themselves the Son of God and putting him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes often upon it and brings forth herbs in season for those by whom it is dressed receives blessing from God; but that which bears thorns and briers is rejected and is near unto cursing, whose end shall be by fire.
Little children, it is the last hour, and as ye have heard that the antichrist comes, likewise there are also beginning to be many antichrists, by which we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but this happened that it might be made manifest that they were not all of us. read more. But ye have the anointing of the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you as if ye ignore the truth, but as unto those that know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? This same is antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son. Whosoever denies the Son, the same does not have the Father. Whosoever confesses the Son, has the Father also.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
And every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ, is come in flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, of which ye have heard that it should come, and that now it is already in the world.
Unto the angel of the congregation of Ephesus write; These things, saith he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear those who are evil; and thou hast tried those who say they are apostles and are not and hast found them liars, read more. and hast suffered, and doth suffer and for my name's sake hast laboured and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have against thee that thou hast left thy first love, charity. Remember, therefore, from where thou art fallen and repent and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy lampstand out of its place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.