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 2000'>1Ti 4; 20/type/kj2000'>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
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Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, read more. Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you provisions; for within three days you shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God gives you to possess it.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And when they had ordained elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in 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 bonds and afflictions await me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so 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 you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. read more. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Say I these things as a man? or says not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, You shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the grain. Does God care for oxen? read more. Or says he 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.
Let all things be done decently and in order.
Now 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 be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: read more. And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins. Then they also who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they 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, till 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 himself be subject 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 rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your boasting which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what is the gain to me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. Be not deceived: evil companions corrupt good morals.
And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that you may bring me on my journey wherever I go.
Besides those things that are outside, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I told you before, and tell you again, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them who earlier have sinned, and to all others, that, if I come again, I will not spare: read more. Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who toward you is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God our Father: To whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
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 mutilators.
(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 is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
As I besought you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
As I besought you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
As I besought you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
As I besought you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
As I besought you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
As I besought you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to myths and endless genealogies, which cause questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Neither give heed to myths and endless genealogies, which cause questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor the things they affirm.
Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor the things they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully; read more. Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
This charge I commit unto you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which were made concerning you, that you by them might war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made it shipwreck: 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 honesty.
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; read more. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the 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, this to be a testimony at the proper time.
Who gave himself a ransom for all, this to be a testimony at the proper time.
I desire therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have authority over the man, but to be in silence. read more. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
These things write I unto you, hoping to come unto you shortly:
These things write I unto you, hoping to come unto you shortly: But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave 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 long, that you may know how you ought to behave 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 their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them who believe and know the truth.
But refuse profane and old wives' tales, and exercise yourself rather unto godliness.
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brothers;
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. read more. Against an elder receive not an accusation, unless before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting over questions and disputes of words, out of which comes envy, strife, railings, evil suspicions, read more. Perverse wranglings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself.
Perverse wranglings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself. But godliness 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. And having food and clothing let us be with these things content. read more. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which plunge men into 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 you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. read more. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give you charge in the sight of God, who brings all things to life, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
I give you charge in the sight of God, who brings all things to life, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That you keep this commandment without spot, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: read more. Who in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.
Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this present age, that they be not haughty, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; read more. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to share; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain utterances, and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge:
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain utterances, and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge:
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain utterances, and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge:
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain utterances, and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge:
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 their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
For of this sort are they 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. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
But has in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior;
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who ruin whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain. read more. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.
One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.
Not giving heed to Jewish myths, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Not giving heed to Jewish myths, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. read more. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
That the aged men be sensible, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.
That the aged men be sensible, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.
That they may teach the young women to be sensible, to love their husbands, to love their children,
That they may teach the young women to be sensible, to love their husbands, to love their children,
Young men likewise exhort to be sensible.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live sensibly, 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 for his own, zealous of good works.
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is divisive after the first and second admonition reject;
A man that is divisive after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is perverted, and sins, being condemned of himself.
Yet for love's sake I rather beseech you, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, read more. If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes often upon it, and brings forth plants fit for them by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God: But that which bears thorns and briars is worthless, and is near unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there 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 they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. read more. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written unto you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. Whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: [but] he that confesses the Son has the Father also.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, of which you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands; I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them who are evil: and you have tried them who say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars: read more. And have endured, and have patience, and for my name's sake have labored, and have not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your lampstand out of its place, except you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.