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/leb'>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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Only be strong and very courageous {to observe diligently the whole law} that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn aside from it, [to] the right or left, so that you may succeed {wherever you go}.
Did I not command you? Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you {wherever you go}." Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, read more. "Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people: 'Prepare your provisions; {in} three days you [are to] cross the Jordan to go possess the land that Yahweh your God [is] giving you to possess.'"
Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
which they also did, sending [the aid] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
And [when they] had appointed elders for them in every church, [after] praying with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
So [after] sending two of those who were assisting him, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he himself stayed [some] time in Asia.
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks with respect to repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus. "And now behold, bound by the Spirit I am traveling to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me {there}, read more. except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in town [after town], saying that bonds and persecutions await me. But I consider [my] life [as] worth {nothing} to myself, in order to finish my mission and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify [to] the gospel of the grace of God. "And now behold, I know that all [of] you, among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more.
"And now behold, I know that all [of] you, among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you on this very day that I am guiltless of the blood of all [of you], read more. for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the whole purpose of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has appointed you [as] overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he obtained through the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. And from among you yourselves men will arise, speaking {perversions of the truth} in order to draw away the disciples after them.
And from among you yourselves men will arise, speaking {perversions of the truth} in order to draw away the disciples after them.
I am not saying these [things] according to a human perspective. Or does the law not also say these [things]? For in the law of Moses it is written, "You must not muzzle an ox [while it] is threshing." It is not about oxen God is concerned, is it? read more. Or doubtless does he speak {for our sake}? For it is written {for our sake}, because the one who plows ought to plow in hope and the one who threshes [ought to do so] in hope of a share.
But let all [things] be [done] decently and according to proper procedure.
Now if Christ is preached as raised up from the dead, how do some among you say that [there] is no resurrection of the dead? But if [there] is no resurrection of the dead, Christ has not been raised [either]. read more. But if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching [is] in vain, and your faith [is] in vain. And also we are found [to be] false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if after all, then, the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised [either]. But if Christ has not been raised, your faith [is] empty; you are still in your sins. And as a further result, those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If {we have put our hope} in Christ in this life only, we are of all people most pitiable. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since through a man [came] death, also through a man [came] the resurrection of the dead. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own group: Christ the first fruits, then those [who are] Christ's at his coming, then the end, when he hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when he has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For it is necessary for him to reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be abolished [is] death. For "he subjected all [things] under his feet." But when it says "all [things]" are subjected, [it is] clear that the one who subjected all [things] to him [is] not included. But whenever all [things] are subjected to him, then the Son himself will be subjected to the one who subjected all [things] to him, in order that God may be all in all. Otherwise, why do they do [it], those who are being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why indeed are they being baptized on behalf of them? And why are we in danger every hour? I die every day--yes indeed, by my boasting in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord! If according to a human perspective I fought wild beasts at Ephesus, what benefit [is it] to me? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. Do not be deceived! "Bad company corrupts good morals."
and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
Apart from these external things, [there is] the pressure on me every day of the anxiety about all the churches.
This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. {By the testimony} of two or three witnesses every word will be established. I have already said when was present the second time, and [although I] am absent now also say in advance to those who sinned previously and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare [anyone], read more. since you are demanding proof that Christ, who [is] not weak toward you, but is powerful among you, is speaking in me. For indeed, he was crucified because of weakness, but he lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live together with him because of the power of God toward you.
who gave himself for our sins in order to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom [be] the glory forever and ever. Amen.
(Now [the things] which I am writing to you, behold, [I assure you] before God that I am not lying.)
and [when] James and Cephas and John--those thought to be pillars--acknowledged the grace given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right [hand] of fellowship, in order that we [should go] to the Gentiles and they to the circumcision.
Now the mediator is not for one, but God is one.
And let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, [if we] do not give up.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the mutilation.
For many live, of whom I spoke about to you many times, but now speak about even weeping, [as] the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is] the stomach, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, the ones who think on earthly things.
Just as I urged you [when I] traveled to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus, so that you may instruct certain people not to teach other doctrine,
Just as I urged you [when I] traveled to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus, so that you may instruct certain people not to teach other doctrine,
Just as I urged you [when I] traveled to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus, so that you may instruct certain people not to teach other doctrine,
Just as I urged you [when I] traveled to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus, so that you may instruct certain people not to teach other doctrine,
Just as I urged you [when I] traveled to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus, so that you may instruct certain people not to teach other doctrine,
Just as I urged you [when I] traveled to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus, so that you may instruct certain people not to teach other doctrine, and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God's plan [that is] by faith.
and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God's plan [that is] by faith.
wanting to be teachers of the law, [although they] do not understand either [the things] which they are saying or [the things] concerning which they are speaking confidently.
wanting to be teachers of the law, [although they] do not understand either [the things] which they are saying or [the things] concerning which they are speaking confidently. But we know that the law [is] good, if anyone makes use of it lawfully, read more. knowing this, that the law [is] not given for a righteous [person] but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and totally worldly, for the one who kills his father and the one who kills his mother, for murderers,
The saying [is] trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
I am setting before you this instruction, Timothy [my] child, in accordance with the prophecies spoken long ago about you, in order that by them you may fight the good fight, having faith and a good conscience, which some, [because they] have rejected [these], have suffered shipwreck concerning their faith, read more. among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, in order that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
Therefore, I urge first of all [that] petitions, prayers, requests, [and] thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people,
Therefore, I urge first of all [that] petitions, prayers, requests, [and] thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people, on behalf of kings and all those who are in authority, in order that we may live a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
on behalf of kings and all those who are in authority, in order that we may live a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [is] good and acceptable before God our Savior, read more. who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and human beings, the man Christ Jesus,
For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and human beings, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time,
who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time,
Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and dispute.
A woman must learn in quietness with all submission. But I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but {to remain quiet}. read more. For Adam was formed first, then Eve, and Adam was not deceived, but the woman, [because she] was deceived, came into transgression.
I am writing these [things] to you, hoping to come to you in a short time.
I am writing these [things] to you, hoping to come to you in a short time. But if I am delayed, [I am writing] in order that you may know how one must conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and mainstay of the truth.
But if I am delayed, [I am writing] in order that you may know how one must conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and mainstay of the truth.
by the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience,
by the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience, who forbid marrying [and insist on] abstaining from foods that God created for sharing in with thankfulness by those who believe and who know the truth,
But reject those {worthless myths told by elderly women}, and train yourself for godliness.
Let no one look down on your youth, but be an example for the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to [him] as a father, younger men as brothers,
The elders who lead well must be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor by speaking and teaching. For the scripture says, "You must not muzzle an ox [while it] is threshing," and "The worker [is] worthy of his wages." read more. Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. Reprove those who sin in the presence of all, in order that the rest also may experience fear.
If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not devote himself to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching [that is] in accordance with godliness,
If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not devote himself to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching [that is] in accordance with godliness, he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a morbid interest concerning controversies and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, slanders, evil suspicions, read more. constant wrangling by people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who consider godliness to be a means of gain.
constant wrangling by people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who consider godliness to be a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is a great means of gain. read more. For we have brought nothing into the world, so that neither can we bring anything out.
For we have brought nothing into the world, so that neither can we bring anything out. But [if we] have food and clothing, with these [things] we will be content. read more. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge those people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all evil, by which some, [because they] desire [it], have gone astray from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.
For the love of money is a root of all evil, by which some, [because they] desire [it], have gone astray from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. But you, O man of God, flee from these [things], and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patient endurance, gentleness. read more. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I command you, in the sight of God who gives life to all [things] and Christ Jesus who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate,
I command you, in the sight of God who gives life to all [things] and Christ Jesus who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, [that] you observe the commandment without fault, irreproachable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, read more. which he will make known in his own time, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of those who reign as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, the [one who] alone possesses immortality, who lives [in] unapproachable light, whom no human being has seen nor is able to see, to whom [be] honor and eternal power. Amen.
the [one who] alone possesses immortality, who lives [in] unapproachable light, whom no human being has seen nor is able to see, to whom [be] honor and eternal power. Amen. Command those [who are] rich in this present age not to be proud and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who provides us all [things] richly for enjoyment, read more. to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, sharing freely, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future, in order that they may take hold of [what is] truly life. O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted [to you]. Turn away from pointless empty talk and contradictions of [what is] falsely called knowledge,
O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted [to you]. Turn away from pointless empty talk and contradictions of [what is] falsely called knowledge,
O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted [to you]. Turn away from pointless empty talk and contradictions of [what is] falsely called knowledge,
O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted [to you]. Turn away from pointless empty talk and contradictions of [what is] falsely called knowledge,
No one who serves as a soldier is entangled in the activities of [everyday] life, so that he may please the one who enlisted [him].
and their message {will spread} like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have deviated concerning the truth [by] saying the resurrection has already taken place, and they are upsetting the faith of some.
For from these are those who slip into houses and captivate foolish women loaded down with sins, led by various kinds of desires, always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. read more. And {just as} Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these oppose the truth, people corrupted in mind, disqualified concerning the faith.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is imminent.
For Demas deserted me, [because he] loved the present age, and went to Thessalonica. Crescens [went] to Galatia; Titus [went] to Dalmatia.
but at the proper time has disclosed his message in the proclamation [with] which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,
For there are many rebellious [people], idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whom it is necessary to silence, whoever are ruining whole families [by] teaching [things] which must not be [taught] for the sake of dishonest gain. read more. A certain one of them, [one of] their own prophets, has said, "Cretans [are] always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."
A certain one of them, [one of] their own prophets, has said, "Cretans [are] always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."
not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of people who turn away from the truth.
not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure all [things] [are] pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing [is] pure, but both their mind and conscience are defiled. read more. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny [him], [because they] are detestable and disobedient, and unfit for every good deed.
Older men are to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, [and] in endurance.
Older men are to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, [and] in endurance.
in order that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands [and to] love their children,
in order that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands [and to] love their children,
Likewise, exhort the young men to be self-controlled,
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, training us in order that, denying impiety and worldly desires, we may live self-controlled and righteously and godly in the present age,
who gave himself for us, in order that he might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Remind them to be subject to the rulers [and] to the authorities, to obey, to be prepared for every good work,
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and contentions and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and fruitless. Reject a divisive person after a first and second admonition,
Reject a divisive person after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
instead I appeal to [you] because of love, [since I] am such a one as Paul, now an old man and also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
For [it is] impossible [concerning] those who have once been enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and become sharers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the coming age, read more. and having fallen away, to renew [them] again to repentance, [because they] have crucified again for themselves the Son of God and held him up to contempt. For ground that drinks the rain that comes often upon it, and brings forth vegetation usable to those [people] {for whose sake} [it is] also cultivated, shares a blessing from God. But [if it] produces thorns and thistles, [it is] worthless and near to a curse, whose end [is] for burning.
Children, it is the last hour, and just as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen, by which we know that 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 remained with us. But [they went out], in order that it might be shown that all of them are not of us. read more. And you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because every lie is not of the truth. Who is the liar except the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This person is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Everyone who denies the Son does not have the Father [either]; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits [to determine] if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God, and this is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.
"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: "This is what the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand says, the one who walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands: 'I know your works, and your labor and patient endurance, and that you are not able to tolerate evil, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you found them [to be] false. read more. And you have patient endurance, and have endured [many things] because of my name, and have not become weary. But I have [this] against you: that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do {the works you did at first}. But if you do not, I am coming to you, and I will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. But you do have this: that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, [things] which I also hate.