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/mnt'>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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Meanwhile Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people.
This they did, forwarding their contributions to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
They chose elders for them in every church, after prayer and fasting, and commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
So he sent two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, while he himself kept back for a time on his way into Asia.
testifying both to Jews and Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now I am going to Jerusalem, bound in the Spirit, not knowing what will befall me there, read more. except that in city after city the Holy Spirit is warning me that bonds and afflictions are awaiting me. But I hold not my life of any account, as dear unto myself, if only I may run my race, and accomplish the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to attest the gospel of the grace of God. And now I know that not one of you among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will ever see my face again.
And now I know that not one of you among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will ever see my face again. So I testify to you this day that I am clear from the blood of all men; read more. I never shrank from telling you the whole counsel of God. Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, and be shepherds of the church of God which he has purchased with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock;
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock; and that from among your own number, men will arise, perverting the truth, to draw away the disciples after them.
and that from among your own number, men will arise, perverting the truth, to draw away the disciples after them.
Am I saying this on human authority only, or does not the Law also say the same? Yea, in the Law of Moses it is written, Thou shalt not muzzle an ox while he is treading out the grain. read more. Is it the oxen that God is thinking about, or is it really said for our sakes? It was written for us; because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher in hope of getting a share of the crop.
Let everything be done decently and in order.
If then, we are preaching Christ, that he rose from the dead, how are some of you saying that there is no resurrection from the dead? But if there is no resurrection from the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; read more. and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, and vain also is your faith. More than that, we are detected in bearing false witness against God; because we testified of God that he raised Christ from the dead, whom he did not raise, if indeed the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, neither has Christ arisen; and if Christ be not risen, your faith is vain, you are still in your sins. More than that, those who are sleeping in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all mankind most pitiable. But now, now, Christ is risen from the dead, the first-fruit of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came to death, by man came also the resurrection from the dead. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order; Christ the first-fruits, then those who belong to Christ at his appearing. And then the end, when he shall hand over his kingdom to God his Father, after he has abolished all rule and authority and power. For he must rule until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is Death. For He hast put all things under his feet, but in that quotation All things are put under him, it is evident that God is excepted, who put all things under Him. For when everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself shall subject himself to Him who made them subject, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are really not raised, why are they baptized for them? Yes, and why am I myself exposed to danger every hour? Every day I am facing death, my brothers, I affirm it by that pride in you which I have through Christ Jesus our Lord. If after the manner of men I have fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what good does it do me? If the dead do not rise, Let us eat and drink, For we shall be dead tomorrow. Do not deceive yourselves. Evil companions ruin good morals.
I shall remain some time with you; possibly spending the winter, in order that you may help me forward in whatever journey I take.
Not to mention other things, there is the crowding pressure of each day upon me, the care of all the churches.
This will be my third visit to you. Out of the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be confirmed. I have said formerly, and I now forewarn you as when I was present the second time, so now when I am absent the second time, so now when I am absent, saying to those who had sinned before, and to all the rest, "If I come again, I will not spare," read more. Since you want a proof of Christ who is speaking in me, he who is not feeble toward you, but powerful among you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he now lives through the power of God. I also am weak, sharing in his weakness, but I shall live with him by the power of God.
who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil age in accordance with the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
(In what I am now writing, I call God to witness that I am telling the truth.)
and when they recognized the grace which had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, then thought to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and to me the right hand of fellowship. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the Jews.
(Now a mediator implies more than one person, but God is only one.)
And let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
Beware of "these dogs," these mischievous workers, beware of the concision!
For there are many??s I used often to tell you, and am now telling you even with tears??ho live and walk as the enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their belly is their god, their glory is in their shame, and their minds are set on earthly things.
As I begged you when I was setting out for Macedonia, stay where you are at Ephesus, and instruct certain individuals there not to be teaching heterodoxy,
As I begged you when I was setting out for Macedonia, stay where you are at Ephesus, and instruct certain individuals there not to be teaching heterodoxy,
As I begged you when I was setting out for Macedonia, stay where you are at Ephesus, and instruct certain individuals there not to be teaching heterodoxy,
As I begged you when I was setting out for Macedonia, stay where you are at Ephesus, and instruct certain individuals there not to be teaching heterodoxy,
As I begged you when I was setting out for Macedonia, stay where you are at Ephesus, and instruct certain individuals there not to be teaching heterodoxy,
As I begged you when I was setting out for Macedonia, stay where you are at Ephesus, and instruct certain individuals there not to be teaching heterodoxy, nor to be paying attention to myths and interminable genealogies, which tend to promote discussions rather than a stewardship entrusted by God, a stewardship which is in faith.
nor to be paying attention to myths and interminable genealogies, which tend to promote discussions rather than a stewardship entrusted by God, a stewardship which is in faith.
Although they desire to be teachers of the law, they understand neither the words they use nor the subjects they talk about.
Although they desire to be teachers of the law, they understand neither the words they use nor the subjects they talk about. I know well that "the Law is good" if a man use it lawfully; read more. but he must remember that the Law is not enacted for a good man, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the irreligious and sinful, for the godless and profane, for parricides and murderers,
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners"! And there is no greater sinner than I!
This charge then, I am laying upon you, Timothy, my son, according to the predictions formerly made concerning you. Fight the good fight in the spirit of these predictions, keeping fast hold of faith and a good conscience; which certain individuals have cast aside, and so made shipwreck of their faith. read more. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have given over to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
First of all then, I am urging that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered regularly for all men;
First of all then, I am urging that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered regularly for all men; for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and peaceful life in all godliness an gravity.
for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and peaceful life in all godliness an gravity. For this is good and pleasing in the eyes of our Saviour God, read more. whose will it is that all men should be saved, and come into full knowledge of the truth. For God is one; and one is mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus,
For God is one; and one is mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom in behalf of all, to be attested in due time.
who gave himself as a ransom in behalf of all, to be attested in due time.
My wish, then, is that in every place the men should offer prayer, lifting up holy hands, free from anger and disputation;
Let a woman learn quietly in entire submission. I allow no woman to teach, or to exercise authority over a man; but let her keep quiet. read more. It was Adam who was first formed, then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived; but it was the woman who was thoroughly deceived, and who became involved in transgression.
Although I am hoping to come to you before long, I am writing this to you in case I should be detained, to let you see how you ought to behave in the household of God??he Church of the everliving God, the pillar and mainstay of the truth.
I am writing this to you in case I should be detained, to let you see how you ought to behave in the household of God??he Church of the everliving God, the pillar and mainstay of the truth.
speaking lies in hypocrisy. These are men whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron,
speaking lies in hypocrisy. These are men whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron, who discourage marriage, and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thankfulness, by those who believe, and have a clear knowledge of the truth.
Ever reject these profane and old womanish myths; and continually train yourself for the contest of godliness.
Let no one despise you on account of your youth, but become an example for the faithful in word, in life, in love, in faith, in purity.
Do not reprimand an aged man, but continue pleading with him as if he were your father. Treat the young men as brothers,
Let the elders who fill their offices well, be held worthy of twofold honor; especially those who have the task of preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, You must not muzzle an ox when he is treading out the grain, and The worker is worth his wages. read more. Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Rebuke offenders publicly, so that others also may take warning.
If any one teaches heterodoxy, and refuses to consent to the wholesome words of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the teachings of religion,
If any one teaches heterodoxy, and refuses to consent to the wholesome words of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the teachings of religion, he is puffed up with conceit and knows nothing, but is doting about disputations and a strife of words. These give rise to envy, quarrels, railings, evil suspicions, read more. and wrangling between men whose minds are corrupt and destitute of the truth; who suppose that godliness is a source of gain.
and wrangling between men whose minds are corrupt and destitute of the truth; who suppose that godliness is a source of gain. Now godliness with contentment is truly gainful; read more. for we have brought nothing into the world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out!
for we have brought nothing into the world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out! So if we have food and shelter, let us be content with that. read more. Those who desire to be rich fall into the snares of temptation and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil; and in their eager desire to be rich some have been led astray form the faith, and have pierced themselves with many sorrows.
For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil; and in their eager desire to be rich some have been led astray form the faith, and have pierced themselves with many sorrows. But you, O servant of God, flee from these things, and run after integrity, piety, faith, love, stedfastness, gentleness. read more. Keep contending in the noble contest of the faith; seize hold on eternal life, to which you were called when you confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus who bore witness to the good confession before Pontius Pilate,
In the presence of God who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus who bore witness to the good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you, keep your commission spotless and irreproachable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. read more. For in his own good time this will be brought about by that blessed and only potentate, King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality, who dwells in light that none can approach, whom no man has ever seen or can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.
who alone possesses immortality, who dwells in light that none can approach, whom no man has ever seen or can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. Charge the rich of this world not to be supercilious, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in God, who provides all things richly for our use. read more. Charge them to practise benevolence, to be rich in good works, to be open-handed and generous, laying up right good treasure for themselves in the world to come, in order that they may obtain the Life which is life indeed. O, Timothy, guard the treasure which is committed to you. Shun the profane babblings and contradictions of the falsely called "knowledge"
O, Timothy, guard the treasure which is committed to you. Shun the profane babblings and contradictions of the falsely called "knowledge"
O, Timothy, guard the treasure which is committed to you. Shun the profane babblings and contradictions of the falsely called "knowledge"
O, Timothy, guard the treasure which is committed to you. Shun the profane babblings and contradictions of the falsely called "knowledge"
A soldier in active service avoids entangling himself in the every-day affairs of life, so that he may please his commander.
and their teaching will spread like a gangrene. Among such are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have gone astray concerning the truth by declaring that the resurrection is already past; and they are undermining the faith of some.
Turn away from all such. Some of them creep into private houses and lead captive silly women who, laden with sins, and led captive by ever-changing impulses, are always learning but never able to arrive at knowledge of truth. read more. As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so also do these men withstand the truth; being corrupt in mind and worthless in all that concerns the faith.
I for my part am a libation already being poured in sacrifice; and the time of my unmooring is at hand.
for Demas has deserted me for love of this present world, and is gone to Thessalonica; Crescens is gone to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia.
but manifested in his own time; that word of his in proclaiming which I have been entrusted by command of God our Saviour.
For there are many individuals who are unruly, empty talkers and deceivers, particularly those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped; for they upset whole households and, for filthy lucre's sake, teach what they ought not to teach. read more. By one of their own number, by a prophet of their own, it has been said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons."
By one of their own number, by a prophet of their own, it has been said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons."
so as to make them sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
so as to make them sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. All things are pure to the pure; but to the contaminated and the faithless nothing is pure, nay, their very minds and consciences are tainted. read more. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they disown him; in that they are detestable, disobedient, and reprobate for good work of any sort.
that the older men be self-controlled, serious and sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
that the older men be self-controlled, serious and sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
They should train the younger women to love their husbands and children,
They should train the younger women to love their husbands and children,
The younger men exhort to be sober-minded; in every respect showing yourself an example of good works.
"For God's grace has shined forth bringing salvation to all men And schooling us to renounce impiety and evil passions, And to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
He gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify unto himself a people zealous of good works."
Remind them to be submissive to their rulers and authorities; let them be obedient, ready for every good work;
But avoid foolish questionings and genealogies and dissensions and wranglings about the law; for these are unprofitable and empty. After a first and second admonition, refuse a man who is causing divisions;
After a first and second admonition, refuse a man who is causing divisions; you may be sure that such a man is perverted and sinning, and is self-condemned.
yet for love's sake, I rather beseech you, I, Paul, an old man, and now a prisoner for Christ Jesus!
For in the case of those who have been once for all enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the Future Age, read more. and then fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance. For they repeatedly crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and expose him to an open shame. For land that has drunk the showers that now and again fall upon it, and produced vegetation useful for those for whom it was tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it produces thorns and thistles, it is considered worthless, and is in danger of being cursed, and its end will be to be burned.
My children, this is the last hour, and as you have heard that an antichrist was coming, and now many antichrists are already risen, whence we may know that it is the last hour. They came forth from us, but they did not belong to us. If they had belonged to us they would certainly have remained with us, but they went out that they might be manifest that they all are not of us. read more. Now you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I am not writing to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and know that no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar if not the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, even he who disowns the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father; but he who confesses the Son has the Father also. As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning abide in you.
Do not believe every spirit, beloved, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets are gone out into the world.
and every spirit which confesses him not, is not from God. And this is that spirit of Antichrist of which you have heard that it is coming, and that now it is already in the world.
To the angel of the Church in Ephesus, write. These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, and who walks among the seven golden candlesticks. I know your works and your toil and stedfastness, and that you cannot endure evil men, and that you tested those who called themselves apostles, though they are not, and how you found them false. read more. You are holding fast, and have borne up for my name's sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember whence you have fallen, and turn again, and do your first works. Otherwise I am coming to you and will remove your candlestick out of its place, unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I hate.