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/mstc'>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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Above all things, be strong and harden thyself, to observe and to do according to all the laws which Moses my servant commanded thee. Turn there from neither to the righthand, nor to the left: that thou mayest have understanding in all thou takest in hand.
Behold, I have said unto thee, be strong and bold: neither fear, nor dread. For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, read more. "Go through the midst of the host, and command the people, saying, 'Prepare you victuals: for after three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go and enjoy the land which the LORD your God giveth you, to possess it.'"
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And when they had ordained them elders by election in every congregation, after they had prayed and fasted, they commended them to God on whom they believed.
So sent he into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him: Timothy and Erastus: but he himself remained in Asia for a season.
witnessing both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, the repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, and know not what shall come on me there, read more. but that the holy ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and trouble abide me. But none of those things move me. Neither is my life dear unto myself; that I might fulfill my course with joy, and the ministration which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I am sure that henceforth ye all, through whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
And now behold, I am sure that henceforth ye all, through whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this same day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. read more. For I have kept nothing back: but have showed you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, whereof the holy ghost hath made you overseers: to rule the congregation of God, which he hath purchased with his blood. For I am sure of this: that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, which will not spare the flock.
For I am sure of this: that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, which will not spare the flock. Moreover, of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them.
Moreover, of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them.
Say I these things after the manner of men? Or sayeth not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, "Thou shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." Doth God take thought for oxen? read more. Either saith he it not altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he which eareth should ear in hope: and that he which thresheth in hope, should be partaker of his hope.
And let all things be done honestly and in order.
If Christ be preached, how that he rose from the dead: how say some that are among you, that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there be no rising again of the dead: then is Christ not risen. read more. If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also in vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God. For we have testified of God how that he raised up Christ, whom he raised not up, if it be so that the dead rise not up again. For if the dead rise not again, then is Christ not risen again. If it be so that Christ rose not, then is your faith in vain, and yet are ye in your sins. And thereto, they which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we believe on Christ, then are we, of all men, the miserablest. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and is become the first fruits of them that slept. For by a man came death, and by a man came resurrection of the dead. For as by Adam all die; even so by Christ, shall all be made alive, and every man in his own order: The first is Christ, then they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he hath delivered up the kingdom to God the father, when he hath put down all rule, authority, and power. For he must reign till he have put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. "For he hath put all things under his feet." But when he saith, "All things are put under him," it is manifest, that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. When all things are 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 things. Either, else what do they which are baptised over the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptised over the dead? Yea, and why stand we in jeopardy every hour? By our rejoicing, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. That I have fought with beasts at Ephesus after the manner of men, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not again? "Let us eat and drink, tomorrow we shall die." Be not deceived: malicious speakings corrupt good manners.
With you peradventure I will abide a while: or else winter, that ye may bring me on my way whithersoever I go.
And beside the things which outwardly happen unto me, I am cumbered daily and do care for all congregations.
Now come I the third time unto you: "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall everything stand." I told you before, and tell you before, and as I said when I was present with you the second time, so write I now, being absent, to them which in time past have sinned, and to all others: that if I come again, I will not spare; read more. seeing that ye seek experience of Christ which speaketh in me, which among you is not weak, but is mighty in you. And verily, though it came of weakness that he was crucified, yet liveth he through the power of God: and we no doubt are weak in him; but we shall live with him, by the might of God among you.
which gave himself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil world, through the will of God our father, to whom be praise for ever and ever Amen.
The things which I write, behold, God knoweth I lie not.
and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews:
A mediator is not a mediator of one. But God is one.
Let us not be weary of well doing. For when the time is come we shall reap without weariness.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers. Beware of dissension:
For many walk - of whom I have told you often, and now tell you weeping - that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is damnation, whose God is their belly and whose glory is to their shame, which are worldly minded.
As I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus when I departed into Macedonia; even so, do: that thou command some that they teach no other wise,
As I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus when I departed into Macedonia; even so, do: that thou command some that they teach no other wise,
As I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus when I departed into Macedonia; even so, do: that thou command some that they teach no other wise,
As I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus when I departed into Macedonia; even so, do: that thou command some that they teach no other wise,
As I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus when I departed into Macedonia; even so, do: that thou command some that they teach no other wise,
As I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus when I departed into Macedonia; even so, do: that thou command some that they teach no other wise, neither give heed to fables and genealogies, which are endless, and breed doubts, more than Godly edifying which is by faith:
neither give heed to fables and genealogies, which are endless, and breed doubts, more than Godly edifying which is by faith:
because they would be doctors of the scripture, and yet understand not what they speak, neither whereof they affirm.
because they would be doctors of the scripture, and yet understand not what they speak, neither whereof they affirm. We know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; read more. understanding this, how that the law is not given unto a righteous man, but unto the unrighteous and disobedient, to the ungodly and to sinners, to unholy and unclean, to murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, to manslayers
This is a true saying, and by all means worthy to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief:
This commandment commit I unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which in time past were prophesied of thee, that thou in them shouldest fight a good fight, having faith and good conscience, which some have put away from them, and as concerning faith have made shipwreck. read more. Of whose number is Hymenaeus, and Alexander, which I have delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
I exhort therefore that above all things, prayers, supplications, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be had for all men:
I exhort therefore that above all things, prayers, supplications, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be had for all men: for kings, and for all that are in authority that we may live a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.
for kings, and for all that are in authority that we may live a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. For that is good and accepted in the sight of god our saviour, read more. which will have all men saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, which is the man Christ Jesus,
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, which is the man Christ Jesus, which gave himself a ransom for all men, that it should be testified at his time;
which gave himself a ransom for all men, that it should be testified at his time;
I will, therefore, that the men pray every where, lifting up pure hands without wrath, or doubting.
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. I suffer not a woman to teach, neither to have authority over the man: but for to be in silence. read more. For Adam was first formed, and then Eve. Also Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived, and was in transgression.
These things write I unto thee, trusting to come shortly unto thee.
These things write I unto thee, trusting to come shortly unto thee. But and if I tarry long, that then thou mayst yet have knowledge how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.
But and if I tarry long, that then thou mayst yet have knowledge how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.
and devilish doctrine of them which speak false through hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with a hot iron,
and devilish doctrine of them which speak false through hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with giving thanks, of them which believe, and know the truth.
But cast away unghostly and old wives' fables. Exercise thyself unto godliness.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be unto them that believe, an example: in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith and in pureness.
Rebuke not an elder: but exhort him as a father, and the younger men as brethren,
The elders that rule well are worthy of double honour, most specially they which labour in the word and in teaching. For the scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." And, "the laborer is worthy of his reward." read more. Against an elder receive none accusation: but under two or three witnesses. Them that sin, rebuke openly that others may fear.
If any man teach otherwise, and is not content with the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine of godliness,
If any man teach otherwise, and is not content with the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine of godliness, he is puffed up and knoweth nothing: but wasteth his brains about questions, and strife of words, whereof spring envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings read more. and vain disputations of men with corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, which think that lucre is godliness. From such, separate thyself.
and vain disputations of men with corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, which think that lucre is godliness. From such, separate thyself. Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath. read more. For we brought nothing into the world, and it is a plain case that we can carry nothing out.
For we brought nothing into the world, and it is a plain case that we can carry nothing out. When we have food and raiment, let us therewith be content. read more. They that will be rich, fall into temptation and snares, and into many foolish and noisome lusts, which drown men in perdition and destruction. For covetousness is the root of all evil, which while some lusted after, they erred from the faith, and tangled themselves with many sorrows.
For covetousness is the root of all evil, which while some lusted after, they erred from the faith, and tangled themselves with many sorrows. But thou, which art the man of God, flee such things. Follow righteousness, godliness, love, patience, and meekness. read more. Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hand on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, which quickeneth all things, and before Jesus Christ, which under Pontius Pilate witnessed a good witnessing,
I give thee charge in the sight of God, which quickeneth all things, and before Jesus Christ, which under Pontius Pilate witnessed a good witnessing, that thou keep the commandment, and be without spot and unrebukable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; read more. which appearing, when the time is come, he shall show that is blessed and mighty only, King of Kings, and Lord of lords, which only hath immortality, and dwelleth in light that no man can attain, whom never man saw, neither can see: unto whom be honour and rule everlasting. Amen.
which only hath immortality, and dwelleth in light that no man can attain, whom never man saw, neither can see: unto whom be honour and rule everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not exceeding wise, and that they trust not in the uncertain riches, but in the living God, which giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy them, read more. and that they do good and be rich in good works, and ready to give and to distribute, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may obtain eternal life. O Timothy, save that which is given thee to keep, and avoid unghostly vanities of voices, and oppositions of science falsely so called,
O Timothy, save that which is given thee to keep, and avoid unghostly vanities of voices, and oppositions of science falsely so called,
O Timothy, save that which is given thee to keep, and avoid unghostly vanities of voices, and oppositions of science falsely so called,
O Timothy, save that which is given thee to keep, and avoid unghostly vanities of voices, and oppositions of science falsely so called,
No man that warreth entangleth himself with worldly business; and that, because he would please him that hath chosen him to be a soldier.
and their words shall fret even as doth a canker: of whose number is Hymenaeus and Philetus, which as concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and do destroy the faith of divers persons.
For of this sort are they which enter into houses, and bring into bondage women laden with sin, which women are led of divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come unto the knowledge of the truth. read more. As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, even so do these resist the truth, men they are of corrupt minds, and lewd as concerning the faith:
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departing is at hand.
For Demas hath left me, and hath loved this present world, and is departed into Thessalonica. Crescens is gone to Galatia, and Titus unto Dalmatia.
but hath opened his word at the time appointed, through preaching; which preaching is committed unto me, by the commandment of God our saviour.
For there are many disobedient and talkers of vanity, and deceivers of minds, namely they of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, which pervert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, because of filthy lucre. read more. One being of themselves, which was a poet of their own said, "The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and slow bellies."
One being of themselves, which was a poet of their own said, "The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and slow bellies."
and not taking heed to Jews fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
and not taking heed to Jews fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure, are all things pure: but unto them that are defiled, and unbelieving, is nothing pure: but even the very minds and consciences of them are defiled. read more. They confess that they know God: but with the deeds they deny him and are abominable, and disobedient, and unto all good works discommendable.
That the elder men be sober, honest, discreet, sound in the faith, in love and in patience.
That the elder men be sober, honest, discreet, sound in the faith, in love and in patience.
to make the young women soberminded, to love their husbands, to love their children,
to make the young women soberminded, to love their husbands, to love their children,
Young men likewise exhort that they be sober minded.
For the grace of God, that bringeth salvation unto all men, hath appeared and teacheth us that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live sober minded, righteously, and godly in this present world,
which gave himself for us, to redeem us from all unrighteousness, and to purge us a peculiar people unto himself, fervently given unto good works.
Warn them, that they submit themselves to rule and power, to obey the officers, that they be ready unto all good works,
Foolish questions, and genealogies, and brawlings and strife about the law; avoid, for they are unprofitable, and superfluous. A man that is given to heresy, after the first and the second admonition; avoid,
A man that is given to heresy, after the first and the second admonition; avoid, remembering that he that is such, is perverted, and sinneth, even damned by his own judgement.
yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, though I be as I am, even Paul aged, and now in bonds for Jesus Christ's sake.
For it is not possible that they which were once lighted, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partakers of the holy ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the world to come; read more. if they fall away, should be renewed again unto repentance: Forasmuch as they have, as concerning themselves, crucified the son of God afresh, making a mock of him. For that earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God: but that ground, which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned.
Little children it is now the last time, and as ye have heard how that antichrist shall come: even now are there many antichrists come already, whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out of us, but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us. But that fortuned, that it might appear that they were not of us. read more. But ye have an ointment of the holy ghost, and ye know all things. I wrote not unto you, as though ye knew not the truth: but as unto them them that know it, and know also how that no lie cometh of truth. Who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is Christ? The same is the antichrist that denieth the father and the son. Whosoever denieth the son, the same hath not the father.
Ye beloved, believe not every spirit: but prove the spirits whether they be of God, or not: for many false prophets are gone out in to the world.
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God. And the same is that spirit of antichrist, of whom ye have heard, how that he should come: and even now already is he in the world.
Unto the messenger of the congregation of Ephesus write, 'These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, and walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not forbear them which are evil: and examinedst them which say they are apostles, and are not: and hast found them liars. read more. And didst wash thyself, and hast patience: and for my name's sake hast laboured and hast not fainted. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, for thou hast left thy first love. Remember, therefore, from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. Or else I will come unto thee shortly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, because thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans; which deeds I also hate.