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/nsb'>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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Be strong and very courageous, that you may be careful to do according to all the Law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Have I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage. Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed; for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua commanded the officers of the people. He said: read more. Pass through the middle of the camp and command the people, say: Prepare your provisions. In three days you will pass over this Jordan. You will go in to possess the land that Jehovah your God gave you to possess.
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
They sent it to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.
When they had ordained elders in every congregation they prayed with fasting. They commended them to God, on whom they believed.
He sent two of his helpers Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia. He stayed in Asia for a while.
I witnessed to both Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. I am compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there. read more. Holy Spirit warns me that in every city, prison and hardships are facing me there. I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God. I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again.
I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again. I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. read more. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God. Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them.
Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them.
I say this from a human point of view. Does the law say the same thing? It is written in the Law of Moses: You should not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads (threshes) out the grain. Does God care only about oxen? read more. Or did he say it for our benefit? This is written for our benefit without a doubt! He who plows should plow in hope. Likewise he who threshes in hope should be a partaker of his hope.
Let all things be done decently and in order.
If we preached that Christ was raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not risen. read more. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is worth nothing, and your faith is also without value. We are found to be false witnesses of God because we have testified that God raised Christ from the dead. If he did not raise him up from the dead then the dead are not raised up. For if the dead are not raised up then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ is not resurrected, your faith is worth nothing, and you are still in your sins. Then they also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable (pitiable). Christ has risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who slept [in death]. Death came because of what one man did. The resurrection of the dead also comes because of what one man did. In Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. Everyone will be raised to life in the right order: Christ the first fruits and afterward those who belong to Christ at the time of his coming. In the end Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father. Christ will destroy every ruler and all authority and all power. For he (Christ) must rule as king until he (God) puts all enemies under his feet (his control). (Psalm 2; 110) (Daniel 2:44) (Revelation 5:10; 20:6) The last enemy to be destroyed will be death. (Revelation 20:14) According to the Scriptures: God has placed all things under his control (subjection). (Ephesians 1:22) But when he said all things are placed under him, it is with the exception of [God]. For [God] is the one who placed all things under him (Christ). (1 Peter 3:22) (John 3:35) When all things shall be subdued under the Son, then the Son will also be subjected to God who put all things under him, that God may be all in all (ruler over everything). What will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? Why do we stand in jeopardy (in danger) every hour? I face death daily even as I rejoice over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage was it to me if the dead do not rise? Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die. Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.
And it may be that I will stay there and winter with you, that you may send me on my journey where ever I go.
Beside those things that are from the outside, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the congregations.
This is now the third time that I am coming to visit you. The testimony of two or three witnesses must uphold an accusation. (Deuteronomy 19:15) I told you in advance as if I were present the second time. Being absent now I write to those who have sinned and to all others. If I come again I will not spare you. read more. Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you but is mighty in you. Though he was impaled through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. We are weak through him also, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
He (Jesus) gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us out of this present evil age. This is according to the will of our God and Father. To him is glory forever and ever. Amen.
What I write is true. God knows I do not lie.
When they saw the grace that was given to me, James, Cephas (Peter) and John, they who were known to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship. We were to go to the nations and they were to go to the people who are circumcised.
A mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one.
Let us not grow tired of doing good things for in due season we shall harvest, if we do not faint.
Beware of the dogs (impure men) (false teachers)! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilation of the body.
Many live as enemies of the stake of Christ. I often wept as I told you about them. Their end is destruction. Their god is their belly. Their glory is in their shame. They set their mind on earthly things.
As I urged you to stay at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that you might command certain men not to teach strange doctrines.
As I urged you to stay at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that you might command certain men not to teach strange doctrines.
As I urged you to stay at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that you might command certain men not to teach strange doctrines.
As I urged you to stay at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that you might command certain men not to teach strange doctrines.
As I urged you to stay at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that you might command certain men not to teach strange doctrines.
As I urged you to stay at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that you might command certain men not to teach strange doctrines. They should not pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These myths (false stories) (fabrications) and genealogies stimulate questions and speculation. They do not enhance the administration of God that is by faith.
They should not pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These myths (false stories) (fabrications) and genealogies stimulate questions and speculation. They do not enhance the administration of God that is by faith.
They want to be teachers of the Law even though they do not know what they are talking about. They do not understand what they say or what they confidently affirm.
They want to be teachers of the Law even though they do not know what they are talking about. They do not understand what they say or what they confidently affirm. But we know that the Law is good, if a man uses it legitimately. read more. Knowing this, that Law is not made for a righteous person. It is for the lawless and unruly, the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, and for manslayers.
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost.
I entrust this command to you, Timothy, my son. It is in accordance with the prophecies that were previously made. They do apply to you, and with them you may fight the good fight. Keep the faith and maintain a good conscience! Some have rejected these things and have suffered shipwreck to their faith. read more. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander. I handed them over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.
I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, They should be made for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
They should be made for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. read more. It is God's desire that all men have salvation and come to the full (precise) (accurate) (correct) knowledge (Greek: epignosis: recognition, discernment) of the truth. There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. He gave himself as a ransom for all. A witness was to be given at the right time.
He gave himself as a ransom for all. A witness was to be given at the right time.
I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.
Let a woman learn in silence with all subjection. I do not permit a woman to teach or have dominion over a man, but to remain quiet. read more. Adam was first formed and then Eve. Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived fell into transgression.
I write these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly,
I write these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly, though if I am delayed, so that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the household of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
though if I am delayed, so that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the household of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron.
through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron. They will forbid marrying, [and command] to abstain from food, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
Refuse false stories and old wives' fables. Train yourself with godliness in mind.
Let no man look down on your youth. Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith and chasteness.
Do not rebuke (censure) (criticize) an elder, but appeal to him as a father, the younger men as brothers.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the scripture said: You must not muzzle the bull while he is threshing. The workman is worthy of his wages. read more. Do not offer an accusation against an elder, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. Reprove the sinner in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
If any man teaches a different doctrine, and does not consent to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine that is according to godliness,
If any man teaches a different doctrine, and does not consent to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine that is according to godliness, he is proud, knows nothing, has a morbid interest in questions and disputes about words, which leads to envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, read more. frictions between men corrupted in mind and lacking in truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.
frictions between men corrupted in mind and lacking in truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain. Godliness with contentment is great gain. read more. We brought nothing into the world and we can carry nothing out.
We brought nothing into the world and we can carry nothing out. We should be content with having food and covering. read more. Those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts. These draw men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some by longing for it have been led away from the faith. They have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some by longing for it have been led away from the faith. They have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, run from these things. Pursue (set your heart on) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness. read more. Fight the good fight of the faith! Lay hold on everlasting life! You were called and confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. I charge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession:
I charge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession: Keep the commandment without spot and without reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. read more. The blessed and only Potentate (Sovereign) (Authority) will make him appear in his own appointed time. For he is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Only God has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light. No man has seen him, nor can see him. To him be honor and power forever. Amen.
Only God has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light. No man has seen him, nor can see him. To him be honor and power forever. Amen. Command those who are rich in this present system not to be high-minded (arrogant), not to have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. read more. They should do good works and be rich in good works, that they are ready to distribute, willing to communicate. They store up for them a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life that is life indeed. O Timothy, guard that which is committed to you. Turn away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from opposition and from false knowledge.
O Timothy, guard that which is committed to you. Turn away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from opposition and from false knowledge.
O Timothy, guard that which is committed to you. Turn away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from opposition and from false knowledge.
O Timothy, guard that which is committed to you. Turn away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from opposition and from false knowledge.
No soldier entangles himself in the affairs of this life. That way, he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
This kind of talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus. These men have gone astray from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.
Among them are those who creep into houses and lead captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away with various lusts. They are constantly learning, and never able to grasp the knowledge of the truth. read more. And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth. Men corrupted in mind, rejected concerning the faith,
I am already being offered (poured out as an offering), and the time of my departure has come.
For Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
In his own time he made his word known through the message that was entrusted to me according to the commandment of God our Savior.
There are many unruly (rebellious) men, vain talkers, and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision. They must be stopped. Their mouths must be shut up, for they subvert entire households. They teach things that should not be taught, for the sake of dishonest gain. read more. One of them, a prophet of their own, said: Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.
One of them, a prophet of their own, said: Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure. Both their mind and their conscience are defiled. read more. They profess that they know God; but deny him by their works! They are detestable, disobedient, and not approved for any good work.
Aged men should be temperate, serious, sound in mind, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.
Aged men should be temperate, serious, sound in mind, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.
They may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
They may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
For the grace (divine influence) of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present age (world) (period of time).
He (Jesus Christ) gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify a people for himself, who are special people, zealous for good works.
Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready to do every good work,
You should avoid foolish arguing and dissentions, questioning; and genealogies, and arguing about law, for they are unprofitable and vain. A divisive and dissentious man should be admonished, and after two times have nothing to do with that man.
A divisive and dissentious man should be admonished, and after two times have nothing to do with that man. You know that man sins and is perverted. He is self-condemned.
Because of love I appeal to you, since I am Paul, the aged. I am also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
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, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance. This is because they personally impale the Son of God again, and expose him to public shame. The earth that drinks in the rain that comes upon it, and brings forth vegetation for those by whom it was cultivated, receives blessing from God. That which bears thorns and briars is rejected, and is near to being cursed. It ends up being burned.
Little children, it is the last hour! You heard that the antichrist is coming. Even now many antichrists have come. That is how we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us. If they had belonged to us, they would have continued with us. But they went out that it made it plain that they all are not of us. read more. 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 know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, even he who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit. Test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This is because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist that you heard was coming and now it is already in the world.
To the angel of the congregation of Ephesus write: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands, says: I know your works, and your labor, and your patience. I also know how you cannot tolerate those who are evil. You tested those who say they are apostles. They are not apostles. You found them to be liars. read more. You have endured and are patient. You suffer for my name's sake and have not grown weary. However I have this against you: you do not love me now as you did at first. Think how far you have fallen! Turn from your sins (repent) and do what you did at first. If you do not turn from your sins, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place. Yet you have this in your favor: you hate the deeds of the sect of Nicolaus just as I hate their deeds.