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/sawyer'>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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And Stephen, full of grace and power, performed prodigies and great miracles among the people.
which they also did, sending to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
And having appointed them elders in every church, and having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
And sending two that served him into Macedonia, Timothy and Erastus, he continued a time in Asia.
testifying both to Jews and Greeks the change of mind to God, and the faith in our Lord Jesus. And behold now, I go constrained by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things which shall befall me there, read more. except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me. But life precious to myself, I make of no account that I may finish my course and the service which I received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom shall see my face no more.
And now, behold, I know that you all among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom shall see my face no more. Wherefore I call you to witness this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men; read more. for I have not kept back from declaring to you all the counsel of God. Take heed to yourselves, therefore, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his blood. For I know that after my departure grievous wolves will come among you, not sparing the flock,
For I know that after my departure grievous wolves will come among you, not sparing the flock, and of yourselves men will arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
and of yourselves men will arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Do I say these things in the manner of men? or does not the law also say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, You shall not muzzle the ox that threshes. Does God care for oxen? read more. or does he speak entirely for our sakes? For our sakes, doubtless, it was written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and that he who threshes in hope should partake of it.
but let all things be done becomingly and in order.
But if Christ is preached that he was raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is not a resurrection of the dead, Christ has not been raised; read more. and if Christ has not been raised, then both our preaching is vain, and your faith also vain; and we are found also false witnesses of God, because we testified in regard to God that he raised up Christ, whom he raised not up if indeed the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, Christ was not raised; and if Christ was not raised, your faith is vain, you are yet in your sins, and those then 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. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, a first fruit of those that have slept. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ also shall all be made alive. But each one in his own order; Christ a first fruit, then those who are Christ's at his coming; then is the end, when he delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father, when he will destroy every principality and every authority and power. For he must reign till he has put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy, death, shall be destroyed, for he put all things under his feet. But when he says that all things are put under him, it is clear that he is excepted who puts all things under him; and when all things have been put under him, then will the Son also himself be subject to him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? and why are they baptized for them? Why also do we encounter danger every hour? By the joy on account of you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, of what advantage is it to me? If the dead rise not, let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die. Be not deceived; evil companionships corrupt good morals.
and perhaps remain and spend the winter, that you may send me forward wherever I go.
Besides things without, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
This third time I am coming to you; by the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I have said before, and I now foretell as if present a second time, although absent, to those who have already sinned and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare; read more. since you seek a proof in me of Christ speaking, who is not weak to you but powerful in you; for though he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by the power of God; and we also are weak in him, but live with him by the power of God in you.
who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from the present evil life according to the will of God even our Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever; amen.
And what I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not.
But there is no mediator of one; but God is one.
Let us not be weary of well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
Beware of the dogs, beware of evil laborers, beware of the concision.
For many walk, of whom I told you often and now also tell you weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is their stomach, and their glory in their shame; who regard earthly things.
As I requested you to remain at Ephesus, when going into Macedonia, that you might charge some not to preach another doctrine,
As I requested you to remain at Ephesus, when going into Macedonia, that you might charge some not to preach another doctrine,
As I requested you to remain at Ephesus, when going into Macedonia, that you might charge some not to preach another doctrine,
As I requested you to remain at Ephesus, when going into Macedonia, that you might charge some not to preach another doctrine,
As I requested you to remain at Ephesus, when going into Macedonia, that you might charge some not to preach another doctrine,
As I requested you to remain at Ephesus, when going into Macedonia, that you might charge some not to preach another doctrine, nor attend to myths or interminable genealogies, which occasion disputes rather than a dispensation of God by faith, [do.]
nor attend to myths or interminable genealogies, which occasion disputes rather than a dispensation of God by faith, [do.]
desiring to be teachers of the law, not understanding what they say nor about what they make confident assertions.
desiring to be teachers of the law, not understanding what they say nor about what they make confident assertions. But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully; read more. knowing this, that a law is not made for a righteous man, but for the wicked and disorderly, the impious and sinful, the unholy and profane, murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers and murderers of their fellow-men,
The word is true and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief;
This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before concerning you, that by them you may perform an honorable service, having faith and a good conscience, which some having cast away have suffered shipwreck of the faith; read more. of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings should be offered for all men,
I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings should be offered for all men, for kings and all in authority, that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives in all piety and sanctity.
for kings and all in authority, that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives in all piety and sanctity. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, read more. who wishes all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of truth. For there is one God, and one mediator of God and man, the man Christ Jesus,
For there is one God, and one mediator of God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, a testimony for its own times,
who gave himself a ransom for all, a testimony for its own times,
I wish also that men should pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputations;
Let a woman learn quietly in all subjection; but I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have authority over a man, but to be quiet. read more. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived; but the woman being deceived fell into transgression;
These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly;
These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly; but if I delay, that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
but if I delay, that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
[misled] by the hypocrisy of false teachers, whose consciences are cauterized,
[misled] by the hypocrisy of false teachers, whose consciences are cauterized, who forbid to marry, [command] to abstain from meat, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful and those who know the truth.
but avoid profane and silly myths; exercise yourself in piety;
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the faithful, in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Rebuke not an aged man, but entreat him as a father, the younger men as brothers,
Let the elders who rule well be accounted worthy of a double compensation, especially those who labor in word and teaching. For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that threshes; and, The laborer is worthy of his reward. read more. Against an elder receive not an accusation, except by two or three witnesses. Those that sin, rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
If any one teaches differently, and consents not to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to piety,
If any one teaches differently, and consents not to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to piety, he is blinded and knows nothing, but has a sickly longing for debates and wars of words, from which arise envy, contention, blasphemies, evil suspicions, read more. and wranglings of men of unsound judgments and destitute of the truth, supposing that piety is gain.
and wranglings of men of unsound judgments and destitute of the truth, supposing that piety is gain. But piety with contentment is great gain. read more. For we brought nothing into the world; it is clear that we can carry nothing out of it;
For we brought nothing into the world; it is clear that we can carry nothing out of it; but having food and clothing let us be contented with them. read more. But those who wish to be rich fall into trial and a snare, and many foolish and injurious desires, which plunge men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils, which some having desired have been misled from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
For the love of money is a root of all evils, which some having desired have been misled from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But do you, O man of God, avoid these things; but pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, patience, meekness. read more. Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were called and made the good profession before many witnesses. I charge you before the God who gives life to all [creatures], and Christ Jesus who made the good profession before Pontius Pilate,
I charge you before the God who gives life to all [creatures], and Christ Jesus who made the good profession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep the charge without spot, without blame, till the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, read more. which the blessed and only Potentate will show in its times, the King of kings and Lord of Lords, who only has immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no man has seen nor can see; to whom be honor and power eternal; amen.
who only has immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no man has seen nor can see; to whom be honor and power eternal; amen. Charge the rich in the present life not to be high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God who gives us all things richly to enjoy, read more. to perform good works, to be rich in good works, to be liberal, benevolent, treasuring up for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold on the true life. O Timothy, keep the trust, turning away from profane and empty words, and contradictions of mis-named science,
O Timothy, keep the trust, turning away from profane and empty words, and contradictions of mis-named science,
O Timothy, keep the trust, turning away from profane and empty words, and contradictions of mis-named science,
O Timothy, keep the trust, turning away from profane and empty words, and contradictions of mis-named science,
No one who serves as a soldier is involved in the business of life, that he may please him who has employed him as a soldier.
and their word will eat like a gangrene; of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection has passed already, and overturn the faith of some.
Of these are those who go into the houses and take captive foolish women loaded with sins, and led by various desires, always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. read more. As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these oppose the truth, men of no judgment, reprobate in respect to the faith.
For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.
for Demas forsook me having loved the present life and went to Thessalonica, Cresces to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia;
but manifested his word in the times which were suitable for it by the preaching with which I was intrusted, according to the command of our Saviour God,
For there are many disorderly wranglers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whom it is necessary to silence, who mislead whole families, teaching for base gain what they ought not. read more. A certain one of them, their own poet, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gormandizers.
A certain one of them, their own poet, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gormandizers.
not attending to Jewish myths, and commandments of men who subvert the truth.
not attending to Jewish myths, and commandments of men who subvert the truth. To the pure all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but their mind and conscience are defiled. read more. They profess to know God, but by works deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and as to every good work reprobate.
That the aged men be sober, grave, of sound mind, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
That the aged men be sober, grave, of sound mind, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
that they may instruct the young women to be lovers of their husbands, lovers of their children,
that they may instruct the young women to be lovers of their husbands, lovers of their children,
In like manner exhort the younger to be of a sound mind,
For the grace of God that pertains to salvation appeared to all men, teaching us, that denying impiety and worldly desires we should live soberly, and righteously, and piously in the present life,
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all wickedness, and purify for himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Admonish them to be subject to principalities, to powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work,
But foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes and contentions about the law, avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject,
A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject, knowing that such a one is subverted, and sins, being self-condemned.
on account of love I rather request; being such as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus,
For those once enlightened and having tasted of the heavenly gift and been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and having tasted of the good word of God and the powers of the life to come, read more. and having fallen away, it is impossible again to renew to a change of mind, they having crucified again and exposed to shame the Son of God. But the land which drinks in the rain that often falls on it, and produces plants beneficial to those by whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God; but that which produces thorns and thistles is disapproved, and is nigh to a curse, the end of which is to be burned.
Little children, it is the last time; and as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many have become anti-christs; whence we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us they would have continued with us; but [they went out from us] that they might be manifest that they are not all of us. read more. And you have an anointing from the Holy One, and know all things. I have not written to you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the anti-christ, [the man that] denies the Father and the Son. No one that denies the Son has the Father; he that confesses the Son has the Father also.
BELOVED, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. And this is the [spirit] of anti-christ, of which you have heard that he is coming, and he is now in the world already.
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write, These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, I know your works and your labor and your patience, and that you cannot bear the wicked, and you tried those who say they are apostles and are not, and found them false; read more. and you have patience, and suffered for my name, and did not faint. But I have against you that you have left your first love. Remember therefore whence you have fallen, and change your minds, and do the first works, otherwise I will come to you and remove your candlestick from its place, unless you change your minds. But you have this, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.