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/wesley'>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 faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
sending it to the elders, by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
And when they had ordained them presbyters in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
And having sent two of those who ministred to him, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, he himself staid in Asia for a season.
Testifying both to Jews and Greeks repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold, being bound by the Spirit, I go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: read more. Save that the Holy Ghost testifieth to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life precious to myself, so I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now I know that ye all among whom I have conversed, proclaiming the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
And now I know that ye all among whom I have conversed, proclaiming the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men: read more. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves and to the whole flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Yea, from among yourselves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Yea, from among yourselves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Do I speak these things as a man? Doth not the law also speak the same? For it is written, in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn? Doth God take care for oxen? read more. Or speaketh he chiefly for our sakes? surely for our sakes it was written: for he who ploweth, ought to plow in hope; and he that thresheth in hope, ought to be a partaker of his hope.
Let all things be done decently and in order.
But if Christ is preached, that he rose from the dead, how say some among you, that there is no resurrection of the dead? For if there be no resurrection of the dead, neither is Christ raised. read more. And if Christ be not raised, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we testified from God, that he raised up Christ, whom he did not raise, if the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, neither is Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are still in your sins. Then also they who sleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are more miserable than all men. But now is Christ risen from the dead, the first-fruit of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as through Adam all die, even so through Christ shall all be made alive. But every one in his own order: Christ the first-fruit, afterward they who are Christ's, at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father, when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that is 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 who did put all things under him is excepted. But when all things shall be put under him, then shall the Son himself also be subject to him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do, who are baptized for the dead? If the dead rise not at all, why are they then baptized for them? Why are we also in danger every hour? I protest by your rejoicing, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men, I have fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. Be not deceived. Evil communications corrupt good manners.
(for I pass through Macedonia) And perhaps I may stay, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me forward on my journey, whithersoever I go.
Beside the things which are from without, that which rusheth upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
I am coming to you this third time: every word shall be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses. I told you before, and do tell before-hand (though now absent, as if I were present the second time) those who had sinned before, and all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare: read more. Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but powerful among you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God: and we also are weak with him; but we shall live with him, by the power of God in you.
(that he might deliver us from the present evil world) according to the will of God and our Father, To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
) And when James, and Cephas, and John, who undoubtedly were pillars, knew the grace that was given to me, they gave the right-hands of fellowships to me and Barnabas, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision: Only they desired that we would be mindful of the poor,
But let us not be weary of well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil-workers,
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame;
As I exhorted thee when I was going into Macedonia, abide at Ephesus; that thou mayest charge some to teach no other doctrine, Neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies,
As I exhorted thee when I was going into Macedonia, abide at Ephesus; that thou mayest charge some to teach no other doctrine, Neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies,
As I exhorted thee when I was going into Macedonia, abide at Ephesus; that thou mayest charge some to teach no other doctrine, Neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies,
As I exhorted thee when I was going into Macedonia, abide at Ephesus; that thou mayest charge some to teach no other doctrine, Neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies,
As I exhorted thee when I was going into Macedonia, abide at Ephesus; that thou mayest charge some to teach no other doctrine, Neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies,
As I exhorted thee when I was going into Macedonia, abide at Ephesus; that thou mayest charge some to teach no other doctrine, Neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, that afford questions, and not godly edifying, which is through faith.
that afford questions, and not godly edifying, which is through faith.
Desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither the things they say, nor those concerning which they confidently affirm.
Desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither the things they say, nor those concerning which they confidently affirm. We know, the law is good, if a man use it lawfully, read more. Knowing this, that the law doth not lie against a righteous man; but against the lawless and disobedient, against the ungodly and sinners, the unholy and prophane, against killers of their fathers or their mothers, against murderers,
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.
This charge I commit to thee, son Timotheus, according to the prophecies which went before concerning thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare: Holding fast faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away, have made shipwreck of their faith. read more. Among which are Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for all men:
I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for all men: For kings and all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For kings and all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, read more. Who willeth all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men,
For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave himself a ransom for all,
the man Christ Jesus, Who gave himself a ransom for all,
I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting:
Let a woman learn in silence with all subjection. For I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. read more. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived; but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
These things I write to thee, hoping to come to thee shortly: But if I tarry, that thou mayst know how to behave in the house of God, which is the church of the living God.
But if I tarry, that thou mayst know how to behave in the house of God, which is the church of the living God.
By the hypocrisy of them that speak lies, having their own consciences seared as with an hot iron:
By the hypocrisy of them that speak lies, having their own consciences seared as with an hot iron: Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.
But avoid profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself unto godliness.
Let no one despise thy youth; but be a pattern to them that believe, in word, in behaviour, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brethren;
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and teaching. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The labourer is worthy of his reward. read more. Against an elder receive not an accusation, unless by two or three witnesses. Those that sin, rebuke before all, that the rest may fear.
If any teach otherwise, and consent not to sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is after godliness,
If any teach otherwise, and consent not to sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is after godliness, He is puffed up, knowing nothing, but being sick of questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, contention, evil speakings, read more. evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, supposing the gain is godliness. From such withdraw thyself.
evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, supposing the gain is godliness. From such withdraw thyself. But godliness with content is great gain. read more. For we brought nothing into the world: it is manifest that neither can we carry any thing out.
For we brought nothing into the world: it is manifest that neither can we carry any thing out. Having then food and covering, with these let us be content. read more. But they that desire to be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting, have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
For the love of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting, have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. read more. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which thou art called, and hast confessed the good confession before many witnesses. I charge thee, before God, who quickneth all things, and Jesus Christ, who witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate,
I charge thee, before God, who quickneth all things, and Jesus Christ, who witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate, That thou keep the commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Which in his times the blessed and only Potentate will shew, read more. the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no man hath seen, neither can see; to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no man hath seen, neither can see; to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge the rich in this world not to be high-minded, neither to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy: read more. To do good, to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, Treasuring up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timotheus, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding prophane, empty babblings, and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called: Which some professing have erred from the faith.
O Timotheus, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding prophane, empty babblings, and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called: Which some professing have erred from the faith.
O Timotheus, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding prophane, empty babblings, and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called: Which some professing have erred from the faith.
O Timotheus, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding prophane, empty babblings, and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called: Which some professing have erred from the faith.
No man that warreth intangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath inlisted him.
And their word will eat as a gangrene; of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus, Who have erred from the faith, saying, The resurrection is already past, and overthrow the faith of some.
From these also turn away. For of these are they who creep into houses, and captivate silly women laden with sins, led away by various desires, Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. read more. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth: men of corrupt minds, void of judgment as to the faith.
For I am now ready to be offered up, and the time of my departure is at hand.
For Demas hath forsaken me, loving the present world, and is gone to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
And he hath in due time manifested his word, thro' the preaching wherewith I am intrusted, according to the commandment of God our Saviour:
For there are many unruly vain-talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision, Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole families, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of filthy gain. read more. One of themselves, a prophet of their own, hath said, The Cretans are always liars, evil wild-beasts, lazy gluttons.
One of themselves, a prophet of their own, hath said, The Cretans are always liars, evil wild-beasts, lazy gluttons.
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. To the clean all things are clean; but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is clean; but both their understanding and conscience are defiled. read more. They profess to know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and void of judgment as to every good work.
serious, prudent, sound in faith, love, patience:
serious, prudent, sound in faith, love, patience:
The young men likewise exhort to be discreet, In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works,
For the saving grace of God hath appeared to all men, Teaching us, that, having renounced ungodliness and all wordly desires, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present world,
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work:
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. An heretic after a first and second admonition reject,
An heretic after a first and second admonition reject, Knowing that such an one is perverted and sinneth, being self-condemned.
Yet out of love I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also the prisoner of Jesus Christ.
For it is impossible for those who were once inlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, read more. And have fallen away, to renew them again unto repentance, seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whom it is tilled, receiveth blessing from God. But that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected and nigh unto a curse, whose end is to be burned.
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that Antichrist cometh, so even now there are many Antichrists, whereby 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, that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us. read more. But ye have an anointing from the Holy one, and know all things. I have not written to you, because ye know not the truth; but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is that liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is Antichrist who denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, he hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son, hath the Father also.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
And every spirit which confesseth not Jesus Christ come in the flesh, is not of God: and this is that spirit of Antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and now already it is in the world.
To the angel of the church at Ephesus write, These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right-hand, that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, that thou canst not bear evil men; and thou hast tried those who say they are apostles and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast patience, read more. and hast borne for my name's sake, and hast not fainted. But I have against thee, that thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works: if not, I come to thee, and will remove thy candlestick out of its place, unless thou repent. But thou hast this, that thou hatest the works of the Nicola?tans, which I also hate.