Reference: Timothy, The First Epistle to
Fausets
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/worrell'>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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
which also they did, sending it to the elders through the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And, having appointed elders for them in every assembly; and, having prayed with fastings, they commended them to the Lord on Whom they had believed.
And, having sent into Macedonia two of those ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself remained for a time in Asia.
fully testifying, both to Jews and Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus. And, now, behold, I, bound by the Spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there; read more. except that the Holy Spirit testifieth to me in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations await me. But I make not my soul of any value as dear to myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify the Gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom, will see my face no more.
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom, will see my face no more. Wherefore, I testify to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men; read more. for I shrank not from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit appointed you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God, which He purchased with His own blood. I know that, after my departure, grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock;
I know that, after my departure, grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among yourselves will men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
and from among yourselves will men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Do I speak these things after the manner of man? Or does not the law also say the same? For in the law of Moses it has been written, "You shall not muzzle an ox while treading out the grain." Doth God care for the oxen? read more. Or doth He say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written; because he that plows ought to plow in hope; and he that threshes ought to thresh in hope of partaking.
But let all things be done decently and in order.
Now if Christ is preached, that He hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead. But, if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised; read more. and, if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, and vain is your faith; and we are found also false witnesses of God, because we testified in respect to God that He raised up the Christ, Whom He raised not, if so be that the dead are not raised. For, if the dead are not raised, neither hath Christ been raised; and, if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins! Hence, also, those who fell asleep in Christ perished! If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable! But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the First fruit of those who have fallen asleep. For since through man came death, through Man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive; but each in his own rank; Christ, the First-fruit; then those who are Christ's at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivereth up the Kingdom to God, even His Father; when He shall abolish all rule and all authority and power; for He must reign, till He hath put all the enemies under His feet. As the last enemy, death is abolished; for He put all things in subjection under His feet. But, when He saith, "All things have been put in subjection," it is evident that He is excepted, Who subjected all things to Him. And, when all things shall be subjected to Him, then will the Son also Himself be subjected to Him Who subjected all things to Him, that God may be all in all. Else what will those do who are immersed for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are they even immersed for them? Why, too, are we in peril every hour? Daily am I dying, I avow by the glorying in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord! If in human fashion I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what is the profit 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 it may be that I will remain, or even winter with you, that you may send me forward, wherever I may go.
Apart from those things without, that which is a pressure upon me daily, anxiety for all the assemblies.
This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses, and of three, shall every word be established. I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as if present at the second time, and, being now absent, I write to those who heretofore have sinned, and to all the rest; that, if I come again, I will not spare; read more. since ye seek a proof of Christ's speaking in me, Who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you; for, indeed, He was crucified through weakness, but He liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him through the power of God toward you.
Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father; to Whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Now as to the things I am writing to you, behold, before God, I am not lying.
And, perceiving the grace which was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas right-hands of fellowship, that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision;
Now a mediator is not of one, but God is one.
And, in doing what is noble, let us not grow weary; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil-workers, beware of the mutilation.
For many are walking, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who are thinking of earthly things.
As I exhorted you to continue in Ephesus, when I was journeying into Macedonia, that you might charge certain ones not to teach a different doctrine,
As I exhorted you to continue in Ephesus, when I was journeying into Macedonia, that you might charge certain ones not to teach a different doctrine,
As I exhorted you to continue in Ephesus, when I was journeying into Macedonia, that you might charge certain ones not to teach a different doctrine,
As I exhorted you to continue in Ephesus, when I was journeying into Macedonia, that you might charge certain ones not to teach a different doctrine,
As I exhorted you to continue in Ephesus, when I was journeying into Macedonia, that you might charge certain ones not to teach a different doctrine,
As I exhorted you to continue in Ephesus, when I was journeying into Macedonia, that you might charge certain ones not to teach a different doctrine, nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies; which, indeed, occasion disputes rather than God's dispensation, which is in faith, so do I now.
nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies; which, indeed, occasion disputes rather than God's dispensation, which is in faith, so do I now.
wishing to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.
wishing to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm. But we know that the law is good, if one use it lawfully; read more. knowing this, that law is not enacted for a righteous man, but for lawless and unruly ones, for ungodly and sinful, for unholy and profane, for patricides, and matricides, for man-slayers,
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief;
This charge I commit to you, child Timothy, according to the prophecies going before in respect to you, that you may war with these the noble warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience, which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith; read more. of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered up to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
I exhort, therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men;
I exhort, therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings, and all who are in high position, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity.
for kings, and all who are in high position, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, read more. Who wisheth all men to be saved, and to come into a full knowledge of truth. For there is one God, one Mediator also between God and men, a Man, Christ Jesus,
For there is one God, one Mediator also between God and men, a Man, Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all, the testimony for its own times,
Who gave Himself a ransom for all, the testimony for its own times,
I desire, therefore, that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing;
Let a woman in quietness learn in all subjection. But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness. read more. For Adam first was formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived; but the woman, being deceived, has fallen 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 behave yourself in a house of God, which, indeed, is an assembly of the living God, a pillar and basis of the truth,
but, if I delay, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in a house of God, which, indeed, is an assembly of the living God, a pillar and basis of the truth,
in hypocrisy of men speaking lies, branded in their own conscience with a hot iron;
in hypocrisy of men speaking lies, branded in their own conscience with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods, which God created for reception with thanksgiving by those who believe and have full knowledge of the truth.
but refuse the profane and old wives fables, and exercise yourself unto godliness;
Let no one despise your youth; but become a model for believers, in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men, as brethren:
Let elders who preside well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." read more. Against an elder receive not an accusation, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Those who sin reprove before all, that the rest also may have fear.
If anyone teaches otherwise, and consents not to healthful words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the teaching according to godliness,
If anyone teaches otherwise, and consents not to healthful words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the teaching according to godliness, he has become puffed up, knowing nothing, but morbid about questions and word-battles, out of which come envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, read more. wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing godliness to be a source of gain.
wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing godliness to be a source of gain. But godliness with contentment is a great source of gain; read more. for nothing have we brought into the world, neither can we carry anything out;
for nothing have we brought into the world, neither can we carry anything out; but, having food and raiment, with these we shall be content. read more. But those, purposing to be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and many foolish and hurtful desires, which, indeed, sink men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all the evils; which some reaching after wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
For the love of money is a root of all the evils; which some reaching after wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But do you, O man of God, flee these things: but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, mildness. read more. Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the eternal life, to which you were called, and confessed a good confession before many witnesses. I charge you before God who preserves alive all things, and Christ Jesus Who before Pontius Pilate testified a good confession,
I charge you before God who preserves alive all things, and Christ Jesus Who before Pontius Pilate testified a good confession, that you keep the commandment, unsullied, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, read more. which in His own times the Happy and Only Potentate will show, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Who only hath immortality, inhabiting light unapproachable, Whom no man ever saw or is able to see; to Whom be honor and dominion eternal. Amen.
Who only hath immortality, inhabiting light unapproachable, Whom no man ever saw or is able to see; to Whom be honor and dominion eternal. Amen. Charge those who are rich in this present age, not to be high-minded, nor to have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, Who giveth us richly all things for enjoyment; read more. that they do good, that they be rich in good works, free to impart, liberal; treasuring up for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold on that which is really life. O Timothy, guard the deposit; turning away from the profane babblings, and oppositions of that which is falsely called knowledge;
O Timothy, guard the deposit; turning away from the profane babblings, and oppositions of that which is falsely called knowledge;
O Timothy, guard the deposit; turning away from the profane babblings, and oppositions of that which is falsely called knowledge;
O Timothy, guard the deposit; turning away from the profane babblings, and oppositions of that which is falsely called knowledge;
No one, serving as a soldier, entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
and their word will spread, as a gangrene; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; who erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overthrowing the faith of some.
For of these are those who creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, and led on by manifold desires, always learning, and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth. read more. And as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so also do these withstand the truth; men utterly corrupted in mind, disapproved concerning the faith.
For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has arrived.
for Demas forsook me, having loved this present age, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens, to Galatia; Titus, to Dalmatia.
but in His own seasons manifested His word in a proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior;
For there are many unruly men, vain-talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whom it is needful to reduce to silence: who, indeed, are overthrowing whole houses, teaching what they ought not, for the sake of base gain. read more. One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always false, evil beasts, idle gluttons."
One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always false, evil beasts, 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 the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience have become defiled. read more. They profess to know God; but by their works they deny Him; being abominable, and disobedient, and for every good work worthless.
that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
that they may train the young women to be lovers of their husbands, lovers of their children,
that they may train the young women to be lovers of their husbands, lovers of their children,
The younger men, in like manner, exhort to be sober-minded;
For the salvation-imparting grace of God appeared to all men, teaching us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, and righteously, and godly in the present age;
who gave Himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for Himself a special people, zealous of good works.
Remind them to submit to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work;
But shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strife, and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A factious man, after a first and a second admonition, avoid;
A factious man, after a first and a second admonition, avoid; knowing that such a one has been turned aside, and is sinning, being self-condemned.
yet for love's sake I rather exhort, being such a one as Paul an aged man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus:
For as to those who were once enlightened, and tasted of the heavenly gift, and became partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God and the powers of the coming age, read more. and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they are crucifying to themselves the Son of God afresh, and putting Him to open shame. For the land which drank in the rain that often comes upon it, and brings forth an herb fit for those for whose sake also it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but, if it bears thorns and thistles, it is rejected, and is near to a curse; whose end is to be burned.
Little children, it is the last hour; and, as ye heard that Anti-Christ is coming, even now many anti-christs have arisen; whence we know that it is the last hour. They went out from among 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 are not all of us. read more. And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye all know Him. I did not write to you because ye know not the truth; but because ye know it, and because no falsehood is of the truth. Who is the liar, but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Anti-Christ, he that denies the Father and the Son. Every one who denies the Son has not the Father either; he who confesses the Son has the Father also.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
and every spirit that confesses not Jesus is not of God; and this is the spirit of the Anti-Christ, of which ye have heard that it is coming, and now it is in the world already.
"To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write these things," saith He Who holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, He Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: "I know your works and your toil, and your patience, and that you cannot bear evil men; and you tried those who call themselves apostles, and are not, and found them false; read more. and you have patience, and did bear for My name's sake, and have not grown weary. But I have it against you, that you left your first love. Remember, therefore whence you have fallen, and repent, and do your first works; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your candlestick out of its place, if you do not repent. But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.