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/worsley'>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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Now Stephen being full of grace and power, wrought miracles and great signs among the people.
Which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
And when they had appointed them elders in every church, praying and fasting, they recommended them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
So he sent into Macedonia two of those that ministred to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed some time in Asia.
testifying both to the Jews and Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, being constrained by the spirit, behold I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will befal me there: read more. save that the holy Spirit testifieth in every city, that bonds and afflictions await me. But none of these things move me, nor do I account my life dear, so that 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 behold I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
And now behold I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I call you to witness this day, that I am clear from the blood of all men. read more. For I have not failed to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit hath appointed you bishops, to feed the church of God, which He 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. And from among yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.
And from among yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.
Do I speak these things as a man only? or saith not the law the same also? for it is written in the law of Moses, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn." Now doth God take care for oxen, read more. or doth He say this indeed for our sakes? For it is certainly written for our sakes, that he, who ploweth, might plow in hope; and that he, who thresheth in hope, should partake of his hope.
but let all things be done decently and in order.
Now if it be preached that Christ is risen 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, then Christ is not risen. read more. And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses concerning God, for we have testified of God, that He raised up Christ; whom He did not raise up, if indeed the dead do not rise. For if the dead rise not, then Christ is not raised: and if Christ be not risen, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also that sleep in Christ, are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and is become the first-fruits of them that slept: for as by man came death, by man cometh also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in their proper order: the first-fruits, Christ; afterwards they that are Christ's, at his coming. Then will be 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 his 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 that all things are put under Him, it is plain that we are to except Him who put all things under Him. And when all things shall be subjected to Him, then shall the Son also himself be subject to Him, that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. Besides, what shall they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why then are they baptized for the dead? And why are we in danger every hour? I protest by your rejoicing, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, that I am even dying daily. If, to speak as a man, I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage have I, if the dead rise not? Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die. --- Be not deceived, bad conversations corrupt good morals.
And perhaps I shall stay a while, or even pass the winter with you; that ye may forward me on my journey, whithersoever I go.
that which besets me daily, the care of all the churches.
This, I say, is the third time I am coming to you: and at the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I said before, and I again tell you beforehand, as if I were present the second time; and being absent I now write to those who have sinned heretofore, and to 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 is powerful among you. For if He was crucified as from weakness, yet He now liveth by the power of God: for we also are weak in Him, but shall live with Him by the power of God manifested to you.
who gave himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from the present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
(Now in what I write to you, behold, before God, I do not lie.)
and knowing the grace which was given to me; James, and Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars of the church, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision.
Now a mediator is not the mediator of one only; and God is but one.
And let us not be weary in doing good: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Beware of those that are like dogs, beware of evil doers, beware of the concision.
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, 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 mind earthly things) For our conversation is in heaven,
As I exhorted thee to stay at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to stay at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to stay at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to stay at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to stay at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to stay at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine, nor attend to fables and endless genealogies, which occasion debates, rather than pious edification in the faith:
nor attend to fables and endless genealogies, which occasion debates, rather than pious edification in the faith:
desiring to be teachers of the law, though they neither understand what they say, nor what things they assert.
desiring to be teachers of the law, though they neither understand what they say, nor what things they assert. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; read more. knowing this, that a law does not lie against a righteous person, but against the lawless and unruly, the impious and wicked, the unholy and profane,
It is a truth highly to be believed, and worthy to be received by all, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners:---of whom I am one of the chief.
This charge I commit to thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which before came on thee, that by them thou mightest war a good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some putting away have made shipwreck concerning the faith: read more. of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
This then I exhort thee first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings he made for all men;
This then I exhort thee first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings he made for all men; particularly for kings, and all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all piety and virtue.
particularly for kings, and all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all piety and virtue. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour: read more. who is willing that all men should be saved, and therefore come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus:
For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus: who gave himself a ransom for all, a testimony to be published in due time,
who gave himself a ransom for all, a testimony to be published in due time,
I direct therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands without wrath and debate:
Let the woman learn in silence with all submission: but I permit not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be silent. read more. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not seduced by the serpent, but the woman being led astray was first in the transgression.
These things I write unto thee, hoping to come to thee shortly.
These things I write unto thee, hoping to come to thee shortly. But if I should be retarded, that thou mayst know how thou oughtest to behave in the house of God, the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
But if I should be retarded, that thou mayst know how thou oughtest to behave in the house of God, the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
and doctrines of demons founded in the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience, forbidding to marry,
and doctrines of demons founded in the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience, forbidding to marry, and enjoining abstinence from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by those that believe and know the truth.
But profane and groundless fables reject, and exercise thyself unto godliness.
Let no one have cause to despise thy youth; but he thou an example to believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Do not chide a senior, but exhort him as a father; and younger men as brethren:
Let the elders, who preside well, be counted worthy of double honor, especially those that labour in preaching and teaching. For the scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn:" and, "The workman is worthy of his hire." read more. Receive not an accusation against an elder, unless from two or three witnesses. Those that offend reprove before all, that others also may fear.
These things teach and exhort. If any one teach otherwise, and adhere not to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness;
These things teach and exhort. If any one teach otherwise, and adhere not to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but is delirious about questions and strifes of words: from which cometh envy, contention, calumnies, wicked suspicions, perverse debates of men corrupted in mind, read more. and void of truth, accounting gain to be godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
and void of truth, accounting gain to be godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. read more. For we brought nothing into the world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out:
For we brought nothing into the world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out: having therefore food and raiment, let us be herewith content. read more. But they, that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which plunge men into ruin and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evils, which some coveting after have been led astray from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
For the love of money is the root of all evils, which some coveting after have been led astray from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But do thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, piety, fidelity, love, patience, meekness. read more. Maintain the glorious combat of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which thou hast been called, and hast made a good profession before many witnesses. I charge thee before God, who giveth life to all, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate,
I charge thee before God, who giveth life to all, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate, that thou keep this commandment, unspotted and blameless, till the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ; read more. which He will manifest in his own times, who is the blessed and only potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who alone hath immortality, dwelling in light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.
who alone hath immortality, dwelling in light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them, that are rich in this world, not to be high-minded nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who richly affords us all things for enjoyment: charge them to do good, read more. to be rich in good works, to be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; treasuring up to themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may obtain eternal life. O Timothy, keep that with which thou art entrusted, avoiding profane empty babblings, and the oppositions of science falsely so called:
O Timothy, keep that with which thou art entrusted, avoiding profane empty babblings, and the oppositions of science falsely so called:
O Timothy, keep that with which thou art entrusted, avoiding profane empty babblings, and the oppositions of science falsely so called:
O Timothy, keep that with which thou art entrusted, avoiding profane empty babblings, and the oppositions of science falsely so called:
No one, that enters into military service, embarrasseth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him.
and their discourse will eat like a gangrene. Of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and subvert the faith of some.
For of these are they who insinuate themselves into families, and captivate weak women, that are laden with sins, and led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. read more. And as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth; being men of corrupt minds, and of no judgement in the faith.
For I am now going to be sacrificed, and the time of my dissolution is near.
through love of this world, and is gone to Thessalonica; as is Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia: Luke only is with me.
and hath in his own times manifested his word, by the preaching, with which I was intrusted according to the commandment of God our Saviour:
For there are many disorderly persons, vain-talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision; whose mouths must be stopped: who subvert whole families, teaching what they ought not, for shameful gain: read more. as said one of themselves, a prophet of their own, "The Cretans are always liars, mischievous beasts, sluggish gluttons."
as said one of themselves, a prophet of their own, "The Cretans are always liars, mischievous beasts, sluggish gluttons."
not attending to Jewish fables, and the precepts of men who turn away from the truth.
not attending to Jewish fables, and the precepts of men who turn away from the truth. To the pure indeed all things are pure; but to the polluted and unbelieving nothing is pure; even their mind and conscience is polluted. read more. They profess to know God, but in works deny Him, being abominable and disobedient, and to every thing that is good void of understanding.
that aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in the faith, in love, in patience:
that aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in the faith, in love, in patience:
that they may instruct the young women to be temperate, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be prudent,
that they may instruct the young women to be temperate, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be prudent,
Exhort the young men in like manner to be temperate:
For the grace of God, that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men; teaching us that denying ungodliness, and worldly desires, we should live soberly, and righteously, and piously in this 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.
Admonish them to be submissive to governors and magistrates, to obey their orders, and to be ready to every good work;
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain: reject therefore such an heretical man, after the first and second admonition; knowing that such a one is perverted,
reject therefore such an heretical man, after the first and second admonition; knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth as being self-condemned.
I would rather intreat thee out of love to me, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner too for the sake of Jesus Christ.
who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy Spirit, and of the good word of God, read more. and the powers of the gospel-age, and yet fall away, should be renewed again to repentance: since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and make an open example of Him. For as the earth, which imbibeth the rain that is frequently coming upon it, and produceth herbs fit for those by whom it is cultivated, receiveth a blessing from God: but that which bringeth forth thorns and briars, is rejected and near to a curse, (whose end is burning) so are they.
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that an antichrist will come, there are even now 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 indeed of us, they would have continued with us; but this was done that they might be made manifest, because all, that are with us, are not indeed of us. read more. And ye have an unction from the holy One, and know all. I have not therefore written to you, because ye know not the truth; but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar, if not he who denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, that denieth the Father as well as the Son; for whosoever denieth the Son, hath not the Father: but he that confesseth the Son acknowledgeth the Father also.
Beloved, believe not every Spirit, but try the spirits, whether they be of God: for many false prophets are gone out into the world.
and every spirit that doth not confess Jesus Christ, who is come in the flesh, is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, which ye have heard was coming, and is already 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, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and that thou canst not bear those that are evil: and thou hast tried those who say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne trouble, and hast patience; read more. and for my name's sake thou hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Yet I have somewhat against thee; for thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works: else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of its place, if thou repent not. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.