1 Timothy Chapter 1

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Introduction

This chapter comprises the following subjects : --

(1.) The salutation to Timothy, in the usual manner in which Paul introduces his epistles, 1 Tim 1:1, 1 Tim 1:2.

(2.) The purpose for which he had left him at Ephesus, 1 Tim 1:3, 1 Tim 1:4. It was that he might correct the false instructions of some of the teachers there, and especially, as it would seem, in regard to the true use of the law. They gave undue importance to some things in the laws of Moses; they did not understand the true nature and design of his laws; and they mingled in their instructions much that was mere fable.

(3.) The true use and design of the law, 1 Tim 1:5ff. It was to produce love, not vain jangling. It was not made to fetter the conscience by vain and troublesome austerities and ceremonies; it was to restrain and bind the wicked. The use of the law according to these teachers, and according to the prevailing Jewish notions, was to prescribe a great number of formalities, and to secure outward conformity in a great variety of cumbrous rights and ceremonies. Paul instructs Timothy to teach them that love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience, was the elementary principle of religion, and that the "law" was primarily designed to restrain and control the wicked, and that the gospel brought to light and enforced this important truth.

(4.) The mention of the gospel in this connection, leads Paul to express his thanks to God that he had been intrusted with this message of salvation, 1 Tim 1:12ff. Once he had the same views as others. But he had obtained mercy, and he was permitted to publish that glorious gospel which had shed such light on the law of God, and which had revealed a plan of salvation that was worthy of universal acceptation.

(5.) This solemn duty of preaching the gospel he commits now to Timothy, 1 Tim 1:18ff. He says that he had been called to the work in accordance with the prophecies which had been uttered of him in anticipation of his future usefulness in the church, and in the expectation that he would not, like some others, make shipwreck of his faith.

Text

1: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; edit

2: Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. edit

3: As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, edit

4: Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. edit

5: Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: edit

6: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; edit

7: Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. edit

8: But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; edit

9: Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, edit

10: For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; edit

11: According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. edit

12: And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; edit

13: Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. edit

14: And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. edit

15: This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. edit

16: Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. edit

17: Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. edit

18: This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; edit

19: Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: edit

20: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. edit