I Timothy 1 Commentary
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
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,
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
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,
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;
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
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.
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.
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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;
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
This chapter of I Timothy sets the stage for Paul's concerns regarding the church in Ephesus. He is particularly troubled by the presence of false teachers who are misinterpreting the law, promoting false doctrines, and disregarding the importance of a clear conscience. Paul underscores the importance of the instructions Timothy will receive, framing them not as mere suggestions but as essential strategies.
Salutation and Purpose (1:1-2)
Like many of Paul's letters, I Timothy begins with a standard greeting. Paul identifies himself as "an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope" (I Timothy 1:1). This wasn't due to human recommendation or past achievements, but solely by divine appointment. He then addresses Timothy, whom he affectionately calls "my true child in the faith" (I Timothy 1:2), highlighting their close relationship as mentor and student. The letter extends grace, mercy, and peace to Timothy, a typical Pauline benediction. This letter was likely penned between Paul's first and second imprisonments in Rome.
Warning Against False Teachings (1:3-11)
Paul reminds Timothy of his mission in Ephesus: to confront and stop the spread of harmful false doctrines (I Timothy 1:3). These false teachers were engrossed in myths and endless genealogies, which Paul says promote speculation rather than God's work in faith (I Timothy 1:4). The goal of true biblical instruction is love, which springs from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith (I Timothy 1:5). Love for God and love for neighbor are the ultimate aims of sound doctrine.
Paul emphasizes that these false teachers had strayed from sound doctrine, resulting in fruitless talk and unproductive behavior (I Timothy 1:6). False doctrine never remains purely theoretical; it inevitably manifests in actions. Beliefs, whether true or false, shape behavior. These individuals desired recognition as teachers of the law, possibly driven by pride, yet they lacked true understanding (I Timothy 1:7).
Paul clarifies that the issue isn't the law itself, but its misuse (I Timothy 1:8). The law is good when used lawfully, but these teachers were applying it in ways it was never intended. The law reveals sin, but it cannot make anyone righteous. Its purpose is to point us to our need for a Savior (I Timothy 1:9-10). Paul highlights the types of sinners the law addresses, connecting them to violations of the Ten Commandments. Sound teaching aligns with the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes that his teaching is in strict accordance with the gospel message (I Timothy 1:11).
Paul's Testimony of Grace (1:12-17)
Reflecting on "the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God" (I Timothy 1:11), Paul shares his personal testimony. He acknowledges his past as a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man, yet he received mercy from Jesus Christ (I Timothy 1:12-13). This grace overflowed into his life, appointing him to ministry. God's grace is more than sufficient; it surpasses all sin and meets every need.
Paul considered himself the "worst" of sinners, yet Christ Jesus came into the world to save even him (I Timothy 1:15). This is a trustworthy saying, encompassing both doctrine (Christ's mission) and personal experience (the gospel's application to Paul). He emphasizes that his redemption is entirely God's work, an act of mercy, not something he earned. Paul presents himself as an example of God's extraordinary patience, inspiring others to believe in the gospel (I Timothy 1:16).
This reflection on grace culminates in a doxology, praising the "King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God" (I Timothy 1:17). Jesus Christ is God, sovereign over all, deserving of worship and service.
Exhortation to Timothy (1:18-20)
Paul returns to his exhortation to Timothy, reminding him of the prophecies made about him, encouraging him to "fight the good fight" (I Timothy 1:18). He reiterates Timothy's purpose in Ephesus: to confront false teachers (I Timothy 1:19).
Paul offers two examples of individuals who rejected a clear conscience and suffered shipwreck in their faith: Hymenaeus and Alexander (I Timothy 1:19-20). Paul states he has "handed [them] over to Satan," not as punishment, but to prevent them from corrupting the church and in the hope of their repentance. This is similar to the instructions in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 and echoes the sentiment in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. By excommunicating them from the church, Paul placed them outside of God's protective covering, hoping they would recognize the error of their ways and return to the truth.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
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,
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
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,
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;
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
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.
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.
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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;
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
This chapter of I Timothy sets the stage for Paul's concerns regarding the church in Ephesus. He is particularly troubled by the presence of false teachers who are misinterpreting the law, promoting false doctrines, and disregarding the importance of a clear conscience. Paul underscores the importance of the instructions Timothy will receive, framing them not as mere suggestions but as essential strategies.
Salutation and Purpose (1:1-2)
Like many of Paul's letters, I Timothy begins with a standard greeting. Paul identifies himself as "an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope" (I Timothy 1:1). This wasn't due to human recommendation or past achievements, but solely by divine appointment. He then addresses Timothy, whom he affectionately calls "my true child in the faith" (I Timothy 1:2), highlighting their close relationship as mentor and student. The letter extends grace, mercy, and peace to Timothy, a typical Pauline benediction. This letter was likely penned between Paul's first and second imprisonments in Rome.
Warning Against False Teachings (1:3-11)
Paul reminds Timothy of his mission in Ephesus: to confront and stop the spread of harmful false doctrines (I Timothy 1:3). These false teachers were engrossed in myths and endless genealogies, which Paul says promote speculation rather than God's work in faith (I Timothy 1:4). The goal of true biblical instruction is love, which springs from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith (I Timothy 1:5). Love for God and love for neighbor are the ultimate aims of sound doctrine.
Paul emphasizes that these false teachers had strayed from sound doctrine, resulting in fruitless talk and unproductive behavior (I Timothy 1:6). False doctrine never remains purely theoretical; it inevitably manifests in actions. Beliefs, whether true or false, shape behavior. These individuals desired recognition as teachers of the law, possibly driven by pride, yet they lacked true understanding (I Timothy 1:7).
Paul clarifies that the issue isn't the law itself, but its misuse (I Timothy 1:8). The law is good when used lawfully, but these teachers were applying it in ways it was never intended. The law reveals sin, but it cannot make anyone righteous. Its purpose is to point us to our need for a Savior (I Timothy 1:9-10). Paul highlights the types of sinners the law addresses, connecting them to violations of the Ten Commandments. Sound teaching aligns with the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes that his teaching is in strict accordance with the gospel message (I Timothy 1:11).
Paul's Testimony of Grace (1:12-17)
Reflecting on "the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God" (I Timothy 1:11), Paul shares his personal testimony. He acknowledges his past as a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man, yet he received mercy from Jesus Christ (I Timothy 1:12-13). This grace overflowed into his life, appointing him to ministry. God's grace is more than sufficient; it surpasses all sin and meets every need.
Paul considered himself the "worst" of sinners, yet Christ Jesus came into the world to save even him (I Timothy 1:15). This is a trustworthy saying, encompassing both doctrine (Christ's mission) and personal experience (the gospel's application to Paul). He emphasizes that his redemption is entirely God's work, an act of mercy, not something he earned. Paul presents himself as an example of God's extraordinary patience, inspiring others to believe in the gospel (I Timothy 1:16).
This reflection on grace culminates in a doxology, praising the "King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God" (I Timothy 1:17). Jesus Christ is God, sovereign over all, deserving of worship and service.
Exhortation to Timothy (1:18-20)
Paul returns to his exhortation to Timothy, reminding him of the prophecies made about him, encouraging him to "fight the good fight" (I Timothy 1:18). He reiterates Timothy's purpose in Ephesus: to confront false teachers (I Timothy 1:19).
Paul offers two examples of individuals who rejected a clear conscience and suffered shipwreck in their faith: Hymenaeus and Alexander (I Timothy 1:19-20). Paul states he has "handed [them] over to Satan," not as punishment, but to prevent them from corrupting the church and in the hope of their repentance. This is similar to the instructions in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 and echoes the sentiment in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. By excommunicating them from the church, Paul placed them outside of God's protective covering, hoping they would recognize the error of their ways and return to the truth.