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| Chapter 1 |
| Bible Text | Notes and Thoughts |
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1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, who is our hope, 2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I besought thee when I went into Macedonia to abide still at Ephesus, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which promote questions rather than godly edifying in the faith, so do! 5 ¶ Now the aim of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, with a good conscience and with faith unfeigned, 6 from which some have swerved and have turned aside unto vain jangling. 7 They desire to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good if a man use it lawfully, 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 the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for man slayers, 10 for whoremongers, for those who defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine 11 according to the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12 ¶ And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry-- 13 I, who was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and injurious. But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant with faith and love, which are in Christ Jesus. 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. 16 Nonetheless, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering as a pattern for those who should hereafter believe in Him to life everlasting. 17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 ¶ This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before concerning thee, that thou by them mightest wage a good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience, which some having put aside, have suffered shipwreck concerning faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. |
Timothy seems to be having problems with church members and possible false teachers, Paul’s letter to Timothy is to give encouragement and advice. From the beginning Paul confirms his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ, to remind the church that Timothy was their pastor because he was put there by God. v3 He uses a "battle" word, "charge" meaning following strict orders from a senior officer. Paul often used this word in the two letters to Timothy. 1 Tim 1:3,5,18; 1 Tim 4:11; 1 Tim 5:7; 1 Tim 6:13,17; 2 Tim 4:1, giving the idea of a Christian soldier in charge of an army in his church. v3-7 Why the battle? Some were teaching a doctrine not taught by Paul. 1 Tim 1:11. Paul calls the false teaching "fables and endless genealogies,," the false teachers were using the Law and family history to produce numerous doctrines. They were raising questions that gave no glory to God, and not answering them, just causing divisions and problems in the church. v7,8 These false teachers were misusing the Old Testament Law, leading the believer out of grace and its liberty back into the being a slave of legalism. It is sad that people prefer teaching which is wrong or lacks meaning. v9,10 The Law is meant for those who do not want to obey way of life which is right. Paul now lists fourteen kinds of people who are condemned by the law. The Law can never save these people, just tell them what is wrong and the need for a Saviour. Rom 3:20-31. v12-17 Paul now shares his personal testimony. See also Acts 9:1-22; Acts 22:1-21; Acts 26:9-18. v13 Paul was a blasphemer - speaking against God, denying that Jesus was God. A Prosecutor using physical power to destroy the believers. He was injurious, meaning ‘full of pride,’ throwing his weight around like a bully. Even though Saul of Tarsus was an highly educated man, religious, Acts 22:3 but his mind was blind to the truth. v14,15 Even this man, who was so against God’s plan of salvation, who was so self righteous, was forgiven, what love and grace. v13 What did Paul mean "I did it ignorantly in unbelief?" Is this an excuse? No, this refers to a special Jewish Law, Lev 5:14-17. If a person sinned without realizing it was a sin then, they were allowed to make a special offering for forgiveness. Jesus accepted this when He used the words on the cross "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." This ignorance did not save them, just delayed the final punishment. v14 Paul felt that the Grace of the Lord was "exceedingly abundant" or ‘Hyper’ to save him. By saying this he is saying that God can save anyone. v15 The salvation is available for all, if it could save Paul it can save you. Note that Paul refers to himself as "I am chief of sinners," not "was." v16 Paul has changed from a persecutor into a preacher because of the Grace of God. 1 Cor 15:9,10. Not only was Paul changed but God has also used him as an example, God can save anyone. v18-20 Paul now reminds Timothy that as pastor he must lead the church into the war against the world, again Paul use the word "charge," urgent orders or instruction from a superior officer or position. v19,20 Conscience and faith go together, conscience, the inner voice which tells us to watch out. A believer who "suffered shipwrecked" means they have ignored this conscience. It appears that Hymenaeus and Alexander have chosen to ignore their conscience and had sinned by blaspheme, 2 Tim 2:16-18 indicates a false doctrine that the resurrection has already passed. v20 "Delivered unto Satan," suggests that the church leadership must challenge the person(s), if he / they refuse to repent then the church should not have fellowship with them, so opening them up to possible attack by Satan. Note that Satan has to ask for permission to attack a believer Luke 22:31-34; Job 1 & 2. A church must not only preach the Gospel but also teach true doctrine so that believers can grow in Christ and stand against the lies and false doctrine of Satan. |
Easy English Translation
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