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1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

1:3 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, 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 1:9 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, 1:10 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; 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1:15 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.

1:16 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.

1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1:18 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; 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.



Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: 1 Timothy
Book: 1 Timothy
Chapter: 1

Overview:
The Apostle salutes Timothy. (1-4) The design of the Law as
given By Moses. (5-11) Of his own Conversion and Call to the
apostleship. (12-17) The obligation to maintain Faith and a good
Conscience. (18-20)

1-4 Jesus Christ is a Christian's Hope; all our hopes of
eternal Life are built upon him; and Christ is in us the Hope of
Glory. The Apostle seems to have been the means of Timothy's
Conversion; who served with him in his ministry, as a dutiful
son with a loving Father. That which raises questions, is not
for edifying; that which gives occasion for doubtful disputes,
pulls down the Church rather than builds it up. Godliness of
Heart and Life can only be kept up and increased, By the
Exercise of Faith in the truths and promises of God, through
Jesus Christ.

5-11 Whatever tends to weaken Love to God, or Love to the
brethren, tends to defeat the End of the commandment. The design
of the Gospel is answered, when sinners, through Repentance
towards God and Faith in Jesus Christ, are brought to Exercise
Christian Love. And as believers were righteous persons in God's
appointed way, the Law was not against them. But unless we are
made righteous By Faith in Christ, really repenting and
forsaking Sin, we are yet under the Curse of the Law, even
according to the Gospel of the blessed God, and are unfit to
share the holy happiness of Heaven.

12-17 The Apostle knew that he would justly have perished, if
the Lord had been extreme to Mark what was amiss; and also if
his Grace and Mercy had not been abundant to him when dead in
Sin, working Faith and Love to Christ in his Heart. This is a
Faithful saying; these are true and Faithful words, which may be
depended On, That the Son of God came into the world, willingly
and purposely to save sinners. No Man, with Paul's Example
before him, can question the Love and power of Christ to save
him, if he really desires to trust in him as the Son of God, who
once died On the Cross, and now reigns upon the Throne of Glory,
to save all that come to God through him. Let us then admire and
praise the Grace of God our Saviour; and ascribe to the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons in the unity of the Godhead,
the Glory of all done in, By, and for us.

18-20 The ministry is a warfare against Sin and Satan; carried
On under the Lord Jesus, who is the Captain of our Salvation.
The good hopes others have had of us, should stir us up to duty.
And let us be upright in our conduct in all things. The design
of the highest censures in the primitive Church, was, to prevent
further Sin, and to reclaim the sinner. May all who are tempted
to Put away a good Conscience, and to abuse the Gospel, remember
that this is the way to make shipwreck of Faith also.

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