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This is the command1 I commit to you, child Timothy, in accordance with the previous prophecies regarding you2 – Fight the good fight!3
| 1 | Command: Or, charge, order. Again Paul uses this word. Compare 1 Timothy 1:1, 3, 5. |
| 2 | Previous prophecies regarding you: Or, prophetic utterances, predicted, prophetic intimations. This is explained by 1 Timothy 4:14 when the presbyters laid their hands on Timothy, likely when he was appointed an elder. No doubt prayers included prophecies as it were about his commitment as an overseer. [1 Timothy 3:1ff] |
| 3 | Fight the good fight: The Greek is STRATEUE [Strong’s Concordance #4754, military service]… STRATEIAN [Strong’s Concordance #4752, warfare]. Using the English equivalent: Strategize the good strategy! Or, KJV: wage a good warfare; BER: put up a splendid fight. Compare notes on 2 Timothy 2:3. [See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Ephesians 6:12ff] |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We now enter Paul’s epistle to Timothy with the overall theme: “How To Conduct Yourself In God’s Household.” We choose 1 Timothy 1:18 as the theme verse of chapter one – Fight the Good Fight. Paul writes to “a genuine child of the faith.” [1, 2] Paul launches right into a warning to Timothy regarding those who would teach a different doctrine. [3-7] Such persons should be “commanded not to be teaching differently.” Judging from Paul’s words these included Christian/Judaizers who were teaching Jewish myths and Jewish genealogies. Some Christians have “missed the mark” and “turned aside” because of “worthless speeches.” These men wanted to be “teachers of Jewish law.” The Law of Moses is intended only for the lawless. [8-11] It was not created for the righteous, law-abiding person. Paul lists some types of persons for whom the Law of Moses was created.
Paul expresses his gratitude for the authority granted him by the Master. [12-17] He admits to his former life and the grace God showed him. He states an important truth: Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and then admits to being the worst sinner. Jesus had demonstrated by his life and attitude a model of long-suffering and tolerance.
Paul urges Timothy to “fight the good fight.” [18-20] Timothy needs to hang on to his faith with a good conscience. Paul mentions two that have become “shipwrecked in their faith.” Such men are characterized by slanderous and abusive speech, likely against Paul and his associates.
Abba our Father bless those who continue to “fight the good fight.”
[22 July 2002]
