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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY

CHAPTER ONE:
“FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT”

1 Timothy 1:1-2 – Paul to a True Child

1TM1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus 1 according to a command 2 of our Savior 3 God and Christ Jesus 4 our hope:

1	Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus: A familiar designation used by Paul at 2 Corinthians 1:1, Galatians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, 2 Timothy 1:1.

2	Command: Or, order, injunction, appointment. The words command or charge appear often in 1 Timothy 1:1-3; 4:11; 5:7, 21; 6:14. Though suggestions and exhortations are present in First Timothy more often these are apostolic commands.

3

Savior: Paul addresses both the Father and Jesus as “Savior.” Never does he call the Holy Spirit such and one will note it is completely lacking here, as is Paul’s custom in all his letters. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Titus regarding the word savior. Judges of Israel and King David were also called saviors. [Judges 3:9, 15; 1 Samuel 23:5; 2 Kings 13:5; Nehemiah 9:27]

4	God and Christ Jesus: Paul makes a clear distinction between God and Christ and never confuses the two. See also 1 Timothy 1:2 for a dual formula, Paul’s favorite.

1TM1:2 to Timothy, a genuine child in faith 5 – unmerited charity, 6 mercy, peace from our Father God and our Master Christ Jesus. 7

5

Timothy, a genuine child in faith: Or, own son, true, true-born, real. His name means “One Who Honors God.” Details regarding Timothy may be found in Acts 16:1; 17:14, 15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 19; Philippians 1:1; 2:19; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 3:2, 6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; Philemon 1:1; Hebrews 13:23. Timothy is named in Paul’s personal epistles to him at 1 Timothy 1:18; 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:2. He was a young traveling elder who often accompanied Paul and shared in the writing of several letters. For more details see Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Second Timothy.

6	Unmerited charity: Or, unmerited favor, grace, spiritual blessing, undeserved kindness. On the Greek CHARIS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5485] see notes else where in Nazarene Commentary 2000© under unmerited favor, charity, or, charis.

7	Our Father God and our Master Christ Jesus: Note that to Paul God is the Father. Consider also the numerous dual formulas Paul uses elsewhere in contrast to any triune formulas. On triune formulas see Nazarene Commentary 2000©. As is customary with Paul the holy spirit is missing.

1 Timothy 1:3-7 – Regarding Other Doctrines

1TM1:3 Even as I encouraged you to remain in Ephesus, 8 while I was on my way to Macedonia – so that you might command 9 certain persons not to be teaching differently, 10

8	Ephesus: Compare Acts 20:1 and Philippians 2:24.

9

Command: The Greek is PAR-ANGELES [Strong’s Concordance #3853 = enjoin, charge, command, declare] Or, exhorted, begged, charge, instruct. One of Paul’s apostolic charges dealt with preserving doctrinal purity in the Christian Church. This is not a suggestion by Paul but a command. The early Church was not an environment wherein any “wind of teaching” could find a place. See notes on Ephesians 4:14, 15, 2 Peter 2:1 and 1 John 4:1.

10

Not to be teaching differently: The Greek is HETERO-DIDASKLEIN [Strong’s Concordance #562]. Or, other doctrine, different doctrine, strange views, novelties, heterodoxy, new doctrines. For details on Paul’s view on doctrine see Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Titus. Research the word doctrine or, teaching. The doctrine of the Church was based first on Jesus the Nazarene. [John 7:17 KJV] and then on Paul’s inspired epistles as an instrument of the promised Helper. Compare 2 Corinthians 11:4 and Galatians 1:6-9 and the danger of “another Gospel” or a “different Jesus.”

1TM1:4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless [Jewish] genealogies, 11 [for] these cause useless speculations 12 rather than a dispensation of faith 13 in union with The God 14 –

11	Myths and endless [Jewish] genealogies: There are three categories to Paul’s charge: different doctrine, myths, genealogies. Compare notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Galatians 1:6; 2 John 9. [1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:14]

12

Useless speculations: Or, questions, disputes, arguments, disputations. Compare notes on 1 Timothy 6:20 and 2 Timothy 2:14. There are those within the Church who are adversarial by nature. They are confrontational in their disposition, negative in their character. These cannot produce a healthy doctrine, but spend their time sniping at others, finding a point of argument here and a contentious issue there.

13	Rather than a dispensation of faith: Or, KJV: rather than godly edifying which is in faith; ABUV: God’s stewardship; RHM: stewardship of God.

14	The God: Paul’s preferred designation for the Creator is HO THEOS, “The God.” He never uses this of Jesus the Son, or of the Holy Spirit. In First Timothy Paul only uses the word PNEUMA [spirit] once at 1 Timothy 3:16 and not in relation to the Holy Spirit.

1TM1:5 the purpose of this [current] command 15 is out of compassionate affection from a clean heart, a good conscience, and conviction free of hypocrisy.

15

The purpose of this [current] command: Or, the object, the aim. Paul assures the “command” or charge is rooted in love, a clean conscience, and faith without any hypocrisy. Paul uses the word “love” 8 times in 1 Timothy, “conscience” 4 times, and “faith” 25 times. In 21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM] the Greek AGAPE is also rendered by compassionate affection, benevolent empathy, and preferred. See notes on 1 Corinthians 13:1-10.

1TM1:6 Some have missed the mark 16 of these [attributes], turning aside into worthless speeches, 17

16

Some have missed the mark: Or, KJV: swerved; ABUV: erring; WEY: deviated; NAS: straying; TAY: missed the whole idea. The early Church was already filled with the foretold tares of the Nazarene’s parable in Matthew chapter 13. Note only have they swerved from the original doctrine they have missed the mark of love, conscience, and faith. Compare notes on 2 Timothy 2:18.

17	Worthless speeches: Or, vain jangling, empty talk, fruitless talking, a wilderness of words, vain babbling, purposeless talk, empty reasoning. See notes on 1 Timothy 6:20. Such are those who cannot construct a healthy doctrine, but rather devote their time in negative attacks.

1TM1:7 wanting to be teachers 18 of the [Jewish] law. [They do] not understand either what they speak 19 nor those things they confidently assert. 20

18	Wanting to be teachers: Note James’ warning at James 3:1. Some seize the opportunity to put themselves forward as “teachers.” They are characterized by deviation from the Nazarene as well as unloving attitudes and words. They are really jealous and ambitious for a position of recognition.

19

Not understand either what they speak: Or, KJV: understand neither what they say; MOF: they have no idea either of the meaning of the words they use. Judging from the context these were Judaizers, or those Jewish elements, which wanted the Christian Church to remain under the authority of Moses. Compare Acts 15:1ff. Surely Paul faced jealous and ambitious men who wanted to replace him as a teacher. The Church was splintered almost from the very beginning.

20

Confidently assert: The Greek is DIA-BEBAIOUN-TAI [Strong’s Concordance #1226 = confirm thoroughly, affirm constantly]. Or, affirm, assertions, harp. These are not quiet men. They are adversarial and confrontational in their natures, driven by arrogant ambition. They are opinionated in their deviations from the doctrine of Christ and Paul.

1 Timothy 1:8-11 – Law Is for the Lawless

1TM1:8 We realize that the Law [of Moses] is good if one uses it lawfully, 21 but we are also aware of this:

21

We realize that the Law [of Moses] is good if one uses it lawfully: Or, KJV: we know that the law is good; RHM: excellent the law; BER: the Law is admirable. Paul speaks to those who wish to be teachers of the Law of Moses. Compare notes on Romans 7:12, 14 and Hebrews 10:1. Paul teaches that Christians are dead to the Law of Moses, including the Ten Commandments. [See notes on Romans 7:4 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.] He does not mean the Law has no value for it is filled with godly principles as well as typical shadows of holy realities.

1TM1:9 Law does not exist for the righteous person, 22 but rather for 23 the lawless, rebellious, 24 irreverent, 25 sinners, unholy, profane, 26 mother-killers, father-killers, murderers,

22	Law does not exist for the righteous person: The law-abiding are not the object of the law, but rather, the law-breaker, the criminal. The righteous have nothing to fear from the legal system. Compare notes on Galatians 3:19 and the purpose of the Law.

23	But rather for: Paul begins one of his many lists in First Timothy. Some of these lists are brief and others are lengthy. That is, the Law of Moses is directed at the following:

24	Rebellious: Or, disobedient, insubordinate, disorderly, unruly. These persons have rebellious natures and confrontational dispositions.

25	Irreverent: Or, ungodly, impious, irreligious, godless. For further notes research aseb in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. The literal meaning is someone who is not awe-struck by God.

26	Profane: Or, worldly, those who have no religion, insult holy things.

1TM1:10 the sexually immoral, 27 bedders of males, 28 kidnappers, liars, perjurers, 29 and any other thing opposed to healthy teaching 30 [which is]

27	Sexually immoral: Or, whoremongers, fornicators. For details on the Greek PORNEIA see fornication in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [Galatians 5:19]

28

Bedders of males: The Greek is ARSENO-COITAIS [Strong’s Concordance #733 = male + bedding, sodomite, self-abuse with males] Or, defile themselves with mankind, abusers of themselves with men, sexual perverts, homosexuals, sin sexually with women or other men. Compare the notes on Romans 1:27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9.

29	Perjurers: Or, false witnesses. Compare Deuteronomy 19:18; Proverbs 6:19; 12:17; 14:5; 19:5, 9; 25:19; see notes on Matthew 19:18. The adversarial are not above lying or slander.

30	Any other thing opposed to healthy teaching: The Greek for “healthy” is HYGIAINOUSE [Strong’s Concordance #5198]. Or, sound doctrine, wholesome teaching, right teaching. Compare notes on 2 Timothy 1:13 and Titus 1:9. There are doctrines opposed to sound teaching as Paul has already inferred.

1TM1:11 in accord with the glorious Good News 31 of the blessed God 32 with which I was entrusted. 33

31	In accord with the glorious Good News: Sound doctrine must be in accord with the Evangel or Gospel. Note Paul’s curse of anything other than the gospel of Christ. [Galatians 1:8]

32	Blessed God: Or, blissful, happy, God in his eternal felicity, ever-blessed. Compare notes on Romans 9:5.

33	With which I was entrusted: Or, KJV: which was committed to my trust. Compare Galatians 2:7; Colossians 1:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:4.

1 Timothy 1:12-17 – A Minister’s Gratefulness

1TM1:12 I am grateful to the one who empowered me, 34 Christ Jesus our Master, because he considered me trustworthy, 35 putting me into his service.

34	Empowered me: Or, enabled, gave me power, put strength in me, made me equal to the task.

35	Trustworthy: Or, faithful, showing confidence in, reliable, worthy. [1 Corinthians 4:2]

1TM1:13 [Despite the fact] that previously I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man. 36 However, I received mercy because I was ignorant and without conviction. 37

36	I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man: Or, injurious, insulter, oppressor, aggressor, doer of outrage, wanton outrage. Compare Acts 8:3; Galatians 1:13; Philippians 3:6.

37	I received mercy because I was ignorant and without conviction: Or, in unbelief. There is a great feeling of relief in this statement. Compare the parable at Luke 12:41-48. [Acts 17:30] Saul the Jewish rabbi had faith or conviction in the God of his forefathers, but not in Jesus Christ.

1TM1:14 But the unmerited charity of our Sovereign LORD superabounded, 38 resulting in deep conviction and compassionate affection united in Christ Jesus. 39

38	The unmerited charity of our Sovereign LORD superabounded: Or, exceeding abundant, boundless, abounded beyond measure, overflowed, flooded my life, lavished upon me. Compare Romans 5:20. Because of the following phrase it would seem that the KYRIOU here is YHWH, that is, the Absolute Sovereign.

39

Resulting in deep conviction and compassionate affection united in Christ Jesus: Or, faith and love. Over and over these two attributes – faith and love – are combined as the two paramount characteristics of the genuine disciple of the Nazarene. Compare notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on 1 John 3:23. [2 Timothy 1:13]

1TM1:15 Trustworthy and worthy of complete acceptance is the statement 40 that Christ Jesus came into the world order of humanity to save sinners. 41 Of these I am number one. 42

40

Trustworthy and worthy of complete acceptance is the statement: Or, KJV: this is a faithful saying; RHM: faithful is the saying; MOF: sure word; BER: reliable is the message; GDS: fullest acceptance; BER: whole-hearted acceptance; WEY: universal acceptance. This is a phrase similar to those used by Paul elsewhere. [1 Timothy 3:1; 4:9]

41

Jesus came into the world order of humanity to save sinners: Or, rescue. The statement is among the anthems of Christianity. This echoes the Nazarene at Luke 5:32, “I came to invite – not the righteous – but sinners unto repentance.” These sinners must repent and embark on a faithful course of discipleship to attain salvation. Compare 2 Corinthians 5:19 and 1 John 2:2.

42

Of these I am number one: Or, I am chief, foremost, stand first, worst of them, no greater sinner than I. Compare Acts 9:1ff and 1 Corinthians 15:9. Paul’s humility shines here. Above in verse 13 he has listed his attributes before coming to Christ: blasphemer, persecutor, insolent, ignorant, and faithless.

1TM1:16 However, because of this I received mercy, that by means of me as the number one example, Christ Jesus might display all long-suffering as a model 43 to all those future believers in him, resulting in everlasting Life. 44

43

Model: That is, a role model. The Greek is HYPO-TYPONSIN [Strong’s Concordance #5296, typification under, sketch for imitation, form, pattern] Or, WEY: striking example; MON: illustration; NEB: typical of all. The choosing of Paul by Christ himself on the Damascus road served many purposes. By going outside of his own hand-picked apostles he demonstrated that he was not bound by politics, choosing a Jew with Roman citizenship and possessed of the intellectual ability to write Romans and other inspired epistles. Paul’s example will be an ageless example to all future disciples who would follow him. He remains, after Christ himself, the premier role model for all Christians. [1 Corinthians 11:1]

44	Everlasting Life: That is, ageless or endless life. The Greek is ZOEN AIONION [Strong’s Concordance #166] Or, life everlasting, eternal life, life age-abiding. For details research AION in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

1TM1:17 Now, to the King of all future periods of time 45 – incorruptible, 46 invisible, 47 absolute God 48 [Psalm 86:10] – honor and glory throughout all future periods of time! Amen!

45	King of all future periods of time: Or, eternal, ages. [Psalm 10:16; 29:10; Daniel 6:26; Revelation 15:3] Jesus is never so identified. Paul now uses three characteristics of the Absolute God.

46

Incorruptible: Some use “immortal.” The Greek is APHTHARTO [Strong’s Concordance #862, undecayable, immortal] Or, ever-living. There is a difference between incorruptible and immortal – the former dealing with the type of body or form and the later the type of life. Jesus and his Church are also described as incorruptible. [Compare Romans 1:20; 1 Corinthians 15:42, 50, 53]

47

Invisible: The Greek is AORATO [Strong’s Concordance #517, unseen]. Jesus is never so described because he did become visible in his first manifestation and will do so again in his second. [Matthew 24:30; Hebrews 9:2, 28; 1 John 2:28; 3:2] While God the Father is described as invisible whom no person has ever seen, the Son is MONOGENES THEOS. See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on John 1:18. See also Colossians 1:15 and 1 John 4:12. [Exodus 33:20; John 4:24; 5:37; 6:46] Thus, Jesus could never be compared to his invisible Father who is the One who causes his own Son to become visible. [Acts 10:40] Note how Paul repeats this description of God in 1 Timothy 6:16.

48

Absolute God: Or, only God. The Greek is MONO THEO. Or, WEY: who alone is God. Some texts like the KJV add “wise” – “the only wise God.” Paul speaks in the absolute and unqualified sense for elsewhere he admits to other “gods.” [1 Corinthians 8:5] He may [MAY] even address Jesus as God in Romans 9:5, Titus 2:13, and Hebrews 1:8. However, see notes on these verses in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. Jesus himself admits there are other gods when he quotes Psalm 82:6 at John 10:30. Compare Deuteronomy 10:17. Though acknowledging others as possessing godship or godhood [John 1:1], the Bible never calls Jesus “God alone.” This designation here in verse 17 echoes such verses as Psalm 86:10. Here in this verse it seems clear that Paul is speaking of the Father of Jesus Christ as “God alone” in the absolute since.

1 Timothy 1:18-20 – Fight the Good Fight

1TM1:18 This is the command 49 I commit to you, child Timothy, in accordance with the previous prophecies regarding you 50 – Fight the good fight! 51

49	Command: Or, charge, order. Again Paul uses this word. Compare 1 Timothy 1:1, 3, 5.

50

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]

51

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]

1TM1:19 Hold on to [your] deep conviction as well as a good conscience, 52 which some have pushed aside 53 causing a shipwreck of their faith. 54

52

Hold on to [your] deep conviction as well as a good conscience: Or, KJV: holding faith, and a good conscience; WEY: keep holding fast; NEB: armed with; TAY: cling tightly to. Conviction and conscience is a common association Paul makes. On the subject of faith or conviction research these words and PIST in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. For details on faith compare notes on Hebrews 11:1, 6. On “conscience” see 1 Corinthians chapters 8 and 10 where the word appears most often. [1 Timothy 1:5] Paul uses “conscience” five times with Timothy. [1 Timothy 1:5; 3:9; 4:2; 2 Timothy 1:3] Note that faith or conviction alone is not sufficient. A good conscience is also required. Compare Paul’s allusion to Jeremiah 31:31-34 at Romans 2:15, 16.

53

Some have pushed aside: Or, KJV: some having put away; ASV: thrust from them; MON: cast aside. Already, within the first three decades of the Christian Church, some have failed to fight the good fight with conviction and a good conscience. Compare notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Hebrews 3:12 and 2 Peter 2:1ff.

54	Causing a shipwreck of their faith: Or, KJV: concerning faith have made shipwreck; PME: ships on the rocks. For a real shipwreck see Acts chapter 27. One reason for this ruin of faith is explained in 1 Timothy 6:9. Paul knows of what he speaks when it comes to shipwrecks. [1 Corinthians 11:25]

1TM1:20 Some of these are Hymanaeus 55 and Alexander, 56 whom I have handed over to Satan 57 that they might be disciplined not to speak abusively. 58

55	Hymanaeus: This apostate is also mentioned at 2 Timothy 2:18 and one of the false doctrines he espoused. Possibly this was an example of those “firm assertions” mentioned in verse 7.

56	Alexander: Possibly the same as Acts 19:33, 34.

57	I have handed over to Satan: Or, KJV: delivered unto; MON: given over to. Likely a reference to excommunication or marking in view of 1 Corinthians 5:5, 13. Compare the notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15. The language seems to infer an individual apostolic action.

58

Disciplined not to speak abusively: Or, KJV: learn not to blaspheme; BER: not to speak profanely; WMS: stop their abusive speech. The Greek is BLASPHEMEIN [Strong’s Concordance #987, speak impiously, defame, revile, speak evil] which may refer to any abusive or profane speech against a god or human. This seems to be the reason they were excommunicated: their abusive speech, likely against Paul. Compare notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on 2 Peter 2:10, 12 and Jude 8, 9. Evidently all is not lost for these two apostates for Paul uses the Greek PAIDE-UTHOSIN [Strong’s Concordance #3811, educate, discipline, learn, teach] and so echoes the idea of 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15, “Do not treat them as an enemy but continue to reprove them as a brother.” It should be remembered that where one finds slander, the engine is often jealous ambition.

Review Questions on Chapter One

Summary of Chapter One

Paul lays several commands on the young traveling elder Timothy. These generally involve apostate opposers in the early Church. Paul gives one of his many lists in First Timothy describing characteristics opposed to healthful teaching or doctrine. He also gives himself as the foremost example of God’s mercy to future generations of believers. He also honors God the Father with a hymn of praise.