1 Timothy 1:18
Verse
Context
God’s Grace to Paul
17Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.18Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,19holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.
Sermons
Chuck Smith
William MacDonald
Stephen Kaung
Jim Cymbala
Mike BickleSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
This charge - See the note on Ti1 1:5. It was a charge that the Judaizing teachers should not teach differently from that doctrine which the apostle had delivered to him. See Ti1 1:3. According to the prophecies - This may refer to some predictions by inspired men, relative to what Timothy should be: and he wishes him to act in all things conformably to those predictions. It was predicted that he should have this high and noble calling; but his behavior in that calling was a matter of contingency, as it respected the use he might make of the grace of his calling. The apostle therefore exhorts him to war a good warfare, etc. He was now called to that estate to which the prophecies referred; and now he is to act worthily or unworthily of that calling, according as he fought or did not fight the good warfare, and according as he held or did not hold faith and a good conscience. Some think that the προαγουσας προφητειας, the foregoing prophecies, refer to revelations which the apostle himself had received concerning Timothy; while others think that the word is to be understood of advices, directions, and exhortations, which the apostle had previously delivered to him; we know that προφητευω signifies to speak to men to edification, to exhortation, and to comfort. See Co1 14:3. This is a very sober and good sense of the passage. War a good warfare - The trials and afflictions of the followers of God are often represented as a warfare or campaign. See Isa 40:2; Co1 9:7; Co2 10:4; and see the reasons of this metaphorical form of speech, in the notes on Eph 6:13.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
He resumes the subject begun at Ti1 1:3. The conclusion (apodosis) to the foregoing, "as I besought thee . . . charge" (Ti1 1:3), is here given, if not formally, at least substantially. This charge--namely, "that thou in them (so the Greek) mightest war," that is, fulfil thy high calling, not only as a Christian, but as a minister officially, one function of which is, to "charge some that they teach no other doctrine" (Ti1 1:3). I commit--as a sacred deposit (Ti1 6:20; Ti2 2:2) to be laid before thy hearers. according to--in pursuance of; in consonance with. the prophecies which went before on thee--the intimations given by prophets respecting thee at thy ordination, Ti1 4:14 (as, probably, by Silas, a companion of Paul, and "a prophet," Act 15:32). Such prophetical intimation, as well as the good report given of Timothy by the brethren (Act 16:2), may have induced Paul to take him as his companion. Compare similar prophecies as to others: Act 13:1-3, in connection with laying on of hands; Act 11:28; Act 21:10-11; compare Co1 12:10; Co1 14:1; Eph 4:11. In Act 20:28, it is expressly said that "the Holy Ghost had made them (the Ephesian presbyters) overseers." CLEMENT OF ROME [Epistle to the Corinthians], states it was the custom of the apostles "to make trial by the Spirit," that is, by the "power of discerning," in order to determine who were to be overseers and deacons in the several churches planted. So CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA says as to the churches near Ephesus, that the overseers were marked out for ordination by a revelation of the Holy Ghost to St. John. by them--Greek, "in them"; arrayed as it were in them; armed with them. warfare--not the mere "fight" (Ti1 6:12; Ti2 4:7), but the whole campaign; the military service. Translate as Greek, not "a," but "the good warfare."
John Gill Bible Commentary
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy,.... After a digression the apostle had made concerning himself, his conversion, and call to the ministry, he returns to his former subject, and original design, and renews the charge he gave to Timothy; and which was not only an order to charge others to teach no other doctrine than that of the Gospel; but includes the charge of preaching it himself, and intends the glorious Gospel of the blessed God committed to his trust, and the whole form of sound words he had heard of him, and which he had charged him to keep pure and incorrupt: and this was done, according to the prophecies which went before on thee; by which are meant, not the prophecies of the Old Testament, though of these Timothy had a considerable share of knowledge from a child, and was hereby greatly qualified to have such a charge committed to him; but then these were not prophecies concerning him, but the Messiah, his person, office, kingdom, and grace: nor are any particular revelations made unto the Apostle Paul concerning Timothy intended, of which there is no account; the revelations and visions he had, related not to men, and their characters, but to doctrines; rather the testimonies of the brethren at Lystra and Iconium, and the good reports they made of him to the apostle, which promised and foreboded future usefulness, are designed; though it seems best of all to understand these prophecies of such as were delivered out by the prophets in the church, for such there were in those times; who, when Timothy was a child, or a youth, foretold that he would have great gifts bestowed upon him, and would be a very useful, diligent, laborious, and successful preacher of the Gospel; and therefore the apostle mentions these to stimulate him the more to the discharge of his work, that he might answer the prophecies concerning him: for he adds, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare: that is, that in consideration of the charge committed to him, and the prophecies that went before of him, might be the more industrious to fulfil his ministry, is signified by a warfare, in allusion to the service of the Levites, which is so called, Num 8:24 with zeal and courage, faithfulness and integrity: for not that warfare is intended, which is common to all believers; who being enlisted as volunteers under Christ, the Captain of their salvation, and having on the whole armour of God, fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil; and are more than conquerors through him that has loved them: but that warfare, which is peculiar to the ministers of the word; whose business it is more especially to fight the good fight of faith, and as good soldiers of Christ, to endure hardness for the sake of him, and his Gospel; and who, besides the other enemies, have to do with false teachers; and their warfare lies in publishing and defending the Gospel of Christ, and in contending for it, and in the weakening of Satan's kingdom, and enlarging the kingdom of Christ; and for which the weapons of their warfare are peculiarly made, and are eminently succeeded; and when they are used to such good purposes, by the ministers of the Gospel, they war a good warfare.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is the charge he gives to Timothy to proceed in his work with resolution, Ti1 1:18. Observe here, The gospel is a charge committed to the ministers of it; it is committed to their trust, to see that it be duly applied according to the intent and meaning of it, and the design of its great Author. It seems, there had been prophecies before concerning Timothy, that he should be taken into the ministry, and should prove eminent in the work of the ministry; this encouraged Paul to commit this charge to him. Observe, 1. The ministry is a warfare, it is a good warfare against sin and Satan: and under the banner of the Lord Jesus, who is the Captain of our salvation (Heb 2:10), and in his cause, and against his enemies, ministers are in a particular manner engaged. 2. Ministers must war this good warfare, must execute their office diligently and courageously, notwithstanding oppositions and discouragements. 3. The prophecies which went before concerning Timothy are here mentioned as a motive to stir him up to a vigorous and conscientious discharge of his duty; so the good hopes that others have entertained concerning us should excite us to our duty: That thou by them mightest war a good warfare. 4. We must hold both faith and a good conscience: Holding faith and a good conscience, Ti1 1:19. Those that put away a good conscience will soon make shipwreck of faith. Let us live up to the directions of a renewed enlightened conscience, and keep conscience void of offence (Act 24:16), a conscience not debauched by any vice or sin, and this will be a means of preserving us sound in the faith; we must look to the one as well a the other, for the mystery of the faith must be held in a pure conscience, Ti1 3:9. As for those who had made shipwreck of the faith, he specifies two, Hymeneus and Alexander, who had made a profession of the Christian religion, but had quitted that profession; and Paul had delivered them to Satan, had declared them to belong to the kingdom of Satan, and, as some think, had, by an extraordinary power, delivered them to be terrified or tormented by Satan, that they might learn not to blaspheme not to contradict or revile the doctrine of Christ and the good ways of the Lord. Observe, The primary design of the highest censure in the primitive church was to prevent further sin and to reclaim the sinner. In this case it was for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus, Co1 5:5. Observe, (1.) Those who love the service and work of Satan are justly delivered over to the power of Satan: Whom I have delivered over to Satan. (2.) God can, if he please, work by contraries: Hymeneus and Alexander are delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme, when one would rather think they would learn of Satan to blaspheme the more. (3.) Those who have put away a good conscience, and made shipwreck of faith, will not stick at any thing, blasphemy not excepted. (4.) Therefore let us hold faith and a good conscience, if we would keep clear of blasphemy; for, if we once let go our hold of these, we do not know where we shall stop.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:18-20 Paul continues his charge to Timothy (1:3-11), who is to draw upon available resources, remain faithful, and consider two bad examples. The church (also part of the audience; see 1 Timothy Book Introduction, “Literary Genre”) should expect Paul’s delegate to do these things. 1:18 the prophetic words spoken about you earlier: This was probably at Timothy’s commissioning (see 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; cp. Acts 13:2-3).
1 Timothy 1:18
God’s Grace to Paul
17Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.18Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,19holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Through the Bible) 1 Timothy 1-2
By Chuck Smith1.9K1:21:021TI 1:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of preaching the gospel rather than focusing on the law. He emphasizes that the law is not meant for righteous people, but rather for those who are lawless. The speaker also mentions the need to build up one another and not tear each other down. He shares an example of a minister who had detailed notes on gestures to use during the sermon, highlighting the importance of speaking with authority even when one may not fully understand the topic. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God is on the throne and believers should not be afraid.
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
What Is Our Charge?
By Stephen Kaung64840:53GEN 12:1DEU 1:8PRO 29:18LUK 24:271TI 1:18REV 1:9REV 1:17
This sermon emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the charge and vision God has given to His people, drawing parallels from biblical figures like Abraham and Moses who were entrusted with specific tasks. It urges believers to have a unifying vision centered on bearing the testimony of Jesus, highlighting the significance of being faithful to God's calling and not compromising in the face of challenges or distractions.
Remember What He Said
By Jim Cymbala58618:58Christian LifePSA 119:49MAT 6:331TI 1:182TI 1:6In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of a woman who was painfully shy and afraid to speak in public. However, one day she had a vision where she saw herself directing people of different races singing and praising God. Despite her fear, she was encouraged to speak to a large audience and eventually became an evangelist. The preacher emphasizes the importance of not letting discouragement or past failures hinder one's calling and reminds the audience to remember the prophecies spoken over their lives.
Joseph's Dungeon: The Power of the Spirit and Humility
By Mike Bickle281:06:51Power of the Holy SpiritHumilityPRO 22:4MAT 5:5LUK 14:11JHN 3:30ACT 2:12CO 12:7PHP 2:31TI 1:18JAS 4:61PE 5:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of humility in experiencing the greater power of the Holy Spirit, as outlined in 1 Timothy 1:18. He warns against building ministries on prophetic words alone, advocating instead for a foundation rooted in Jesus and Scripture. Bickle highlights that true manifestations of the Spirit's power will be accompanied by a commitment to humility, as pride can lead to the downfall of ministries. He draws parallels with Joseph's dungeon, illustrating that ministries promoting humility will thrive, while those that do not will face divine removal. Ultimately, he calls for a generation to pursue authentic expressions of faith without manipulation or exaggeration.
Loving Ourselves in the Grace of God
By Mike Bickle261:26:51Youth MovementIntercessionLUK 18:11TI 1:18Mike Bickle shares his transformative experiences and prophetic insights regarding a youth movement of singers and musicians that God revealed to him through Bob Jones. He emphasizes the importance of intercession, holiness, sacrificial living, and prophetic faith as foundational values for this movement, which aims to change the understanding and expression of Christianity globally. Bickle recounts his own journey of obedience to God's call, the challenges faced from religious leaders, and the necessity of maintaining focus on prayer and purity amidst distractions. He believes that this movement will lead to a significant revival, impacting not only Kansas City but the entire world, as God raises up a generation committed to radical obedience and intercession.
A Ministry Like Harry S. Truman: Intercession for Israel
By Mike Bickle251:32:40IntercessionPrayer for IsraelDEU 32:7ISA 62:6EZK 22:30HAB 3:4ZEC 12:3MAT 21:13JHN 14:12ROM 12:121TI 1:18REV 22:20Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of intercession for Israel, drawing parallels between the ministry of Harry S. Truman and the current mission of mobilizing prayer for Israel. He recounts the prophetic history of IHOP and the recent acquisition of 120 acres as a spiritual base, which he believes is a divine sign for the intercessory movement. Bickle highlights the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness to strengthen resolve and focus on the mission ahead. He calls for a commitment to 24/7 prayer, aligning with biblical prophecies regarding Israel's restoration and the end times. The sermon serves as a reminder of the church's role in standing in the gap for Israel and the urgency of prayer in this generation.
My Heavenly Encounter in 1984
By Mike Bickle2043:50FaithfulnessProphetic VisionPSA 12:1LUK 22:311TI 1:18Mike Bickle shares his profound experiences and encounters with God, emphasizing the importance of prophetic words in guiding and inspiring believers to persevere in their faith. He recounts a significant meeting with Bob Jones, who prophesied about a youth movement and the need for dedicated champions in the faith amidst societal challenges. Bickle highlights the necessity of prayer for faithfulness, the raising up of champions, and the resilience to recover from personal failures. He encourages the congregation to commit to these prayers and to remain steadfast in their dedication to God, even when faced with trials and temptations. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a renewed commitment to God's purpose and the prophetic vision for the future.
Prophecy About Bartle Hall
By Mike Bickle171:11:23ProphecySpiritual DedicationGEN 28:122KI 6:17EZK 3:1MAT 7:7JHN 1:511CO 1:51TH 5:201TI 1:18HEB 6:12REV 10:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the upcoming gatherings at Bartle Hall, viewing them as a fulfillment of a long-standing prophecy regarding a young adult movement. He stresses the importance of responding to prophetic promises with faith and dedication, highlighting that these promises are invitations to partner with God rather than guarantees. Bickle shares insights from a recent heavenly visitation experienced by Julie Meyer, which reinforces the call for increased dedication and preparation for a new season in their spiritual family. He encourages the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith and to expect a powerful move of God as they gather, while also acknowledging the challenges that may accompany such breakthroughs.
The Spiritual Basis of the Christian Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual FoundationThe Role of the Holy SpiritJHN 1:13JHN 3:6ACT 2:41ROM 8:91CO 2:14GAL 5:251TI 1:181TI 6:202TI 1:62TI 2:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical need for Christians to recognize the spiritual foundation of their faith, warning against the tendency to slip into a mere formalism that lacks true spiritual vitality. He highlights Paul's letters to Timothy as a call to remember the original anointing and the essential role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. Sparks urges believers to understand the distinction between the natural and the spiritual, asserting that true spirituality is a fundamental change in one's being, enabled by the Holy Spirit. He points to the Gospel of John as a reminder of the necessity of being born of the Spirit to grasp the deeper truths of Christianity. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the sovereignty of the Spirit in the life of the Church, emphasizing that all growth and understanding must come from the Holy Spirit's work within us.
The Spirit of Prophecy
By Zac Poonen0PSA 74:11CO 14:11TI 1:18HEB 3:13JAS 1:52PE 1:19Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of prophecy in the church, explaining that in the new covenant, prophecy is for exhortation, consolation, and edification. Without the prophetic word, the church risks falling into darkness and being ensnared by the enemy. The absence of prophecy led to the degeneration of many Christian groups in history. The ministry of prophecy reveals the secrets of people's hearts, exposes the deceitfulness of sin, and warns against the schemes of Satan, providing protection and guidance.
Dealing With Sin
By A.W. Tozer0ROM 8:13ROM 13:122CO 10:3GAL 5:161TI 1:18JAS 4:1Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'strateuomai,' which signifies engaging in spiritual warfare, orchestrated by the indwelling flesh inherited from Adam. This ongoing battle against fleshly lusts is a continual struggle for believers until they see Jesus Christ. The term 'strateuomai' is not just about fighting but encompasses all aspects of military service, portraying a planned expedition against a spiritual objective. Believers are urged to resist fleshly desires that wage war against their souls, as depicted in the allegory 'The Holy War' by John Bunyan.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
This charge - See the note on Ti1 1:5. It was a charge that the Judaizing teachers should not teach differently from that doctrine which the apostle had delivered to him. See Ti1 1:3. According to the prophecies - This may refer to some predictions by inspired men, relative to what Timothy should be: and he wishes him to act in all things conformably to those predictions. It was predicted that he should have this high and noble calling; but his behavior in that calling was a matter of contingency, as it respected the use he might make of the grace of his calling. The apostle therefore exhorts him to war a good warfare, etc. He was now called to that estate to which the prophecies referred; and now he is to act worthily or unworthily of that calling, according as he fought or did not fight the good warfare, and according as he held or did not hold faith and a good conscience. Some think that the προαγουσας προφητειας, the foregoing prophecies, refer to revelations which the apostle himself had received concerning Timothy; while others think that the word is to be understood of advices, directions, and exhortations, which the apostle had previously delivered to him; we know that προφητευω signifies to speak to men to edification, to exhortation, and to comfort. See Co1 14:3. This is a very sober and good sense of the passage. War a good warfare - The trials and afflictions of the followers of God are often represented as a warfare or campaign. See Isa 40:2; Co1 9:7; Co2 10:4; and see the reasons of this metaphorical form of speech, in the notes on Eph 6:13.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
He resumes the subject begun at Ti1 1:3. The conclusion (apodosis) to the foregoing, "as I besought thee . . . charge" (Ti1 1:3), is here given, if not formally, at least substantially. This charge--namely, "that thou in them (so the Greek) mightest war," that is, fulfil thy high calling, not only as a Christian, but as a minister officially, one function of which is, to "charge some that they teach no other doctrine" (Ti1 1:3). I commit--as a sacred deposit (Ti1 6:20; Ti2 2:2) to be laid before thy hearers. according to--in pursuance of; in consonance with. the prophecies which went before on thee--the intimations given by prophets respecting thee at thy ordination, Ti1 4:14 (as, probably, by Silas, a companion of Paul, and "a prophet," Act 15:32). Such prophetical intimation, as well as the good report given of Timothy by the brethren (Act 16:2), may have induced Paul to take him as his companion. Compare similar prophecies as to others: Act 13:1-3, in connection with laying on of hands; Act 11:28; Act 21:10-11; compare Co1 12:10; Co1 14:1; Eph 4:11. In Act 20:28, it is expressly said that "the Holy Ghost had made them (the Ephesian presbyters) overseers." CLEMENT OF ROME [Epistle to the Corinthians], states it was the custom of the apostles "to make trial by the Spirit," that is, by the "power of discerning," in order to determine who were to be overseers and deacons in the several churches planted. So CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA says as to the churches near Ephesus, that the overseers were marked out for ordination by a revelation of the Holy Ghost to St. John. by them--Greek, "in them"; arrayed as it were in them; armed with them. warfare--not the mere "fight" (Ti1 6:12; Ti2 4:7), but the whole campaign; the military service. Translate as Greek, not "a," but "the good warfare."
John Gill Bible Commentary
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy,.... After a digression the apostle had made concerning himself, his conversion, and call to the ministry, he returns to his former subject, and original design, and renews the charge he gave to Timothy; and which was not only an order to charge others to teach no other doctrine than that of the Gospel; but includes the charge of preaching it himself, and intends the glorious Gospel of the blessed God committed to his trust, and the whole form of sound words he had heard of him, and which he had charged him to keep pure and incorrupt: and this was done, according to the prophecies which went before on thee; by which are meant, not the prophecies of the Old Testament, though of these Timothy had a considerable share of knowledge from a child, and was hereby greatly qualified to have such a charge committed to him; but then these were not prophecies concerning him, but the Messiah, his person, office, kingdom, and grace: nor are any particular revelations made unto the Apostle Paul concerning Timothy intended, of which there is no account; the revelations and visions he had, related not to men, and their characters, but to doctrines; rather the testimonies of the brethren at Lystra and Iconium, and the good reports they made of him to the apostle, which promised and foreboded future usefulness, are designed; though it seems best of all to understand these prophecies of such as were delivered out by the prophets in the church, for such there were in those times; who, when Timothy was a child, or a youth, foretold that he would have great gifts bestowed upon him, and would be a very useful, diligent, laborious, and successful preacher of the Gospel; and therefore the apostle mentions these to stimulate him the more to the discharge of his work, that he might answer the prophecies concerning him: for he adds, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare: that is, that in consideration of the charge committed to him, and the prophecies that went before of him, might be the more industrious to fulfil his ministry, is signified by a warfare, in allusion to the service of the Levites, which is so called, Num 8:24 with zeal and courage, faithfulness and integrity: for not that warfare is intended, which is common to all believers; who being enlisted as volunteers under Christ, the Captain of their salvation, and having on the whole armour of God, fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil; and are more than conquerors through him that has loved them: but that warfare, which is peculiar to the ministers of the word; whose business it is more especially to fight the good fight of faith, and as good soldiers of Christ, to endure hardness for the sake of him, and his Gospel; and who, besides the other enemies, have to do with false teachers; and their warfare lies in publishing and defending the Gospel of Christ, and in contending for it, and in the weakening of Satan's kingdom, and enlarging the kingdom of Christ; and for which the weapons of their warfare are peculiarly made, and are eminently succeeded; and when they are used to such good purposes, by the ministers of the Gospel, they war a good warfare.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is the charge he gives to Timothy to proceed in his work with resolution, Ti1 1:18. Observe here, The gospel is a charge committed to the ministers of it; it is committed to their trust, to see that it be duly applied according to the intent and meaning of it, and the design of its great Author. It seems, there had been prophecies before concerning Timothy, that he should be taken into the ministry, and should prove eminent in the work of the ministry; this encouraged Paul to commit this charge to him. Observe, 1. The ministry is a warfare, it is a good warfare against sin and Satan: and under the banner of the Lord Jesus, who is the Captain of our salvation (Heb 2:10), and in his cause, and against his enemies, ministers are in a particular manner engaged. 2. Ministers must war this good warfare, must execute their office diligently and courageously, notwithstanding oppositions and discouragements. 3. The prophecies which went before concerning Timothy are here mentioned as a motive to stir him up to a vigorous and conscientious discharge of his duty; so the good hopes that others have entertained concerning us should excite us to our duty: That thou by them mightest war a good warfare. 4. We must hold both faith and a good conscience: Holding faith and a good conscience, Ti1 1:19. Those that put away a good conscience will soon make shipwreck of faith. Let us live up to the directions of a renewed enlightened conscience, and keep conscience void of offence (Act 24:16), a conscience not debauched by any vice or sin, and this will be a means of preserving us sound in the faith; we must look to the one as well a the other, for the mystery of the faith must be held in a pure conscience, Ti1 3:9. As for those who had made shipwreck of the faith, he specifies two, Hymeneus and Alexander, who had made a profession of the Christian religion, but had quitted that profession; and Paul had delivered them to Satan, had declared them to belong to the kingdom of Satan, and, as some think, had, by an extraordinary power, delivered them to be terrified or tormented by Satan, that they might learn not to blaspheme not to contradict or revile the doctrine of Christ and the good ways of the Lord. Observe, The primary design of the highest censure in the primitive church was to prevent further sin and to reclaim the sinner. In this case it was for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus, Co1 5:5. Observe, (1.) Those who love the service and work of Satan are justly delivered over to the power of Satan: Whom I have delivered over to Satan. (2.) God can, if he please, work by contraries: Hymeneus and Alexander are delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme, when one would rather think they would learn of Satan to blaspheme the more. (3.) Those who have put away a good conscience, and made shipwreck of faith, will not stick at any thing, blasphemy not excepted. (4.) Therefore let us hold faith and a good conscience, if we would keep clear of blasphemy; for, if we once let go our hold of these, we do not know where we shall stop.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:18-20 Paul continues his charge to Timothy (1:3-11), who is to draw upon available resources, remain faithful, and consider two bad examples. The church (also part of the audience; see 1 Timothy Book Introduction, “Literary Genre”) should expect Paul’s delegate to do these things. 1:18 the prophetic words spoken about you earlier: This was probably at Timothy’s commissioning (see 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; cp. Acts 13:2-3).