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William Barclay · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Barclay says "Life can never be dull again When once we've thrown our windows open wide And seen the mighty world that lies outside, And whispered to ourselves this wondrous thing, 'We're wanted for the business of the King!'" THOUGHT - Dear follower of Christ, are you obeying the call of God upon your life? Remember He has given you a spiritual gift and one day you will have to give an account as steward to your Master for how you used His gift (1Pe 4:10-11+, cf 1Co 4:1-2+) Only one life, twill soon pass! Only what's done for Christ will last! Don't miss your once in a lifetime opportunity beloved. Life is too short and eternity too long to miss out! Peter writes "If (since) you address as Father the One Who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) yourselves in fear (solemn, sober, holy reverence) during the (VERY SHORT) time of your stay on earth." (1Pe 1:17+) James says "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." (He does not even say like or as a vapor, but you are a vapor! A "vanishing vapor!" - Jas 4:14+) And so we need to heed Paul's charge to be "making the most of (exagorazo) your time (kairos), because the days are evil." (Eph 5:16+). Steven Cole on God our Savior - Paul uses an unusual phrase in this verse: “God our Savior.” This description occurs six times in the pastoral epistles (here, 1Ti 2:3; 4:10; Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4) and nowhere else in Paul’s writings. It occurs elsewhere only in Jude 25, with a similar expression, “God my Savior” in Luke 1:47. In fact, the word “Savior” (soter) is only used 24 times in the New Testament, including 10 times in the pastoral epistles and five in 2 Peter. The designation of God as our Savior is rooted in the Old Testament. But, significantly, when you come to the New Testament, Jesus is designated as the Savior (Luke 2:11), which shows that Jesus is God. His very name means “Yahweh saves.” The angel explained to Joseph that the reason for naming the child in Mary’s womb “Jesus” is that He would save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). One reason Paul may have emphasized this term for God in the pastoral epistles is that the corrupt emperor Nero had assumed the title, “Savior of the world,” for himself. Paul is countering that by stating, “No, Nero, you are not the Savior; only God can save!” This is a truth that constantly needs to be reaffirmed because the proud human heart constantly does what Nero did--if not to claim to be the Savior of the world, at least to claim to be my own Savior. Proud people think that because they are worthy, or by their own efforts or good deeds or will power, they can save themselves from God’s wrath against their sin. But the message of the cross of Jesus Christ humbles human pride by stating, “No flesh shall boast before God” (1 Cor. 1:29). We need to proclaim clearly the message that people are lost and need a Savior, not just that they need a little improvement or help. The gospel message is not, “If your life lacks fulfillment or if you’re having a few problems, try Jesus.” The gospel message is, “Apart from Christ, you are lost, perishing, under God’s judgment! You cannot save yourself. God does not save any who are worthy, because none are worthy. But in His grace, God does save unworthy sinners who take refuge in Jesus and His shed blood on the cross. So trust in Him!” Savior (4990)(soter from sozo = rescue from peril > from saos = safe; delivered) refers to the Agent of salvation or deliverance, the One Who rescues, delivers, saves and preserves. Anyone who saves or delivers can be called a deliverer or rescuer (a soter), but only God can effects our supernatural rescue from bondage to the power of indwelling Sin and the dread fate of eternal death and separation from His presence. Hallelujah! If you have time, take a moment to worship God our Savior with this song by Laura Story What A Savior or this modern rendition by Aaron Ivey - Hallelujah, What a Savior. Soter is used 10x out of 24 in the pastoral epistles - Lk. 1:47; Lk. 2:11; Jn. 4:42; Acts 5:31; Acts 13:23; Eph. 5:23; Phil. 3:20; 1 Tim. 1:1; 1 Tim. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:10; 2 Tim. 1:10; Titus 1:3; Titus 1:4; Titus 2:10; Titus 2:13; Titus 3:4; Titus . 3:6; 2 Pet. 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:11; 2 Pet. 2:20; 2 Pet. 3:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; 1 Jn. 4:14; Jude 1:25 God is called “Savior” 19 times (1Tim. 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Lk. 1:47; Tit. 1:3; 2:10; 3:4; Jude 1:25; 2Sam. 22:3; Ps. 106:21; Isa. 43:3, 11; 45:15, 21; 49:26; 60:16; 63:8; Jer. 14:8; Hos. 13:4); Jesus Christ is called “Savior” 16 times (Lk. 2:11; Jn. 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23; Eph. 5:23; Php. 3:20; 2Tim. 1:10; Tit. 1:4; 2:13; 3:6; 1Pet. 1:1, 11; 2:20; 3:2, 18; 1Jn. 4:14). Commandment (2003) epitage from epitasso = appoint over, put in charge in turn from epí = upon or over + tasso = arrange, appoint, order, set in place) means literally one appointed over and came to refer to something that is in its proper order or place. Figuratively epitage was used of an authoritative directive, an order, an official command, a directive or an injunction. Epitage - 7v - Ro 16:26; 1Co. 7:6; 1 Co. 7:25; 2 Co. 8:8; 1Ti 1:1; Titus 1:3; Titus 2:15 Jon Courson on the commandment of God - Paul often referred to himself as ‘an apostle by the will of God’ (1Corinthians 1:1, 2Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, see note Colossians 1:1). In this case, however, he says, ‘It’s not just His will for me, it’s His command that I am to be an apostle—one who is sent out, one who shares truth.’ The things that we have been commanded to do can sometimes become wearying when we find ourselves in situations we weren’t anticipating—like prison. After all, it was from a Roman prison cell that Paul wrote to Timothy. And in this, I am reminded of another who found himself a prisoner... ‘Oh, Lord, I cannot speak. I am but a child,’ Jeremiah protested when called to minister. ‘Before you were born, I knew you and ordained you to be a prophet,’ the Lord replied. ‘I will put My words on your lips—and you shall go.’ So Jeremiah did. And what happened? He eventually ended up in a dungeon. ‘OK, Lord,’ he said. ‘Yes, You commanded me. Yes, You anointed me. But people aren’t responding. No one is getting saved.’ So Jeremiah decided to quit prophesying, to quit sharing—until he realized that the Word of God was like fire in his bones and that he could not keep quiet (Jeremiah 20:9). Maybe like Jeremiah, or perhaps like Paul, you feel imprisoned and are tempted to throw in the towel, to quit sharing the Gospel with people since none seem to respond. But if you do, the Word of God will burn in your heart as surely as it did in Jeremiah’s, and, like Paul, you will realize you have no choice in the matter, for you are under the command of God. (Courson, J. A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word October 13. Santa Ana, CA: Calvary Chapel Publishing) AND OF CHRIST JESUS, [WHO IS] OUR HOPE : kai Christou Iesou tes elpidos hemon: Our Hope: Ro 15:12-13 Col 1:27 2Th 2:16 1Pe 1:3,21 See Excursus on Hope at bottom of this page. 1 Timothy 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Psalm 43:5 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. Romans 15:12-13+ Again Isaiah says, “THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE.” 13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Colossians 1:27+ to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 2 Thessalonians 2:16+ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, 1 Peter 1:3+ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 John 3:2-3+ Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (cf "pure heart" in 1Ti 1:5) CHRIST OUR HOPE OF GLORY And of Christ (Christos) Jesus (Iesous) Who is our hope (elpis) - The Greek literally reads our hope, the NAS adding "Who is" to smooth out the sentence in English. The literal rendering that describes "Christ Jesus our hope" is a beautiful truth, for what Paul is saying is that hope is not a vague, abstract concept but ultimately finds its very essence and fulfillment in the Person, Christ Jesus.Jesus Christ is the basis of our hope of all things. Indeed "As God is the Author of our salvation, so Christ is the embodiment of our Hope." (G B Wilson) In using the personal pronoun "our" Paul is emphasizing that this hope is our very own possession. This is a simple truth, but take a moment and meditate on this truth and allow the Spirit to overwhelm you with the reality that such a great hope is really ours. We did not deserve it nor could we ever have merited it, but because of God's great salvation and our eternally secure position in Christ, we can cling confidently to the great doctrine of the believer's hope as "our hope!" Our hope is secure because the foundation is firm. Indeed, "from Christ's death flow all our hopes." (Ryle) "Our hope lies not in the man we put on the moon, but in the Man we put on the Cross." (Basham) Jesus is our "Spes unica," which is Latin for "Our only hope." (See Excursus on Hope) Steven Cole on Christ Jesus our hope - Biblical hope is not an uncertain wish for a better tomorrow. Biblical hope is certain, but not yet realized. It is certain because our hope rests on the resurrected Christ, whose bodily resurrection from the grave is an attested fact of history. Our hope believes in the reigning Christ, seated at the right hand of God, far above all rule and authority (Eph. 1:20-23). Our hope waits for the returning Christ, who has given us His sure word that He will return bodily to rule the nations with a rod of iron (Acts 1:11; Rev. 19:15). Hallelujah! Because such a Savior is our hope, we can serve Him and know that our labor is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58+). C H
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Barclay - PAUL always began his letter with a blessing (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; Philemon 3). In all these other letters only Grace and Peace occur. It is only in the letters to Timothy that Mercy is used (2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4). (See 1 Timothy 1 Commentary) Hiebert - This threefold invocation comprehends all the blessings which come to us now through the Gospel. "Grace" is the undeserved favor of God toward the guilty sinner, removing the guilt of his past sins and relieving him of deserved punishment. "Mercy" is the self-moved, spontaneous compassion of God for the miserable and distressed, freeing the sinner from the consequent misery of his sins. The believer stands in constant need of the continued experience of both. "Grace is multiplied for God's children in a constant shower of undeserved gifts (John 1:16, 'grace for grace'), and so mercy continues in ever new deliverance out of trouble" (Lenski). "Peace" is the state of salvation which results from God's grace and mercy. It speaks of the harmony which results from the removal of the discord which sin has produced. A feeling of well-being and tranquility follow. What richer blessings could one desire for another than these? "'Grace, mercy and peace' are the triple blessings of the Christian life, as faith, hope and charity are the triple fruit of the Christian character" (See First Timothy- Everyman's Bible Commentary)
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Barclay - when I urged you to stay in Ephesus while I went to Macedonia, that you might pass on the order to some of the people there, not to teach erroneous novelties, BBE 1 Timothy 1:3 It was my desire, when I went on into Macedonia, that you might make a stop at Ephesus, to give orders to certain men not to put forward a different teaching, CSB 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach different doctrine ERV 1 Timothy 1:3 As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine, ESV 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, Grundy Just as when traveling on to Macedonia [north of Greece] I exhorted you to stay in Ephesus [near the west coast of Asia Minor] that you might order some not to teach aberrantly GWN 1 Timothy 1:3 When I was going to the province of Macedonia, I encouraged you to stay in the city of Ephesus. That way you could order certain people to stop teaching false doctrine Hiebert “As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine.” KJV 1 Timothy 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, NKJ 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia-- remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, MIT 1 Timothy 1:3 I previously requested you to remain in Ephesus while I am traveling to Macedonia. Your task is as follows: Command those responsible not to teach heresies, NAB 1 Timothy 1:3 I repeat the request I made of you when I was on my way to Macedonia, that you stay in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to teach false doctrines NET 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to spread false teachings, NIV 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer NJB 1 Timothy 1:3 When I was setting out for Macedonia I urged you to stay on in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to spread wrong teaching NLT 1 Timothy 1:3 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. NRS 1 Timothy 1:3 I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach any different doctrine, Phillips I am repeating in this letter the advice I gave you just before I went to Macedonia and urged you to stay at Ephesus. I wanted you to do this so that you could order certain persons to stop inventing new doctrines WNT and the attention they bestow on mere fables and endless pedigrees, such as lead to controversy rather than to a true stewardship for God, which only exists where there is faith. And I make the same request now. NLT Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. MNT or trouble their heads with fables and endless genealogies, which rather promote disputes than the gospel-dispensation: Wuest Just as I begged you to continue on in Ephesus when I was going into Macedonia in order that you might charge certain ones not to be teaching things contrary to sound doctrine, (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) YLT 1 Timothy 1:2 to Timotheus -- genuine child in faith: Grace, kindness, peace, from God our Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord, YLT 1 Timothy 1:3 according as I did exhort thee to remain in Ephesus -- I going on to Macedonia -- that thou mightest charge certain not to teach any other thing, the law (KJV): De 4:6-8 Ne 9:13 Ps 19:7-10 119:96-105,127,128 Ro 7:12,13,16 Ro 7:18,22 12:2 Ga 3:21 lawfully (KJV): 2Ti 2:5 Related Passages: Galatians 1:6+ I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; (heteron euangelion) 2 Corinthians 11:4+ For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully. Romans 16:17+ Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. Acts 6:3-4+ (ANTIDOTE FOR FALSE TEACHING) “Therefore, brethren, select from among you even men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN APOSTOLIC TEACHING) 1 Timothy 4:3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 1 Timothy 6:3-4 If anyone advocates a different doctrine (heterodidaskaleo) and does not agree with sound (hugiaino) words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine (didaskalia) conforming (kata) to godliness (eusebeia), he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, TIMOTHY'S STRICT ORDERS TO COUNTER FALSE TEACHING John Stott gives a summary noting that "What Paul does in this first chapter is to refer successively to three teachers or groups of teachers. First, he describes the false teachers and their misguided use of the law (1Ti 1:3–11). Secondly, he alludes to himself, previously a persecutor of Christ but now an apostle of Christ, and to the gospel he preached (1Ti 1:12–17). Thirdly, he addresses Timothy and urges him to fight the good fight of the truth (1Ti 1:18–20). Moreover, the whole passage is extremely personal. Paul begins each paragraph with a verb in the first person singular: ‘I urged you …’ (1Ti 1:3), ‘I thank Christ Jesus our Lord’ (1Ti 1:12), and ‘I give you this instruction’ (1Ti 1:18). (See The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus) Paul immediately states the purpose for his letter. Kent
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Barclay - idle tales. One of the characteristics of the ancient world was that the poets and even the historians loved to work out romantic and fictitious tales about the foundation of cities and of families. They would tell how some god came to earth and founded the city or took in marriage some mortal maid and founded a family. The ancient world was full of stories like that. Second, the endless genealogies. The ancient world had a passion for genealogies. We can see that even in the Old Testament with its chapters of names and in the New Testament with the genealogies of Jesus with which Matthew and Luke begin their gospels. (ILLUSTRATION) A man like Alexander the Great had a completely artificial pedigree constructed in which he traced his lineage back on the one side to Achilles and Andromache and on the other to Perseus and Hercules. It would be the easiest thing in the world for Christianity to get lost in endless and fabulous stories about origins and in elaborate and imaginary genealogies. That was a danger which was inherent in the situation in which Christian thought was developing. (See 1 Timothy 1 Commentary) Bell - Attempts to find hidden meaning in the names of the genealogies of the OT. Example from Gen.4,5: Adam(man); Seth(appointed); Enosh(mortal); Cainan(sorrow); Mahalel(the blessed God); Jared(shall come down); Enoch(teaching); Methuselah(his death shall bring); Lamech (desparing); Noah(comfort). Thus you have the gospel one sentence “Man appointed, mortal sorrow. The blessed God, shall come down, teaching(&) his death shall bring(the) despairing, comfort.” Chuck Missler re-popularized this, but this has been around for many decades from the Mystic Rabbis. And you really have to do some Hebrew gymnastics to make it work (root of some words, pick & choose from others)....How often we get people side tracked in speculation & argument rather than focusing on the work of proclaiming the gospel & nurturing believers in the Christian life. Which give rise (parecho - present tense - continually) to mere speculation (ekzetesis) rather than furthering the administration (oikonomia) of God which is by faith (pistis) - Which of course in context refers to the myths and genealogies, not the solid rock foundation of the Word of Truth. Give rise to means to furnish an occasion for exhaustive investigations or labor intensive inquiry. Speculation (ekzetesis in plural) is found only here and refers to senseless, useless speculation, aimless arguing and controversy. The administration of God refers to the plan of salvation which He devised and administered, "the method of operation of God’s salvation in the life of the believing sinner" (Wuest) The phrase by faith is literally "in faith" and so describes faith as the sphere (see locative of sphere) in which salvation operates (we were saved by faith in the past and are daily saved daily [sanctified] by the same faith). NET has "God's redemptive plan that operates by faith." So whatever the specifics of the myths and genealogies, the ultimate effect was to strike a damaging blow at the Gospel. In his final letter to Timothy, Paul again addressed speculations writing "refuse (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) foolish and ignorant speculations (zetesis), knowing that they produce quarrels (mache)." (2Ti 2:23+) R Kent Hughes on mere speculation - Arcane, novel interpretations serve only to promote questionings and controversies. They naturally spawn elitism and snobbery. Those who “buy in” think all others are simple or unspiritual or even downright sinful. The ultimate tragedy of false doctrine is that “God’s work—which is by faith” is not promoted. (See 1–2 Timothy and Titus) THOUGHT - Stay away from religious speculation and pointless theological arguments. Such exercises may seem harmless at first, but they have a way of sidetracking us from the central message of the Good News—the person and work of Jesus Christ. They expend time we should use to share the Good News with others, and they don't help people grow in the faith. Avoid anything that keeps you from doing God's work. (See Life Application Study Bible) NET Note on the administration (oikonomia) of God - God’s redemptive plan. The basic word (οἰκονομία, oikonomia) denotes the work of a household steward or manager or the arrangement under which he works: “household management.” As a theological term it is used of the order or arrangement by which God brings redemption through Christ (God’s “dispensation, plan of salvation” [Eph 1:10; Eph 3:9]) or of human responsibility to pass on the message of that salvation (“stewardship, commission” [1 Cor 9:17; Eph 3:2; Col 1:25]). Here the former is in view (see the summary of God’s plan in 1Ti 2:3–6; 2Ti 1:9–10; Titus 3:4–7), and Paul notes the response people must make to God’s arrangement: It is “in faith” or “by faith.” (1 Timothy 1) Paul uses the same word oikonomia in Ephesians 3:2+ describing "the stewardship (oikonomia) of God’s grace which was given to me for you (GENTILE BELIEVERS AT EPHESUS)" (cf Col 1:25+) and in Ephesians 3:9+ referring to "the administration (oikonomia) of the mystery."
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Barclay says kidnappers (violates Ex 20:15+) could be "slave-kidnappers": Slaves were valuable property....The kidnapping of specially beautiful or specially valuable and accomplished slaves was a common feature of ancient life. (Ibid)
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Barclay on service - It was to Paul an amazing thing, that he, the arch-persecutor, had been chosen as the missionary and the pioneer of Christ. It was not only that Jesus Christ had forgiven him; it was that Christ had trusted him. Sometimes in human affairs we forgive a man who has committed some mistake or who has been guilty of some sin, but we make it very clear that his past makes it impossible for us to trust him again with any responsibility. But Christ had not only forgiven Paul, He had entrusted him with His work to do. The man who had been the persecutor of Christ had been made the ambassador of Christ.....Plutarch tells that when a Spartan won a victory in the games, his reward was that he might stand beside his king in battle. A Spartan wrestler at the Olympic games was offered a very considerable bribe to abandon the struggle; but he refused. Finally, after a terrific effort, he won his victory. Someone said to him: “Well, Spartan, what have you got out of this costly victory you have won?” He answered: “I have won the privilege of standing in front of my king in battle.” His reward was to serve and, if need be, to die for his king (cf Acts 20:24+). It was for service, not honour, that Paul knew himself to be chosen. (1 Timothy 1 Commentary) R Kent
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Barclay adds that the verb entrust "always implies that a trust has been reposed in someone for which he will be called to account." (1 Timothy 1 Commentary) Paul used the word entrust again in his last letter writing "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses (BASICALLY HE HAD HEARD THE GOSPEL), entrust (paratithemi in present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2Ti 2:2+) Comment - What is the pattern Paul presents? Clearly this is the pattern for making disciples, for fulfilling the last command by Jesus to "make disciples' (matheteuo in the aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) (Mt 28:19+). Are you obeying your Commanding Officer? Are you making disciples? (If not that is sin or "missing the mark!") Are you doing this actively, zealously, intentionally and focusing solely on the "things which you have heard from" Paul (the Gospel, the Word of Truth, for there is simply no other way to make disciples, learners, except by teaching them the truths of God's Word.) Sadly, there are very few older (and mature in the faith) men and women who are obeying Jesus' command and the Body of Christ is spiritually anemic because of their failure to pass the baton on to the next generation. Over and over, I hear young men say to me, "I could not find any older man in my church who would use the Word of God to disciple me!" That was my story 35 years ago (even at a well known Bible Church!) Beloved, these things ought not to be so! Pray about who you might disciple. You do not need to pray to see if you need to disciple, because it has already been commanded by our Lord. Now, like the old Nike Commercial says "JUST DO IT!" Is this not even what we see Paul doing in 1Ti 1:18? Command (paraggelia) was used earlier in 1Ti 1:5 ("instruction") and the related verb paraggello is used in 1Ti 1:3 ("may instruct"), these uses congenering up the military metaphor that Paul brings out in this verse. As noted earlier this word group speaks of passing an order from a superior to a subordinate. In context Paul received his orders from the Lord and passed them on to Timothy, his young "field officer" on the battlefield in Ephesus (so to speak). In using these words Paul conveys to Timothy the seriousness and urgency of the spiritual battle. Donald Guthrie adds that in using these "military metaphors" “Timothy is solemnly reminded that the ministry is not a matter to be trifled with, but an order from the commander-in-chief” (See The Pastoral Epistles: An Introduction and Commentary)
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Barclay - It is not to a battle that we are summoned; it is to a campaign. Life (THE CHRISTIAN LIFE) is one long campaign; life is a service from which there is no release. Life is not a short, sharp struggle after which a man can lay aside his arms and rest in peace; to the end of the day life is an unceasing campaign. To change the metaphor, life is not a sprint; it is a marathon race. It is there that the danger of life enters in. It is necessary to be for ever on guard and on the watch. "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." The temptations of life, the wrong things of life, never cease their attack and their search for a chink in the armour of the Christian. There are no periods of relaxation in the Christian life. It is one of the commonest dangers in life that we proceed in a series of spasms. We have a period of real effort and of real campaign, and then a period when we let things slide. We must remember that we are summoned to a campaign which goes on as long as life goes on. (1 Timothy 1 Commentary) Johnny Sanders - We would charge the young minister today that by the Word of God he might fight the good fight. There is no other way to fight the good fight than by the Word of God, in the power of the One Who inspired every word of it. Stand up, stand up for Jesus ye soldiers of the cross; lift high his royal banner, it must not suffer loss. From vict'ry unto vict'ry his army he shall lead till ev'ry foe is vanquished and Christ is Lord indeed. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey; forth to the mighty conflict in this his glorious day. Ye that are men now serve him against unnumbered foes; let courage rise with danger and strength to strength oppose. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in his strength alone; the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own. Put on the gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer; where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long; this day the noise of battle, the next, the victor's song. To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be; he with the King of glory shall reign eternally. -- George Duffield (1858) Scottish Reformer John Knox’s call to the ministry - [John Knox] had been teaching in St. Andrews. His teaching was supposed to be private but many came to it, for he was obviously a man with a message. So the people urged him “that he would take the preaching place upon him. But he utterly refused, alleging that he would not run where God had not called him.…Whereupon they privily among themselves advising, having with them in council Sir David Lindsay of the Mount, they concluded that they would give a charge to the said John, and that publicly by the mouth of their preacher.” So Sunday came and Knox was in Church and John Rough was preaching. “The said John Rough, preacher, directed his words to the said John Knox, saying: ‘Brother, ye shall not be offended, albeit that I speak unto you that which I have in charge, even from all those that are here present, which is this: In the name of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ, and in the name of these that presently call you by my mouth, I charge you that you refuse not this holy vocation, but … that you take upon you the public office and charge of preaching, even as you look to avoid God’s displeasure, and desire that he shall multiply his graces with you.’ And in the end he said to those that were present: ‘Was not this your charge to me? And do ye not approve this vocation?’ They answered: ‘It was: and we approve it.’ Whereat the said John, abashed, burst forth in most abundant tears, and withdrew himself to his chamber. His countenance and behaviour, from that day till the day that he was compelled to present himself to the public place of preaching, did sufficiently declare the grief and trouble of his heart; for no man saw any sign of mirth in him, neither yet had he pleasure to accompany any man, many days together.” John Knox was chosen; he did not want to answer the call; but he had to, for the choice had been made by God. Years afterwards, the Regent Morton uttered his famous epitaph by Knox’s grave-side: “In respect that he bore God’s message, to whom he must make account for the same, he (albeit he was weak and an unworthy creature, and a fearful man) feared not the faces of men.” The consciousness of being chosen gave him courage. (1 Timothy 1 Commentary) Entrust (3908) paratithemi from para = beside + tithemi = place) (see also study of related noun paratheke) literally means to place something beside, to set alongside or place before someone. It was used in Greek meaning to give someone something in trust and so to "deposit" with another. It conveys the picture of a precious treasure being deposited as a trust into the hands of other persons.(Lk 12:48 = "to whom they entrusted much"; 1 Ti 1:18 = "This command I entrust to you, Timothy"; 2 Ti 2:2; 1 Pe 4:19 = "shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator"). Those to be entrusted with the message in 2 Ti 2:2 must be faithful, reliable and trustworthy men “who will not swerve aside because of fear or favor, who will not compromise with the spirit of the age through which they are passing.” Luke uses paratithemi in describing Jesus on the Cross "And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I paratithemi(paratithemi) MY SPIRIT.” Having said this, He breathed His last.." (Lk 23:46+) Prophecies (4394) propheteia from pró = before or forth + phemí = to tell, to speak) has the literal meaning of speaking forth, with no connotation of prediction or other supernatural or mystical significance. Propheteia can refer to either spoken or written words. Previously made (4254) proago from pro = before + ago = go) means to go before. Transitively (BDAG = to take or lead from one position to another by taking charge) = to lead forward, lead or bring out (Ac 12:6; 16:30; 17:5; 25:26) Intransitively (BDAG = to move ahead or in front of) = to go before, lead the way, precede either (a) in space Mt 2:9; Mk 11:9; walk ahead of Mk 10:32 or (b) in time go or come before (Mt 14:22; Mk 6:45; 14:28; 1 Ti 1:18; 5:24; Hb 7:18; get in before Mt 21:31) Fight (4754) strateuomai from strategos = army, stratos = an encamped army) means literally to perform military service, serve as a soldier in the army, go to fight, carry on a military campaign, make a military expedition, lead soldiers to war or to battle. Strateuomai - 7v - Lk. 3:14; 1 Co. 9:7; 2 Co. 10:3; 1 Tim. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:4; Jas. 4:1; 1 Pet. 2:11 Strateuomai is used figuratively in this verse (and James 4:1) of spiritual battle, thus meaning to carry on a campaign of spiritual warfare, in both the NT uses planned and orchestrated by the indwelling flesh, the evil disposition all mankind inherited from Adam and which is still "latent" even in believers. Note the use of strateuomai in the present tense which indicates that the spiritual campaign spearheaded by fleshly lusts against our souls is a continual struggle we can expect to engage in until the day we see our Commander in Chief, the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Timóteo 1
Barclay says: Paul has three complaints against these men. (i) They had rejected the guidance of conscience. They had allowed their own wishes and desires to speak with more power and persuasiveness than the voice of God. They had made their will, not God's will, the dictator of their lives. (ii) Inevitably they had relapsed into evil practices. Once they had abandoned God, life had become soiled and debased and unworthy. When God went from life, beauty went from life along with Him. (iii) They had taken to false teaching. Again it is almost inevitable. When a man takes the wrong way, his first instinct is to find justifications and excuses for himself. He takes the Christian teaching and twists and distorts it to suit himself. Out of the right he finds subtle and perverted arguments to justify the wrong. He finds arguments in the words of Christ to justify the ways of the devil. The moment a man disobeys the voice of conscience, his conduct becomes debased and his thinking becomes twisted. (1 Timothy 1 Commentary) ILLUSTRATION - Shipwrecked faith - "Our heart, reason, history, and the work of Christ convince us that without Him we cannot achieve our goal, that without Him we are doomed by God, and only Christ can save us." These were deep and sensitive thoughts for a 17-year-old, revealing spiritual wisdom that few attain. He had been baptized into the Lutheran church in 1824, at age six, and was confirmed at 16. Now, to graduate from high school, he had been required to write an essay on a religious subject. He chose to explore "The union of believers with Christ, according to St. John's Gospel (John 15), an exposition on its basic essence, its absolute necessity and its consequences." The fruit of our union with Christ, he continued, is our willingness "to sacrifice ourselves for our fellow man." And the "joy which the Epicureans in their superficial philosophy sought in vain... is a joy known only to the innocent heart united with Christ, and through Christ to God." So wrote Karl Marx, but by 1844, nine years later, he had abandoned any Christian devotion he may have once felt. In fact, his militant atheism and philosophical ideas of man's struggle for a classless utopia free from the numbing effects of religion, established him as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. -- From Moody Monthly, June 1988. ILLUSTRATION - TEND THE FIRE! On one occasion General Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, called together a few of his fellow workers and said to them, "Young men, take heed to the fire in your own hearts, for it has a tendency to go out." Reflecting on these words, one of them said later, "Yes, fire will go out unless the drafts are open, the ashes are shaken out, and more fuel is put on." ILLUSTRATION - A shipwrecked faith is a serious thing. If one does not keep the faith he will suffer such a shipwreck. I knew a man when I was young in the ministry. I visited in his home, worshiped with him and his family, worked with his children, and benefited from his wisdom and experience. I thought he really loved the Lord. Thirty-five years later when I began reading and hearing about some ungodly things he had done I could hardly believe this was the man I had known. I mentioned it to two men who had had more recent experience with him and they painted a picture of a man I did not know, a picture of greed, avarice, deception, lies, and arrogance. What had happened to my friend? Is it possible that he had suffered a shipwreck in regards to his faith? It is also possible that he had no real faith in Jesus Christ. (Johnny Hunt - 1 Timothy - A Charge To Keep) Gregory Brown - How should we respond to the reality that a holy life affects our understanding of Scripture? 1. We must be aware of the danger of even little compromises. Shipwreck doesn’t typically start with big compromises. The Christian sailor who eventually shipwrecks his faith always begins with little compromises. What type of compromises? It could be things like illegal downloading, telling little white lies or sexual jokes, cursing, stealing supplies from work, cheating on tests or taxes. No matter how much these practices are accepted in our society (and sometimes even the church), we must rebel by keeping a clean conscience. We are in a war, and we can’t afford to lose our ability to clearly hear our Commander and Chief. Only those who keep a clean conscience can clearly discern the King’s voice and protect their lives and others. 2. We must be quick to confess and repent of any moral failures. Have we sinned against God? Let us repent—turn away from our sin and restore our relationship with God. Have we sinned against others? Jesus said if we go to the temple to offer a gift to God and yet realize somebody is angry with us, we should go and make that relationship right and then offer our gift (Matt 5:23-24). We must be quick to confess and repent of sins before God or others. Temptations Men Face by Tom L. Eisenman - Somerset Maugham has written a fascinating short story entitled "Rain." In it a ship is forced by continual driving rain to remain docked in a small native village for about two weeks. The passengers take lodging at a boarding house. One of the men, Pastor Davidson, a missionary, takes it upon himself to convert the local prostitute who has a room at the house. At the end of the story there is a shocking twist. When the boat is finally ready to leave, Pastor Davidson cannot be found. Even his wife has no idea where he might be. Then they hear the report that a local native has found a body on the beach. It was Davidson. He had cut his own throat with a razor. It is clear what has happened. The prostitute converted the minister. Rejected (683) apotheo/apotheomai from apó = from + othéo = push away, thrust, drive) means literally to push aside, thrust way (from) or push off. Figuratively as used here it means to reject, repudiate, refuse to listen to, to cast away or to put away (from). Used from Homer onward meaning “to repel,” “to reject,” Suffered shipwreck (3489)(nauageo from naus = ship + agnumi = to break) - Shipwreck literally in 2 Co. 11:25; Figuratively, experience a great loss or disaster, as failing to continue to live with a clear conscience and thus be spiritually ruined, give up believing, no longer believe, to fail, to be put to shame. (1Ti 1:19). No uses in Septuagint. Gilbrant - The verb nauageō is probably a compound of naus, “ship,” and anonumi, “to break,” and is a common Greek word in non-biblical writings describing shipwrecks. In the New Testament the word is used twice by Paul, once literally and once figuratively. The literal use is in 2 Corinthians 11:25 where he included in the description of his sufferings as an apostle the fact that he “suffered shipwreck” three times. Of these three occasions we know nothing, since the shipwreck of Acts 27 took place after the writing of 2 Corinthians. Paul used the term figuratively in 1 Timothy 1:19 when he wrote that some men, including Hymeneus and Alexander (verse 20), had “put away” their good consciences and were, as a result, “made shipwreck” concerning the Faith. By doing what their consciences told them was wrong, they had been wrecked, or destroyed, as far as the Christian faith was concerned. (Complete Biblical Library) Charles Stanley - Shipwrecked Saints SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 27:14–44 KEY VERSE: 1 Timothy 1:19 Having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck. On his way to Rome, Paul and his Roman captors were shipwrecked. God had warned the apostle that if they continued the journey, their ship would be torn apart by the pounding seas. However, the captain sailed on. Many Christians have faced similar circumstances in their walks with God. For whatever reason, they have turned aside to temptation, complacency, or some other sin. Deep inside they know they are no longer living the life God has for them, yet they have become driven by their actions and are blind to the impending consequences. Paul remembered what it felt like to be shipwrecked. He could recall the sensation of the ship coming apart beneath him and the screams of the frightened crew. So clear was this one event in his mind that he drew an analogy from it to warn others who were on their way to becoming spiritually shipwrecked in their faith (1 Tim. 1:19). When you compromise God’s principles, you risk running aground spiritually. If you feel as though you’ve already sailed onto a rocky shore, ask Him to forgive and cleanse you. Forgiveness and restoration are always God’s way. Whatever your need, He is willing to meet it if you will turn to Him. (Seeking His Face) Enter His Gates - Charles Stanley - Shipwrecked Saints Not long ago, the Titanic was discovered where it sank in the North Atlantic in 1912. The encrusted remains bore little resemblance to its former acclaim as the world’s most luxurious ocean liner. There are Christians who likewise demonstrate little of the vibrant faith they once possessed, having gone aground on the shoals of lukewarmness and compromise. Joy is passing; growth is stagnant; peace is transient. Worst of all, they seldom express love for the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and they rarely experience His love. What happened? The apostle Paul wrote that a shipwrecked faith can occur when people reject a solid faith and a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19). The teachings of God’s Word are slowly and subtly replaced with counterfeit philosophies, such as humanism, materialism, and/or secularism. The authority of the Scriptures is rejected regarding personal behavior. Obedience is subjective and conditional. The quiet voice of the Holy Spirit is ignored repeatedly as they allow their conduct to be guided by reason or instinct, not God. Is your personal faith in Christ at a low ebb? Has the adventure of faith turned sour? If you are willing, restoration is but a heartbeat away. Father, even as Your servant Paul, I don’t want to preach to others and become a castaway—a shipwrecked saint. Make me increasingly sensitive to Your Spirit, Lord. H A