\id 1TI - The English New Testament According to Family 35 
\h 1 Timothy 
\toc3 1 Tim. 
\toc2 1 Timothy 
\toc1 The First Epistle of Paul to Timothy 
\mt2 The First Epistle of Paul to  
\mt1 TIMOTHY  
\c 1  
\s1 Greeting  
\m
\v 1 \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* apostle \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w command|strong="G2003"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Sovereign \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*\f + \fr 1:1 \ft There is no article with ‘Sovereign/Lord’, so I take the phrase to be acting as a proper name. Perhaps 10% of the Greek manuscripts omit “Sovereign” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w*,\f + \fr 1:1 \ft The Father saves, the Son is our hope, and they chose Paul together—I wonder what the implications are.\f*  
\v 2 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w*, \w true|strong="G1103"\w* \w son|strong="G5043"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*: \w Grace|strong="G5485"\w*, \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w*, \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w from|strong="G1515"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w*\f + \fr 1:2 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit “our” (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.   
\ms1 Opening considerations  
\s1 Paul refers to their last conversation  
\p
\v 3 \w You|strong="G4771"\w* recall \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G2443"\w* \w urged|strong="G3870"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w remain|strong="G4357"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2181"\w*, \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w I|strong="G2443"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w command|strong="G3853"\w*\f + \fr 1:3 \ft Evidently Paul deputized Timothy, giving him the authority to give commands, and the local elders would need to be informed about it.\f* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* persons \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w stop|strong="G3361"\w* teaching \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w different|strong="G2085"\w* \w doctrine|strong="G2085"\w*  
\v 4 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* occupying \w themselves|strong="G1722"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w myths|strong="G3454"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* endless \w genealogies|strong="G1076"\w*,\f + \fr 1:4 \ft This sounds like Gnosticism.\f* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w cause|strong="G3930"\w* disputes \w rather|strong="G3123"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w godly|strong="G2316"\w* training \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*.\f + \fr 1:4 \ft ‘Disputes’ are conducted on the basis of logic/reason, not faith, and God requires that we respond to Him in faith (see Hebrews 11:6).\f*  
\v 5 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w goal|strong="G5056"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w command|strong="G3852"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* love, \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w pure|strong="G2513"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w conscience|strong="G4893"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* sincere \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*;\f + \fr 1:5 \ft This is a beautiful picture, surely: a love that emanates from pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith will probably be quite similar to God's love.\f*  
\v 6 \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w having|strong="G5100"\w* strayed \w from|strong="G1519"\w* \w these|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G5100"\w* \w been|strong="G5100"\w* \w turned|strong="G1624"\w* \w aside|strong="G1624"\w*\f + \fr 1:6 \ft The verb is in the passive voice; once they strayed they came under outside influence (see Ephesians 2:2).\f* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* empty talk,  
\v 7 \w desiring|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w teachers|strong="G3547"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G3004"\w* \w law|strong="G3547"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w understanding|strong="G3539"\w* \w either|strong="G3383"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w or|strong="G3383"\w* \w the|strong="G3004"\w* \w things|strong="G3739"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w affirm|strong="G1226"\w*.\f + \fr 1:7 \ft This is typical of people whose ambition exceeds their mental ability—they end up faking it.\f*   
\ms1 What law is for  
\p
\v 8 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w we|strong="G1437"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w uses|strong="G5530"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* correctly,  
\v 9 \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w* \w is|strong="G3778"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w made|strong="G3756"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w person|strong="G1342"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* lawless \w and|strong="G2532"\w* rebellious \w ones|strong="G3748"\w*, \w for|strong="G3754"\w* ungodly \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sinners, \w for|strong="G3754"\w* unholy \w and|strong="G2532"\w* profane, \w for|strong="G3754"\w* father-smiters \w and|strong="G2532"\w* mother-smiters, \w for|strong="G3754"\w* murderers,\f + \fr 1:9 \ft I follow the best line of transmission, as well as a plurality of the Greek manuscripts, in rendering “father-smiter” rather than ‘father-killer’. Since patricide and matricide are types of murder, why cite ‘murder’ three times? A normal list does not repeat items.\f*  
\v 10 \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w fornicators|strong="G4205"\w*, \w for|strong="G2532"\w* sodomites,\f + \fr 1:10 \ft The reference is specifically to those who play the role of the male in homosexual intercourse (anal sex), as distinct from catamites (1 Corinthians 6:9), who play the role of the female. From the Creator's point of view both are unacceptable forms of human behavior, and carried the death penalty (Leviticus 20:13).\f* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* kidnappers,\f + \fr 1:10 \ft Or, ‘slave-dealers’.\f* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w liars|strong="G5583"\w*, \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w perjurers|strong="G1965"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w whatever|strong="G5100"\w* \w else|strong="G2087"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* contrary \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sound|strong="G5198"\w* \w doctrine|strong="G1319"\w*  
\v 11 \w as|strong="G2596"\w* defined \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*\f + \fr 1:11 \ft Notice that law is supposed to be based on God's Word. Only the Creator is competent to legislate morality. In a country run by Satan's servants, the judiciary is usually perverted so as to protect the criminal and punish the honest citizen. They often go further, declaring biblical values to be ‘hate crimes’. Have you ever noticed that in such countries hating Jesus and hating Christians is never considered to be a crime? On the contrary, it is protected and encouraged.\f* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*\f + \fr 1:11 \ft The Gospel reflects God's glory, and may even be said to be about that glory, since it reflects His character.\f* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w with|strong="G2316"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w entrusted|strong="G4100"\w*.\f + \fr 1:11 \ft If you are entrusted with something you are supposed to take care of it and protect it. Paul demonstrates this attitude.\f*   
\s1 The grace of God  
\p
\v 12 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w thank|strong="G5485"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w our|strong="G2424"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* enables \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w considered|strong="G2192"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w*, \w putting|strong="G5087"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w ministry|strong="G1248"\w*;  
\v 13 \w I|strong="G2532"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w formerly|strong="G4387"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* blasphemer \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w persecutor|strong="G1376"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* arrogant; \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w shown|strong="G1653"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* ignorant\f + \fr 1:13 \ft Paul was highly instructed in the Jewish religion, but was ignorant where it really mattered.\f* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* unbelief;  
\v 14 \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2424"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* overflowed, \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* love \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 1:14 \ft I take it that Paul is saying that he received an outpouring of faith and love, as well as grace. Well, to transform Saul of Tarsus into Paul the apostle to the nations no doubt required a little ‘extra’.\f*  
\v 15 \w Here|strong="G1519"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w trustworthy|strong="G4103"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, worthy \w of|strong="G3056"\w* total acceptance: \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* sinners—\w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w chief|strong="G4413"\w*;  
\v 16 precisely \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w reason|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w shown|strong="G1653"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ‘\w chief|strong="G4413"\w*’, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w might|strong="G3778"\w* display \w all|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* forbearance, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w an|strong="G1519"\w* \w example|strong="G5296"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* rely \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*.\f + \fr 1:16 \ft If God could save Paul, He can save anybody—there is hope for any sinner; which calls for a doxology (next verse).\f*  
\v 17 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w King|strong="G3588"\w* eternal, immortal, invisible, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* wise,\f + \fr 1:17 \ft Most modern versions, following 2% of the Greek manuscripts (of objectively inferior quality), omit “wise”, leaving ‘the only God’. To be sure, the God of the Bible is the only true God, so the shortened form is theologically correct, but He is also the only One who is totally wise, and that information should not be omitted on such poor evidence.\f* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w honor|strong="G5092"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w forever|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ever|strong="G1519"\w*. Amen.   
\ms1 A charge to Timothy  
\s1 Wage the good warfare  
\p
\v 18 \w Son|strong="G5043"\w* \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w*, \w I|strong="G3778"\w* \w am|strong="G3588"\w* \w giving|strong="G3908"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w charge|strong="G3852"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w accordance|strong="G2596"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophecies|strong="G4394"\w* \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* lead \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G2596"\w*,\f + \fr 1:18 \ft “Lead the way” is in the present tense, and so does not refer to the past. Evidently those prophesies were of such a nature that they gave direction to Timothy's ministry, but he had to choose to follow them. The content of the “charge” is developed in chapter 2.\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w wage|strong="G4754"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w warfare|strong="G4752"\w*,  
\v 19 \w holding|strong="G2192"\w* \w on|strong="G4012"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w conscience|strong="G4893"\w*\f + \fr 1:19 \ft When a person starts faking it he rejects a good conscience.\f* (\w which|strong="G3739"\w*\f + \fr 1:19 \ft “Which” is singular and refers to the good conscience, presumably: if you are not honest with the Faith, you lose it.\f* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* rejected \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w suffered|strong="G3489"\w* \w shipwreck|strong="G3489"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Faith|strong="G4102"\w*;  
\v 20 \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w Hymenaeus|strong="G5211"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Alexander—\w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w taught|strong="G3811"\w*\f + \fr 1:20 \ft The verb here is in the passive voice, which makes Satan the teacher! But I wonder how this works—if you are under Satan's tutelage, what are your chances? Unless it be that Paul is not talking about recovering them, but about making them see the extent of their stupidity (and as an object lesson to others). See Hebrews 6:6.\f* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* blaspheme).   
\c 2  
\s1 About prayer  
\m
\v 1 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w I|strong="G3767"\w* \w exhort|strong="G3870"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w of|strong="G5228"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3956"\w* \w supplications|strong="G1162"\w*, \w prayers|strong="G4335"\w*, \w intercessions|strong="G1783"\w* \w and|strong="G3767"\w* \w thanksgivings|strong="G2169"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w on|strong="G5228"\w* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w* \w of|strong="G5228"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*\f + \fr 2:1 \ft The term “men” here is generic and can include women and children = all people. By putting four synonyms in a row Paul achieves an unusual emphasis on the importance of praying for everybody.\f*  
\v 2 —\w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w kings|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w authority|strong="G5247"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tranquil|strong="G2263"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w quiet|strong="G2272"\w* \w life|strong="G1236"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w godliness|strong="G2150"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w dignity|strong="G4587"\w*.\f + \fr 2:2 \ft This is what God would like to see. War, turmoil and distress are not God's desire for mankind but result from men's bad choices. If everyone would obey God's laws we would have paradise on earth.\f*  
\v 3 \w Because|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* pleasing \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,  
\v 4 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w desires|strong="G2309"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w real|strong="G1922"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1922"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Truth.\f + \fr 2:4 \ft When people are in the middle of distress and turmoil it is difficult to pause and reflect on spiritual things. People who live in a tranquil society where godliness is promoted have every chance to come into “a real knowledge of Truth”.\f*  
\v 5 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w Mediator|strong="G3316"\w* \w between|strong="G3316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* men—\w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1520"\w*!\f + \fr 2:5 \ft Wonder of wonders! God has provided a \ft \+bd man\+bd* to represent us! Of course He is also God, so He can represent both sides with complete competence—the best of all possible mediators!\f*—\w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,  
\v 6 \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w as|strong="G1438"\w* \w a|strong="G1325"\w* ransom \w on|strong="G5228"\w* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w* \w of|strong="G5228"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w* (\w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w testified|strong="G3142"\w* \w in|strong="G3956"\w* \w its|strong="G3956"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w seasons|strong="G2540"\w*),\f + \fr 2:6 \ft Although Jesus Christ “gave Himself as a ransom on behalf of all people”, obviously the exact time when a given people heard about it has varied considerably down through the last two millennia, and some have yet to hear! I take it that Paul is saying that God has a ‘time’ (καιρος) for each people to hear, unless he is just saying that different people hear at different times.\f*  
\v 7 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* ransom \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G3739"\w* \w appointed|strong="G5087"\w*\f + \fr 2:7 \ft Recall from 1:1 above that he was appointed by both Father and Son.\f* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* herald \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* apostle—\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w telling|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* truth \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Christ, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w lying|strong="G5574"\w*\f + \fr 2:7 \ft I wonder why he felt the need to say this to Timothy—or did he know that it would be read by many others? Perhaps 15% of the Greek manuscripts omit “in Christ” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*—\w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*\f + \fr 2:7 \ft Through his epistles he has taught many hundreds of ethnic nations—no wonder both Father and Son were involved in the appointing.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* truth.   
\p
\v 8 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w desire|strong="G1014"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*, \w lifting|strong="G1869"\w* \w up|strong="G1869"\w* \w holy|strong="G3741"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w without|strong="G5565"\w* \w anger|strong="G3709"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w argument|strong="G1261"\w*.\f + \fr 2:8 \ft When a number of men are together, any competition tends to take place in the realm of ideas, often producing more heat than light; when a number of women are together, any competition tends to involve physical appearance. This sort of thing can happen even when people gather to pray (supposedly).\f*  
\v 9 \w Similarly|strong="G5615"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, dressing \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* appropriate \w clothing|strong="G2441"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* modesty \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3326"\w* sense; \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w braided|strong="G4117"\w* \w hair|strong="G4117"\w*\f + \fr 2:9 \ft Presumably the reference is not to simple braids, but adding fancy things to the hair in the braid.\f* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w gold|strong="G5553"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w pearls|strong="G3135"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w expensive|strong="G4185"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2441"\w*,  
\v 10 \w but|strong="G2041"\w* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w good|strong="G1223"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* appropriate \w to|strong="G1135"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* profess \w godliness|strong="G2317"\w*.   
\s1 About women  
\p
\v 11 \w Let|strong="G3129"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w learn|strong="G3129"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w silence|strong="G2271"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w full|strong="G3956"\w* subordination.  
\v 12 \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w permit|strong="G2010"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w or|strong="G3761"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w have|strong="G1510"\w* authority \w over|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w man|strong="G3756"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w silence|strong="G2271"\w*.\f + \fr 2:12 \ft The crucial factor here is authority, and the underlying need is to protect the structure of the home, the foundational unit of society, including the church. If a woman teaches her husband in church, crossing the street to their house will not make her want to submit to him; human nature does not work that way.\f*  
\v 13 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* Adam \w was|strong="G4111"\w* \w formed|strong="G4111"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*, \w then|strong="G1534"\w* \w Eve|strong="G2096"\w*.\f + \fr 2:13 \ft Paul appeals to God's purpose in Creation. God created the man first and gave him the responsibility to administer the earth. Later on He created the woman, using a part of the man's body, for the declared purpose of being his assistant (Genesis 2:18). An assistant does not give orders to the boss; nor does he make policy decisions on his own. The first woman did make a policy decision on her own, with catastrophic consequence.\f*  
\v 14 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w*, Adam \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w deceived|strong="G1818"\w*; \w rather|strong="G3756"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w*, \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w deceived|strong="G1818"\w*, \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* transgressor.\f + \fr 2:14 \ft As a general rule (there are exceptions) a man tends to think things through before reaching a decision, so he can defend his choice on the basis of logical argument. A woman tends to be more intuitive and will decide on that basis, without being able to defend the choice logically (which tends to frustrate men no end). Whether that was why Eve could be so easily deceived, I am not prepared to say, but Paul uses that susceptibility as an argument in his case against allowing women to teach. Doctrine must be based on reason, not intuition—to teach is to define. Paul affirms that Adam was not deceived, so his choice was deliberate. To disobey the Creator was a policy decision that Eve, as assistant, had no business making—she rebelled against the role that the Creator assigned her. Her \ft \+it fait accompli\+it* left Adam with a difficult decision—let her die alone, or die with her. It is idle to speculate on why he decided as he did, but it was Adam's choice (not Eve's) that condemned the race to ‘death through sin’ (Romans 5:12-21).\f*  
\v 15 \w However|strong="G1161"\w*, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Childbirth\f + \fr 2:15 \ft Note that ‘she’ refers to Eve, she is the antecedent. Neither Eve nor any other woman is saved by bearing a child. ‘Childbirth’ is accompanied by the definite article, in the Text, so it is “\+nd the\+nd* childbirth”. There is only one childbirth that could result in salvation for Eve, and the rest of us, the birth of the Messiah.\f*—\w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 2:15 \ft Paul breaks the rules of grammar and switches from ‘she’ to ‘they’ in the middle of the sentence—what is true of Eve is applied to all women. Well, strictly speaking, since “they” has no antecedent I suppose it could include men as well, everybody (unless someone wants to argue that women are saved on a different basis than men [which I think would run afoul of other passages]). Still, the paragraph is about women. Any sisters in Christ who have been troubled by this verse, thinking they must bear a child, may relax on that score.\f* \w continue|strong="G3306"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, love \w and|strong="G2532"\w* holiness, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w self-control|strong="G4997"\w*.\f + \fr 2:15 \ft So what happens if they do not “continue”?\f*   
\c 3  
\ms1 Qualifications  
\s1 Of overseers  
\m
\v 1 Here \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1487"\w* \w trustworthy|strong="G4103"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*: \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w a|strong="G1487"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w aspires|strong="G3713"\w* \w to|strong="G5100"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* position \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w overseer|strong="G1984"\w*,\f + \fr 3:1 \ft The term here is usually rendered ‘bishop’, but today a bishop is one who has authority over a number of other pastors/presbyters/elders, whereas in the New Testament these four terms evidently refer to a single office in the church.\f* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w desires|strong="G1937"\w* \w a|strong="G1487"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w*.  
\v 2 \w Now|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w it|strong="G1510"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* obligatory \w for|strong="G1520"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w overseer|strong="G1985"\w* \w to|strong="G1163"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* above reproach, \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w man|strong="G1520"\w*,\f + \fr 3:2 \ft That is what the Text says, strictly speaking, emphasizing the quality—a man who has only one wife, but has a wandering eye, would not qualify. However, the term ‘woman’ can also mean ‘wife’, and because of the reference to children in verse four most versions render ‘wife’. The term “man” here refers exclusively to males; there is no room here for a female overseer.\f* \w temperate|strong="G3524"\w*, \w sensible|strong="G4998"\w*, \w respectable|strong="G2887"\w*, \w hospitable|strong="G5382"\w*, \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G3588"\w* teaching,  
\v 3 \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w a|strong="G3361"\w* drinker, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w a|strong="G3361"\w* bully, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* corrupt [financially],\f + \fr 3:3 \ft Some 30% of the Greek manuscripts omit “not corrupt [financially]” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). Who wants to offend those with the means to make substantial contributions to the church coffers? So why talk about shady dealings? The omission is surely inferior.\f* \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w gentle|strong="G1933"\w*, peaceful, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* greedy;  
\v 4 \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* rules \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w*, \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*\f + \fr 3:4 \ft Presumably adults who have left the ‘nest’ are not in view here.\f* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w obey|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w due|strong="G2398"\w* \w respect|strong="G3956"\w*  
\v 5 (\w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w a|strong="G1487"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w does|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w to|strong="G3756"\w* \w rule|strong="G4291"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*, \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w can|strong="G4459"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w take|strong="G1959"\w* \w care|strong="G1959"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w*?);  
\v 6 \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* recent \w convert|strong="G3504"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3361"\w* \w being|strong="G2443"\w* puffed \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w fall|strong="G1706"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* same \w judgment|strong="G2917"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w did|strong="G3361"\w*.\f + \fr 3:6 \ft Pride brought about Lucifer's downfall (Isaiah 14:13-14).\f*  
\v 7 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w necessary|strong="G1163"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w reputation|strong="G3141"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w outside|strong="G1855"\w* \it the congregation\it*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G1706"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w reproach|strong="G3680"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w*'\w s|strong="G2192"\w* \w snare|strong="G3803"\w*.\f + \fr 3:7 \ft When a pastor is well known and respected in a community, any attempt to discredit him through false accusations will probably fail; the people know it isn't true. On the other hand, a new arrival is an easy target.\f*   
\s1 Of deacons  
\p
\v 8 \w Similarly|strong="G5615"\w*, \w deacons|strong="G1249"\w* must \w be|strong="G3361"\w* respectable, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* deceitful, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* heavy drinkers,\f + \fr 3:8 \ft An elder should not ‘drink’ (verse 3), while a deacon may, just not heavily! However, if he hopes to one day be an elder…\f* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* corrupt [financially];  
\v 9 \w holding|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mystery|strong="G3466"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w pure|strong="G2513"\w* \w conscience|strong="G4893"\w*.  
\v 10 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w tested|strong="G1381"\w*; \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* blameless, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w them|strong="G3778"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w deacons|strong="G1247"\w*.   
\s1 Of ‘deaconesses’  
\p
\v 11 \w Similarly|strong="G5615"\w*, \w women|strong="G1135"\w*\f + \fr 3:11 \ft That is what the Text says, just “women”—no article and no possessive pronoun. Because Paul returns to the deacons in verse 12, most versions take the reference here to be to their wives, but the grammatical construction of verse 11 is parallel to that of verse 8, which is parallel to verse 2. I take it that the grammar obliges us to see a third office in the congregation, one filled by women—deaconesses, or something of the sort. Counseling women can be dangerous for a man; certain matters are best handled by a mature, sanctified woman; if she has an official standing in the congregation, so much the better.\f* \w must|strong="G1135"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* respectable, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w slanderers|strong="G1228"\w*, \w temperate|strong="G3524"\w*, \w trustworthy|strong="G4103"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*.   
\s2 Of deacons, again  
\p
\v 12 \w Let|strong="G1510"\w* \w deacons|strong="G1249"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w ruling|strong="G4291"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w houses|strong="G3624"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w*.  
\v 13 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w served|strong="G1247"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w deacons|strong="G1247"\w* \w obtain|strong="G4046"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* standing \w and|strong="G2532"\w* considerable \w confidence|strong="G3954"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 3:13 \ft They become natural candidates for the office of elder.\f*   
\s1 God in flesh  
\p
\v 14 Although \w I|strong="G3778"\w* \w hope|strong="G1679"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w shortly|strong="G5034"\w*, \w I|strong="G3778"\w* \w am|strong="G2064"\w* \w writing|strong="G1125"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*  
\v 15 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w case|strong="G1722"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w delayed|strong="G1019"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w necessary|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* conduct oneself \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w household|strong="G3624"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w pillar|strong="G4769"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* foundation \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* truth.\f + \fr 3:15 \ft My first impression would be that the truth should be sustaining the Church, not vice versa. But it is the Church that has the responsibility to promote and defend the truth in the society at large—in education, health, commerce, government, everywhere.\f*  
\v 16 Yes, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mystery|strong="G3466"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \it our\it* religion \w is|strong="G1510"\w* confessedly \w great|strong="G3173"\w*:  
\q1 \w God|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w manifested|strong="G5319"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*,\f + \fr 3:16 \ft Instead of ‘God’, 1% of the Greek manuscripts (of objectively inferior quality) read ‘who’, and most modern versions follow this 1%. But ‘who’ is nonsensical (in the context), so most of them take evasive action: NEB and NASB have ‘he who’; Phillips has ‘the one’; NRSV, Jerusalem, TEV and NIV render ‘he’. Berkley actually has ‘who’! In the Greek Text the relative pronoun has no antecedent, so it is a grammatical ‘impossibility’, besides being a stupidity—what is so mysterious about someone being manifested in flesh? All human beings have bodies. In the absence of concrete evidence, the claim that this is a note lifted from a known hymn or poem becomes no more than a desperate attempt to ‘save’ a choice that besides being stupid is also perverse (because of the theological consequences). The pronoun can be accounted for as an easy transcriptional error, a simple copying mistake, so why not stay with the 98.5% (there are other variants)? “God was manifested in flesh”—now there you have a mystery! For a more detailed discussion, please see my book, \ft \+it The Identity of the New Testament Text IV\+it*, footnote 3, on pages 115-117.\f*  
\q2 \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w vindicated|strong="G1344"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,  
\q1 \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w revealed|strong="G5319"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* angels,  
\q2 \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2784"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*,  
\q1 \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*,  
\q2 \w was|strong="G1510"\w* received \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*!   
\c 4  
\ms1 About doctrine  
\s1 Things taught by demons  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w explicitly|strong="G4490"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w later|strong="G5306"\w* \w times|strong="G2540"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* fall away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w paying|strong="G4337"\w* \w attention|strong="G4337"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* deceiving \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* taught \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*  
\v 2 —\w through|strong="G1722"\w* hypocritical \w liars|strong="G5573"\w* \w whose|strong="G3588"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w consciences|strong="G4893"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* been cauterized,\f + \fr 4:2 \ft Be not deceived, the churches (with exceptions, of course) are filled with a variety of ‘doctrines’ of demonic origin. The enemy uses a certain type of person to ‘sell’ them.\f*  
\v 3 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w forbid|strong="G2967"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w marry|strong="G1060"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* eat \w foods|strong="G1033"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w created|strong="G2936"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G3336"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w thanksgiving|strong="G2169"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w believe|strong="G4103"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* really \w know|strong="G1921"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* truth.  
\v 4 \w For|strong="G3754"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w creature|strong="G2938"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* rejected \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w thanksgiving|strong="G2169"\w*,  
\v 5 \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* consecrated \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayer|strong="G1783"\w*.\f + \fr 4:5 \ft I gain the impression that the dietary regulations in the Mosaic Law have been superseded. I may enjoy a pork chop if I first consecrate it. (The trouble is that many of us forget about the consecrating.)\f*   
\s1 A good servant of Jesus Christ  
\p
\v 6 \w If|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* instruct \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w servant|strong="G1249"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w brought|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w doctrine|strong="G1319"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* faithfully \w followed|strong="G3877"\w*.\f + \fr 4:6 \ft To get to be a “good servant of Jesus Christ” is a process.\f*  
\v 7 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w reject|strong="G3868"\w* godless \w myths|strong="G3454"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* old-wives' \w tales|strong="G3454"\w*; \w rather|strong="G1161"\w*, \w exercise|strong="G1128"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w toward|strong="G4314"\w* \w godliness|strong="G2150"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* physical \w exercise|strong="G1129"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w value|strong="G5624"\w*,\f + \fr 4:8 \ft Since a sick body definitely slows us down, we should give some attention to keeping physically fit.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w godliness|strong="G2150"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w value|strong="G5624"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w holding|strong="G2192"\w* \w promises|strong="G1860"\w*\f + \fr 4:8 \ft I follow 60% of the Greek manuscripts, including the best line of transmission, in reading the plural, “promises”—there are promises for down here and others for up there.\f* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w present|strong="G3568"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w come|strong="G3195"\w*.   
\s1 A trustworthy word  
\p
\v 9 \w Here|strong="G3956"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w trustworthy|strong="G4103"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, worthy \w of|strong="G3056"\w* total acceptance  
\v 10 (\w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w why|strong="G1063"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w labor|strong="G2872"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffer|strong="G2532"\w* \w reproach|strong="G3679"\w*):\f + \fr 4:10 \ft Instead of “suffer reproach”, perhaps 7% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘strive’ (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w We|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G1679"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w hope|strong="G1679"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* ‘\w Savior|strong="G4990"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*’,\f + \fr 4:10 \ft This involves an exclusivist claim, which continues to give rise to opposition. If our God is “Savior of all men” then there cannot be any other ‘saviors’, at least not legitimate ones. Jesus Himself said, “I am \+nd the\+nd* way, \+nd the\+nd* truth and \+nd the\+nd* life; \+nd no one\+nd* comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). For preaching that exclusivist claim Paul suffered reproach, and anyone who follows his example today will also suffer.\f* \w especially|strong="G3122"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w those|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w believe|strong="G4103"\w*.\f + \fr 4:10 \ft “Savior of all men” is a potentiality; for the salvation to become effective, one must believe.\f*   
\s1 Watch your life and doctrine  
\p
\v 11 \w Command|strong="G3853"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*.  
\v 12 \w Let|strong="G1096"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w look|strong="G1096"\w* \w down|strong="G2706"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w youthfulness|strong="G3503"\w*,\f + \fr 4:12 \ft As a professor of mine once said, “Your youth is not the problem; it's the immaturity that goes with it”.\f* \w but|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w an|strong="G1096"\w* \w example|strong="G5179"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w believers|strong="G4103"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* conduct, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* love, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirit|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 4:12 \ft Some 9% of the Greek manuscripts omit “in spirit” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* purity.  
\v 13 \w Until|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G2193"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w give|strong="G4337"\w* \w attention|strong="G4337"\w* \w to|strong="G2064"\w* public reading [\w of|strong="G3588"\w* Scripture], \w to|strong="G2064"\w* \w exhortation|strong="G3874"\w*, \w to|strong="G2064"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1319"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* neglect \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w gift|strong="G5486"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,\f + \fr 4:14 \ft The obvious implication is that a gift \+nd can\+nd* be neglected.\f* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* ‘\w given|strong="G1325"\w*’ \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w prophecy|strong="G4394"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w laying|strong="G1936"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* body \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w elders|strong="G4244"\w*.\f + \fr 4:14 \ft According to 1 Corinthians 12:11 the Holy Spirit distributes gifts as He chooses, but it is to ‘each one’. The impression I gain is that many (most?) Christians are not aware that they have a gift (or perhaps their church will not allow them to use it). But a prophetic declaration, backed by the authority of the body of elders, should remove all doubt. Note that “elders” is plural.\f*  
\v 15 Cultivate \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*; \w give|strong="G3956"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4771"\w* wholly \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* \w progress|strong="G4297"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w evident|strong="G5318"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 16 \w Take|strong="G2532"\w* pains \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w doctrine|strong="G1319"\w*; \w persevere|strong="G1961"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*,\f + \fr 4:16 \ft Paul refers back to the “these things” at the beginning of verse 15.\f* \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* hear \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.\f + \fr 4:16 \ft Paul here emphasizes human responsibility. If Timothy goes astray, those who trust him in spiritual matters will also go astray; if he remains firm those who follow him will too. This reminds me of James 3:1. “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”\f*   
\c 5  
\ms1 Relationships  
\m
\v 1 \w Do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w rebuke|strong="G1969"\w* \w an|strong="G5613"\w* \w older|strong="G4245"\w* \w man|strong="G3361"\w* \w harshly|strong="G1969"\w*, \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w exhort|strong="G3870"\w* \w him|strong="G3870"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w younger|strong="G3501"\w* \w men|strong="G3501"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* brothers,  
\v 2 \w older|strong="G4245"\w* \w women|strong="G4245"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w mothers|strong="G3384"\w*, \w younger|strong="G3501"\w* \w women|strong="G4245"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* sisters, \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* purity.   
\s1 Honor true widows  
\p
\v 3 Give financial support \w to|strong="G3588"\w* \w widows|strong="G5503"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w really|strong="G3689"\w* ‘\w widows|strong="G5503"\w*’.  
\v 4 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w grandchildren|strong="G1549"\w*, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w learn|strong="G3129"\w* \w first|strong="G4412"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* demonstrate \w piety|strong="G2151"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w household|strong="G3624"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* repaying \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w parents|strong="G4269"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* pleasing\f + \fr 5:4 \ft Instead of “is pleasing”, perhaps 15% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘is good and pleasing’ (as in AV and NKJV).\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w really|strong="G3689"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w desolate|strong="G3443"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w set|strong="G1679"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w hope|strong="G1679"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w continues|strong="G4357"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w supplications|strong="G1162"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayers|strong="G4335"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*.  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* indulges \w in|strong="G1161"\w* \w pleasure|strong="G4684"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w dead|strong="G2348"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w lives|strong="G2198"\w*.   
\p
\v 7 \w You|strong="G1510"\w* \w should|strong="G3778"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w command|strong="G3853"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* blameless.  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w provide|strong="G4306"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w especially|strong="G3122"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w household|strong="G3609"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G4102"\w* denied \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w worse|strong="G5501"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* unbeliever.\f + \fr 5:8 \ft This is reminiscent of our Lord's word in Mark 7:9-13.\f*   
\p
\v 9 \w No|strong="G3361"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* \w should|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* enrolled \w unless|strong="G3361"\w* \w she|strong="G1135"\w* \w is|strong="G1096"\w* \w at|strong="G2094"\w* least \w sixty|strong="G1835"\w*, \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w man|strong="G1520"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*,  
\v 10 known \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w*—\w she|strong="G3956"\w* \w brought|strong="G5044"\w* \w up|strong="G5044"\w* \w children|strong="G5044"\w*, \w she|strong="G3956"\w* lodged \w strangers|strong="G3580"\w*, \w she|strong="G3956"\w* \w washed|strong="G3538"\w* saints' \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*, \w she|strong="G3956"\w* \w relieved|strong="G1884"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w afflicted|strong="G2346"\w*, \w she|strong="G3956"\w* \w devoted|strong="G1872"\w* \w herself|strong="G1872"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w*.\f + \fr 5:10 \ft Wow! How is that for a ‘job description’?\f*   
\s1 About younger widows  
\p
\v 11 \w As|strong="G1161"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w younger|strong="G3501"\w* \w widows|strong="G5503"\w*, \w do|strong="G2309"\w* \w not|strong="G2309"\w* enroll \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* controlled \w by|strong="G1063"\w* \w sensual|strong="G2691"\w* \w desires|strong="G2309"\w* \w rather|strong="G1161"\w* than \w by|strong="G1063"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w marry|strong="G1060"\w*,  
\v 12 coming \w under|strong="G2192"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2917"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* broken \w their|strong="G2192"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* commitment.\f + \fr 5:12 \ft What “first commitment”? Looking carefully at verses 11 and 12, I take it that Paul is arguing as if some younger ones have already been enrolled—in order to be enrolled they would have had to commit themselves to a certain life style, which they would subsequently break.\f*  
\v 13 \w Not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w learn|strong="G3129"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* idle, \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w around|strong="G4022"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* idle, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w gossips|strong="G5397"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w busybodies|strong="G4021"\w*, \w saying|strong="G2980"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w ought|strong="G1163"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 5:13 \ft The young have more energy than the old, and if that energy is not put to good use, it will be put to bad use; and the congregation should not finance such bad use.\f*  
\v 14 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w I|strong="G3767"\w* \w want|strong="G1014"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w younger|strong="G3501"\w* widows \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w marry|strong="G1060"\w*, \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w bear|strong="G5041"\w* \w children|strong="G5041"\w*, \w to|strong="G1325"\w* manage \w the|strong="G3588"\w* home, \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* adversary \w no|strong="G3367"\w* occasion \w for|strong="G3367"\w* caustic comments.  
\v 15 (\w In|strong="G1063"\w* fact, \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w have|strong="G5100"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w turned|strong="G1624"\w* \w aside|strong="G1624"\w* \w after|strong="G3694"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w*.)\f + \fr 5:15 \ft It is not clear to me to whom the “some” refers, although the first ‘candidate’ would appear to some younger widows.\f*   
\p
\v 16 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 5:16 \ft Some 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “man or” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The omission is obviously an inferior reading, and could be an easy case of ‘similar beginning’.\f* \w woman|strong="G2192"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w believer|strong="G4103"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w widows|strong="G5503"\w*, \w let|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w relieve|strong="G1884"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* burden \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w relieve|strong="G1884"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w widows|strong="G5503"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 5:16 \ft Here is the ‘bottom line’ in this discussion about widows. The congregation would have limited material resources, and these should be reserved for the more needy cases. (Any semblance to a ‘gravy train’ is to be avoided.)\f*   
\s1 Honor elders  
\p
\v 17 \w Let|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w lead|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* counted worthy \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w double|strong="G1362"\w* honorarium, \w especially|strong="G3122"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w labor|strong="G2872"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1319"\w*.  
\v 18 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Scripture|strong="G1124"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w You|strong="G3004"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w muzzle|strong="G5392"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w ox|strong="G1016"\w* \w while|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* treads \w out|strong="G2532"\w* grain,” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w worker|strong="G2040"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w wages|strong="G3408"\w*.”\f + \fr 5:18 \ft The part about the ox is a quote from Deuteronomy 25:4, definitely Scripture, but the part about the worker is a quote from Luke 10:7! Now this is very instructive. Paul, a former Pharisee, presumably ascribed the highest level of inspiration to the five books of the Law, so we expect him to call Deuteronomy Scripture. But for him to place Luke on a par with Moses is little short of incredible. Although there may have been close to twenty years between the ‘publishing’ of Luke and the writing of 1 Timothy, Luke was recognized and declared by apostolic authority to be Scripture not long after it came off the press, so to speak. But if Paul wrote this letter under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, as I believe, then God Himself is declaring Luke to be Scripture!\f*   
\p
\v 19 \w Do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* entertain \w an|strong="G2228"\w* \w accusation|strong="G2724"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w an|strong="G2228"\w* \w elder|strong="G4245"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w basis|strong="G1909"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w*.  
\v 20 \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* sinning \w rebuke|strong="G1651"\w* publicly, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w*.\f + \fr 5:20 \ft It appears that Timothy was to act as a ‘deputy apostle’ (something like a deputy sheriff).\f*   
\s1 Watch your step  
\p
\v 21 \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w charge|strong="G1263"\w* \w you|strong="G4160"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w presence|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Sovereign\f + \fr 5:21 \ft Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit “Sovereign” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elect|strong="G1588"\w* angels\f + \fr 5:21 \ft I wonder what the angels have to do with it. Might the “elect” angels be a special class?\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G4160"\w* \w observe|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w without|strong="G5565"\w* prejudgment, \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w partiality|strong="G4346"\w*.  
\v 22 \w Do|strong="G2007"\w* \w not|strong="G3367"\w* \w lay|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* [\w in|strong="G5083"\w* ordination] \w hastily|strong="G5030"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3367"\w*, \w do|strong="G2007"\w* \w not|strong="G3367"\w* \it thereby\it* participate \w in|strong="G5083"\w* \w the|strong="G5083"\w* sins \w of|strong="G5495"\w* others.\f + \fr 5:22 \ft The point seems to be that if we are responsible for ordaining somebody, we become accomplices of what he subsequently does, at least in part.\f* \w Keep|strong="G5083"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* pure.   
\p
\v 23 Stop \w drinking|strong="G3631"\w* \w only|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5202"\w*; \w use|strong="G5530"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w little|strong="G3641"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w stomach|strong="G4751"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w frequent|strong="G4437"\w* infirmities.\f + \fr 5:23 \ft A little homemade wine can be effective against diarrhea, which was presumably Timothy's ‘infirmity’. And at that time not all drinking water would be pure.\f*   
\p
\v 24 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w men|strong="G5100"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w obvious|strong="G4271"\w*, \w leading|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G5100"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w*,\f + \fr 5:24 \ft I take the point to be that some sins are judged already in this life, but all will be judged at the final accounting.\f* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* trail behind.  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w obvious|strong="G4271"\w*; \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ones \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*, \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w hidden|strong="G2928"\w*.   
\c 6  
\s1 Slaves honor owners  
\m
\v 1 \w As|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w yoke|strong="G2218"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* slavery \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w consider|strong="G2233"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* owners \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w full|strong="G3956"\w* \w respect|strong="G5092"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w doctrine|strong="G1319"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* slandered.  
\v 2 \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* owners \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w believers|strong="G4103"\w* \w must|strong="G2706"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* disregard \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* brothers; \w instead|strong="G3123"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w must|strong="G2706"\w* \w serve|strong="G1398"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w better|strong="G3123"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* receiving \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w service|strong="G1398"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w believers|strong="G4103"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* beloved.\f + \fr 6:2 \ft Observe that there is no indication that a slave who converts to Christ should expect to be freed from that condition, even if the owner is a Christian.\f*  
\s1 Conclusion \w to|strong="G2532"\w* ‘Relationships’  
\p \w Teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w exhort|strong="G3870"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*.  
\v 3 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* teaches differently \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G4334"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w consent|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w sound|strong="G5198"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w our|strong="G2424"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w doctrine|strong="G1319"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* accords \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w godliness|strong="G2150"\w*,  
\v 4 \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* \w conceited|strong="G5187"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w understands|strong="G1987"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w*. Rather \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* obsessed \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w controversies|strong="G2214"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hair-splitting word battles, \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w envy|strong="G5355"\w*, \w strife|strong="G2054"\w*, slanderings, \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w suspicions|strong="G5283"\w*,  
\v 5 constant wranglings \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w corrupted|strong="G1311"\w* \w minds|strong="G3563"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* destitute \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Truth,\f + \fr 6:5 \ft The clear implication is that these people have not been regenerated, and are being used by the enemy. There is no lack of such people in the churches.\f* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w suppose|strong="G3543"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w godliness|strong="G2150"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w means|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* financial \w gain|strong="G4200"\w*.\f + \fr 6:5 \ft The religious mercenaries are with us still.\f* Keep away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w such|strong="G3588"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w*.\f + \fr 6:5 \ft Less than 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit this last sentence (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\ms1 Concluding considerations  
\s1 Godliness with contentment  
\p
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w godliness|strong="G2150"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* contentment \nd \+w is|strong="G1510"\+w*\nd* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w gain|strong="G4200"\w*.  
\v 7 \w We|strong="G3754"\w* \w brought|strong="G1533"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w and|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w take|strong="G1627"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* \w out|strong="G1627"\w*.\f + \fr 6:7 \ft But if you belong to Christ you can send it on ahead, by investing in God's Kingdom here.\f*  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w food|strong="G1305"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* clothing \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* content \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w want|strong="G1014"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w get|strong="G4147"\w* \w rich|strong="G4147"\w* \w fall|strong="G1706"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w temptation|strong="G3986"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w snare|strong="G3803"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w foolish|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* harmful \w desires|strong="G1939"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w plunge|strong="G1036"\w* \w people|strong="G4183"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w ruin|strong="G3639"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* loss;  
\v 10 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w love|strong="G5365"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w money|strong="G5365"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w root|strong="G4491"\w*\f + \fr 6:10 \ft That is right, \+nd a\+nd* root, not ‘the’ root. Love of money is only one of the causes that lead men to do evil.\f* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w kinds|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w evil|strong="G2556"\w*; \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* greediness \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* led away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* impaled \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w on|strong="G3739"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* distresses.\f + \fr 6:10 \ft As the Text says, “The way of the transgressor is hard” (Proverbs 13:15). Recall that the Sovereign said, “You cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13). Someone who switches from God to ‘mammon’ will probably never switch back.\f*   
\s1 Lay hold on eternal life  
\p
\v 11 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w O|strong="G5599"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*; \w rather|strong="G1161"\w* \w pursue|strong="G1377"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w*, \w godliness|strong="G2150"\w*, \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, love, \w endurance|strong="G5281"\w*, \w gentleness|strong="G4240"\w*.  
\v 12 Fight \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* fight \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*; \w take|strong="G1949"\w* \w hold|strong="G1949"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w*\f + \fr 6:12 \ft “Flee”, “pursue”, “fight”, “take hold”—these are things that are up to us; Paul is emphasizing human responsibility here.\f*—\w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w confessed|strong="G3670"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w confession|strong="G3671"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w presence|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w*.\f + \fr 6:12 \ft Might this have been when he was baptized with water?\f*  
\v 13 \w In|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w presence|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w gives|strong="G2225"\w* \w life|strong="G2225"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w testified|strong="G3140"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w confession|strong="G3671"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w Pontius|strong="G4194"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*,\f + \fr 6:13 \ft So just what was that “good confession”? The Lord demonstrated absolutely no fear, and told Pilate plainly that he could only do what the Father allowed.\f* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w charge|strong="G3853"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*  
\v 14 \w to|strong="G2424"\w* \w keep|strong="G5083"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w* \w without|strong="G2962"\w* spot, blameless \w until|strong="G3360"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w appearing|strong="G2015"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w our|strong="G2424"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,\f + \fr 6:14 \ft Evidently Paul considered that the “appearing” could happen during Timothy's lifetime.\f*  
\v 15 \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* manifest \w at|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w proper|strong="G2398"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*—\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w only|strong="G3441"\w* \w Sovereign|strong="G1413"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w kings|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w lords|strong="G2962"\w*;  
\v 16 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* immortality, residing \w in|strong="G2532"\w* unapproachable \w light|strong="G5457"\w*;\f + \fr 6:16 \ft But once we have been glorified I believe we will be able to approach and endure, even enjoy! Oh praise God!\f* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w man|strong="G3762"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w*; \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w honor|strong="G5092"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* eternal \w power|strong="G2904"\w*. Amen.   
\s1 To the rich  
\p
\v 17 \w Command|strong="G3853"\w*\f + \fr 6:17 \ft Paul commands Timothy to issue a command to the rich (see James 5:1-3).\f* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w present|strong="G3568"\w* world \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w haughty|strong="G5308"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* rely \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* uncertainty \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w riches|strong="G4149"\w* \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* living\f + \fr 6:17 \ft Some 7% of the Greek manuscripts omit “the living” (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w richly|strong="G4146"\w* \w provides|strong="G3930"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* enjoy;  
\v 18 \w they|strong="G1510"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w do|strong="G1510"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w*, \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w rich|strong="G4147"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w*, \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w generous|strong="G2130"\w* sharers\f + \fr 6:18 \ft Whenever God blesses us with material abundance, it is not for us to hoard or squander on ourselves—it is to be invested in the Kingdom (there are various ways of doing that).\f*  
\v 19 —storing \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w foundation|strong="G2310"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* time \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w come|strong="G3195"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* lay \w hold|strong="G1949"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*.   
\s1 A closing exhortation  
\p
\v 20 \w O|strong="G5599"\w* \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w*, \w guard|strong="G5442"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* deposit!\f + \fr 6:20 \ft What does Paul mean by “the deposit”? I suppose it would be the sum of revealed truth surrounding the person and work of Jesus Christ—a synonym of ‘the Faith’.\f* \w Turn|strong="G1624"\w* away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* godless, \w empty|strong="G2757"\w* \w chatter|strong="G2757"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* inconsistencies \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w falsely|strong="G5581"\w* \w called|strong="G5581"\w* ‘\w science|strong="G1108"\w*’  
\v 21 —\w by|strong="G3739"\w* \w professing|strong="G1861"\w* \w it|strong="G3739"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w have|strong="G5210"\w* erred \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Faith|strong="G4102"\w*.\f + \fr 6:21 \ft For many generations the theory of evolution has been foisted on the populace at large as ‘science’. It dominates the schools, the media, the marketplace, the government. The spiritual damage has been incalculable—multiplied millions will spend eternity in the Lake because of it.\f*  
\p \w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w Grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. Amen.