Oecumenius

Medieval · AD 800–1500

987 passages across 19 books of the Bible · Who was this?

On 1 Timothy

20 of 78
  1. 1 Timothy 1:1
    HYPOTHESIS ON THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY Paul sends this letter from Laodicea; the motive of the letter is this: in Ephesus, some who were Judaizing attempted to teach different doctrines and deceive the more sincere ones under the pretext of the law. Having learned this, the apostle urges Timothy to remain there to correct them, and he writes the letter. First of all, he reminds Timothy, knowing the faith in Christ, teaching him about the law, to prevent those who speak contrary to the correct doctrine and to rebuke them. For he himself also handed over Hymenaeus and Alexander to Satan so that they might be disciplined and not blaspheme, who had shipwrecked concerning the faith, to Satan so that they might be disciplined and not blaspheme. Having reminded Timothy of these things, Paul then ordains apostolic rules for him. First, concerning prayer, how, where, and for whom one ought to pray. Second, concerning the silence of women in the church, and that they should rather learn, and not teach. Third, concerning bishops, elders, and deacons, how and what kind those appointed ought…
    HYPOTHESIS ON THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY

    Paul sends this letter from Laodicea; the motive of the letter is this: in Ephesus, some who were Judaizing attempted to teach different doctrines and deceive the more sincere ones under the pretext of the law. Having learned this, the apostle urges Timothy to remain there to correct them, and he writes the letter. First of all, he reminds Timothy, knowing the faith in Christ, teaching him about the law, to prevent those who speak contrary to the correct doctrine and to rebuke them. For he himself also handed over Hymenaeus and Alexander to Satan so that they might be disciplined and not blaspheme, who had shipwrecked concerning the faith, to Satan so that they might be disciplined and not blaspheme. Having reminded Timothy of these things, Paul then ordains apostolic rules for him. First, concerning prayer, how, where, and for whom one ought to pray. Second, concerning the silence of women in the church, and that they should rather learn, and not teach. Third, concerning bishops, elders, and deacons, how and what kind those appointed ought to be. Fourth, concerning the widows in the church, from what age they should be counted, what kind they ought to be, and how they ought to be cared for. Fifth, concerning the moderation of the younger ones, and to marry rather, and not to live shamefully. Sixth, concerning commanding the rich not to be arrogant, nor to put their hope in wealth. Having arranged these matters, Paul is encouraged to teach them; and to not drink water, but to pay attention to himself and to the teaching, knowing that there will be times when some will depart from the faith. Having taught that foods are clean, and having commanded him to avoid quarrelsome disputes, as they are profane, on account of which some, boasting, have broken the faith; and finally, the manner in which one must rule and order, he completes the letter.

    Although Paul had other disciples as well, such as Silas, Luke, and others, why does he write only to Timothy and Titus by name? And we might say that he had already entrusted these churches to their leadership but still kept the others with him. Paul writes to Timothy about what is proper for a teacher.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  2. 1 Timothy 1:1
    Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the command of God our Savior, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope.

    Paul still shows modesty now at the beginning when he says, I did not come on my own initiative, but was commissioned by God. But where was he commissioned? In the Acts of the Apostles, where the Spirit says, "Set apart for me Saul and Barnabas," (Acts 13:2) and there the Lord says to him, "I am sending you far to the Gentiles." (Acts 22:21) But whatever the Son or the Spirit commanded, he says the Father commanded these things. For it is the will of the Holy Trinity.

    and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope. The apostles say that we suffer much, but we have God as our Savior, and Christ as the Savior of our hope. For the term "Savior" is to be understood commonly. For He Himself provides, they say, the hope that we will be saved.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  3. 1 Timothy 1:2
    To Timothy, a genuine child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

    a genuine child. Wow! The faith that Timothy demonstrated, that even through it he became a genuine child of Paul! For nothing changed according to the faith.

    Grace, mercy. Here mercy is prayed for, not as usual, showing both the desire towards it, and that teachers need more mercy.

    On the guidance into the love of God, which is not required by legal necessity.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  4. 1 Timothy 1:3
    As I urged you, stay in Ephesus when you go to Macedonia, so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines.

    See the words of the petitioner and teacher: stay in Ephesus. (For Paul's Epistle was rather not sufficient to correct these.) Here, however, he was appointed bishop by laying on of hands.

    So that you may command certain people. Paul did not say, "Please," but, as to the corrupt, he says, "command with severity."

    not to teach false doctrines. There were some false apostles from the Jews again leading people to the law, and teaching other counterfeit doctrines.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  5. 1 Timothy 1:4
    nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, who provide questions rather than the household of God, which is by faith.

    nor to pay attention to myths. Paul calls myths the fictional doctrines. For the one who speaks these things teaches a different doctrine.

    and endless genealogies. For they counted the forefathers and ancestors, like the Jews around the divine Abraham, adorning themselves with them, and doing nothing good themselves. But the term "endless," means those who have no useful end, either those who speak or those who listen.

    who provide inquiries. If inquiries is in condemnation, how does Christ say, "Seek and you will find," (Matt. 7:7) and, "Do you seek the Scriptures?" (Jn. 5:39) because seeking is of the means. For it is sometimes good to seek, as in, "Seek first the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 6:33) It is even evil to seek, as the philosophers do, the heavenly and the essence of God. Therefore, here you will seek, he says, the foolish things, the combative ones.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  6. 1 Timothy 1:5
    The goal of the command is love from a pure heart and of a good conscience and sincere faith.

    For since this was the case, the practice of teaching others also ceased. How so? Because from not loving, envy entered some against the teachers due to their desire to be teachers themselves. Therefore, the practice of teaching others ceased.

    For he says, from a pure heart. For it is also possible to love from an impure heart, like the friendships of thieves toward thieves. From a pure heart, as well as perfect love, he says, you yourself command. Indeed, those things which are the chief parts of speeches, are repeated at the beginning and at the end by those who give commands, because these are easier to remember.

    and of a good conscience. I do not seek, Paul said, that which is extended merely to words, which can also be in hypocrisy, but that which proceeds from the heart, and is pure in that way: which comes from conscience and from the thought that arises from it, which alone has no hypocrisy. For who would be the one to deceive himself, or try to conceal it?

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  7. 1 Timothy 1:6
    from which some, having missed the mark, have turned aside to empty talk.

    from which. Being, of the things spoken, of the household of God in faith, and of sincere love.

    having missed the mark. For it requires skill, so as not to fall outside the aim of the truth.

    to empty talk. What he said above: To inquiries and genealogies, now he says, to empty talk.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  8. 1 Timothy 1:7
    desiring to be teachers of the law, not understanding either what they say or the matters about which they make confident claims.

    desiring to be teachers of the law. Another excuse for failure. For not only, he says, does hostility lead to this, but also ambition for honor, which itself arises from hatred and envy.

    not understanding either what they say. He wants to show that they truly came from love of power to wanting to be teachers. For neither do they know the law, nor about the things about which they make confident claims. For if they had known the law, they would have believed in Christ, which is also said elsewhere. "Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not hear the law?" (Gal. 4:21) For if they had known the law, they would certainly have believed that it leads to Christ.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  9. 1 Timothy 1:8
    And we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully.

    that the law is good. If it's anything other than this [that is, using it lawfully], it's not good. But who is the one who lawfully uses it? The one who is sent to faith through it. For the law does not have the power to justify, but it leads to Christ who is able to justify. For the one who fulfills it, not the one who interprets it, lawfully uses it.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  10. 1 Timothy 1:9-10
    understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the righteous but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for sexually immoral persons, for men who practice homosexuality, for enslavers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing contrary to sound doctrine. understanding this. And Paul says that the one who knows has used the law legitimately, knowing that he does not need it for living rightly. But who is this? The one who lives morally through virtue, and not through fear of the law. for the lawless and disobedient. This is also said elsewhere; "The law was added because of transgressions." (Gal. 3:19) So for the righteous and not transgressing, there will be no law, but for those who do not have virtue from themselves, but are in need of the threat of the law. And then he specifies them, hinting that the Jews possess these things. to the ungodly and sinners. For those who continuously worship idols, those who sacrifice their children to demon…
    understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the righteous but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for sexually immoral persons, for men who practice homosexuality, for enslavers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing contrary to sound doctrine.

    understanding this. And Paul says that the one who knows has used the law legitimately, knowing that he does not need it for living rightly. But who is this? The one who lives morally through virtue, and not through fear of the law.

    for the lawless and disobedient. This is also said elsewhere; "The law was added because of transgressions." (Gal. 3:19) So for the righteous and not transgressing, there will be no law, but for those who do not have virtue from themselves, but are in need of the threat of the law. And then he specifies them, hinting that the Jews possess these things.

    to the ungodly and sinners. For those who continuously worship idols, those who sacrifice their children to demons, those who stone Moses (Num. 14:10), and Jews who are defiled by civil murders, would they not be all these things?

    and if there is any other thing contrary to sound doctrine. For all these are passions of a corrupted soul. But such a soul acts contrary to sound and good teaching.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  11. 1 Timothy 1:11
    according to the Gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to me.

    according to the Gospel of glory. But what is sound doctrine? It is that which is according to the Gospel of God. That Gospel is called the Gospel of glory, because through it Christ, who chose the cross, is most glorified.

    Concerning Paul's own calling to be an evangelist, by grace of God, from being a persecutor.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  12. 1 Timothy 1:12
    And I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to minister.

    Since Paul said, "which was committed to me," (1 Tim. 1:11) so that he might not seem to boast, he attributes everything to God, and he says, "I have grace because He has given me this power," for the Gospel to be entirely believed.

    who has strengthened me." For Paul says, I have been given a great burden, and I am in need of much strength from God.

    because He considered me faithful. Then Paul shows that something has also been brought in from us. For God is not indiscriminately selective of some. For the matter would have been disapproved. And he says; "because He considered me faithful." But how could God consider one who is not worthy of faith to be faithful? He is faithful, who does not take any of God's things to himself, but also commits his own things to God.

    to minister. That is, of the Gospel. He says "minster" because it means to preach. The proof that I considered myself trustworthy is that the ministry of the Gospel was entrusted to me.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  13. 1 Timothy 1:13
    though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man; but I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief. though I was formerly a blasphemer. See how Paul increases the mercy of God, remembering his former life, and showing whom he chose to have mercy on. And a persecutor. For Paul would say: Not only was I uttering blasphemies, but also by persecuting others, I compelled them to speak blasphemies. but I was shown mercy. Paul shows himself worthy of punishment, for mercy is shown in these cases. because I acted ignorantly. If Paul did it ignorantly, he was shown mercy; why then were not the Jews also shown mercy? And we say, first of all, that they do not want it. For those who approached Christ were shown mercy. But why did not all see the vision as Paul did? For if so, all would have approached. Because Paul persecuted out of ignorance, but those others did so knowingly. Heard the evangelist saying that many of the Pharisees and Jews believed, but they did not confess it; "For they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God." (Jn. 12:43) And ag…
    though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man; but I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.

    though I was formerly a blasphemer. See how Paul increases the mercy of God, remembering his former life, and showing whom he chose to have mercy on.

    And a persecutor. For Paul would say: Not only was I uttering blasphemies, but also by persecuting others, I compelled them to speak blasphemies.

    but I was shown mercy. Paul shows himself worthy of punishment, for mercy is shown in these cases.

    because I acted ignorantly. If Paul did it ignorantly, he was shown mercy; why then were not the Jews also shown mercy? And we say, first of all, that they do not want it. For those who approached Christ were shown mercy. But why did not all see the vision as Paul did? For if so, all would have approached. Because Paul persecuted out of ignorance, but those others did so knowingly. Heard the evangelist saying that many of the Pharisees and Jews believed, but they did not confess it; "For they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God." (Jn. 12:43) And again Jesus said to them; "How can you believe, who receive glory from one another?" (Jn. 5:44) And again: "This they said, his parents said, because of the Jews, so that they themselves would not be put out of the synagogue." (Jn. 9:22) And the Jews themselves were saying, "Do you see that we are not benefiting at all? Behold, the whole world is going after him." (Jn. 12:19) Did you see them sinning in knowledge, for the sake of ambition? At that time Paul was perhaps at the feet of Gamaliel, not associating with the crowd, and after that, seeing the faith of Christ increasing, he was zealous with the zeal of God, though not in full knowledge.

    in unbelief. From the law, Paul read about Christ. Therefore, since he did not immediately believe in Christ, he calls the matter concern, born from unbelief.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  14. 1 Timothy 1:14
    And the grace of our Lord overflowed exceedingly with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

    the grace of our Lord overflowed exceedingly. For not only, he says, did He leave unpunished one deserving of punishment, but He also justified him, and made him a son, and a friend, and an heir.

    with faith and love. Moreover, it abounded with my faith and love, and both came to me through Christ himself.

    For he says "in Christ Jesus." And Paul spoke of faith and love, that it is one thing to believe, but not to do the things of those who love Christ. However, he showed that it is necessary for us to bear something as well.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  15. 1 Timothy 1:15
    The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

    The saying is trustworthy, that is, the spoken word is true. "You will know from me," Paul says. "of whom I am the foremost." And yet elsewhere he says, "According to the righteousness which is in the law made blameless." (Philip. 3:6)

    How then does Paul call himself sinful and the foremost of sinners? And we say that righteousness from the law, when compared with that from faith, is not only not righteousness, but also the first sin. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:23) In this comparison, it has also been used elsewhere, where it says: "For even that which has been glorified has not been glorified in this part, because of the surpassing glory." (2 Cor. 3:10)

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  16. 1 Timothy 1:16
    But for that very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his unlimited patience as an example to those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

    But for that very reason I was shown mercy. See what humble thing Paul said. He says, "Since I, the most sinful of all, have been saved, there is no longer need to doubt about salvation." For he wants to show that he was not saved as one worthy of salvation, but in order not to cause others to despair of their salvation.

    unlimited patience. Oh, the humility of Paul! For every kind of evil, he says, I was in need of unlimited patience, not a part of it, as those who have sinned only in part.

    as an example. For encouragement, for demonstration.

    to receive eternal life. For the faith that is in Christ is for eternal life.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  17. 1 Timothy 1:17
    To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

    To the King of the ages. These things concerning the holy accepted Trinity. For such titles are common to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. For these are found elsewhere concerning the Son, elsewhere concerning the Spirit, but now concerning the Father.

    to the only wise God. Having reasoned about Christ's love, Paul also remembers the Father and sends up praise to himself, so that no one might think the Father is a sharer in the love toward us. For on account of the love toward us, the holy Trinity must be glorified, since the love is common.

    Instruction concerning faithful and honorable service, which is without risk.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  18. 1 Timothy 1:18
    I entrust this command to you, Timothy, my child, according to the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may wage the good warfare. this command. It means careful observation. I entrust. As to a child, Paul says, I command, not according to any authority applying to masters. according to the prophecies previously. For the sake of emphasis it is placed there. However, the order is this: As soldiers next to those prophecies which have gone before concerning you, that is, as suitable soldiers, responding to the prophecies which were about you. For according to the revelation of the Spirit, Timothy was chosen by Paul as a disciple, and was circumcised, and was ordained a bishop. them you may wage the good warfare. As a soldier of Christ fighting with spiritual weapons in every way against spiritual enemies. by them. Namely, by the prophecies: for they have chosen you. Therefore, because of which you were received and by whom you were chosen, serve in them and through them, that is, through the Spirit Himself through whom the prophecies exist. the good warfare. F…
    I entrust this command to you, Timothy, my child, according to the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may wage the good warfare.

    this command. It means careful observation.

    I entrust. As to a child, Paul says, I command, not according to any authority applying to masters.

    according to the prophecies previously. For the sake of emphasis it is placed there. However, the order is this: As soldiers next to those prophecies which have gone before concerning you, that is, as suitable soldiers, responding to the prophecies which were about you. For according to the revelation of the Spirit, Timothy was chosen by Paul as a disciple, and was circumcised, and was ordained a bishop.

    them you may wage the good warfare. As a soldier of Christ fighting with spiritual weapons in every way against spiritual enemies.

    by them. Namely, by the prophecies: for they have chosen you. Therefore, because of which you were received and by whom you were chosen, serve in them and through them, that is, through the Spirit Himself through whom the prophecies exist.

    the good warfare. For there is also a bad warfare, concerning which it is said: "Just as you have presented your members as weapons for sin and impurity." (Rom. 6:13)

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  19. 1 Timothy 1:19-20
    holding faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, have suffered shipwreck concerning the faith; among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may be taught not to blaspheme. holding faith. For one must be a teacher of oneself before being a teacher to others. And faith, he says, is about doctrines, while conscience is about conduct. which some having rejected. Of these, Paul says, conscience is about living rightly. For when someone lives without consideration it also shipwrecks their faith. In order not to be tormented by the fear of what is to come, they strive to persuade their own soul that all things concerning us, both about resurrection and judgment, are false. whom I have handed over to Satan that they may be taught. Since Satan does not instruct himself, how can he bring good teaching to others? And we say, just as executioners, full of countless evils, train others to be prudent, so also does Satan. For when a person is handed over to Satan, it is by the exclusion from communion. Then the demon, having taken the person…
    holding faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, have suffered shipwreck concerning the faith; among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

    holding faith. For one must be a teacher of oneself before being a teacher to others. And faith, he says, is about doctrines, while conscience is about conduct.

    which some having rejected. Of these, Paul says, conscience is about living rightly. For when someone lives without consideration it also shipwrecks their faith. In order not to be tormented by the fear of what is to come, they strive to persuade their own soul that all things concerning us, both about resurrection and judgment, are false.

    whom I have handed over to Satan that they may be taught. Since Satan does not instruct himself, how can he bring good teaching to others? And we say, just as executioners, full of countless evils, train others to be prudent, so also does Satan. For when a person is handed over to Satan, it is by the exclusion from communion. Then the demon, having taken the person stripped of God's help, disciplines him. And this is done for his correction. But why do they hand over to Satan, and he himself does not discipline? So that it may be shown that even Satan is able to coerce, and so that, along with punishment, they are also insulted, with Satan being the avenger. For the apostles punished the unbelievers for their own sake, as Paul himself did to Bar-Jesus and Elymas (Acts 13), and Peter to Ananias (Acts 5); to show that they were able. But those who learned from these things, yet turned away, they handed over to Satan.

    not to blaspheme. For these, by subjecting faith to human reasoning, have gone astray and blaspheme, as now the Nestorians suffer, and the other heresies.

    On prayer, that it is above all, that it is everywhere, without wickedness, without disturbance, reverently.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

  20. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
    First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people; for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. In daily worship, this would be before the remembrance of others, he says. To make petitions. A petition is a plea offered for deliverance from troubles. Prayer is a request for good things. Intercession is an accusation against wrongdoers. thanksgivings, for it is necessary to give thanks for the good things that happen to one another. be made for all people. Since the bishop is a common father, he ought to pray for all people, both the faithful and the unbelievers, friends and enemies, those who slander and those who afflict. for kings. Then, so that the matter might not appear to be flattery, first saying, be made for all people; thus he declared, "for kings and all who are in high positions." that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life. Let no Christian be disturbed in any way; therefore, during the time of the mysteries, let him remember that the king…
    First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people; for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

    In daily worship, this would be before the remembrance of others, he says. To make petitions. A petition is a plea offered for deliverance from troubles. Prayer is a request for good things. Intercession is an accusation against wrongdoers.

    thanksgivings, for it is necessary to give thanks for the good things that happen to one another.

    be made for all people. Since the bishop is a common father, he ought to pray for all people, both the faithful and the unbelievers, friends and enemies, those who slander and those who afflict.

    for kings. Then, so that the matter might not appear to be flattery, first saying, be made for all people; thus he declared, "for kings and all who are in high positions."

    that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life. Let no Christian be disturbed in any way; therefore, during the time of the mysteries, let him remember that the king, since he is often unfaithful, shows that our profit is their salvation. But how is their salvation our profit? How? For if they are preserved and conduct themselves excellently in wars against enemies, we live quietly and peacefully with no one disturbing us. It would indeed be absurd if they were to be exhausted for the common safety, but we do not even bring together that which is in us as help (I mean prayer) for them.

    in all godliness. There are three kinds of wars: one is against the Barbarians; one is against those of the same race; the third, which the soul wages against the body, which is the hardest of all. For the war against the Barbarians brings only death or slavery. The war against those of the same race, I have learned to avoid through gentleness. "Instead of loving me," he says, "they attacked me, but I prayed." (Ps. 109:4) And, "I was peaceful among those who hate peace". (Ps. 120:6) But the one within ourselves is difficult to accomplish, and it brings harm to the soul. Therefore, he wishes to pray for the kings, so that they may both conquer and endure, knowing that the peace from the Barbarians greatly contributes to the peace within ourselves. For if one must be at leisure and know God, then freedom and harmony are necessary for the knowledge of God and kindness. How then could those engaged in wars with the Barbarians be at rest? For it is noble and undeniable to pray for all people, both Greeks and others, so that they may turn back.

    COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY

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