Oecumenius — Commentary on Scripture | TrulyRandomVerse

On 1 Timothy

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1 Timothy 2:3-4
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

who desires all people to be saved. He says, if He Himself desires all to be saved, the Lord who also saves, who then needs my prayers? Yes. For you draw them and those to love, and you show affection. "Imitate," He says, "the purpose of God." (Eph. 5:1) For He Himself desires all people to be saved, and you pray for all people above all.

and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Paul said, "To the knowledge of the truth." Then he explains what the truth in doctrines is. If therefore God wills, he says, why does what He wills not happen? It does not happen because they do not want it. For God does nothing by compulsion.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 2:5

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. For there is one God, and one mediator. Note that he did not say, Two, but, One and one, thus avoiding the multiplication of gods. Since the one who was to mediate was absent, to partake of both so that He could also mediate, the Son of God, the eternal Logos [ὁ προαιώνιος Λόγος], having become incarnate, came forth, existing from two natures, namely from divinity and humanity, and is understood and worshiped in one person after the union. For if the Only Begotten had appeared to us in bare divinity, creation would not have shown Him, where the sons of Israel were not able to see the face of Moses. But the phrase "One God" is not placed in opposition to the Son or the Spirit—far from it!—but against those who are not, called gods. It is asked why the Spirit is not mentioned. Because the discussion was about the Greeks. For concerning them is the phrase, "and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. 2:4) Among them there was polytheism, and he carefully guarded the economy of remembering the "Spi…

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

For there is one God, and one mediator. Note that he did not say, Two, but, One and one, thus avoiding the multiplication of gods. Since the one who was to mediate was absent, to partake of both so that He could also mediate, the Son of God, the eternal Logos [ὁ προαιώνιος Λόγος], having become incarnate, came forth, existing from two natures, namely from divinity and humanity, and is understood and worshiped in one person after the union. For if the Only Begotten had appeared to us in bare divinity, creation would not have shown Him, where the sons of Israel were not able to see the face of Moses. But the phrase "One God" is not placed in opposition to the Son or the Spirit—far from it!—but against those who are not, called gods. It is asked why the Spirit is not mentioned. Because the discussion was about the Greeks. For concerning them is the phrase, "and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. 2:4) Among them there was polytheism, and he carefully guarded the economy of remembering the "Spirit," lest somehow he introduce the appearance of polytheism. Since he converses there with the faithful, he continually remembers Him, often even alone, not bringing to mind the Father and the Son.

the man Christ Jesus. As He was man, so He was also God, indivisibly, inseparably.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 2:6

who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. who gave himself as a ransom for all, and of the Greeks. Therefore, he died for all, but you do not endure to pray? Note then the phrase, "who gave himself." For this is against the Arians, who say that he was delivered up unwillingly. But what is the price of redemption? Nature was unwilling to perish, but Jesus gave Himself for it. the testimony. That is, through the testimony the Son became a ransom. The interpreter now says this means that the testimony is called a ransom, that is, the passion. For He came to bear witness to the truth. He testified by what He did, that He Himself is Christ, the Son of God, even to death. For He also revealed the Father, and introduced the true doctrine and the true and angelic life, given at the proper time, He says. That is, when people were suitably disposed toward faith. Thus Clement of Alexandria in the seventh "Hypotyposes." at the proper time. Through the testimony, he gave himself, he says, as a ransom. Through the testimony, that is, through the passion (for…

who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.

who gave himself as a ransom for all, and of the Greeks. Therefore, he died for all, but you do not endure to pray? Note then the phrase, "who gave himself." For this is against the Arians, who say that he was delivered up unwillingly. But what is the price of redemption? Nature was unwilling to perish, but Jesus gave Himself for it.

the testimony. That is, through the testimony the Son became a ransom. The interpreter now says this means that the testimony is called a ransom, that is, the passion. For He came to bear witness to the truth. He testified by what He did, that He Himself is Christ, the Son of God, even to death. For He also revealed the Father, and introduced the true doctrine and the true and angelic life, given at the proper time, He says. That is, when people were suitably disposed toward faith. Thus Clement of Alexandria in the seventh "Hypotyposes."

at the proper time. Through the testimony, he gave himself, he says, as a ransom. Through the testimony, that is, through the passion (for in it he bears witness to the goodness of the Father that he gave both himself and the Son. But they did not cease their hostility toward him, but even crucified the Son. And that he wishes to fulfill the promises to them, but they do not want it), in proper time, he says, having been prefigured and predestined by the holy and blessed Trinity.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 2:7
for this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

for this I was appointed. To which I was appointed as a testimony and a passion, and I was set apart as a preacher, so that I might make the cross revealed everywhere. And since he was about to say, "teacher of the Gentiles," it seemed unbelievable if the idolaters were called, he proclaimed beforehand: "I speak the truth, I do not lie." (Rom. 9:1)

teacher of the Gentiles. Since there is also the practice of proclaiming hastily, he called himself Teacher. For I did not only proclaim, but also, remaining, I taught. This, however, shows God's zeal concerning the Gentiles.

in faith and truth. Since he said, "in faith," so that no one might think that it is deceit, he adds, "in truth." I do not preach with persuasive words or with linguistic twists, but in faith. For this shows the power of the preaching.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 2:8

Therefore I want the men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. How then did Christ forbid praying openly? "For He says, 'Go into your room.'" (Matt. 6:6) Christ did not forbid praying in every place, but He said this to turn away from praying for show; just as in "Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing," (Matt. 6:3) He does not speak about hands, but about doing good deeds without empty glory and not for display. It is not the place that makes the difference, but everywhere He cared that we do not show off. Furthermore, the Apostle also makes this clear: Just as it was not permitted for the Jews to offer sacrifices outside the temple, so it is also with us to pray. For He says that every place is suitable for us, only if we lift up holy hands, that is, hands cleansed from impure grasping, greed, and murder, purified through almsgiving. without anger. Without bitterness, without cursing anyone. For true anger is not even wishing harm to befall one's brother. or disputing. So will God hear me? Or do I pray simply and in vain? For on…

Therefore I want the men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

How then did Christ forbid praying openly? "For He says, 'Go into your room.'" (Matt. 6:6) Christ did not forbid praying in every place, but He said this to turn away from praying for show; just as in "Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing," (Matt. 6:3) He does not speak about hands, but about doing good deeds without empty glory and not for display. It is not the place that makes the difference, but everywhere He cared that we do not show off. Furthermore, the Apostle also makes this clear: Just as it was not permitted for the Jews to offer sacrifices outside the temple, so it is also with us to pray. For He says that every place is suitable for us, only if we lift up holy hands, that is, hands cleansed from impure grasping, greed, and murder, purified through almsgiving.

without anger. Without bitterness, without cursing anyone. For true anger is not even wishing harm to befall one's brother.

or disputing. So will God hear me? Or do I pray simply and in vain? For one must be convinced that God will listen, if we ask Him for things dear to Him while being pure.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 2:9-10

Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves in respectable clothing, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly clothing, but, as be appropriate women who profess godliness, with good works. Likewise, I want the women. That is, I wish for them to raise their hands in holiness without anger or argument. Women require more than anything else to be adorned modestly. But the phrase, respectable clothing, clearly means to be covered on all sides; he says it properly, not excessively, so as to please those who see it. with modesty and self-control. Therefore, do not imitate those who are loved with a lustful desire, who look shamelessly and in the manner of high-class prostitutes. not with braided hair. For you have not come to a theater, Paul says. You have come to weep for your sins. Luxury is not the attire of one in prayer, nor is your worldly arrogance fitting for one mourning their sins. But if these things, which only display wealth, are prohibited: much more so the curious and perverse things such as the staining of the cheeks, paint…

Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves in respectable clothing, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly clothing, but, as be appropriate women who profess godliness, with good works.

Likewise, I want the women. That is, I wish for them to raise their hands in holiness without anger or argument. Women require more than anything else to be adorned modestly.

But the phrase, respectable clothing, clearly means to be covered on all sides; he says it properly, not excessively, so as to please those who see it.

with modesty and self-control. Therefore, do not imitate those who are loved with a lustful desire, who look shamelessly and in the manner of high-class prostitutes.

not with braided hair. For you have not come to a theater, Paul says. You have come to weep for your sins. Luxury is not the attire of one in prayer, nor is your worldly arrogance fitting for one mourning their sins. But if these things, which only display wealth, are prohibited: much more so the curious and perverse things such as the staining of the cheeks, painted eyes, renown walk, a broken voice, a wondering and curious eye, the raising of a prostitute's garment, a more elaborate belt, ripped shoes. For all these things, in other words, say, "in respectable clothing," he cast out.

That teachers ought to be men, and not women, because of nature and the affection that arises from error.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 2:11-12
Let a woman learn in silence with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.

Not only does he require women to be modest, but also silent and submissive; for through silence, they signify submission.

I do not permit a woman to teach. He removed every opportunity for a woman to speak. For since he commanded them to be silent, so that they would not speak under the grounds of a reasonable excuse for teaching, he says, "Nor let them teach," not only human things but also spiritual ones. And he forbade teaching in the assembly. For he did not entirely remove teaching from them; for he allows them to teach their own children for a time, as he says later on.

or to exercise authority over a man. For to teach is indeed to assume authority over a man.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 2:13-14

For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived fell into transgression. For Adam was formed first. Since Adam was formed first, the woman should not have authority over the man, but should be in submission to him. Adam was not deceived. As to the comparison with the deceit with which the woman was deceived, the behavior of Adam is neither deceit nor trickery. For it is much more reasonable to be deceived by the serpent than to accept the fruit from the woman and eat it. Therefore, in his defense, Paul says that he was not deceived, but that "The woman whom you gave to be my helper, she gave to me and I ate." (Gen. 3:12) Calmly showing that Adam did not even err after listening to his helper. "He was not deceived." Note that what precedes is to be understood as implied. In another way also. How was Adam not deceived? Because neither does Scripture say this, but the woman indeed: "The serpent deceived me." (Gen. 3:13) But Adam does not say; "The woman deceived me," but, "She gave me." She gave to me: For it is not the same to be persuade…

For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived fell into transgression.

For Adam was formed first. Since Adam was formed first, the woman should not have authority over the man, but should be in submission to him.

Adam was not deceived. As to the comparison with the deceit with which the woman was deceived, the behavior of Adam is neither deceit nor trickery. For it is much more reasonable to be deceived by the serpent than to accept the fruit from the woman and eat it. Therefore, in his defense, Paul says that he was not deceived, but that "The woman whom you gave to be my helper, she gave to me and I ate." (Gen. 3:12) Calmly showing that Adam did not even err after listening to his helper. "He was not deceived." Note that what precedes is to be understood as implied.

In another way also. How was Adam not deceived? Because neither does Scripture say this, but the woman indeed: "The serpent deceived me." (Gen. 3:13) But Adam does not say; "The woman deceived me," but, "She gave me." She gave to me: For it is not the same to be persuaded by a fellow and companion, and to be persuaded by a beast, slave, and one who is subordinated. Therefore, that was the deception. But neither did Adam see the tree that it was beautiful to eat, but the woman.

but the woman being deceived. And Paul brings this forward to prevent a woman from teaching. For once a woman has taught, Paul says, she overturns everything and makes the man subject to disobedience: for she was the author herself and advised him to eat. Therefore, he does not say: Eve was deceived; but the woman was deceived, indicating a nature that is easily deceived.

but the woman being deceived fell into transgression. Not only Eve became accountable to transgression, but also the whole sisterhood of women. For as in Adam we all die, so in Eve all have sinned.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 2:15

Yet she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control. This is a trustworthy saying. Yet she will be saved through childbearing. Not only Eve, but every woman. And by "childbearing," it is meant not only to bear children, but also to lead them according to God. What then shall one say, that virgins and barren women, and those without children and widows, are lost? Away with that though! For it does not say that they will not be saved by their own virtue; but that childbearing will also be a means of salvation for them, that is, the acknowledged means of being saved by their own virtue. if they continue in faith. If Christians have nurtured and remained virtuous. What then if she herself is evil, but nurtures well? It certainly cannot happen that what is bad trains well; yet if it does happen, there will be a reward. But what if being good she nurtures evil? She will die because of the evil of the children. And the priest Eli is witness. (1 Sam. 2-4) This is a trustworthy saying. Because the fathers, Paul says, will be able to…

Yet she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control. This is a trustworthy saying.

Yet she will be saved through childbearing. Not only Eve, but every woman. And by "childbearing," it is meant not only to bear children, but also to lead them according to God. What then shall one say, that virgins and barren women, and those without children and widows, are lost? Away with that though! For it does not say that they will not be saved by their own virtue; but that childbearing will also be a means of salvation for them, that is, the acknowledged means of being saved by their own virtue.

if they continue in faith. If Christians have nurtured and remained virtuous. What then if she herself is evil, but nurtures well? It certainly cannot happen that what is bad trains well; yet if it does happen, there will be a reward. But what if being good she nurtures evil? She will die because of the evil of the children. And the priest Eli is witness. (1 Sam. 2-4)

This is a trustworthy saying. Because the fathers, Paul says, will be able to share in the virtue of the children.

On the Virtue of Bishops.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:1
If anyone aspires to the office of bishop, he desires a noble task.

Writing to Timothy, Paul shows in general what kind of person a bishop must be. "he desires a noble task." He says, "I do not accuse him." An honest man is needed, certainly for service and leadership; provided that he desires it for helping many, and not for glory. For a bishop is said to be one who oversees all. Even Moses desired it, but not for glory, rather for the benefit of many.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:2-3

Therefore, a bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach; not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for gain, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. be blameless. So that he is aware of no evil in himself. For if he is aware, he acts badly desiring oversight, from which through his actions he has alienated himself. A bishop must be the husband of one wife. This does not legislate that a bishop must necessarily have a wife, but rather, if he is married, he says, he must not be a second husband. Or that he should know only one lawful wife for marriage; but, when called to the office of bishop, he must fulfill that condition. "So that those who have wives may be as though they had none." (1 Cor. 7:29) And, "I wish that all were as I am," says Paul. (1 Cor. 7:7) And, "He who is married cares about worldly things." (1 Cor. 7:33) How then can a bishop rightly care for worldly matters? Some say that he said this concerning the Church, so that he would not transfer from one to another; for the matter is…

Therefore, a bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach; not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for gain, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

be blameless. So that he is aware of no evil in himself. For if he is aware, he acts badly desiring oversight, from which through his actions he has alienated himself.

A bishop must be the husband of one wife. This does not legislate that a bishop must necessarily have a wife, but rather, if he is married, he says, he must not be a second husband. Or that he should know only one lawful wife for marriage; but, when called to the office of bishop, he must fulfill that condition. "So that those who have wives may be as though they had none." (1 Cor. 7:29) And, "I wish that all were as I am," says Paul. (1 Cor. 7:7) And, "He who is married cares about worldly things." (1 Cor. 7:33) How then can a bishop rightly care for worldly matters? Some say that he said this concerning the Church, so that he would not transfer from one to another; for the matter is adultery.

Sober-minded. Awake, discerning, fervent in spirit.

self-controlled. For one ought to have restraint, good manners, and hospitality according to those who lead. Therefore, Paul added the teacher's own characteristic, saying self-controlled:

not a drunkard. Paul says this, not meaning the intoxicated (for that was often the case), but the brazen and arrogant.

Again, not violent, not one who strikes with hands, but one who strikes the conscience of the brothers.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:4
one who manages his own household well, with children in submission with all reverence.

one who manages his own household well. For he who does not know how to rule a single household, or who could not properly govern two or three children by nature, how will he be able to suitably preside over the Church and so great a people? For he must bear examples from his own household.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:5
If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?

Whatever the bishops commanded in these strict matters, not drunkenness, not being violent, but moderation and the like, he who commanded the disciples, "Put to death the members of your body on the earth;" (Col. 3:5) and, "Are some who crucified the flesh of Christ?" (Gal. 5:24) And Christ commanded to take up the cross and follow Him for all. (Matt. 16:24) For why did he not rather command those to be angels, as if according to the measure of mortals? And we say that the highest virtue is of few: but it was necessary to have many bishops, one for each church. Therefore, lest he make the office of bishops, which was necessary, rare or impossible, Paul commands moderate virtue, making the matter itself easy to approach:

how will he care for the church of God. Where there are greater and more numerous affairs.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:6
He must not be a recent convert, lest, being arrogant, he fall into the judgment of the Devil.

He must not be a recent convert. It does not mean the younger person, but one recently instructed in the faith. For Timothy himself was also younger. "For no one should despise your youth," (1 Timothy 4:12) he says as he goes on. For he who is still a student ought, if anyone makes him a teacher, to be proud and confident.

he fall into the judgment of the Devil. To the same, Paul says, to the Devil, a judgment, into which he fell out of madness.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:7
Moreover, he must have a good testimony from those outside, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil.

from those outside. Outside, says the Greeks. Observe the precision. What then if he is bad, but has a good testimony? This is impossible. For it is beloved for the most upright to be testified to by enemies. But this, along with other things, requires good qualities; for he also shows a bond. But what if, being good, he is despised concerning his life? Difficult indeed, but such a one must not become a bishop. And if from those outside, much more from the brothers.

so that he may not fall into reproach. It is fitting for one who is bad to be reproached and insulted.

and the snare of the Devil. For if he is, he says, evil in some way, he easily sets another trap for him. For if he turns from being insulted and abused to sins, he falls into another passion of anger and resentment; for no one can endure insult without anger.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:8-9
Deacons likewise must be honorable, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.

For what reason did Paul pass over the elders [πρεσβυτέρους]? Because he mingled them with the bishops themselves. For what he said about the bishops, he also applies to the elders: since they too are similarly priests, and have been entrusted with the duty of teaching.

not double-tongued. That is, deceitful and traitorous.

not given to much wine. Paul did not say: "Do not get drunk" (for this was very common), but rather, "Do not drink excessively." For even if, he says, they do not get drunk, yet the tone of the heart slackens.

with a pure conscience. He demands faith and life.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:10
And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being blameless.

And let these also first be tested. Just as, Paul says, the bishops, so that they may not be beginners.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:11
Women likewise must be honorable, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.

Women, not just any women, but deaconesses. For what did Paul wish to mention among the clergy, women of any kind?

not slanderous. What was said above: not to be double-tongued.

but sober-minded. For the female sex is not to be trusted. Therefore, one must be sober and watchful. For as much as they are more susceptible to deceits, so much so do they need sobriety.

faithful in all things. In faith and life.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:12-13
Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well gain for themselves a good standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

husbands of one wife. You see how the same things are required from deacons as from bishops? These things must also be accepted concerning deaconesses.

managing their children and their own households well. He places this everywhere, wishing to bring the reproof upon them from home.

For those who serve well. Those who have entrusted themselves to the lesser things will quickly come to progress and boldness in Christ.

and great confidence. But who would have confidence in the faith of Christ, except the one who lives with faith and a righteous life?

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY
1 Timothy 3:14-15
These things I write to you, hoping to come to you soon; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

These things I write to you. In order that the arrangement concerning these matters may not throw Timothy into gloom because Paul is no longer present, see what Paul says: "But if I am delayed." Since he was led by the Spirit, and did not know where the Spirit was ordering him to go, therefore he always hesitates.

which is the Church of the living God. Whoever is a house, is the Church of the living God; not like the Jewish temple, but a pillar and foundation, that is, a confirmation of the truth. For the temple, he says, was a foundation of the types of truth. And rightly so, "of the living God." For do you not notice, he said, that it is filled with men: for it excels through God, and is built by Him, and has Him as its inhabitant.

COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY