1 Timothychapter 1

20 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 483 cross-references outward and receives 504 — heaviest partner: 1 Timothy.

Chapter summary

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, to Timothy, his own son in the faith. Charge some that they teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions rather than godly edifying. The end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart. I thank him who enabled me, though a blasphemer and persecutor, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. This is a faithful saying — Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Henry reads the chapter as the apostle's catechism for pastors.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the 1 Timothy overview for the book's full setting.

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Saviour, and Christ Jesus our hope;

2 unto Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,

4 neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questionings, rather than a dispensation of God which is in faith; so do I now.

5 But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned:

6 from which things some having swerved have turned aside unto vain talking;

7 desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.

8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully,

9 as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,