Show Bible Commentary For A Bible Verse

Click here to show/hide instructions.

Selected Verse: 1 Timothy 1:3 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
1Ti 1:3	Strong Concordance	As [2531] I besought [3870] thee [4571] to abide still [4357] at [1722] Ephesus [2181], when I went [4198] into [1519] Macedonia [3109], that [2443] thou mightest charge [3853] some [5100] that they teach [2085] no [3361] other doctrine [2085],
	King James	As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

Open All | Close All Open All | Close All

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
Timothy's superintendence of the Church at Ephesus was as locum tenens for the apostle, and so was temporary. Thus, the office of superintending overseer, needed for a time at Ephesus or Crete, in the absence of the presiding apostle, subsequently became a permanent institution on the removal, by death, of the apostles who heretofore superintended the churches. The first title of these overseers seems to have been "angels" (Rev 1:20). As I besought thee to abide still--He meant to have added, "so I still beseech thee," but does not complete the sentence until he does so virtually, not formally, at Ti1 1:18. at Ephesus--Paul, in Act 20:25, declared to the Ephesian elders, "I know that ye all shall see my face no more." If, then, as the balance of arguments seems to favor (see Introduction), this Epistle was written subsequently to Paul's first imprisonment, the apparent discrepancy between his prophecy and the event may be reconciled by considering that the terms of the former were not that he should never visit Ephesus again (which this verse implies he did), but that they all should "see his face no more." I cannot think with BIRKS, that this verse is compatible with his theory, that Paul did not actually visit Ephesus, though in its immediate neighborhood (compare Ti1 3:14; Ti1 4:13). The corresponding conjunction to "as" is not given, the sentence not being completed till it is virtually so at Ti1 1:18. I besought--a mild word, instead of authoritative command, to Timothy, as a fellow helper. some--The indefinite pronoun is slightly contemptuous as to them (Gal 2:12; Jde 1:4), [ELLICOTT]. teach no other doctrine--than what I have taught (Gal 1:6-9). His prophetic bodings some years before (Act 20:29-30) were now being realized (compare Ti1 6:3).

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

Timothy's superintendence of the Church at Ephesus was as locum tenens for the apostle, and so was temporary. Thus, the office of superintending overseer, needed for a time at Ephesus or Crete, in the absence of the presiding apostle, subsequently became a permanent institution on the removal, by death, of the apostles who heretofore superintended the churches. The first title of these overseers seems to have been "angels" (Rev 1:20).

As I besought thee to abide still--He meant to have added, "so I still beseech thee," but does not complete the sentence until he does so virtually, not formally, at Ti1 1:18.

at Ephesus--Paul, in Act 20:25, declared to the Ephesian elders, "I know that ye all shall see my face no more." If, then, as the balance of arguments seems to favor (see Introduction), this Epistle was written subsequently to Paul's first imprisonment, the apparent discrepancy between his prophecy and the event may be reconciled by considering that the terms of the former were not that he should never visit Ephesus again (which this verse implies he did), but that they all should "see his face no more." I cannot think with BIRKS, that this verse is compatible with his theory, that Paul did not actually visit Ephesus, though in its immediate neighborhood (compare Ti1 3:14; Ti1 4:13). The corresponding conjunction to "as" is not given, the sentence not being completed till it is virtually so at Ti1 1:18.

I besought--a mild word, instead of authoritative command, to Timothy, as a fellow helper.

some--The indefinite pronoun is slightly contemptuous as to them (Gal 2:12; Jde 1:4), [ELLICOTT].

teach no other doctrine--than what I have taught (Gal 1:6-9). His prophetic bodings some years before (Act 20:29-30) were now being realized (compare Ti1 6:3).

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus - It is clear from this, that Paul and Timothy had been laboring together at Ephesus, and the language accords with the supposition that Paul had been compelled to leave before he had completed what he had designed to do there. See the Intro. Section 2. When I went into Macedonia - Having been driven away by the excitement caused by Demetrius and his fellow-craftsmen; Act 20:1. See the Intro. Section 2, 3. That thou mightest charge some - The word charge here - παραγγειλης parangeilēs - seems to mean more than is commonly implied by the word as used by us. If it had been a single direction or command, it might have been given by Paul himself before he left, but it seems rather to refer to that continuous instruction which would convince these various errorists and lead them to inculcate only the true doctrine. As they may have been numerous - as they may have embraced various forms of error, and as they might have had plausible grounds for their belief, this was evidently a work requiring time, and hence Timothy was left to effect this at leisure. It would seem that the wrath which had been excited against Paul had not affected Timothy, but that he was permitted to remain and labor without molestation. It is not certainly known who these teachers were, but they appear to have been of Jewish origin, and to have inculcated the special sentiments of the Jews respecting the law. That they teach no other doctrine - That is, no other doctrine than that taught by the apostles. The Greek word here used is not found in the classic writers, and does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament, except in Ti1 6:3 of this Epistle, where it is rendered "teach otherwise." We may learn here what was the design for which Timothy was left at Ephesus. (1) it was for a temporary purpose, and not as a permanent arrangement. It was to correct certain errors prevailing there which Paul would have been able himself soon to correct if he had been suffered to remain. Paul expected soon to return to him again, and then they would proceed unitedly with their work; Ti1 4:13; Ti1 3:15. (2) it was not that he might be the "Bishop" of Ephesus. There is no evidence that he was "ordained" there at all, as the subscription to the Second Epistle declares (see the notes on that subscription), nor were the functions which he was to perform, those of a prelatical bishop. He was not to take the charge of a "diocese," or to ordain ministers of the "second rank," or to administer the rite of confirmation, or to perform acts of discipline. He was left there for a purpose which is specified, and that is as far as possible from what are now regarded as the appropriate functions of a prelatical bishop. Perhaps no claim which has ever been set up has had less semblance of argument than that which asserts that Timothy was the "Bishop of Ephesus." See this clause examined in my "Inquiry into the Organization and Government of the Apostolic Church," pp. 84-107.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Even as (καθὼς) An awkward construction, there being nothing to answer to καθὼς. To abide (προσμεῖναι) To continue on. The compound does not occur in Paul, but is found in Act 11:23; Act 13:43; Act 18:18. When I went (πορευόμενος) Better, was going, or was on my way. The participle cannot refer to Timothy. Might'st charge (παραγγείλῃς) See on Act 1:4. Very common in Luke and Acts, but not in Paul. In 1st Timothy alone five times. Some (τισὶν) Note the indefinite designation of the errorists, and comp. Ti1 1:6; Ti1 4:1; Ti1 5:15, Ti1 5:24; Ti1 6:21. The expression is contemptuous. It is assumed that Timothy knows who they are. This is after the Pauline manner. See Gal 1:7; Gal 2:12; Co1 4:18; Co1 15:12; Co2 3:1; Col 2:4, Col 2:8. That they teach no other doctrine (μὴ ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν) Better, not to teach a different doctrine. For ἕτερος different, see on Gal 1:6. The verb Pasto. olxx. oClass. The charge is not to teach anything contrary to the sound teaching (Ti1 1:10) or irreconcilable with it. Comp. Gal 1:6; Co2 11:4; Rom 16:17.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Charge some to teach no other doctrine - Than I have taught. Let them put nothing in the place of it, add nothing to it.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
I besought thee - The apostle had seen that a bad seed had been sown in the Church; and, as he was obliged to go then into Macedonia, he wished Timothy, on whose prudence, piety, and soundness in the faith he could depend, to stay behind and prevent the spreading of a doctrine that would have been pernicious to the people's souls. I have already supposed that this epistle was written after Paul had been delivered from his first imprisonment at Rome, about the end of the year 64, or the beginning of 65. See the preface. When, therefore, the apostle came from Rome into Asia, he no doubt visited Ephesus, where, ten years before, he had planted a Christian Church, and, as he had not time to tarry then, he left Timothy to correct abuses. That thou mightest charge some - He does not name any persons; the Judaizing teachers are generally supposed to be those intended; and the term τισι, some, certain persons, which he uses, is expressive of high disapprobation, and at the same time of delicacy: they were not apostles, nor apostolic men; but they were undoubtedly members of the Church at Ephesus, and might yet be reclaimed.

Top

³ If any man [1536] teach otherwise [2085], and [2532] consent [4334] not [3361] to wholesome [5198] words [3056], even the words of our [2257] Lord [2962] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], and [2532] to the doctrine [1319] which is according [2596] to godliness [2150];

²⁹ For [1063] I [1473] know [1492] this [5124], that [3754] after [3326] my [3450] departing [867] shall grievous [926] wolves [3074] enter in [1525] among [1519] you [5209], not [3361] sparing [5339] the flock [4168].
³⁰ Also [2532] of [1537] your [5216] own selves [846] shall [450] men [435] arise [450], speaking [2980] perverse things [1294], to draw away [645] disciples [3101] after [3694] them [846].

⁶ I marvel [2296] that [3754] ye are [3346] so [3779] soon [5030] removed [3346] from [575] him that called [2564] you [5209] into [1722] the grace [5485] of Christ [5547] unto [1519] another [2087] gospel [2098]:
⁷ Which [3739] is [2076] not [3756] another [243]; but there be [1526] some [5100] that [1508] trouble [5015] you [5209], and [2532] would [2309] pervert [3344] the gospel [2098] of Christ [5547].
⁸ But [235] though [2532] [1437] we [2249], or [2228] an angel [32] from [1537] heaven [3772], preach any other gospel [2097] unto you [5213] than [3844] that which [3739] we have preached [2097] unto you [5213], let him be [2077] accursed [331].
⁹ As [5613] we said before [4280], so [2532] say I [3004] now [737] again [3825], If any [1536] man preach [2097] any other [3844] gospel [2097] unto you [5209] than [3844] that [3739] ye have received [3880], let him be [2077] accursed [331].

⁴ For [1063] there are certain [5100] men [444] crept in unawares [3921], who [3588] were before [4270] of old [3819] ordained [4270] to [1519] this [5124] condemnation [2917], ungodly men [765], turning [3346] the grace [5485] of our [2257] God [2316] into [1519] lasciviousness [766], and [2532] denying [720] the only [3441] Lord [1203] God [2316], and [2532] our [2257] Lord [2962] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547].

¹² For [1063] before [4253] that certain [5100] came [2064] from [575] James [2385], he did eat [4906] with [3326] the Gentiles [1484]: but [1161] when [3753] they were come [2064], he withdrew [5288] and [2532] separated [873] himself [1438], fearing [5399] them which were of [1537] the circumcision [4061].

¹⁸ This [5026] charge [3852] I commit [3908] unto thee [4671], son [5043] Timothy [5095], according to [2596] the prophecies [4394] which went before [4254] on [1909] thee [4571], that [2443] thou [4754] by [1722] them [846] mightest war [4754] a good [2570] warfare [4752];

¹³ Till [2193] I come [2064], give attendance [4337] to reading [320], to exhortation [3874], to doctrine [1319].

¹⁴ These things [5023] write I [1125] unto thee [4671], hoping [1679] to come [2064] unto [4314] thee [4571] shortly [5032]:

²⁵ And [2532] now [3568], behold [2400], I [1473] know [1492] that [3754] ye [5210] all [3956], among [1722] whom [3739] I have gone [1330] preaching [2784] the kingdom [932] of God [2316], shall see [3700] my [3450] face [4383] no more [3765].

²⁰ The mystery [3466] of the seven [2033] stars [792] which [3739] thou sawest [1492] in [1909] my [3450] right hand [1188], and [2532] the seven [2033] golden [5552] candlesticks [3087]. The seven [2033] stars [792] are [1526] the angels [32] of the seven [2033] churches [1577]: and [2532] the seven [2033] candlesticks [3087] which [3739] thou sawest [1492] are [1526] the seven [2033] churches [1577].

¹⁵ But [1161] if [1437] I tarry long [1019], that [2443] thou mayest know [1492] how [4459] thou oughtest [1163] to behave thyself [390] in [1722] the house [3624] of God [2316], which [3748] is [2076] the church [1577] of the living [2198] God [2316], the pillar [4769] and [2532] ground [1477] of the truth [225].

¹³ Till [2193] I come [2064], give attendance [4337] to reading [320], to exhortation [3874], to doctrine [1319].

¹ And [1161] after [3326] the uproar [2351] was ceased [3973], Paul [3972] called [4341] unto him the disciples [3101], and [2532] embraced [782] them, and departed [1831] for to go [4198] into [1519] Macedonia [3109].

¹⁷ Now [1161] I beseech [3870] you [5209], brethren [80], mark [4648] them which cause [4160] divisions [1370] and [2532] offences [4625] contrary [3844] to the doctrine [1322] which [3739] ye [5210] have learned [3129]; and [2532] avoid [1578] them [575] [846].

⁴ For [1063] if [1487] [3303] he that cometh [2064] preacheth [2784] another [243] Jesus [2424], whom [3739] we have [2784] not [3756] preached [2784], or [2228] if ye receive [2983] another [2087] spirit [4151], which [3739] ye have [2983] not [3756] received [2983], or [2228] another [2087] gospel [2098], which [3739] ye have [1209] not [3756] accepted [1209], ye might [430] well [2573] bear with [430] him.

¹⁰ For whoremongers [4205], for them that defile themselves with mankind [733], for menstealers [405], for liars [5583], for perjured persons [1965], and [2532] if there be any [1536] other thing [2087] that is contrary [480] to sound [5198] doctrine [1319];

⁸ Beware [991] lest [3361] any man [5100] spoil [2071] [4812] you [5209] through [1223] philosophy [5385] and [2532] vain [2756] deceit [539], after [2596] the tradition [3862] of men [444], after [2596] the rudiments [4747] of the world [2889], and [2532] not [3756] after [2596] Christ [5547].

⁴ And [1161] this [5124] I say [3004], lest [3363] any man [5100] should beguile [3884] you [5209] with [1722] enticing words [4086].

¹ Do we begin [756] again [3825] to commend [4921] ourselves [1438]? or [1508] need we [5535], as [5613] some [5100] others, epistles [1992] of commendation [4956] to [4314] you [5209], or [2228] letters of commendation [4956] from [1537] you [5216]?

¹² Now [1161] if [1487] Christ [5547] be preached [2784] that [3754] he rose [1453] from [1537] the dead [3498], how [4459] say [3004] some [5100] among [1722] you [5213] that [3754] there is [2076] no [3756] resurrection [386] of the dead [3498]?

¹⁸ Now [1161] some [5100] are puffed up [5448], as though [5613] I [3450] would [2064] not [3361] come [2064] to [4314] you [5209].

⁷ Which [3739] is [2076] not [3756] another [243]; but there be [1526] some [5100] that [1508] trouble [5015] you [5209], and [2532] would [2309] pervert [3344] the gospel [2098] of Christ [5547].

²¹ Which [3739] some [5100] professing [1861] have erred [795] concerning [4012] the faith [4102]. Grace [5485] be with [3326] thee [4675]. Amen [281].

²⁴ Some [5100] men's [444] sins [266] are [1526] open beforehand [4271], going before [4254] to [1519] judgment [2920]; and [1161] [2532] some [5100] men they follow after [1872].

¹⁵ For [1063] some [5100] are [1624] already [2235] turned aside [1624] after [3694] Satan [4567].

¹ Now [1161] the Spirit [4151] speaketh [3004] expressly [4490], that [3754] in [1722] the latter [5306] times [2540] some [5100] shall depart from [868] the faith [4102], giving heed [4337] to seducing [4108] spirits [4151], and [2532] doctrines [1319] of devils [1140];

⁶ From which [3739] some [5100] having swerved [795] have turned aside [1624] unto [1519] vain jangling [3150];

⁴ And [2532], being assembled together [4871] with [846] them, commanded [3853] them [846] that they should [5563] not [3361] depart [5563] from [575] Jerusalem [2414], but [235] wait [4037] for the promise [1860] of the Father [3962], which [3739], saith he, ye have heard [191] of me [3450].

¹⁸ And [1161] Paul [3972] after this tarried [4357] there yet [2089] a good [2425] while [2250], and then took his leave [657] of the brethren [80], and sailed thence [1602] into [1519] Syria [4947], and [2532] with [4862] him [846] Priscilla [4252] and [2532] Aquila [207]; having shorn [2751] his head [2776] in [1722] Cenchrea [2747]: for [1063] he had [2192] a vow [2171].

⁴³ Now [1161] when the congregation [4864] was broken up [3089], many [4183] of the Jews [2453] and [2532] religious [4576] proselytes [4339] followed [190] Paul [3972] and [2532] Barnabas [921]: who [3748], speaking [4354] to them [846], persuaded [3982] them [846] to continue [1961] in the grace [5485] of God [2316].

²³ Who [3739], when he came [3854], and [2532] had seen [1492] the grace [5485] of God [2316], was glad [5463], and [2532] exhorted [3870] them all [3956], that with purpose [4286] of heart [2588] they would cleave unto [4357] the Lord [2962].