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E2

Biblical Exegesis

1 Tim

ATTENTION BIBLE STUDENTS:

My translation of this book from the original languages is provided below. Everything inside brackets is commentary that is meant to assist the reader in understanding certain doctrines and concepts germaine to the context.
 
My Technical Analysis, Translation Notes, and Relevant Highlights from famous commentators are available in PDF form on the DOWNLOAD page. You may access this document in a separate browser window through the link below. A list of resources is also provided at the bottom of this page should you wish to pursue reading on your own.
 
KW = Kenneth Wuest's expanded translation
KJV = King James Version (committee effort)
LWB = My translation & occasional notes

CLICK HERE to open Commentary on 1 Timothy (in separate browser window)

1 Tim. 1:1 Paul, an apostle [commander-in-chief] of Christ Jesus, according to the express command of God [deity of Christ] our Savior [humanity of Christ], even Christ Jesus our source of [true] confidence,    

 

1 Tim. 1:2 To Timothy, a genuine student [as opposed to the illegitimate ones he is contending with] in doctrine: Grace, mercy [because you’re going to need it], peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.    

 

1 Tim. 1:3 Since [I am an apostle], I called upon you to remain behind in Ephesus while I traveled to Macedonia [as his first leadership test], so that you might command [exercise legitimate authority over] certain individuals to stop teaching heretical doctrine,     

 

1 Tim. 1:4 Nor to be occupied with myths [common to Pseudigrapha and other Jewish Intra-testamental Literature] or distracting enumerations of genealogies [common to Judaism and Gnosticism], which category of things help promulgate useless speculations [common to covenant theology] rather than the dispensational framework of God which is in the sphere of [legitimate] doctrine.      

 

1 Tim. 1:5 Now the objective of instruction [teaching the Word] is virtue love [genuine integrity and righteousness] out from a pure [epistemologically rehabilitated] mentality of the soul and a good [according to divine standards] conscience and a non-hypocritical doctrinal framework [not using doctrine as an excuse to sin],       

 

1 Tim. 1:6 Away from which [correct protocol for progress in virtue love] some [arrogant, ignorant pastors], having missed the mark and gone astray [deviated from grace mechanics and embraced legalism], have turned to empty, fruitless discussion [hollow, worthless concepts which are unsuitable for properly understanding Scripture or growth in the spiritual life],        

 

1 Tim. 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law [living as Judaizers in legalism], neither understanding what they are saying [by rejecting dispensational distinctions] nor what they continually and confidently insist is true [affirming their false teaching in spite of the overwhelming evidence against it].         

 

1 Tim. 1:8 However, we [dispensational teachers] know that the law is noble [useful] when [and only when] a person makes use of it appropriately,          

 

1 Tim. 1:9 Knowing this: that for the righteous one [grace-oriented believer], law does not apply [illegitimate use of the law], but for lawless ones [those who reject divine establishment] and for unruly ones [rebellious and disobedient towards authority], for ungodly ones [disloyal, unscrupulous and treasonous individuals] and for chronic sinners [those enslaved to their old sin nature], for wicked ones [vicious scoundrels, devoid of conscience] and for profane ones [vile, perverse, ethically corrupt], for one who murders his own father and for one who murders his own mother, for murderers [homicide in general],           

 

1 Tim. 1:10 For those who practice sexual immorality [illicit sex with members of the opposite sex], for those who engage in homosexual activity [sodomites], for slave-traders and kidnappers, for pathological liars, for perjurers, and anything else [et cetera] of a different kind [unwholesome activity] which is contrary to doctrine which is sound and healthy [opposed to the laws of divine establishment],            

 

1 Tim. 1:11 According to the good news of the glory [expression of divine attributes] of the God of happiness, which [good news] I was entrusted.             

 

1 Tim. 1:12 I have continual gratitude for Christ Jesus our Lord, Who clothes me with power [filling of the Holy Spirit], because He considered me dependable, having placed me into the ministry [as an apostle],              

 

1 Tim. 1:13 Though I was formerly a slanderer [blasphemed God] and an arrogant persecutor [of the church] and a violent man [treated his enemies harshly], but  I obtained mercy [was graced-out], (since being ignorant, I acted in unbelief).              

 

1 Tim. 1:14 Moreover, the grace of our Lord has superabounded [supergrace] with doctrine and with the virtue love which is in Christ Jesus.              

 

1 Tim. 1:15 ”Faithful is the Word [doctrine] and worthy of unqualified acceptance [no doubts], that Christ Jesus came into the world [in hypostatic union] to save sinners,” with reference to which [sinners] I was at the top of the list [perhaps the worst who ever lived].               

 

1 Tim. 1:16 Nevertheless, in spite of this, I obtained mercy [was graced-out], in order that in me first [as the record-holder for being the worst sinner], Christ Jesus mght demonstrate His perfect patience, as a prototype [pattern] to those [Church Age believers] who are destined to believe upon Him for eternal life.               

 

1 Tim. 1:17 Now [in conclusion, a doxology], to the Sovereign [King] of the dispensations [ages], the incorruptible [free from evil], invisible [spirit in essence], unique [one and only] God: honor and glory from the ages [eternity past] to the ages [eternity future]. Acknowledge it.                

 

1 Tim. 1:18 I am deposting this command [placing this order] with you, student Timothy, in accordance with prophetic teachings [from the Old Testament] previously brought forth to you [prior teaching from Paul on this topic], in order that by them [Old Testament teachings] you might keep on fighting an honorable fight [victorious combat experience during spiritual warfare by the correct application of Bible doctrine in daily life].                 

 

1 Tim. 1:19 Be having and holding doctrine and a good [of intrinsic value] conscience, which  certain individuals [reversionists], having rejected [pushed aside due to locked-in negative volition], have suffered shipwreck [are under the influence of evil] concerning the faith [categorical Bible doctrine],                  

 

1 Tim. 1:20 Among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander [who are running wild in Timothy’s church without being challenged], whom I have delivered over to Satan, so that they may be taught [as children by pain and discipline] not to slander [maligning God is destroying their spiritual life].                   

 

1 Tim. 2:1 First of all [in importance], therefore, I command that entreaties [requests], prayers, intercessions [petitions], and thanksgivings [gratitude] be continually made on behalf of all categories [types, kinds, sorts] of mankind without distinction [especially in your own client nation],                    

 

1 Tim. 2:2 On behalf of rulers [politicians] and those who are in positions of authority [police officers, firemen, teachers], so that we may lead an undisturbed [quiet on the outside] and tranquil [quiet on the inside] life in the sphere of all godliness [supergrace status] and integrity [royal family honor code].                     

 

1 Tim. 2:3 This [undisturbed and tranquil life] is noble [honorable] and acceptable [pleasing] in the sight [opinion] of our preserver God,                      

 

1 Tim. 2:4 Who wants [takes pleasure in] men everywhere [from every nation and local church] to be preserved [from anarchy within and enemies without] and to advance [in supergrace status] to a full knowledge of doctrine.                       

 

1 Tim. 2:5 Now [citing another stanza from a well-known song], “there is one God [in essence], and one Mediator between God and men, the Man [emphasis on His humanity] Christ Jesus,                        

 

1 Tim. 2:6 Who gave Himself [spiritual death on the cross] as a redemptive ransom [for a particular people] for all without distinction [Jews or Gentiles, male or female, slave or free] extending to one’s own [Jewish if you are a Jew, Gentile if you are a Gentile] times [same ransom, different dispensation],”                         

 

1 Tim. 2:7 Into which [Church Age dispensation] I have been appointed a herald [proclaimer for the King] and an apostle [commander in chief] – I am speaking the truth [concerning my authority]; I am not lying – a teacher to the Gentiles in doctrine, even Truth.                         

 

1 Tim. 2:8 Therefore, I am making a command decision for the men [excluding women]: Make it a practice to pray [lead the way] in every place [wherever Christian congregations assemble, not in every place indiscriminately], lifting up [an attitude of prayer] righteous hands [be in fellowship], without anger [a mental attitude hindrance to effective prayer] or a skeptical attitude [doubting the veracity of doctrine].                        

 

1 Tim. 2:9 Likewise [in the same manner during public worship], also [Paul’s 2nd command decision], to the women [excluding men]: Make yourselves beautiful on a continuous basis by means of well arranged [appropriate] clothing, associated with inner poise of the soul [doctrinal perspective] and self-control [emotionally stable], not with emphasis on the latest fancy hair style and gold jewelry, nor pearls or very expensive clothing [what you wear on the outside should not overpower what is on the inside],                         

 

1 Tim. 2:10 But – which is fitting [by divine design] for women who claim they have reached supergrace status [reverence for God] – through intrinsically good accomplishments [positive momentum in the spiritual life],                         

 

1 Tim. 2:11 Let a woman continually learn in silence [during public worship] with complete subjection.                         

 

1 Tim. 2:12 Moreover, I do not permit a woman to teach nor to exercise authority over a man [in the church], but [when she attends church services or Bible study] to be in silence [submission to legitimate authority].                          

 

1 Tim. 2:13 For Adam was first [federal headship] molded [his body formed around his soul], then Eve,                           

 

1 Tim. 2:14 And Adam was not deceived [not misled by the strategies of Satan], but that woman [Eve in blind arrogance rejected the authority of Jesus Christ and her husband], having been completely deceived [beguiled by Satan], came to be in the transgression [became spiritually dead].                            

 

1 Tim. 2:15 Nevertheless, she shall be delivered [out of this spiritual deception] through the childbirth [reference to the virgin birth of Jesus Christ], if they [Eve and her successors] persist in doctrine and virtue love and sanctification [filling of the Spirit] accompanied by good judgment [sound decisions based on Bible doctrine].                            

 

1 Tim. 3:1 “Faithful is the Word [phrase from Paul’s favorite song].” If anyone aspires to the office of guardian [episkopos: overseer] of the local church, he has desired an honorable occupation [referring to the pastorate].  

 

1 Tim. 3:2 He [the aspiring overseer pastor] is required [by the duty of the office], therefore, to be [among other character qualifications] the guardian of the local church, above reproach [studies in isolation and grows into supergrace], a one woman [wife: no polygamy or concubines] kind of man [husband], calm [self-controlled], of sound mind [sensible], honorable, hospitable [grace-oriented], a skilled teacher [able to pass doctrine on to the next generation],                   

 

1 Tim. 3:3 Not drunk on wine [sober, not an alcoholic], not a brawler, but reasonable [yielding], peaceable [not contentious], free from the love of money,

 

1 Tim. 3:4 One [aspiring overseer pastor] who rules his own household appropriately, who holds children in subordination [obedience] with complete seriousness,                     

 

1 Tim. 3:5 (In fact, if a man does not know how to rule his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?)

 

1 Tim. 3:6 Not a new convert, lest becoming blind with arrogance and conceit, he might fall into the condemnation of the devil [Satan administers the sin unto death].

 

1 Tim. 3:7 Moreover, he is also bound by necessity [due to the duty of his office] to possess a noble reputation from those outside [of the local church where he teaches], so that he does not fall into disgrace [reproach] or a snare [reversionistic trap] of the devil [Satan sets special snares for ministers].

 

1 Tim. 3:8 In the same manner [as qualifications for overseer pastors], deacons [table waiters] must be worthy of respect, not double-talkers [duplicitous], not addicted to a large quantity of wine [alcoholism], not eager for dishonest profit [financially irresponsible],

 

1 Tim. 3:9 Constantly holding the mystery [deep, secret truths] of doctrine [the body of faith] with a pure conscience [Bible doctrine cycling in his norms and standards].

 

1 Tim. 3:10 Moreover, these [aspiring deacons] also are to be first tested and proved [to see how they apply Bible doctrine], then [after informal observation or formal examination] let them serve if they are above reproach [character matters].                         

 

1 Tim. 3:11 (Likewise, the wives [of aspiring deacons] must be worthy of respect, not slanderers [malicious gossip], temperate [emotionally self-controlled, not alcoholics], faithful in all things [rendering utmost respect and fidelity to her husband]).

 

1 Tim. 3:12 Deacons [helpers] must be husbands of one wife [no polygamy or concubines], ruling their own children and households in a commendable way.

 

1 Tim. 3:13 For they [deacons] who have served [as helpers] honorably have acquired for themselves a noble standing [esteemed before God and man] and much confidence by means of the doctrine which is in Christ Jesus.

 

1 Tim. 3:14 These things [doctrinal applications] I am writing to you, although I expect [hope] to come face-to-face to you with haste [without delay],

 

1 Tim. 3:15 But if I am delayed, [I am writing] in order that you may know how one is duty bound to behave [conduct oneself] in the household [royal family] of God [the local church as the authorized classroom in this dispensation], which keeps on being the living church [assembly of called-out believers] of God, the pillar and foundation by means of [built upon] doctrine.

 

1 Tim. 3:16 Furthermore [Paul returns to his fragmented, but favorite song], by unanimous consent [undeniable]: “Great is the mystery [doctrine] of godliness [the spiritual life], which [spiritual life] became visible in the flesh [exemplified by Jesus Christ in hypostatic union], was vindicated by the Spirit, was observed by angels [witnessing His tactical and strategic victories], was proclaimed in the nations [as opposed to just Israel], became the object of faith in the world, was taken up [ascension] in glory [with the pomp and majesty of a victorious general].”

 

1 Tim. 4:1 Now the Spirit explicity reports [in Mark, Acts, II Thessalonians] that in the latter periods of time [between the two advents of Christ], some [believers] will become apostate [turn away, withdraw] from doctrine [negative volition leading to reversionism], paying attention to [following] deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons [a combination of human energy and satanic counterfeits for the protocol plan of God],

 

1 Tim. 4:2 Associated with the hypocrisy [behind a mask] of pathological liars, having been branded with a red-hot iron [evil is seared into their minds] in their own conscience [advanced stage of reversionism],

 

1 Tim. 4:3 Forbidding [as part of 2nd century incipient Gnosticism] marriage, commanding abstinence from certain foods, which [foods] God created for receiving with thanksgiving [you can eat anything if you sanctify it first] by faithful believers, i.e., who have a full knowledge of doctrine.

 

1 Tim. 4:4 For every kind of creature [animals as meat] from God is good and nothing is to be rejected [taboo] when it is received [eaten] with thanksgiving [the custom of grace],

 

1 Tim. 4:5 For it [meat] is sanctified [rendered holy] through the Word of God [as promised] and prayer [before meals].

 

1 Tim. 4:6 By teaching these things [correct doctrines] to the brethren [members of the royal family] with authority, you will be an honorable servant of Christ Jesus, constantly being nourished in the principles [application] of the faith, i.e., the advantageous body of doctrine which you have been concentrating on in the past with the result that you now possess it [you cannot teach what you do not know].

 

1 Tim. 4:7 Moreover, keep on rejecting profane [reversionistic] and elderly women’s fables [teachings that lack substance]. Also, keep on exercising yourself [self-discipline during Bible studies] for the purpose of godliness [supergrace spiritual life].

 

1 Tim. 4:8 For example, physical exercise is beneficial for a short time [during our brief life on earth], but godliness [spiritual growth leading to supergrace] is beneficial for all time [throughout eternity], holding a promise of [supergrace quality] life for the present and for that [eternal life] which will come [with its rewards and decorations].

 

1 Tim. 4:9 “Faithful is the Word [Paul’s favorite hymn] and worthy of unqualified acceptance [honor, respect].”

 

1 Tim. 4:10 Because of this [promise of a beneficial life today and in the future], we [primarily pastors, secondarily every believer] labor to the point of exhaustion [studying and teaching] and we keep on contending [fighting], because we have absolute confidence in the God Who is living [occupation with Christ as our motivation], Who keeps on being the Preserver of all manner of men [without prejudice for race, color, creed, sex, location, etc.], especially [particularly] the faithful ones [there is no such things as equality in God’s program].

 

1 Tim. 4:11 Be authoritative [not wimpy] and keep on teaching these [doctrines].

 

1 Tim. 4:12 Stop allowing anyone to look down on you because of youth, but keep on becoming a pattern [example] to believers: in the Word with appropriate behavior [grace-oriented way of life], inside the love complex by means of doctrine [in the soul], in purity [supergrace status].

 

1 Tim. 4:13 Until I return, concentrate on: exegesis [analysis and communication of every sentence], exhortation [practical application of Biblical truths to life], doctrinal teaching [categorical systematic theology].

 

1 Tim. 4:14 Stop neglecting the spiritual gift [of pastor-teacher] in you, which was given to you [Timothy] through a prophecy [special endowment of the Holy Spirit or doctrines learned from Paul] associated with the laying on of hands [for identification purposes only] by a council of overseers [recognition by at least two pastors in the region].

 

1 Tim. 4:15 Keep on cultivating these things [study & teach]. Keep on being occupied [constant application of the mind] in them [exegesis, exhortation, doctrinal teaching], in order that your progress [growth to spiritual maturity] might be apparent to all [the members of your congregation].

 

1 Tim. 4:16 Keep on paying close attention to yourself [your own spiritual growth] and to doctrine [for your congregation’s growth]. Persevere in these things [stick to them], for by doing this [studying and teaching], you will both deliver [from demon influence, apostasy and reversionism] yourself [your 1st priority is yourself, not your ministry] and those who hear you [your ministry].

 

1 Tim. 5:1 Do not reprimand [rebuke] an older man, but appeal to him [treat with respect] as a father, younger men [your contemporaries] as brothers,

 

1 Tim. 5:2 Older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity of mind [showing honor and integrity to all members of the royal family of God].

 

1 Tim. 5:3 Honor widows who are genuinely widows [bereft of husband and truly alone in the world].

 

1 Tim. 5:4 But if a certain widow has children or grandchildren [she’s not therefore a welfare case], let them learn above all to show respect to their own family and to provide [repayment] monetary support for their immediate ancestors [parents and grandparents], for this [family support] is pleasing in the sight of God.

 

1 Tim. 5:5 On the one hand, she who is genuinely a widow and is desolate [completely alone in the world], has confidence in God [maximum faith rest] and persists in prayers for herself [petitions] and in prayers for others [intercessory] night and day [a supergrace widow with inner happiness and occupation with Christ],

 

1 Tim. 5:6 But on the other hand, she [another type of widow] who lives by constantly indulging in unnecessary luxury is dead spiritually [reversionism], although she lives physically [alive to sin and dead to Christ].

 

1 Tim. 5:7 Also be commanding these things [you have the authority, now use it], so that they [deacons and family members] might be irreproachable.

 

1 Tim. 5:8 Moreover, if anybody of a certain category of individuals [reversionists] does not provide for himself [shiftless & irresponsible] and especially for the members of his family, he has repudiated [discarded] doctrine and is more depraved than an unbeliever.

 

1 Tim. 5:9 A widow is not to be enrolled on a charity list [church register] who [list of qualifications]: (1) has become [is still] less than sixty years of age, (2) a wife of one husband [faithful to her husband],

 

1 Tim. 5:10 (3) Well certified [considered a mature believer] by honorable accomplishments [supergrace production, such as the following examples]: (a) if she has reared [trained, educated] children well [assuming she had some], (b) if she has shown hospitality to strangers, (c) if she has washed the feet of the saints [grace orientation from the doctrine in her soul], (d) if she has assisted those who are afflicted, (e) if she has devoted herself to every type of intrinsically good production [continued residency and function in the sphere of God’s power].

 

1 Tim. 5:11 Moreover, you may make it a practice to reject [from the charity list] the younger widows [under sixty years of age], because whenever they are governed by strong physical desire [libido] which separates them from Christ [their emotions distract them from doctrine], they keep on desiring to marry [constantly looking for a man disrupts their discernment],

 

1 Tim. 5:12 With the result that they constantly receive divine discipline [due to their carnality], because they have cast off their previous doctrine [it is no longer their first priority in life].

 

1 Tim. 5:13 Moreover, at the same time, they also learn to be [by associating with male reversionists] useless [spiritually unproductive], constantly wandering about with no direction in life [sailing around in circles] from house to house [learning all manner of nonsense], and not only useless, but gossips and busybodies [violating the privacy of others], speaking things [private matters, rumours] which should not ever be mentioned [failure to keep their mouths shut].

 

1 Tim. 5:14 Therefore [after mature consideration of the facts], I urge the younger ones [widows under sixty years of age] to marry, have children, be the manager of the home, giving no opportunity [base of operations] to the one [Satan] who opposes [young widows] for an abuse of grace [distracts them from the spiritual life through reversionism],

 

1 Tim. 5:15 For certain ones [reversionistic widows] have already swerved away [drifted off course from doctrine] after Satan.

 

1 Tim. 5:16 If any believer [female] has widows [in her family], let her give them financial assistance, then the local assembly may not be burdened [depleted], so that it may give financial assistance to those who are genuine widows [totally helpless and dependent upon the church].

 

1 Tim. 5:17 Those overseers [pastor-guardians] who have governed well in the past and are continuing to govern honorably [by studying and teaching] should be considered worthy of double honor [liberal respect and remuneration], particularly those who labor to the point of exhaustion in the Word [studying doctrine] and teaching.      

 

1 Tim. 5:18 For the scripture says [in Deut. 25:4 & Luke 10:7]: “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing the grain.” Also, “the worker is worthy of his wages.”

 

1 Tim. 5:19 Do not accept an accusation against an overseer [pastor-guardian], if not upon the basis of two or three witnesses [protection from malicious intent].  

 

1 Tim. 5:20 Be reprimanding [exposing & disciplining] in the presence of everyone [all members of the local church] those who continue to sin in this manner [gossiping, maligning, and making false accusations], in order that the rest [other members of the congregation] may also have respect [for the privacy of those who teach and those who are trying to learn].

 

1 Tim. 5:21 I solemnly charge in the presence of God [the Father as Judge] and Christ Jesus [as our Defense Attorney], also the elect angels [witnesses at the appeal trial of Satan], that you guard [observe] these [principles of doctrine] without prejudice [objectivity in all leadership matters], doing absolutely nothing with a spirit of favoritism [partiality].   

 

1 Tim. 5:22 Do not administer discipline [inflict] on anyone [in the congregation] too hastily [too overbearing], nor participate in sins [meddle in other people’s affairs] belonging to another [too lenient, allowing believers to continually cross the line]. Keep yourself innocent [maintain a pure, objective, balanced mental attitude].

 

1 Tim. 5:23 Stop drinking water [exclusively], but instead make it a habit to take advantage of [drink] a small amount of wine for the benefit of your central nervous system [Timothy lacked guts] and your frequent timidities [lack of inner strength exhibited on many occasions]. 

 

1 Tim. 5:24 The sins of certain men [guardian-pastors] are obvious [openly manifest to all], leading to discipline [judgment from God], but also [on the other hand] some [hidden sins] will come after [continue to occur in spite of private discipline].    

 

1 Tim. 5:25 In the same manner, also, their noble production [divine good] is obvious [openly manifest to all], however, that which is looked upon otherwise [nobody thinks much of what they observe] is not able to be concealed [from God: He knows the thought and intents of the heart].

 

1 Tim. 6:1 As many [Christians] as are slaves under the yoke of [unbeliever] masters must continually consider it a duty [whether they feel like it or not] to regard their own [masters] worthy of all honor [whether they deserve it or not], in order that the essence of God [His reputation] and the teaching [Bible doctrine] may not be maligned.

 

1 Tim. 6:2 On the other hand, those [Christian slaves] who have believers as masters, let them [the Christian slaves] not despise them [their Christian masters], because they [their Christian masters] are brothers [fellow members of the royal family], but rather serve them as slaves to an even greater degree [Christian slaveowners are owed even more respect than non-Christian slaveowners], because they [Christian masters] are believers and are beloved [by God], who are recipients of the same benefits [supergrace spiritual blessings]. Keep on teaching and exhorting [teaching how to apply] these things [Biblical doctrines on the master-slave relationship].  

 

1 Tim. 6:3 If anyone continues to teach another of a different kind of doctrine [something diametrically opposed to the master/slave relationship just covered] and does not concur with sound doctrines [related to the previous teaching of subordination to masters], those from our Lord Jesus Christ, especially that teaching pertaining to godliness [leading to spiritual maturity],

 

1 Tim. 6:4 He has received blind arrogance, understanding nothing [spiritual blindness], as well as continually exercising a morbid obsession about controversies and verbal conflicts, from which originate [progress into] jealousy [self-inflicted misery], contentiousness [creates discord against legitimate authority], malignings [real or invented], evil speculations [wicked conjecture],

 

1 Tim. 6:5 Incessant quarrelings [mutual irritations], men who have become distorted [corrupted] in their minds, even becoming devoid [blackout of the soul] of the Truth [Bible doctrine], constantly presuming [in a severe case of reversionism] financial prosperity to be godliness [money is not proof of a supergrace spiritual life].      

 

1 Tim. 6:6 But godliness [supergrace life] with contentment [capacity for life] keeps on being great prosperity [spiritual blessing],

 

1 Tim. 6:7 For we have brought nothing into this world [material], so it is obvious that we are not able to carry out anything [the only thing that leaves with you is the contents of your soul],

 

1 Tim. 6:8 So having food and clothing, we shall be content with these things [the possession of things does not dictate your happiness].

 

1 Tim. 6:9 But they [slaveowners and other entrepreneurs] who desire to accumulate wealth [apart from a spiritual life], fall into temptation [the lure], then a trap [the snare], then into many foolish and harmful lusts [cravings] which drown those men in ruin [monetary reversionism] and wasteful destruction [sin unto death], 

 

1 Tim. 6:10 For the love of money keeps on being a root of many categories of evil, which certain ones [slaveowners] by intensely desiring it, have swerved from doctrine [the Faith] and have impaled themselves with many types of consuming grief [eight stages of reversionism and their resultant divine discipline].

 

1 Tim. 6:11 But you, oh man of God [addressed to a Christian slave], keep on fleeing from these things [reversionism], and instead keep pursuing with vigor: righteousness [supergrace status], godliness [a life of spiritual maturity], doctrine [raw material for the spiritual life], virtue love [personal and impersonal], steadfast endurance [a relaxed mental attitude coupled with self-discipline], genuine humility [in addition to your enforced humility].

 

1 Tim. 6:12 Keep on struggling in that noble fight for doctrine [exercising self-discipline while utilizing the grace apparatus for perception]. Seize and hold on to eternal life [both qualitative and temporal], into which [qualitative eternal life in the here-and-now] you have been called [your purpose in life] and have confessed the good confession [declared your understanding of your purpose in life] in the presence of many observers [fellow believers: both masters and slaves].      

 

1 Tim. 6:13 I charge you [Paul issued a sharp, military-like order to the slave through Timothy] in the presence of the God [the Father] Who preserves alive all things [logistical grace support], and in the presence of Christ Jesus, Who deposed [testified] an honorable deposition before Pontius Pilate,

 

1 Tim. 6:14 To observe [keep] this mandate [to hold onto eternal life], unsullied [not grieving the Spirit], irreproachable [not quenching the Spirit], until the appearance [at the rapture] of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

 

1 Tim. 6:15 Which [rapture of the Church] He will bring to pass in His own times [dispensations: dividing the Church Age from the Tribulation]: “The happy and sovereign One, the King over those who exercise kingship [signifying His battlefield royalty] and the Lord over those who exercise lordship [signifying His strategic victory over Satan],

 

1 Tim. 6:16 The unique One [hypostatic union forever], possessing immortality [not subject to death in His resurrection body], dwelling in unapproachable light [transcendence], Whom not one of mankind sees nor is able to see [His deity is invisible], to Whom be honor and ruling power forever. Acknowledge it.” 

 

1 Tim. 6:17 With reference to the rich ones [slaveowners] in this present dispensation, keep on charging them [teach with authority] to stop being arrogant [stemming from pride], nor to have confidence in uncertainty of wealth [God can take it away at any time], but rather upon God Who furnishes us [supergrace believers] all things abundantly for enjoyment, 

 

1 Tim. 6:18 To be engaged in good production [both priesthood and ambassadorship functions], to be rich in honorable deeds [divine good], to be generous, sharing what is one’s own [with friends and family],

 

1 Tim. 6:19 Accummulating for themselves an honorable reserve [spiritual treasure] for that which is to come [escrow blessings], in order that they may take hold of that [supergrace] true life.

 

1 Tim. 6:20 Oh Timothy, guard your deposit [Bible doctrine in the banking system of your soul], always avoiding [in your daily instruction] empty discourses [excessive topical studies] and oppositions [excessive study of the cults] from falsely categorized knowledge [highly questionable or heretical concepts],

 

1 Tim. 6:21 Which [falsely categorized knowledge] certain ones [reversionistic pastors], while proclaiming the gospel [an otherwise honorable and hopefully accurate presentation], have swerved away from doctrine [no longer teaching the truth]. Grace be with you [all].

Resources

 

1 Timothy, R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell, 2000, Crossway Books

 

The Pastoral Epistles, C.K. Barrett, 1963, Oxford at the Clarendon Press

 

The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus, John R.W. Stott, 1996, Inter-Varsity Press

 

The Pastoral Epistles, Donald Guthrie, Tyndale NT Commentaries, 1994, Inter-Varsity Press

 

1 Timothy: The Pulpit Commentary, A.C. Hervey, T. Croskery, R. Finlayson, W.M. Statham, 1962, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

 

1 Timothy, Kenneth Wuest, 1994, Eerdmans Publishing House

 

1 Timothy: Word Studies in the NT, Marvin Vincent, 1946, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

 

1 Timothy: The Expositor’s Greek Testament, W. Robertson Nicoll, 2002, Hendrickson Publishing House

 

1 Timothy: New Testament Commentary, William Hendriksen, 1957, Baker Book House

 

1 Timothy: The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Frank E. Gaebelein, 1978, Zondervan Publishing House

 

The Pastoral Epistles, George W. Knight, III, 2000, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

 

1 Timothy: Word Meanings in the NT, Ralph Earle, 1994, Baker Books

 

1 Timothy, A.E. Knoch, 1968, Concordant Publishing Concern

 

1 Timothy: Word Pictures in the NT, A.T. Robertson, 1931, Baker Books

 

I & II Timothy, Max Anders & Knute Larson, 2000, Holman Reference

 

1 Timothy, A.M. Stibbs, 1975, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

 

First Timothy, W. J. Lowstuter, 1957, Doubleday-Galilee Books

 

1 Timothy, Alan G. Nute, 1979, Zondervan Publishing

 

1 Timothy, Matthew Henry, 2001, Hendrickson Publishers

 

1 Timothy, A. Duane Litfin, 1983, Chariot Victor Publishing

 

1 Timothy: The Expositors Greek NT, Newport J. D. White, 2002, Hendrickson Publishers

 

1 Timothy, Jamieson, Fausset, Brown, 2002, Hendrickson Publishers

 

1 Timothy, J. Vernon McGee, 1988, Thomas Nelson Publishers

 

1 Timothy, John Calvin, 2003, Baker Books

 

Class notes on 1 Timothy, Dennis Wretlind, Western Theological Seminary

 

1 Timothy (tapes), Reversionism, The Divine Outline of History: Dispensations and the Church, Robert B. Thieme, Jr., Berachah Church, Houston, TX

 

1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Gordon D. Fee, 2005, Hendrickson Publishers

 

The Pastoral Epistles, Martin Dibelius, 1972, Fortress Press

 

First Timothy, D. Edmond Hiebert, 1957, Moody Press

 

The Pastoral Epistles, Homer A. Kent, Jr., 1986, Moody Press

 

1st Timothy: The Communicator’s Commentary, Gary W. Demarest, 1984, Word Books

 

Timothy, Titus & Philemon, Harry A. Ironside, 1976, Loizeaux Brothers

 

Interpretation of Paul’s Epistle to 1 Timothy, R.C.H. Lenski, 1946, Augsburg Publishing House

 

Commentary on the Pastoral Epistle, Patrick Fairbairn, 1956, Zondervan Publishing House

 

The Progress of Dogma, James Orr, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

 

Dispensationalism, Charles C. Ryrie, 1965, Moody Press

 

Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, II, XI

 

The Millennial Kingdom, John F. Walvoord, 1959, Dunham Publishing Co.

 

The Theocratic Kingdom, George N. H. Peters, 1952, Kregel Publications

 

Paul’s Idea of Community, Robert Banks, 1994, Hendrickson Publishers

 

The Pleasures of God, John Piper, 2000, Multnomah Publishers

 

The Reign of the Servant Kings, Joseph C. Dillow, 1992, Schoettle Publishing Co.

 

Pattern For Maturity: Conduct and Crisis in the Christian Life, J. Dwight Pentecost, 1966, Moody Press

 

The Potter’s Freedom, James R. White, 2000, Calvary Press Publishing

 

Gospel & Law: Contrast or Continuum? Daniel P. Fuller, 1980, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

 

The Sovereignty of Grace, Arthur C. Custance, 1979, Baker Book House

 

Major Bible Themes, L. Chafer, J. Walvoord, 1976, Zondervan Publishing House

 

The Doctrines of Grace, James M. Boice, Philip G. Ryken, 2002, Crossway Books

 

Death and the Afterlife, Robert A. Morey, 1984, Bethany House Publishers

 

Things To Come, J. Dwight Pentecost, 1981, Zondervan Publishing House

 

Women in the Church: A Fresh Analysis of 1 Timothy 2:9-15, Thomas R. Schreiner, H. Scott Baldwin, Adreas J. Kostenberger, 1997, Baker Books

 

Letters to Paul’s Delegates, Luke Timothy Johnson, 1996, Trinity Press International

 

All Always Means All, Right?, The Word “all” is Defined by its Context – Always, John Samson, 2006, www.reformationtheology.com

 

Sermon in 1 Timothy 2:6 – A Ransom, Robert Elliot, www.sermonlinks.com, Reformed Baptist Church, Riverside, CA

 

1 Timothy 2:4, David Cloud Refuted, Alan Kurschner, 2005, www. Calvinistgadfly.com

 

A Defense of Calvinism as the Gospel, David J. Engelsma, 2000, www.prca.org

 

The Five Points of Calvinism: Limited Atonement, Homer C. Hoeksema, 1997, www.prca.org

 

By His Grace and for His Glory, Thomas J. Nettles, 1996, Baker Book House

 

Enchiridion, Volume III, Augustine, 1887, Christian Literature Company

 

The Glory of the Atonement: Definite Atonement in Historical Perspective, Raymond A. Blacketer, 2004, InterVarsity Press

 

The Atonement, Gordon H. Clark, 1987, The Trinity Foundation

 

The Death of Christ, John Owen, Volume 10, 1978, The Banner of Truth Trust

 

Exegetical Fallacies, D.A. Carson, 1984, Baker Book House

 

Basic Bible Interpretation, Roy B. Zuck, 1991, Victor Books

 

Definite Atonement, Gary D. Long, 1977, Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing Co.

 

Gifts of the Spirit, Ronald E. Baxter, 1983, Kregel Publications

 

New Testament Exegesis, Werner Stenger, 1993, William B. Eerdmans Publishing

 

Redemption Accomplished and Applied, John Murray, 1980, Eerdmans Publishing House

 

God Centered Evangelism, R.B. Kuiper, 1961, Banner of Truth Trust

 

Toward An Exegetical Theology, Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., 1996, Baker Books

 

The Prophet Speaks: Robert Lewis Dabney, 2006, The Vision Forum, Inc.

 

The Holy Spirit, Eric S. Fife, 1978, Zondervan Publishing

 

Why I Am Not An Arminian, Robert A. Peterson, Michael D. Williams, 2004, InterVarsity Press

 

The Benefits of Providence, James S. Spiegel, 2005, Crossway Books

 

1st Timothy, George Barlow, Funk & Wagnalls

 

The First Epistle to Timothy, T.A. Gurney, 1907, The Religious Tract Society

 

The Biblical Illustrator: 1st Timothy, Joseph S. Exell, 1953, Baker Book House

 

The Broadman Bible Commentary, 1 Timothy, E. Glenn Hinson, 1971, Broadman Press

 

The Interpreter’s Bible, 1 Timothy, Fred Gealy, 1955, Abingdon Press

 

The Pastoral Epistles, I. Howard Marshall, International Criticial Commentary, 2003, T&T Clark

 

The Exposition of Timothy, William Kelly, 1948, C.A. Hammond

 

Caring For Widows, John MacArthur, 1991, Moody Press

 

Gleanings from the Scriptures: Man’s Total Depravity, A.W. Pink, 1981, Moody Press

 

Women in the Earliest Churches, Ben Witherington III, 1988, Cambridge University Press

 

The Ministry of Women in the Early Church, Roger Gryson, 1980, The Liturgical Press

 

Widows, B. Thurston, 1989, Fortress Press

 

Widows and Widowhood: A Creative Approach to Being Alone, James A. Peterson & Michael L. Briley, 1977, Association Press

 

Roman Wives, Roman Widows: The Appearance of New Women and the Pauline Communities, Bruce W. Winter, 2003, Eerdmans Publishing

 

Slavery in Early Christianity, J.A. Glancy, 2002, Oxford Press

 

The Household of God: The Social World of the Pastoral Epistles, David Verner, 1983, Society of Biblical Literature Dissertation

 

Slaves in the New Testament: Literary, Social, and Moral Dimensions, J. Albert Harrill, 2006, Fortress Press

 

Haustafeln and American Slavery: A Hermeneutical Challenge, Wayne A. Meeks, 1996, Abingdon Press

 

The Biblical Argument for Slavery: Can the Bible Mislead? A Case Study in Hermeneutics, Kevin Giles, 1994, Evangelical Quarterly

 

Bible View of Slavery: Fast Day Sermons, M.J. Raphall

 

The Civil War as a Theological Crisis, Mark A. Noll, 2006, University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill

 

The Civil War and Christian Life in North America, Philip Schaff, 1866, Wiegandt & Grieben

 

The Ideology of Slavery, Drew Gilpin Faust, I. Thomas Roderick Dew, Thorton Stringfellow, George Fitzhugh, 1981, Louisiana State University Press

 

Proslavery and Sectional Thought in the Early South, 1740-1829, Jeffrey Robert Young, Thomas Bacon, Richard Furman, 2006, University of South Carolina Press

 

George Whitefield’s Journals, William V. Davis

 

The Holy Spirit, Eric S. Fife, 1978, Zondervan Publishing House

 

Proslavery: A History of the Defense of Slavery in America, 1701-1840, Larry E. Tise, 1987, University of Georgia Press

 

America's God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln, Mark A. Noll, 2002, Oxford University Press

 

Battle for the Bible: The Impasse Over Slavery: While Abolitionists Appealed to the Spirit of the Bible, Proslavery Scholars Could Cite Chapter and Verse, Mark Noll, 2006, The Christian Century

 

The Bible Argument on Slavery, Charles Hodge, 1860, microfiche: Cotton is King, E.N. Elliott, Pritchard, Abbott & Loomis

 

Defending Slavery: Proslavery Thought in the Old South, Paul Finkelman, Introduction; Slavery and the Bible, James D.B. De Bow;  2003, Bedford/St. Martins Press

 

Slaveholding Not Sinful: Slavery, the Punishment of Man’s Sin, Its Remedy, the Gospel of Christ, Samuel Blanchard How, 1971, Books for Libraries Press

 

Religion and the American Civil War: The Bible and Slavery, Mark Noll, 1998, Oxford University Press

 

When In The Course of Human Events: Arguing the Case for Southern Secession, Charles Adams, 2000, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

 

A Documentary History of Religion in America to 1877, Edwin S. Gaustad & Mark A. Noll, 2003, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company