1 Timothy 1
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1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ according to the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ our hope; 2to Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine, 4and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith— 5but the goal of this command is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith; 6from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned away to vain talking; 7desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm. 8But we know that the law is good, if a person uses it lawfully, 9as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine; 11according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; 13although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 18This instruction I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which were given to you before, that by them you may wage the good warfare; 19holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith; 20of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
World English Bible (public domain)
“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.”
1 Timothy 1:15
Summary
In 1 Timothy chapter 1, Paul opens his letter with a personal greeting to Timothy, highlighting his position as an apostle by the command of God. He urges Timothy to remain in Ephesus to prevent false teachers from promoting myths and endless genealogies that provoke speculation rather than advance God's plan, which is rooted in faith. Paul emphasizes that the aim of their charge is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. He warns against those who have deviated from these core truths, leading others astray with vain discussions. Paul offers a personal testimony of his former life as a blasphemer and persecutor, expressing his gratitude for the mercy and grace he received from Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom he considers himself the foremost. This highlights God's unlimited patience and mercy, offering hope and encouragement to others. Paul encourages Timothy to cling to faith and a good conscience, warning him of individuals who have shipwrecked their faith through negligence. The chapter ends with Paul spelling out his responsibilities to Timothy, entrusting him with the charge to wage the good warfare of faith, holding firm to truth. This charge comes with the awareness that some have rejected their faith, such as Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom Paul has handed over to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. The chapter underscores the importance of sound doctrine, love, and perseverance amidst challenges.
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