ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 1 Timothy 1

1 Tim. 1:1–2 Greeting. Paul is writing to Timothy, whom he had left to teach the church in Ephesus.

1 Tim. 1:1 Paul’s ministry as an apostle came by command of God. On the basis of God’s authority, he charges Timothy with his task (v. 3) and provides a general charge to Christians (v. 5). On “God our Savior,” see note on 2 Tim. 1:8–10.

1 Tim. 1:2 Paul’s normal greeting in his letters is simply grace . . . and peace. mercy. Paul often introduced things at the beginning of his letters that he would deal with later in the letter (see vv. 13, 16).

1 Tim. 1:3–20 Confronting the False Teaching. Paul charges Timothy to deal with the false teachers (vv. 3–7). Next he briefly corrects their understanding of the law (vv. 8–11). Then he presents himself as an example of the change the gospel creates in a person’s life (vv. 12–17). Finally, he restates his main charge and gives specific examples of false teachers (vv. 18–20).

1 Tim. 1:3–7 Timothy dealt with false teaching in the Ephesus church. Not enough information is given to determine exactly what the false teaching was. Paul’s concern has more to do with the effect of the false teaching. It does not produce the good qualities that belief in the gospel produces.

1 Tim. 1:4 Myths in the NT is a negative term. It describes strange, untrue, and even deceptive beliefs (compare 2 Tim. 4:4; Titus 1:14). Given the reference to the misuse of the law in 1 Tim. 1:7–10, genealogies seems to refer to questionable use of OT accounts of biblical characters or family trees. Stewardship from God refers either to God’s orderly plan of salvation in all human history, or to human responsibility (“stewardship”) in advancing that plan. In either case, the false teaching results in speculations (unprovable theories) rather than the advance of the kingdom by faith in Christ.

1 Tim. 1:5 Proper biblical teaching results in practical good behavior rooted in love. That love must come from internal, Spirit-worked changes. This verse is central for the whole letter.

1 Tim. 1:8 the law is good. The false teachers have misused the law, but the law itself was a gracious gift of God to Israel (see Psalm 119).

1 Tim. 1:9–11 the law is not laid down for the just. People who are “just” do not need the law to restrain them, but those who are lawless and disobedient need such restraint. Paul does not deny that the law has a purpose in teaching Christians how to live, for he has said it is “good” (v. 8) and in vv. 9–10 he mentions several of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1–17). Exactly how the law applies to the NT believer is, however, a matter of some debate. Some say that the Mosaic law has been entirely superseded, and what remains is the “Law of Christ” (see note on 1 Cor. 9:21). Others say there is an ongoing authority of certain aspects of the Mosaic code. Paul elsewhere affirms that Christians are no longer under the Mosaic law (see Rom. 7:6; Gal. 2:16; 3:19–26), and that fits well with what he writes here. As in those passages and also in these verses, one purpose of the law is to expose sin. In addition, though believers are no longer under the Law of Moses, they are, as noted, under the Law of Christ and are governed by the Spirit (Rom. 7:6). All interpreters agree that the Mosaic laws, rightly understood, still give Christians wisdom about righteous living. See notes on 1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 4:10; 6:2.

1 Tim. 1:9 Those who strike their fathers and mothers violate Ex. 20:12. Murderers violate Ex. 20:13.

1 Tim. 1:10 The sexually immoral violate Ex. 20:14. The term includes any sexual conduct outside of heterosexual marriage. men who practice homosexuality. This verse is similar to Lev. 18:22; 20:13. See note on Rom. 1:26–27. enslavers. See esv footnote. Paul considered all kinds of forced enslavement to be sinful and a violation of Ex. 20:15. Liars and perjurers violate Ex. 20:16. Sound doctrine includes the idea of “healthy” or “health giving” (compare 1 Tim. 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3; Titus 1:9). In 2 Timothy it stands in contrast to false doctrine, which spreads poison throughout the body (2 Tim. 2:17).

1 Tim. 1:11 “Sound doctrine” (v. 10) is that which flows out of the gospel.

1 Tim. 1:12 Paul gives thanks because Christ appointed him to be an apostle despite his past sins.

1 Tim. 1:13 Paul received mercy because he acted ignorantly. However, Paul’s ignorance did not excuse his sin. Most likely Paul is contrasting himself with the false teachers: when Paul opposed Christ, he was not a Christian; these men claim to follow Christ and still live in an evil way.

1 Tim. 1:15 Paul often describes certain sayings as trustworthy (compare 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; Titus 3:8). sinners, of whom I am the foremost. Apparently Paul means that his previous persecution of the church made him the leading sinner (see 1 Tim. 1:13; compare 1 Cor. 15:9–10). Another interpretation is that, in light of the Holy Spirit’s powerful conviction and his nearness to God, Paul could not imagine anyone being a “worse” sinner than he was.

1 Tim. 1:18–20 Paul restates his charge (vv. 3, 5) and calls for specific action against the false teachers.

1 Tim. 1:18 prophecies. God had clearly indicated that Timothy was called to ministry (see note on 1 Cor. 12:10). This assurance should strengthen Timothy for the work. See note on 1 Tim. 4:14.

1 Tim. 1:19 This refers to a good conscience. The false teachers are rejecting their consciences. They continue in their sin. made shipwreck of their faith. They have fallen away from the faith they had claimed (see 1 John 2:19).

1 Tim. 1:20 Hymenaeus. A false teacher also mentioned in 2 Tim. 2:17. handed over to Satan. Put out of the church (that is, excommunication). See note on 1 Cor. 5:5. This language highlights the protection against Satan that Christian fellowship provides. may learn not to blaspheme. The false teachers can still repent. They currently misrepresent God through their false teaching, but they can change.