I. INTRODUCTORY· (_a_) 1 Timothy 1:1 F. SALUTATION. Paul greets Timothy, his true son in the faith. The character of his communication leads him to write, even to a personal friend, in his official capacity as an apostle by Divine commandment. 1 TIMOTHY 1:1. GOD OUR SAVIOUR. This title is not appl... [ Continue Reading ]
(_b_) 1 Timothy 1:3. REMINDER OF PAUL'S VERBAL CHARGE. 1 Timothy 1:3. The False Teaching, and a Digression on the Law. Some years before, Paul had foretold that error would assail the Church in Asia (Acts 20:29 f.). His fear had now been realised. On his recent visit to Macedonia (Intro. § 5) he had... [ Continue Reading ]
FURTHER DIGRESSION ON GOD'S MERCY. The connexion is not obvious. P. Ewald has suggested that 1 Timothy 1:12 has been displaced and should properly follow 1 Timothy 1:12. It is, however, in keeping with Paul's style that the mention of the Gospel entrusted to him should lead to such an outburst of th... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CHARGE RENEWED. Paul now returns to the charge committed to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:3) from which he has been twice diverted. That charge, once given orally, has failed to achieve its end. He now recommits it to him in writing, reminding him of its consonance with the Divine promptings which pointe... [ Continue Reading ]