1 Timothy 1:18

Restating the Charge to Timothy: 1 Timothy 1:18-20

1 Timothy 1:18 “This command. entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you”:

1 Timothy 1:18 “Entrust”: To deposit, entrust, or commit to one's charge. To entrust something to someone for safekeeping or transmission to others (2 Timothy 2:2). “Aware of what the gospel can do for sinners (remember what it did for Paul, and that is an example of others), Timothy is encouraged to stand for it, and to engage in warfare any false teachers who would teach otherwise” (Reese p. 37). The command given to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:3) is. sacred trust,. solemn responsibility.

“Perhaps Paul, the aged, is feeling that it's getting to be time to turn over the leadership of the churches to. younger generation. Just who do you trust to take over. cause for which you have given the best years of your life? Just who do you ask to face all the hardships and perils and dangers you know are connected with the ministry?” (Reese p. 37).

1 Timothy 1:18 “In accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you”: It appears that New Testament prophecies had been spoken concerning Timothy's future. “Prophecies apparently led the way to Timothy's ministry just as in the case of Saul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2)” (Kent p. 95).

1 Timothy 1:18 “That by them you fight the good fight”: The memories of these prophecies from the Lord are to strengthen Timothy in the performance of his duty. Timothy must continue to fight the good fight. “The military figure has reference not to. single battle but to the whole campaign. Paul, that doughty veteran in spiritual conflict, well knew that the Christian life is. continuing warfare…Here the special reference is to Timothy's task of contending with the false teachers” (Hiebert p. 46). “Who is faithful to his commander and to his post; who is unslumbering in observing the motions of the enemy, and fearless in courage in meeting them; who never forsakes his standard, and who continues thus faithful till the period of his enlistment has expired, or till death. Such. soldier the Christian should be” (Barnes Notes). Compare with Ephesians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 9:7; 2 Corinthians 4:4.