3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer
3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,
3 On my way to the province of Macedonia, I advised you to stay in Ephesus. Well, I haven't changed my mind. Stay right there on top of things so that the teaching stays on track.
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
3 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth.
15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
15 I'm sure you know by now that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, even Phygelus and Hermogenes.
15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
15 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me-even Phygelus and Hermogenes.
(Read 2 Timothy 1:15-18)
The apostle mentions the constancy of Onesiphorus; he oft refreshed him with his letters, and counsels, and comforts, and was not ashamed of him. A good man will seek to do good. The day of death and judgment is an awful day. And if we would have mercy then, we must seek for it now of the Lord. The best we can ask, for ourselves or our friends, is, that the Lord will grant that we and they may find mercy of the Lord, when called to pass out of time into eternity, and to appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
17 they accumulate as poison in the soul. Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples,
17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
(Read 2 Timothy 2:14-21)
Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Titus 2:14. The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church whom God approves, will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his use.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:3
Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:1-4
(Read 1 Timothy 1:1-4)
Jesus Christ is a Christian's hope; all our hopes of eternal life are built upon him; and Christ is in us the hope of glory. The apostle seems to have been the means of Timothy's conversion; who served with him in his ministry, as a dutiful son with a loving father. That which raises questions, is not for edifying; that which gives occasion for doubtful disputes, pulls down the church rather than builds it up. Godliness of heart and life can only be kept up and increased, by the exercise of faith in the truths and promises of God, through Jesus Christ.