3 It was my desire, when I went on into Macedonia, that you might make a stop at Ephesus, to give orders to certain men not to put forward a different teaching, 4 Or to give attention to stories and long lists of generations, from which come questionings and doubts, in place of God's ordered way of life which is in faith;
5 But the effect of the order is love coming from a clean heart, and a knowledge of what is right, and true faith: 6 From which some have been turned away, giving themselves to foolish talking; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law, though they have no knowledge of what they say or of the statements which they make so certainly.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:3-7
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.
Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:5-11
(Read 1 Timothy 1:5-11)
Whatever tends to weaken love to God, or love to the brethren, tends to defeat the end of the commandment. The design of the gospel is answered, when sinners, through repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ, are brought to exercise Christian love. And as believers were righteous persons in God's appointed way, the law was not against them. But unless we are made righteous by faith in Christ, really repenting and forsaking sin, we are yet under the curse of the law, even according to the gospel of the blessed God, and are unfit to share the holy happiness of heaven.