1 Timothy 1 (Nasb)

Correcting false teaching (v. 1-11)

1. true child (young new believer)

3. Macedonia (north of Greece) remain on at Ephesus (Turkey)

4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies (a religion focuses on this), which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.

6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion (words vs. action),

8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, (Was this a joke?:)

10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching

Regarding verse 10:

California Bans Gay Conversion Therapy for Minors http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/10/01/california-bans-gay-conversion-therapy-for-minors/

Paul's testimony (v. 12-20)

13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. (Acts 9 is about Saul who became Paul.) Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;

14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

He’s humble here.

16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

These are the words of a famous hymn. Mercy is mentioned 2 times, so it’s important.

18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son (young new believer)

“Following his shipwreck, after a 3-month wait on Malta, he arrived in Rome in AD 60 (Acts 27, 28)” Marilyn Hickey’s Bible Encounter

Paul is being metaphorical here referencing a literal event.

This is important to Paul, because he repeats it two other times:

1 Timothy 6:12 -Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2 Timothy 4:7 -I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;

20 Among these are Hymenaeus (a false teacher, see also 2 Timothy 2: 17) and Alexander Nave’s Topical Bible (www.biblemaster.com):

• Son of Simon who bore the cross of Jesus Mark 15:21

• A relative of the high priest, present at the defense of Peter and John Acts 4:6

• A Jew of Ephesus Acts 19:33

• A copper-smith 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14

Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Man-defender.

• A relative of Annas the high priest, present when Peter and John were examined before the Sanhedrim (Acts 4:6); A man whose father, Simon the Cyrenian, bore the cross of Christ (Mark 15:21).

• A Jew of Ephesus who took a prominent part in the uproar raised there by the preaching of Paul (Acts 19:33). The Jews put him forward to plead their cause before the mob. It was probably intended that he should show that he and the other Jews had no sympathy with Paul any more than the Ephesians had. It is possible that this man was the same as the following.

• A coppersmith who, with Hymenaeus and others, promulgated certain heresies regarding the resurrection (1 Timothy 1:19; 2Tim. 4:14), and made shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience. Paul excommunicated him (1 Timothy 1:20; Compare 1 Corinthians 5:5).

whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme. This is very strong language.