Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
1 Timothy Ch.1 / 6 Ch.s
1TI:1
** The design of the epistle appears to be, that Timothy having
been left at Ephesus, St. Paul wrote to instruct him in the
choice of proper officers in the church, as well as in the
exercise of a regular ministry. Also, to caution against the
influence of false teachers, who by subtle distinctions and
endless disputes, corrupted the purity and simplicity of the
gospel. He presses upon him constant regard to the greatest
diligence, faithfulness, and zeal. These subjects occupy the
first four chapters; the fifth chapter instructs respecting
particular classes; in the latter part, controversies and
disputes are condemned, the love of money blamed, and the rich
exhorted to good works.
* The apostle salutes Timothy. (1-4) The design of the law as
given by Moses. (5-11) Of his own conversion and call to the
apostleship. (12-17) The obligation to maintain faith and a good
conscience. (18-20)
#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.
#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.
#12-17 The apostle knew that he would justly have perished, if
the Lord had been extreme to mark what was amiss; and also if
his grace and mercy had not been abundant to him when dead in
sin, working faith and love to Christ in his heart. This is a
faithful saying; these are true and faithful words, which may be
depended on, That the Son of God came into the world, willingly
and purposely to save sinners. No man, with Paul's example
before him, can question the love and power of Christ to save
him, if he really desires to trust in him as the Son of God, who
once died on the cross, and now reigns upon the throne of glory,
to save all that come to God through him. Let us then admire and
praise the grace of God our Saviour; and ascribe to the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons in the unity of the Godhead,
the glory of all done in, by, and for us.
#18-20 The ministry is a warfare against sin and Satan; carried
on under the Lord Jesus, who is the Captain of our salvation.
The good hopes others have had of us, should stir us up to duty.
And let us be upright in our conduct in all things. The design
of the highest censures in the primitive church, was, to prevent
further sin, and to reclaim the sinner. May all who are tempted
to put away a good conscience, and to abuse the gospel, remember
that this is the way to make shipwreck of faith also.