1 Timothy 1:7

7 They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence.

1 Timothy 1:7 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 1:7

Desiring to be teachers of the law
They were very fond of being called Rabbi, Rabbi, and styled doctors of the law, and of being thought to have skill in interpreting the law, and good talents in expounding it, and preaching upon it; which was now most in vogue, and gained the greatest applause, when the preaching of the Gospel was treated with contempt, not only by the unbelieving Jews, but by judaizing Christians, and carnal professors.

Understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm:
they did not understand the law, the nature and end, the purity and spirituality, and perfection of it, which they were so fond of teaching, and went into many foolish and unlearned questions about it; see ( 2 Timothy 2:23 ) ( Titus 3:9 ) , and which they as foolishly answered: these are the ignorant and unlearned men, who, notwithstanding their vain show of learning, and pretence to skill in interpreting the law, wrested the Scriptures to their own destruction, and that of others; they were ignorant of the things they talked of, and knew not by what arguments to confirm them, and yet were very bold and confident in their assertions: and generally speaking so it is, that those who can prove least assert most, and that with the greatest assurance.

1 Timothy 1:7 In-Context

5 The whole point of what we're urging is simply love - love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God.

6 Those who fail to keep to this point soon wander off into cul-de-sacs of gossip.

7 They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence.

8 It's true that moral guidance and counsel need to be given, but the way you say it and to whom you say it are as important as what you say.

9 It's obvious, isn't it, that the law code isn't primarily for people who live responsibly, but for the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life,