1 Timothy 1

      8-11. The law is good, if a man use it lawfully. Its object was not, however, to teach fables, and genealogies, and foolish fancies. The men he opposes asserted that the law was good, but made a wrong use of it. 9. The law is not made for a righteous man. Law (there is no article) is not given to justify righteous men, but to restrain, condemn, and punish the wicked. A long catalogue of sins, common in the Gentile world, are given, which were all condemned by the law. 10. Men-stealers. Those who stole men and sold them into slavery. Contrary to sound doctrine. Everything is forbidden which is opposed to the gospel. 11. According to the glorious gospel. The sound doctrine taught in the gospel, which was his trust.

      12-14. Who hath enabled me. Hath given me power to preach this glorious gospel, by counting me faithful, and appointing me to his service. 13. Who was before a blasphemer. Paul never could forget his old life, before he was converted. But I obtained mercy. The reason is that he was honest, sincere in his opposition, being an unbeliever, and acting ignorantly. Had he been a willful sinner, he would never have been chosen. 14. And the grace of our Lord abounded. In the mercy shown to him, for his eyes were opened, he became a believer and was filled with love of Christ.

      15, 16. This is a faithful saying. That Christ came to save sinners. He, a sinner saved, was a proof that the saying was faithful. Of whom I am chief. Because he had sinned so grievously in persecuting Christ. He was a great sinner saved. 16. Howbeit. One cause of his obtaining mercy was that in him Christ might show how long-suffering he is. He forgave, saved and blessed the bitter enemy. A pattern. An example for all believers to follow.

      17. Now unto the King. The remembrance of the great mercy to him causes him to break forth in praise. Compare Romans 16:25-27 Romans 16:1 and 1 Tim. 6:16 . Eternal. King of the ages.

      18-20. This charge I commit unto thee. The charge referred to in 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 1:5 . According to the prophecies. Timothy was selected for the ministry by divine direction. One so chosen was chosen according to prophecy, the ordinary meaning being simply a declaration of the divine will. See notes on /Commentaries/PeoplesNewTestament/pnt.cgi?book=&chapter=000#_" That thou by them mightest war, etc. For this purpose the prophetic will chose him. 19. Holding faith. Essential to every saint, and especially to a minister. Some, however, had swerved from the faith, and made shipwreck. Faith is an "anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast." 20. Of whom is Hymenæus. He is mentioned as a heretical teacher in 2 Tim. 2:17 . Of Alexander nothing is known. Delivered unto Satan. Excommunicated. Compare 1 Cor. 5:5 .