Category: Timothy

Servants and Masters

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1Timothy 6:1-2 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 

‘Servants’ [Greek: douloi] slaves or workers. Christian servants were to treat masters with honour and respect and to bring no reproach upon the cause of Christ. All workers must be treated fairly and kindly.

‘Believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit.’ Christian masters were not to despise their servants for they were brethren and the owners’ equal in Christ (6:2; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). Slavery is not sanctioned among Christians and everyone must treat others with kindness and respect. The same rules count for us in a working relationship, we need to obey the Word of God in treating others as we want them to treat us (Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:7,8).

From Psalm 15 we have twelve characteristics of the righteous: They walk uprightly – without blame. They work righteousness. They speak the truth inwardly. They are free from backbiting (Ps. 15:3). They do no evil to neighbours. They receive no reproach from neighbours. They hold vile people condemned (Ps. 15:4). They honour them that fear the Lord. They keep their word even to their own hurt. They take no advantage of one in need to increase riches (Ps. 15:5). They refuse bribes. They protect the innocent.

In Matthew 18:23-35 we have a parable that illustrates the necessity of forgiveness and godly treatment of fellow Christians in the kingdom of heaven or realm of the profession in this age.

1John 3:13 warns that the world will hate us and we can not expect better treatment from the world than Abel received from Cain (1John 3:11-12) and in 1Peter 3:14 we have the warning that we will suffer for righteousness’ sake – all sufferings for doing right will work to our good (Rom. 8:28), providing we take the right attitude (Matt. 5:10; Luke 6:22-23).

Before God Part 2

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1Timothy 5:21-25 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise, also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

‘That thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.’ Six commands to Timothy (continues): Drink no longer water only or altogether, but mix a little wine with it for your stomach’s sake to strengthen your body (5:23). Greeks often mixed water with wine, about one part wine and two to three parts water. It was held that constantly drinking water injured the stomach. Timothy’s father was a Greek (Acts 16:1) and he had been used to wine, but because of Christianity, he had continued to abstain from it. Paul here permits him to use a little wine [non-alcoholic] mixed with water for his health. The advice was dietetic. We need not suppose, however, that Paul’s use of the word wine means that Timothy partook of anything intoxicating.

It must be understood that the Bible refers to two kinds of wine – the fermented or intoxicating kind, called strong drink (Pro. 20:1; Isa. 5:11, 22; 24:9; 28:7; 29:9), and the unfermented or non-intoxicating kind like grape juice. Even juice in the cluster was called wine in those days. In Isaiah 65:8 we read, “the new wine is found in the cluster,” and we can be sure this would not be the kind to make anyone drunk (Gal. 5:19-21; 1Cor. 6:9-11).

The water situation may have had something to do with this advice to Timothy also. In Asia Minor, the water came mainly from cisterns which became stagnant at certain seasons.

‘Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.’ The sins and good works of some are manifest now because they are openly done, and the sins and good works of others are done in secret and will not be made manifest until the judgment (5:24-25). Consequences for all sin will however be meted out in this life already, and no one should ever think that anyone ‘gets away’ with sin – read Psalms 37 and 73 in this regard.

Before God Part 1

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1Timothy 5:21-25 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. 

‘Charge’ [Greek: diamarturomai] to call solemnly to witness. Translated as “charge” (5:21; 2Tim. 2:14; 4:1); “witness” (Acts 20:23); and as “testify” (Luke 16:28; Acts 2:40; 8:25; 10:42; 18:5; 20:21, 24; 23:11; 28:23; 1Thess. 4:6; Heb. 2:6).

‘Before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Timothy charged before: God – one person of the Trinity; Jesus Christ – another separate and distinct person of the Trinity; and the elect angels – the ones who remained true when over one-third of God’s angels rebelled together with Lucifer (Rev. 12:4, 7-12; Isa. 14:12-14). The word “elect” proves some angels are chosen and others are not, the reason being that some rebelled and others did not.

‘That thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.’ Six commands to Timothy: Observe these things without partiality (5:21). Observe them without doing anything by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man. Do not hastily ordain any man to the ministry. Let each one be tested and proved faithful before the laying on of hands (4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; Heb. 6:1-2). Do not partake of the sins of others or be responsible for their haste in ordaining unqualified men to the ministry (5:22). Keep yourself pure (5:22). The Greek word hagnos, here indicates purity from the fault of ordaining unfit men to the ministry (5:24). Congregations in all ages has suffered from this practice. Translated pure (5:22; Php. 4:8; Jas. 3:17; 1Jn. 3:3); clear (2Cor. 7:11); and chaste (2Cor. 11:2; Tit. 2:5; 1Pet. 3:2).

To be continued…

The Labourer

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1Timothy 5:17-20 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture said, Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 

‘Elders’ are anyone that has served God truthfully for many years and has been exemplary in their daily walk (testimony) without any unrighteousness (1Timothy 3; Titus 3; 1John 3).

‘Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.’ Ruling elders, especially preaching and teaching elders are to receive double honour or wages (5:17-18; 1Cor. 9:6-14; Gal. 6:6; Heb. 7:1-10).

‘Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn.’ Quoted from Deuteronomy 25:4 and 2Corinthians 9:9.

‘The labourer is worthy of his reward.’ Quoted from Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7. No one must work for free or expect others to do so. You will bring a curse over your finances when you ‘take’ from others with the intent not to reimburse them. That can even be other’s time that you waste. Remember the golden rule from Matthew 7:12: “whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.”

‘Accusation’ [Greek: kategoria] bring a charge against; accuse (Luke 6:7; John 18:29; Tit. 1:6).

‘Before two or three witnesses.’ This states the law of interpreting Scripture. Every doctrine must be proved by at least two or three scriptures to be accepted as truth and binding upon Christians (Deut. 17:6: 19:15; Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1).

‘Rebuke’ [Greek: elengcho] test; trial; examine; to convince, convict, refute, expose, to bring to shame the person reproved. It is found 17 times and translated as “convince” (John 8:46; 1Cor. 14:24; Tit. 1:9; Jas. 2:9); “convict” (John 8:9); “tell one’s fault” (Matt. 18:15); “reprove” (Luke 3:19; John 3:20; 16:8; Eph. 5:11, 13; 2Tim. 4:2); “rebuke” (5:20; Tit. 1:13; 2:15; Heb. 12:5; Jude 1:15; Rev. 3:19).

Idle

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1Timothy 5:13-16 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman that believes have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. 

‘Idle’ [Greek: argos] doing nothing; lazy. Translated “idle” (5:13; Matt. 12:36; 20:3, 20:6); “slow” (Tit. 1:12); and “barren” (2Pet. 1:8). We are commanded in 1Thessalonians 4:11 to study to be quiet, and to do our own business, and to work with our own hands.

‘Wandering about’ [Greek: perierchomai] to go about aimlessly as a vagrant. Translated “wander about” (5:13; Heb. 11:37); “vagabond” (Acts 19:13); and “fetch a compass” (Acts 28:13). Any form of idle communications or gossip is condemned in God’s Word as we see in 1Corinthians 15:33: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” and in Matthew 12:36: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Most people ‘get together’ in what is called socializing today where there is non-stop idle communication and gossiping – discussing others. Remember the truths of 1Peter 3:10-11 “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.”

‘Tattlers’ [Greek: phluaros] silly talker; a fool; prater.

‘Busybodies’ [Greek: periergos] Translated as “busy-body” (5:13) and “curious arts” (Acts 19:19). Most people confuse caring for meddling and prying which is actually interfering in other people’s lives thinking they have the right to discuss their issues with whoever will listen or force their opinions on them disguised as so-called advice.

‘Marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.’ Four commands for young women: To marry (5:14; Heb. 13:4; 1Cor. 7:1-40). To bear children (5:14; Gen. 1:28). To guide the house (5:14). To give no ground to satan (5:14-15).

‘For some are already turned aside after satan.’ Seven steps in the fall of some women: Becoming insolent to Christ (5:11). Breaking Christian vows through unfavourable remarriage. Casting off first faith (5:12). Learning to be idle (5:13). Becoming tattlers. Becoming busybodies. Ending as followers of satan (5:15).

‘If any man or woman that believe have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.’ Christians who have widows must support them and not depend upon their congregations to care for them.

Well Reported Of Part 2

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1Timothy 5:9-12 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

‘Damnation’ – Condemnation [Greek: krima] a judgment; sentence. Translated “damnation” when meaning loss of soul (5:12; Matt. 23:14; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47; Rom. 3:12); “condemnation” (3:6; Jas. 3:1; Jude 1:4). It is used for men condemning Christ to death (Luke 23:40; 24:20); of God’s “vengeance” on rebels (Rev. 18:20); of “judgment” where the loss of the soul is meant (Matt. 7:2; John 9:39; Acts 24:25; Rom. 2:2-3; 5:16; 11:33; Gal. 5:10; Heb. 6:2; 1Pet. 4:17; 2Pet. 2:3; Rev. 17:1); of “power of judgment” to the saints (Rev. 20:4); of “going to law” (1Cor. 6:7); of “condemnation” of saints (1Cor. 11:34); of human and divine “damnation” (Rom. 13:2); and of men “damning” themselves (1Cor. 11:29).

It is not sinful to marry, but any marriage causing one to break their vows to God is to be avoided. Marriage is honourable to all (Heb. 13:4). Paul advises remarriage here, as a measure against the evils of 1Timothy 5:11-15.

‘Cast off’ [Greek: atheteo] Translated “cast off” (5:12); “reject” (Mark 6:26; 7:9; Luke 7:30; John 12:48); “despise” (Luke 10:16; 1Thess. 4:8; Heb. 10:28; Jude 1:8); “bring to nothing” (1Cor. 1:19); “disannul” (Gal. 3:15); and “frustrate” (Gal. 2:21). If one does this to his faith will faith save his soul despite his not having it?

Well Reported Of Part 1

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1Timothy 5:9-12 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 

‘Taken into the number under threescore years old.’ Enrolled on the list for relief. These were perhaps deaconesses on the retired list as widows serving in the congregations in various ways for their support.

‘Well reported of for good works.’ From 1Timothy 3 and Titus 3, we have the exact qualifications of what these ‘good works’ refer to and it must always be the standard for all Christians. We can never defer away from them because they were set up by God.

‘Having been the wife of one man.’ Not a polygamist, but having been legally married to one man.

‘Washed the saints’ feet’ – An act of kindness the pious women often showed sandal-wearing visitors and travellers (John 13:1-38).

‘Widows refuse’ – This indicates more than just relief for widows. It implies that those supported by their congregations were to carry out certain duties (perhaps as deaconesses), and were to be old enough to be beyond the temptations of marriage, which would cause the breaking of their vows.

‘Wax wanton’ [Greek: katastreniao] to behave insolently toward. Such is possible even to the point of damnation if they cast off their first faith (5:11-15) and become insolent against Christ.

Denied the Faith

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1Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

‘Provide’ [Greek: pronoeo] to observe, plan, or provide beforehand (Rom. 12:17; 2Cor. 8:21).

‘Infidel’ [Greek: apistos] Translated as “infidel” (5:8; 2Cor. 6:15); “unbelieving” (1Cor. 7:14-15; Tit. 1:15; Rev. 21:8); “unbeliever” (Luke 12:46; 1Cor. 6:6; 14:23; 2Cor. 6:14); “faithless” (Matt. 17:17; Mark 9:19; Luke 9:41; John 20:27); “incredible” (Acts 26:8); and “believe not” (1Cor. 7:12, 13; 10:27; 14:22, 24; 2Cor. 4:4). If one does not use every lawful means to provide for his own he is worse than an infidel.

Genesis 3:19 foretells the hard labour which man would endure under the conditions of the curse. The very elements would be adverse, making him suffer for his sin. Hard labour would break him down physically, finally resulting in his death (Eccl. 3:20; 12:7; Ps. 103:14; 1Cor. 15:21-28).

Deserts, barrenness, weeds, poisons, germs and every other form of the curse were to add to man’s punishment until he would finally return to the cursed ground himself. The earth was affected so that weather conditions would become a problem (Isa. 30:26; 35:1-8; Rev. 7:16).

Until the final restoration of all things, man’s whole existence was to be one of constant hardships, sufferings, and trials (Gen. 31:42; 35:16; Ps. 90:10; 107:12; Eccl. 1:8; 2:18; 4:8; Matt. 11:28; Jas. 5:4). In the New Earth, there will be no more curse. Everything will be as it was before Lucifer’s rebellion in the pre-Adamite world, and before man’s rebellion in the Adamite world (Acts 3:21; Rev. 22:3). Christ’s purpose in the millennial reign will be to rid the earth of all rebellion and curse so that man can carry out his original assignment of helping God administer the affairs of the universe (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 20-22).

Honour

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1Timothy 5:3-7 Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 

‘Honour’ [Greek: timao] respect; revere; reward; support. Translated honour (5:3; Matt. 15:4-8; 19:19; Mark 7:6, 10; 10:19; Luke 18:20; John 5:23; 8:49; 12:26; Acts 28:10; Eph. 6:2; 1Pet. 2:17) and value (Matt. 27:9).

‘Nephews’ [Greek: ekgonos] children; descendants. This shows that a widow indeed was one who had no relatives or friends to support her. Let the children or descendants of any who need support manifest their religion at home by caring for those they are responsible for, and thus repay their parents for bringing them up.

‘Widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,’ Fourteen qualifications of a “Widow Indeed”: No children or descendants (5:4). Desolate and in need (5:5). Trusting in God. Living in daily prayer. No pleasure seeker (5:6). Blameless in life and conduct (5:7). At least 60 years old (5:9). Not often married or divorced. Her reputation is one of good works (5:10). She has brought up children. Been hospitable. Served the saints. Relieved suffering. Followed every good work.

‘Pleasure’ [Greek: spatalao] to live riotously, wantonly and in pleasure (5:6; Jas. 5:5).

‘Dead while she lives’ – This proves that death in Scripture does not mean the extinction of being, but separation. This kind of death is separation from God because of sin.

‘Charge’ [Greek: parangello] Translated “charge” (5:7; 1:3; 6:13, 17; Luke 5:14; 8:56; Acts 16:23; 23:22); “declare” (1Cor. 11:17); and “command” (Matt. 10:5; Mark 6:8; 8:6; Luke 8:29; 9:21; Acts 1:4; 4:18; 5:28, 40; 10:42; 15:5; 16:18; 17:30; 23:30; 1Cor. 7:10; 1Thess. 4:11; 2Thess. 3:4, 6, 10, 12; 1Tim. 4:11).

With All Purity

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1Timothy 5:1-2 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 

‘Elder’ [Greek: presbuteros] Here it means an elderly person – one advanced in years. If an elderly person makes a mistake he should be entreated as a father with great respect. The Greek for rebuke is epiplesso, to strike at; rebuke or reprove sharply; to reproach harshly. Do not do this to an elderly person.

Commands for twelve classes: Elderly men (5:1). Young men. Elderly women (5:2). Young women. Elderly widows (5:3-10, 16). Young widows (5:11-15). Officers or elders (5:17-19). Anyone who sins (5:20). Servants (6:1). Masters (6:2). Teachers (6:3-5). Rich men (6:9-10, 17-19).

‘All purity’ – the condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes, etc. White garments in the Word of God, are a figurative exhortation to perpetual purity of character and conduct (Rev. 7:13; 19:14). The whiteness of snow is used for purity in Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 1:18; Lamentation 4:7; Daniel 7:9; Matthew 28:3 and Revelation 1:14.