1 Timothy 1:18-20

18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,

19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,

20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

this charge (v.18) — that mentioned in v.3. The same word (commandment = charge) is used in v.5.

commit (v.18) = deposit (a banking term) — in Greek, the tense conveys a personal interest on the part of the subject (Timothy)

son (v.18) = child — used as a term of endearment between adults also

prophecies previously made (v.18) — revelations from God — See 1 Timothy 4:14, where Paul refers to the laying on of hands by the elders of the church in response to these prophecies and which resulted in Timothy’s spiritual gift

concerning you (v.18) — Paul received direct communication from God concerning Timothy

Most commentaries have substituted the word “concerning” for the word “on” here [v.18], but we feel it should be left as it is. Timothy was expected to be true to his charge since many brethren, in their prophecies (the temporary gift of prophecy was still in force during Paul’s early ministry), had sent him forth with sincere hopes, prayers and predictions. They had placed much reliance on him. As it might be expressed in the secular world, “they had much ‘riding’ on him.” Thus the word “on,” (Green, epi — a superimposition) is appropriate. — Stam, pages 51-52.

by them (v.18) — in the power of. Timothy could draw strength from knowing he was chosen by God.

good (v.18) = intrinsically good, admirable  (Greek — kalos)

having (v.19) = retaining possession. This is a new charge, related to but not directly a continuation of v.18

good (v.19) = beneficial in effect (Greek — agathos)

It is essentially with regard to soundness in faith and conscience that Paul charges Timothy. A troubled conscience will at the least deprive one of the power of the Spirit in his ministry. And disregard of the conscience is apt to lead to shipwreck concerning the faith. The importance of keeping the conscience clear before God is evidenced by the fact that Paul, in his epistles, refers to the conscience no less than 26 times and sometimes discusses it at length. — Stam, page 51

some (v.19) — also mentioned in v.3

rejected (v.19) = thrust away —  the tense indicates a willful and violent act — translated elsewhere as “cast off” (Romans 11:1-2)

made shipwreck (v.19) — continuing the nautical idea from “rejected” (cast off) — again, the tense indicates a willful act

the faith (v.19) — not their personal faith, but the revelation given to and taught by Paul

Hymenaeus (v.20) — 2 Timothy 2:17

Alexander (v.20) — 2 Timothy 4:14

I delivered to Satan (v.20) — This phrase is also used in 1 Corinthians 5:5 regarding the man having sex with his mother. So, this isn’t a case of a person losing salvation, but of judgment, perhaps physical. Paul could do this because of his apostolic authority. The tense indicates a past act with continuing results.

learn (v.20) — Wuest says this refers to “instruction and teaching.” Vine says it refers to “chastisement, correction and discipline.”

Wuest’s translation — This charge I am entrusting to you, son Timothy, in accordance with the prophetic intimations concerning you, to the effect that in their sphere you are to wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience, which (latter) certain having thrust from themselves concerning the Faith, have suffered shipwreck, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered over to Satan, in order that they may be taught not to be blaspheming. — Wuest, page 38.

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