1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (1 Timothy 1:1-4 KJV)
Greeting
Here is the inscription of the epistle, from whom it is sent: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our Lord. His calling was unquestionable. He had both a commission and a command from God our Savior and Jesus Christ. He was a preacher of the gospel and a minister of Christ’s kingdom. God is our Savior, and Jesus Christ is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1). Jesus Christ is a Christian’s hope; all our hope of eternal life is built upon Him. Christ in us is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Paul calls Timothy his own son because he had been the instrument of his conversion and because Timothy had faithfully served with him in the gospel (Philippians 2:22). Timothy had not failed in the duty of a son to Paul, nor had Paul been lacking in fatherly care and affection toward him.
The benediction is, “Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Timothy 1:2). In letters to the churches, Paul usually says “grace and peace,” but here and in his letters to Timothy and Titus, he adds “mercy,” as if to note that ministers especially need God’s mercy. Ministers need abundant grace to faithfully carry out their duties and mercy to pardon what is amiss in them. If Timothy, such an excellent minister, needed God’s mercy, how much more do we who serve in these later times, who fall short of his faithful spirit!
Paul reminds Timothy of the purpose of his appointment: “I urged you to stay in Ephesus” (1 Timothy 1:3). Timothy had desired to continue with Paul, unwilling to leave his side, but Paul found it necessary for the good of the church that Timothy remain in Ephesus. Though he could have commanded him, Paul chose instead to beseech him out of love. His task was to establish order among both ministers and members: “Charge certain people not to teach any different doctrine.” They were not to add to or alter the gospel but to hold firmly to the truth as it had been delivered.
Ministers must not only preach the true doctrine of the gospel but also be careful not to preach any other. “If we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). Even in the apostles’ time, there were efforts to corrupt the gospel (2 Corinthians 2:17), otherwise such a charge would not have been needed. Timothy was not only to preserve sound teaching in his own ministry but also to command others to do the same, ensuring they neither add human ideas nor take anything away from the gospel. He was also to guard against “fables and endless genealogies” that produce strife and confusion (1 Timothy 1:4).
Among the Jews, some tried to mix Judaism with Christianity, and among the Gentiles, others blended pagan traditions with the gospel. Paul warns Timothy, “Avoid such things, for they promote controversies rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.” Doctrines that stir up useless debates hinder godly edification. Likewise, anything that generates endless disputes instead of strengthening believers in faith and love should be avoided. Matters such as boasting about ministerial succession from the apostles, insisting on the absolute necessity of episcopal ordination, or arguing over the minister’s intention in sacraments, all serve only to confuse and unsettle believers. Such things are no better than Jewish fables and genealogies, for they shake the foundations of faith and fill the mind with unnecessary doubts.
The purpose of all Christian teaching should be godly edification—that believers may grow in faith and holiness, becoming more like God. Godly edification must be built on faith, for faith is the foundation of our relationship with God (Hebrews 11:6). It is by faith that we come to God at first, and by the same faith that we grow in godliness. Ministers should, as much as possible, avoid what leads to fruitless disputes and instead focus on the great and practical truths of Christianity. Even debates about important doctrines can draw the heart away from the true goal of the gospel, which is obedience and godly living.
We must not hold the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18) but keep “the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience” (1 Timothy 3:9). In this way, both ministers and believers will build up the church in love and truth, to the glory of God.