18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:18-20 KJV)
Thomas Haweis
Verses 18-20: The apostle repeats his charge to Timothy mentioned 1Ti 1:3-5. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, and marked thee out as appointed of God for signal service, that, remembering these things, thou mightest be quickened to correspond therewith, and by them mightest war a good warfare; as a faithful soldier of Christ, manfully fighting under his banner against sin and error; holding faith, firmly attached to the purity of the gospel doctrines, and maintaining a good conscience, void of offence towards God and man; which some having put away rejected and thrust from them, concerning faith have made shipwreck, and apostatized from the fair profession which they once made; of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander, those notorious heretics, whom I have delivered unto Satan; by my apostolic power assigning them over to that tormentor, to inflict upon them severe chastisement; that they may learn not to blaspheme, and that by their sufferings they may be brought to a conviction of their sins; or, at least, so terrified, as not to dare any longer to persist in their horrid blasphemies. Note, (1.) We are now engaged in a dangerous warfare, and the ministers of Christ especially will meet with the strongest opposition. We have need therefore to hold fast by him who is our strength, that we may stand in the evil day. (2.) None usually turn out so dreadfully, and become such horrid blasphemers, as those who apostatize from the profession of religion which once they made.