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. Ver. 1. _Count their own masters_] And not under a pretence of Christian liberty, and because in Christ Jesus there is neither bond nor free, seek to s... [ Continue Reading ]
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. Ver. 2. _Partakers of the benefit_] _i.e._ Of Christ who is here called the ben... [ Continue Reading ]
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, _even_ the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; Ver. 3. _If any man teach otherwise_] ετεροδιδασκαλει, discover himself heterodox out of affectation of singularity, &c., as divers do in t... [ Continue Reading ]
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Ver. 4. _He is proud_] Gr. τετυφωται, he is blown up, big swollen. Swelling is a dangerous symptom in the body; but much more in the soul. Pride and self-conceit is... [ Continue Reading ]
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. Ver. 5. _Perverse disputings_] ταραδιατριβαι, endless and needless discourses and exercises, opposite to those above, 1 Timothy 4:13,15. The Greek word signifieth g... [ Continue Reading ]
But godliness with contentment is great gain. Ver. 6. _But godliness with contentment_] True piety hath true plenty, and is never without a well contenting sufficiency, a full self-sufficiency. The wicked in the fulness of his sufficiency is in straits, Job 20:22. Contrariwise the godly in the fuln... [ Continue Reading ]
For we brought nothing into _this_ world, _and it is_ certain we can carry nothing out. Ver. 7. _We can carry nothing out_] But a winding sheet, as Saladin's shirt, which he commanded to be hung up at his burial, a bare priest going before the bier, and proclaiming, Saladin the mighty monarch of th... [ Continue Reading ]
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. Ver. 8. _And having food and raiment_] Houses are not named: for that then they were to stand ready to run from place to place, and to leave house and all behind them. Food and raiment, τροφην ου τρυφην, σκεπασματα ου κοσμηματα, as Isidore he... [ Continue Reading ]
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and _into_ many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. Ver. 9. _But they that will be rich_] That are resolved to have it, howsoever- _rem, rem, quocunque modo rem._ _a_ "He that hasteth to be rich shall... [ Continue Reading ]
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Ver. 10. _For the love of money_] Phocylides saith the same, ηη φιλοχρημοσυνη μητηρ κακοτητος απασης. Covetousness is the mother of all mi... [ Continue Reading ]
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Ver. 11. _But thou, O man of God_] If Timothy were that angel of the Church of Ephesus, Revelation 2:1, that left his first love (as some think he was), this counsel was but needfu... [ Continue Reading ]
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. Ver. 12. _Fight the good fight_] Not only follow after the former graces, but fight for them, rather than fail of them. _ Lay hold on eternal life_]... [ Continue Reading ]
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and _before_ Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; Ver. 13. _Who before Pontius Pilate_] Not dissembling the truth, though jeered by Pilate, who scornfully asked him, "What is truth?" _q.d._ Do you sta... [ Continue Reading ]
That thou keep _this_ commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Ver. 14. _Without spot_] Of foul sins, Deuteronomy 32:5 . _ Unrebukeable_] So as no just exception can be laid against thee for allowance of lesser evils. _ Until the appearing_] επιφανειαν... [ Continue Reading ]
Which in his times he shall shew, _who is_ the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Ver. 15. _Which in his times he shall show_] Let no man therefore ask, Where is the promise of his coming? Though he be slow, yet he is sure; and his time is the best time: wait,James 5:... [ Continue Reading ]
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom _be_ honour and power everlasting. Amen. Ver. 16. _Dwelling in the light_] So that the seraphims in their addresses to him, clap their wings on their faces, Isaiah 6:2, as me... [ Continue Reading ]
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; Ver. 17. _That they be not highminded_] The devil will easily blow up his blab, if we watch not. Should the ant think herself some gr... [ Continue Reading ]
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Ver. 18. _That they do good_] Not the richer the harder; as the sun moveth slowest when it is at the highest in the zodiac, or as the moon when it is fullest of light gets farthest off from the sun. _... [ Continue Reading ]
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Ver. 19. _Laying up in store_] As wise merchants, happy usurers, parting with that which they cannot keep, that they may gain that which they cannot lose. _ On eternal life_] Or, a... [ Continue Reading ]
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane _and_ vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Ver. 20. _That which is, &c._] viz. The treasure of true doctrine, esteeming every particle of it precious, as the filings of gold.... [ Continue Reading ]
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace _be_ with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana. >> Ver. 21. _Which some professing_] Gr. Promising, as the Gnostics and other heretics.... [ Continue Reading ]