1 Timothy 1:3

Timothy’s Task in Ephesus

1:3 As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to spread false teachings,

1 Timothy 1:18

1:18 I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight.


map For location see JP1-D2; JP2-D2; JP3-D2; JP4-D2.

tn This word implies authoritative instruction: “direct, command, give orders” (cf. 1 Tim 4:11; 5:7; 6:13, 17). See BDAG 760 s.v. παραγγέλλω.

tn Grk “to teach other doctrines,” different from apostolic teaching (cf. 1 Tim 6:3).

sn This charge refers to the task Paul described to Timothy in vv. 3-7 above.

sn The prophecies once spoken about you were apparently spoken at Timothy’s ordination (cf. 1 Tim 4:14) and perhaps spoke of what God would do through him. Thus they can encourage him in his work, as the next clause says.

tn Grk “that by them you might fight…” (a reference to the prophecies which can encourage him in his work).