1 Timothy 1:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

NIV: that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

NASB: according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

CSB: that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.

NLT: that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.

KJV: According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

NKJV: according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.

This verse clearly defines Paul's stance on what constitutes correct teaching. The "sound doctrine" mentioned in verse 10 is that which agrees with the gospel Paul has been preaching. The word "gospel" simply means "good news." The good news was the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the salvation He made possible through His sacrifice. Paul called it the gospel "of the glory of the blessed God." This "glory" (1 Timothy 1:17; 3:16) was associated with the God of the Old Testament Paul referred to throughout this unit, whose glory was predominant in the worship by God's people.

Paul had been "entrusted" with this gospel. He would "entrust" Timothy with it as well (1 Timothy 1:18; 6:20). In his final letter to Timothy, Paul would again mention being entrusted with the gospel (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul had entrusted the good deposit to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:14); Timothy was to take "what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). To entrust the gospel to someone was a serious commitment, one Paul expected Timothy to follow and pass on to others he led in Ephesus.

The Bible gives us reasons to believe that Timothy was successful in living out this commission. When the apostle John penned the book of Revelation thirty years later, Christ's message to the church at Ephesus praised their ability to stand against false teaching (Revelation 2:2–3).

First Timothy 1:3–11 explains the difference between a correct application of the law versus an ''illegal'' use of it. Paul's point is that the law is meant to make us aware of our sin, not to drive us into legalism. The false teachers of Ephesus are bickering over the law and missing the point. This is driven by their desire for prestige, even though they lack knowledge. Paul gives a list of sins parallel to the Ten Commandments showing how the law is meant to convict such people of sin as a means to explain the gospel of Christ.

Paul introduces himself and emphasizes the positive relationship he has with Timothy. The specific mission Timothy has in Ephesus is to oppose false teaching. Some of the Ephesians have rejected the importance of conscience and attempt to teach without having the required knowledge. As a result, they bicker over pointless issues and misuse the law given by God. Paul recognizes his own need for forgiveness and salvation, and encourages Timothy with a reminder that they share a common savior.

The first chapter of 1 Timothy frames the situation Paul is concerned about. In particular, he is worried about the false teachers plaguing the Ephesian church. These men are misusing the law, teaching false doctrines, and rejecting the importance of a clear conscience. Paul points out his own past sins and need for forgiveness, however. By anchoring his arguments in truth and in humility, Paul sets up the importance of the letter's instructions. These are not merely suggestions, they are vital strategies Timothy needs to understand.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.