1 Timothy 5:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For some have already strayed after Satan.

NIV: Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

NASB: for some have already turned away to follow Satan.

CSB: For some have already turned away to follow Satan.

NLT: For I am afraid that some of them have already gone astray and now follow Satan.

KJV: For some are already turned aside after Satan.

NKJV: For some have already turned aside after Satan.

This verse is short, but actually consists of three main parts. First, it refers to a group of people noted by the vague term "some." A few, but not all, of those in the Ephesian church had already fallen to Satan's temptations. It is unclear whether Paul had specific people in mind, but the immediate context is the dangers of enrolling younger women as church-supported widows. Prior verses explained the dangers of this error, and it seems likely Paul is referring to instances where those problems had already become a reality.

Second, this small group of people has "already strayed." The imagery is of someone leaving a safe path and moving into dangerous or forbidden territory. These individuals had walked off of the "path" of sound doctrine and godly living, as presented by Paul, and instead had listened to false teachings and were living for self.

Third, these people had strayed "after Satan." They were not merely living for personal gain, but were actively following the plans of the Devil. This does not necessarily mean participating in blatant, wanton sin or depravity. The Devil's schemes can involve simply distracting us, or luring us into seemingly innocuous mistakes. Even Jesus faced Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:1–11) and His followers must expect the same. Believers are to be prepared for spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12), yet also know "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet…" (Romans 16:20).

First Timothy 5:3–16 gives Paul's instructions regarding priority in the care of widows. Since church resources are finite, it is important to focus attention on those who are most needy. In this case, Paul refers to such women as ''true widows.'' Those who are younger or more capable should not be given an excuse for laziness or gossip. And, family members have the first and foremost responsibility for caring for each other. The guidelines given here focus attention on the most vulnerable women and avoid enabling immodest behaviors.

First Timothy chapter 5 focuses on Timothy's supervision of those within the church. This includes a respectful attitude towards both men and women, young and old. A large portion of the chapter deals with how to care for widows. The theme of Paul's instruction is prioritizing those who are truly in need, and not enabling those who are merely lazy. Timothy is also instructed on how to screen out baseless accusations against an elder, and how to properly discipline them if they are found in sin. With that in mind, Timothy is also warned not to be reckless in who he appoints as an elder.

Prior passages explained the burden placed on Timothy and other church leaders. In this chapter, the emphasis is on how Timothy is to treat others in the congregation. A large portion of this refers to prioritizing charity for widows. This passage will more or less complete Paul's specific instructions to Timothy in this letter. The next (final) chapter will build on all of these themes with a command for Timothy to make the most of his spiritual service.

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.