1 Timothy 1:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

NIV: The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

NASB: and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

CSB: and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

NLT: Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

KJV: And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

NKJV: And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

Paul's testimony, given in prior verses, included gross sins against God. Even though he was sincere, Paul at one time was sincerely wrong and opposed to God (1 Timothy 1:12–13). The cure for this was the mercy of God. Salvation is by God's grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). All three of these elements are mentioned here: God's grace, the Lord Jesus, and Paul's faith. In fact, Paul refers to this grace "overflowing" for him. For all of the sins Paul had committed, the grace given him by God was more than enough to bring salvation.

Paul also mentioned "faith and love" in Christ as vital to his salvation. This pairing is mentioned again in 1 Timothy 2:15, as well as 2 Timothy 1:13. Paul also noted "faith and love" together in 1 Thessalonians 3:6 and 5:8. Faith and love come from Jesus; something we are to live out as His followers (1 Thessalonians 5:8). The word order "Christ Jesus" instead of "Jesus Christ" is a particular emphasis in Paul's writings. This emphasizes the title "Christ," meaning Messiah, or "Anointed One."

First Timothy 1:12–17 offers a glimpse into Paul's own personal background. In the prior passage, Paul explained how the Law is meant to convict people of their sin. He gave a list of immoral actions which parallel the Ten Commandments. Here, however, Paul proves his spiritual humility. He recognizes that his own sins were severe and that he can only credit the grace of God for saving him. Paul's change of life wasn't due to his own efforts, but was the result of Christ's miraculous work.

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.

Accessed 5/7/2024 11:56:44 AM