1 Timothy 1 3

1 Timothy 1:3 kjv

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

1 Timothy 1:3 nkjv

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia?remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

1 Timothy 1:3 niv

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer

1 Timothy 1:3 esv

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,

1 Timothy 1:3 nlt

When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth.

1 Timothy 1 verses

1 Timothy 1 3 Meaning

The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to remain in Ephesus, specifically entrusting him with the responsibility to command certain individuals within the church not to propagate false or "different" teachings. This directive established Timothy's authority to confront and correct theological errors threatening the integrity of the Christian faith in Ephesus.

1 Timothy 1 3 Context

First Timothy is one of the Pastoral Epistles written by Paul, likely between his first and second Roman imprisonments (c. AD 62-64). It is addressed to his young protégé, Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus to minister and bring order to the church. The broader context of chapter 1 reveals Paul's deep concern over the proliferation of "different doctrine" (1:3), "myths and endless genealogies" (1:4), and unhelpful disputes. These were likely an early form of syncretism blending Jewish legalism and asceticism with speculative elements, a proto-Gnosticism, which detracted from the core gospel message. Paul emphasizes the purpose of the law (1:8-11) and contrasts it sharply with this errant teaching. Thus, verse 3 is foundational, stating the primary reason for Timothy's continued presence and authority in Ephesus: to combat theological corruption directly and maintain the purity of the apostolic faith.

1 Timothy 1 3 Word analysis

• As I urged you: Greek Kathos parekalesa (καθὼς παρεκάλεσα). Parekalesa implies a strong plea, an earnest request, or an exhortation rather than a simple instruction. Paul is reminding Timothy of the grave importance and specific nature of the task given to him earlier. This suggests a pre-existing understanding or agreement.
• when I was going into Macedonia: Greek poreuomenos eis Makedonian (πορευόμενος εἰς Μακεδονίαν). This phrase pinpoints the specific occasion of Paul's previous departure from Ephesus and the moment he left Timothy there. Macedonia refers to a Roman province north of Greece. This indicates a definite time and place for this original "urging," making the instruction timely and crucial, likely referring to the journey mentioned in Acts 20 or a journey following his first imprisonment.
• remain: Greek prosmeinas (προσμεῖναι). This imperative carries the force of "to continue," "to stay on," "to persevere." It implies that Timothy's mission in Ephesus was not a short visit but a sustained responsibility requiring his enduring presence.
• in Ephesus: Greek en Epheso (ἐν Ἐφέσῳ). Ephesus was a major Roman port city in Asia Minor, known for its temple of Artemis, a significant center for cultic practices and philosophical discourse. It hosted a large and influential early Christian church established and nurtured by Paul for an extended period (Acts 19). The presence of diverse belief systems in such a hub made it particularly susceptible to syncretistic heresies.
• so that you may charge: Greek hina paraggeiles (ἵνα παραγγείλῃς). Hina introduces a purpose clause. Paraggeile means to "give orders," "to command authoritatively," "to instruct." This highlights the serious, official nature of Timothy's role, exercising apostolic authority on Paul's behalf. It is not merely an advisory role.
• certain persons: Greek tisin (τισίν). Paul does not explicitly name the false teachers here, possibly for reasons of prudence, to avoid defamation, or because Timothy knew exactly who they were. This allows the command to be broadly applicable to anyone propagating such errors, rather than focusing on specific individuals (though some are named later, e.g., Hymenaeus and Alexander in 1:20).
• not to teach different doctrine: Greek me heterodidaskalein (μὴ ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν).
  • Me is the negative particle, indicating a prohibition.
  • Heterodidaskalein is a compound verb unique to the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim 1:3, 1 Tim 6:3) meaning "to teach differently" or "to teach something other than what is sound." It directly contrasts with "sound doctrine" (e.g., Tit 2:1). This points to content that deviates from established apostolic teaching, challenging fundamental Christian truth. It suggests not just new doctrine, but divergent doctrine. This "different" doctrine encompassed myths, genealogies, ascetic practices, and legalistic elements that lacked practical piety and led to endless speculations (1:4-7).

1 Timothy 1 3 Bonus section

The phrase "different doctrine" (heterodidaskalein) implies a deviation from the apostolic tradition and the gospel truth preached by Paul. It's not simply new teaching, but teaching that contrasts with or undermines the established sound doctrine. This issue was not theoretical; it was actively causing division and promoting unhealthy spiritual practices among believers. Timothy's authority, though significant, was derived from Paul, serving as an apostolic delegate. This verse implicitly highlights the apostolic succession of responsibility in preserving the true faith. The setting in Ephesus is critical because the church there was significant and exposed to various religious and philosophical influences, making it a crucial battleground for theological purity. The repeated emphasis on combating false doctrine throughout the Pastoral Epistles signifies that it was a pressing issue for the early church that leaders were instructed to address head-on, not ignore.

1 Timothy 1 3 Commentary

1 Timothy 1:3 underscores Paul's paramount concern for doctrinal purity in the early church. Paul's earnest plea for Timothy to remain in Ephesus signifies the persistent nature of false teaching and the need for continuous vigilance. The explicit command to "charge certain persons not to teach different doctrine" reveals that heresy was not a peripheral issue but a direct threat requiring decisive, authoritative action. The "different doctrine" (heterodidaskalein) refers to teachings that distorted the true gospel, possibly by incorporating Jewish legalism, speculative myths, or ascetic practices. This verse establishes that pastoral responsibility includes not only teaching truth but actively confronting and correcting error. This proactive stance guards the faith for the congregation and upholds the integrity of Christ's message, ensuring believers are not led astray. Practically, this calls believers to discern truth, and leaders to confront error lovingly yet firmly. For example, understanding what the Bible truly teaches on salvation (faith vs. works) is vital to identify contrary teachings that promote self-righteousness. Another example is understanding the character of Christ vs. philosophical ideas that diminish His divinity or humanity.