1 Timothy 1:3
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,
Original Language Analysis
παρεκάλεσά
I besought
G3870
παρεκάλεσά
I besought
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
2 of 14
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
προσμεῖναι
to abide still
G4357
προσμεῖναι
to abide still
Strong's:
G4357
Word #:
4 of 14
to stay further, i.e., remain in a place, with a person; figuratively, to adhere to, persevere in
πορευόμενος
when I went
G4198
πορευόμενος
when I went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
7 of 14
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
παραγγείλῃς
thou mightest charge
G3853
παραγγείλῃς
thou mightest charge
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
11 of 14
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
Cross References
1 Timothy 6:3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;2 John 1:7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.1 Timothy 4:11These things command and teach.1 Timothy 4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
Historical Context
Ephesus was a major center of pagan religion (temple of Artemis/Diana), Greek philosophy, and Jewish diaspora. The church Paul planted faced constant pressure from syncretistic teaching mixing Christianity with Judaism, Greek speculation, and pagan mysticism. Timothy's youth and perhaps timid nature (2 Timothy 1:7-8) made confronting influential false teachers difficult—hence Paul's letter reinforcing his authority.
Questions for Reflection
- What gives church leaders authority to 'command' people not to teach false doctrine?
- How can we distinguish between minor disagreements and 'different doctrine' requiring confrontation?
- Why did Paul need to write this letter—what authority does written apostolic instruction provide?
Analysis & Commentary
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus (Καθὼς παρεκάλεσά σε προσμεῖναι ἐν Ἐφέσῳ, Kathōs parekalesa se prosmeinai en Ephesō)—'just as I urged you to remain in Ephesus.' Parakaleō means to urge, exhort, encourage. Prosmenō means to stay, remain, continue. Timothy's assignment was Ephesus, the major city of Asia Minor where Paul had ministered three years (Acts 19-20).
When I went into Macedonia (πορευόμενος εἰς Μακεδονίαν, poreuomenos eis Makedonian)—Paul had departed for Macedonia, leaving Timothy in charge. That thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine (ἵνα παραγγείλῃς τισὶν μὴ ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν, hina parangeilēs tisin mē heterodidaskalein)—'so that you may command certain people not to teach different doctrine.' Parangellō is military language: command, charge. Heterodidaskaleo means to teach a different or strange doctrine.
Paul's letter provides apostolic authority for Timothy's mission: confront false teachers in Ephesus. The verb tenses suggest ongoing action—some were already teaching false doctrine, and Timothy must command them to stop. This isn't gentle suggestion but authoritative prohibition.