Vincent Word Studies - 1 Timothy 1:16 - 1:16

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Vincent Word Studies - 1 Timothy 1:16 - 1:16


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

First (πρώτῳ)

Not the chief sinner, but the representative instance of God's longsuffering applied to a high-handed transgressor. It is explained by pattern.

All longsuffering (τὴν ἅπασαν μακροθυμίαν)

More correctly, “all his longsuffering.” The A.V. misses the possessive force of the article. For longsuffering see on be patient, Jam 5:7. The form ἅπας occurs as an undisputed reading only once in Paul, Eph 6:13, and not there as an adjective. Often in Acts and Luke. This use of the article with the adjective πᾶς or ἅπας is without parallel in Paul.

Pattern (ὑποτύπωσιν)

Or, ensample. Only here and 2Ti 1:13. olxx. oClass. An example of the writer's fondness for high-sounding compounds. Paul uses τύπος.

To them

The A.V. conveys the sense more clearly than Rev. “of them,” which is ambiguous. The genitive has a possessive sense. He would be their ensample, or an ensample for their benefit.

Believe (πιστευ.ειν)

This verb, so frequent in Paul, occurs six times in the pastorals. In two instances, 1Ti 1:11; Tit 1:3, it is passive, in the sense of to be intrusted with. Here in the Pauline sense of believing on Christ. In 1Ti 3:16, passive, of Christ believed on in the world. In 2Ti 1:12, of God the Father, in whom the writer confides to keep the trust committed to him. In Tit 3:8, of belief in God. With ἐπὶ upon and the dative, Rom 9:33; Rom 10:11; 1Pe 2:6 (all citations), and Rom 4:18; Luk 24:25.

Unto life everlasting (εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον)

Better, eternal life. See additional not on 2Th 1:9. The conception of life eternal is not limited to the future life (as von Soden). Godliness has promise of the life which now is, as well as of that which is to come (1Ti 4:8). The promise of eternal life (2Ti 1:1) and the words who brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2Ti 1:10) may fairly be taken to cover the present life.