14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Remind them of these things. The expression (tauta) these things, is highly emphatic. It means that the summary of the gospel which he gave, and the exhortations which he added to it, are of so great importance, that a good minister ought never to be weary of exhibiting them; for they are things that deserve to be continually handled, and that cannot be too frequently repeated. "They are things" (he says) "which I wish you not only to teach once, but to take great pains to impress on the hearts of men by frequent repetition." A good teacher ought to look at nothing else than edification, and to give his whole attention to that alone. [1] On the contrary, he enjoins him not only to abstain from useless questions, but likewise to forbid others to follow them. [2] Solemnly charging them before the Lord, not to dispute about words. Logomachein means to engage earnestly in contentious disputes, which are commonly produced by a foolish desire of being ingenious. Solemn charging before the Lord is intended to strike terror; [3] and from this severity we learn how dangerous to the Church is that knowledge which leads to debates, that is, which disregards piety, and tends to ostentation; of this nature is the whole of that speculative theology, as it is called, that is found among the Papists. For no use, On two grounds, logomachia, or "disputing about words," is condemned by him. It is of no advantage, and it is exceedingly hurtful, by disturbing weak minds. Although in the version I have followed Erasmus, because it did not disagree with Paul's meaning, yet I wish to inform my readers that Paul's words may be explained in this manner, "That which is useful for nothing." The Greek words are, eis ouden chresimon, and I read chresimon in the accusative case, and not in the nominative. The style will thus flow more agreeably; as if he had said, "Of what use is it, when no good comes from it, but much evil? for the faith of many is subverted." Let us remark, first, that, when a manner of teaching does no good, for that single reason it is justly disapproved; for God does not wish to indulge our curiosity, but to instruct us in a useful manner. Away with all speculations, therefore, which produce no edification! But the second is much worse, when questions are raised, which are not only unprofitable, but tend to the subversion of the hearers I wish that this were attended to by those who are always armed for fighting with the tongue, and who, in every question are looking for grounds of quarreling, and who go so far as to lay snares around every word or syllable. But they are carried in a wrong direction by ambition, and sometimes by an almost fatal disease; which I have experienced in some. What the Apostle says about subverting is shown, every day, by actual observation, to be perfectly true; for it is natural, amidst disputes, to lose sight of the truth; and Satan avails himself of quarrels as a presence for disturbing weak persons, and overthrowing their faith.
1 - "When any person comes to the sermon, let it not be to hear something that tickles the ears, or that gives pleasure; but let it be to make progress in the fear of God, and in humility, and to excite to prayer, and to confirm him in patience. If we have heard an exhortation today, and if tomorrow it is repeated to us, let us not think that this is superfluous, let us not be annoyed at it; for every person who carefully examines this subject will find it to be highly necessary for him to be reminded of the lesson which he had learned, that he may practice it well. If, therefore, God refreshes our memory with it, he has conferred on us a great favor. That is what we have to remark on this passage, when Paul says, Remind them of these things.' For undoubtedly he intended to prevent what we frequently meet with, when it is said, We have heard this before. Is not that a very common remark? Where is the little child that does not know it?" Such things are said by those who would wish to be fed with useless questions. But here the Holy Spirit desires that what is useful should be brought forward every day, because we have not sufficiently understood it, and because it must be put in practice." -- Fr. Ser.
2 - "Mais de defendre aussi aux autres qu'ils ne s'y amusent point." -- "But likewise to forbid others to entertain themselves with them."
3 - "Est pour donner crainte a ceux qui voudroyent faire autrement." -- "Is intended to strike terror into those who would wish to act differently."
Of these things put them in remembrance - These great principles in regard to the kingdom of Christ. They would be as useful to others as they were for Timothy, to whom they were specially addressed.
Charging them before the Lord - In the presence of the Lord, implying that it was a very important matter; see the notes at 1-Timothy 1:18.
That they strive not about words to no profit; - see the notes at 1-Timothy 1:6; 1-Timothy 6:4.
But to the subverting of the hearers - Turning them away from the simplicity of faith. It is rare, indeed, that a religious controversy does not produce this effect, and this is commonly the case, where, as often happens, the matter in dispute is of little importance.
That they strive not about words - Words, not things, have been a most fruitful source of contention in the Christian world; and among religious people, the principal cause of animosity has arisen from the different manner of apprehending the same term, while, in essence, both meant the same thing. All preachers and divines should be very careful, both in speaking and writing, to explain the terms they use, and never employ them in any sense but that in which they have explained them.
The subverting of the hearers - This is the general tendency of all polemical divinity and controversial preaching, when angry passions are called in to support the doctrines of the Gospel.
Of these things put [them] in remembrance, (d) charging [them] before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, [but] to the subverting of the hearers.
(d) Call God to witness, or as a Judge: as Moses, Joshua, Samuel, and Paul himself did, in Acts 13.
Of these things put them in remembrance,.... Meaning either his hearers, or those to whom he was to commit the things he had heard of the apostle, and who must expect to suffer afflictions, and endure hardships, for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; wherefore to remind them of the above sayings might be of use and comfort to them. This clause is wanting in the Arabic version.
Charging them before the Lord; the omniscient God, as in his sight, as they will answer it to him another day; see 1-Timothy 5:21,
that they strive not about words; it became them to strive and contend for the form of sound words, for the wholesome words or doctrines of our Lord Jesus, but not about mere words, and especially such as were
to no profit; to no advantage to truth, nor to themselves nor others; were not to edification, to spiritual edification, to godly edifying, which is in faith:
but to the subverting of the hearers; the confounding of their minds, misleading their judgments, and overthrowing their faith; and therefore were not only unprofitable, but hurtful and pernicious, and by all means to be avoided.
Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Titus 2:14. The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church whom God approves, will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his use.
them--those over whom thou dost preside (Titus 3:1).
charging--Greek, "testifying continually": "adjuring them."
before the Lord-- (1-Timothy 5:21).
that they strive not about words--rather, "strive with words": "not to have a (mere) war of words" (2-Timothy 2:23-24; 1-Timothy 6:4) where the most vital matters are at stake (2-Timothy 2:17-18; Acts 18:15). The oldest manuscripts put a stop at "charging them before the Lord" (which clause is thus connected with "put them in remembrance") and read the imperative, "Strive not thou in words," &c.
to no profit--not qualifying "words"; but Greek neuter, in apposition with "strive in words," "(a thing tending) to no profit," literally, "profitable for nothing"; the opposite of "meet for the master's use" (2-Timothy 2:21).
to the subverting--sure to subvert (overturn) the hearers: the opposite of "edifying" (building up) (2-Corinthians 13:10).
Put them in remembrance. Those to whom you minister.
Charging . . . that they strive not about words. We see proofs in both letters to Timothy that the idle speculations which did the church such damage a little later had already begun.
Study to show thyself. To this end the utmost diligence must be used.
Approved unto God. Such a preacher that his work will please the Heavenly Father.
A workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Whose life and work are such as to honor Christ and the gospel. This requires a pure life as well as judicious work.
Rightly dividing the word of truth. The Revision reads, "Handling aright." The Greek word means, literally, "cutting straight." The thought, probably, is to present the truth clearly, truthfully, without blunders, and with an exactness which cannot be gainsaid.
But shun. Preach the truth. Shun foolish speculations.
Profane. Unholy.
And their word. The profane and vain babblings.
Eat as doth a canker. Eat deeper and deeper, like a gangrene.
Of whom is HymenĂ&brvbr;us. See 1-Timothy 1:20.
Who concerning the truth have erred. Their speculation is stated. They preached, as some do in our own times, that the resurrection which Christ teaches is only a moral resurrection, a resurrection of the soul to a better life. This error was taught also in Corinth (1-Corinthians 15:12), and found some currency in the second century.
Nevertheless. Notwithstanding the faith of some is overthrown (2-Timothy 2:18), God's firm foundation stands. It stands unshaken. His promises are sure.
Having this seal. On seals were often inscriptions, and the thought here is of the inscription. Upon this seal are two inscriptions. The first cheers with the assurance that the Lord knows his own, and will not forget them; the second shows who are his. The Lord knows his people, and his people obey him. Thus they may know that they are known of God.
Remind them - Who are under thy charge. O how many unnecessary things are thus unprofitably, nay hurtfully, contended for.
*More commentary available at chapter level.