• 1 Timothy 1:3
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 3 Καθὼς According as παρεκάλεσά I encouraged σε you προσμεῖναι to remain toward ἐν in ᾿Εφέσῳ, Ephesus, πορευόμενος [I] going on way εἰς into Μακεδονίαν, Macedonia, ἵνα in order that παραγγείλῃς you might charge τισὶν to some (ones) μὴ not ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν to be teaching differently

  • 1 Timothy Study Notes—Chapter 1
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 1:3

      to stay in Ephesus: This verse provides valuable background information on Paul’s first letter to Timothy. When Timothy received the letter, he was serving as an overseer in the congregation in Ephesus. Paul knew that congregation well. (Ac 19:1, 9, 10; 20:31) He encourages Timothy to stay in Ephesus “to command certain ones not to teach different doctrine.” Paul wrote this letter about 61-64 C.E., that is, after he was released from house arrest in Rome but before his final imprisonment there.​—See Introduction to 1 Timothy and Media Gallery, “Paul’s Journeys After c. 61 C.E.”

      not to teach different doctrine: Paul entrusts Timothy with considerable authority within the congregation in Ephesus​—to command certain ones to stop teaching doctrines that differed from the inspired teachings of Jesus and of those whom Jesus appointed. Paul uses a term, here rendered “to command,” that can convey the sense of urgent obligation. This directive provides a glimpse of Paul’s ongoing fight against apostasy. (See study note on 2Th 2:3.) Some years earlier, about 56 C.E., Paul spoke to the elders from Ephesus and warned them about “oppressive wolves” who would rise from among the responsible men and who would “speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Ac 20:29, 30) In other inspired letters, Paul warned Christians not to listen to “another sort of good news.” (Ga 1:6 and study note; 2Co 11:4) Obviously, some of those promoting such false teachings were now present in the Ephesian congregation.