From the New International Version:
Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to the faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Commentary
So Paul now reveals to Timothy why he is telling him these things. These instructions are to help him fulfill what was predicted about him by prophets in the church and to help him in his fight to maintain the truth in the Ephesian church with a clear conscience. The task of safeguarding the gospel from the false teachers would be difficult and Paul wanted to be sure Timothy did not become discouraged. Paul knew that this could happen because he had seen it happen before with two of their mutual friends. With God's approval, Paul handed them over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. They could spend their lives outside the protection of the church until they were willing to repent.
Questions
- Paul said that there were once prophecies made about Timothy's future and that his instruction was in keeping with these prophecies. What do you think this means?
- How have the expectations of others shaped the way you are today?
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