speak the truth in Christ, and pray every where, lifting up lie not,) a teacher of the Gen-holy hands without wrath and tiles in faith and verity. doubting. all. 8 I will therefore that men 9 In like manner also, that 6. Who gave himself a ransom for notes on Rom. i. 1; 1 Cor. ix. 1, 2. Equivalent to the testimony that I speak the truth, &c. An earnest affirmation. See note on Rom. ix. 1. TA teacher of the Gentiles. Paul regarded himself, and with good reason, as specially appointed to be a teacher or "apostle of the Gentiles." He was set apart to this service, at his conversion, Acts xxvi. 17, 18; the injunction was renewed by the same spirit at Jerusalem, Acts xxii. 21; and his fellow-apostles allotted the same labor to him, by direction of the same spirit. Acts xiii. 1-4. See note on Rom. xi. 13. In faith and verity. "That is, in the true faith of the gospel." - Macknight. he "tasted death for every man." Heb. ii. 9. "This, also, is stated as a reason why prayer should be offered for all, and a proof that God desires the salvation of all. The argument is, that, as Christ died for all, it is proper to pray for all, and that the fact that he died for all is a proof that God desired the salvation of all. Whatever proof of his desire for their salvation can be derived from this, in relation to any of the race, is proof in relation to all.". Barnes. In regard to the character of the ransom, and the atonement or reconciliation which it was designed to effect, see notes on 1 Cor. vi. 20; 2 Cor. v. 13-20. To be testified in due time. Or, a testimony, as in the margin. "Who voluntarily, John x. 18, gave himself a ransom, not for the Jews only, but for all. Of which doctrine, the publication and proof is now made in its proper season; so that, since Christ gave himself for all, it is certainly the will of God that we should pray for all. The proper season for publishing and proving that Christ gave himself a ransom for all, was doubtless after he had actually died for that purpose."- Macknight. 7. Whereunto. Unto which. Unto the bearing of this testimony among the Gentiles, that they may know the truth, and enter into the present enjoyment of salvation. Ch. iv. 10. TI am ordained. "I was appointed." Conybeare. The Greek word érény has not the technical signification which is now generally attached to the word ordain. It occurs nearly a hundred times, in some of its forms, in the New Testament, but is not elsewhere translated ordained, except in John xv. 16. It is variously translated put, make, appoint, lay, bow, give, set, etc. See 2 Tim. i. 11, where the same word is rendered "am appointed." A preacher, and an apostle. See 8. I will, therefore, that men pray everywhere. "Not merely in the temple, or in other sacred places, but in all places. The Jews supposed that there was special efficacy in prayers offered at the temple in Jerusalem; the heathen, also, had the same view in regard to their temples; for both seemed to suppose that they came nearer to God by approaching his sacred abode. Christianity teaches that God may be worshipped in any place, and that we are at all times equally near him.". Barnes. See notes on John iv. 20-24. Lifting up holy hands. It was customary among the Jews to elevate the hands when offering prayer. See 1 Kings viii. 22; Isa. i. 15; Luke xxiv. 50. All who approach God in prayer should divest themselves, as far as possible, from all impurity. Ps. xxiv. 3, 4; xxvi. 6; 1 Cor. xi. 28. ¶ Without wrath. Wrath or anger against others is inconsistent with that spirit which breathes sincere prayers" for all men," ver. 1. See Matt. v. 23, 24; 1 John iii. 15; iv. 20. And doubting. The word diaλoyiσμoù "sometimes signifies, reasonings in one's own mind, sometimes reasonings and disputings with others. See Luke ix. 46, 47." Macknight. "I find not that the Greek ever bears the sense of doubt women adorn themselves in 11 Let the woman learn in modest apparel, with shamefac-silence with all subjection. edness and sobriety; not with 12 But I suffer not a woman braided hair, or gold, or pearls, to teach, nor to usurp authority or costly array; over the man, but to be in si 10 But (which becometh wo-lence. ing, but always imports, in the New rum. 9. In like manner also. "With the same regard to what religion demands." Barnes. In modest apparel. That is, in comely, decorous, but inexpensive apparel. With shamefacedness and sobriety. Let modesty and propriety of conduct be their distinguishing adornment. They should not violate the most strict decoNot with braided hair, or gold, &c. We are not to understand that a decent regard to personal appearance is forbidden, or that all outward ornaments are absolutely prohibited. But "costly array" is disapproved, because it involves expenditures which are often grievous to be borne, because it is an evil example to others, who are less able to bear the burden, and because it indicates a stronger desire for outward show, than for the improvement of the mind and of the heart. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 10. But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. This verse is thus marked parenthetically by Griesbach, Macknight, and others. "But instead of them, to add to modesty and sobriety, ver. 9, the richer embroidery and jewels of all good works, charity to others, which becomes Christian professors infinitely better than those other ways of expense upon fine clothes," &c. - Ham mond. &c. 12. teach. 13. 11. Let the woman learn in silence, See note on 1 Cor. xiv. 35. But I suffer not a woman to See notes on 1 Cor. xiv. 34-36. For Adam was first formed, then This is stated as a reason why woman should not "usurp authority over the man," but occupy a subordinate position. See note on 1 Cor. xi. 8, 9. Eve. 14. And Adam was not deceived, &c. That is, he was not first deceived, nor first in transgression. But the wɔman being deceived wrs in the transgression. One portion of the penalty pronounced on the transgressor was, "thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." Gen. iii. 16. This, at the least, implies the subordinate station of the woman, and it is cited here as a second reason why she should not " usurp authority over the man." 15. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, &c. This verse has been variously interpreted. Whitby, Benson, Harwood, and Newcome, agree substantially, that the meaning is, "Her life shall be preserved through the perils of childbirth." Chrysostom, Schleusner, Rosenmüller, Robinson, and others, think child-bearing denotes the "becoming the mother of a family, and the faithful performance of her duties in that relation, in bringing up her household unto God." CHAPTER III. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgres-man desire the office of a HIS is a true saying, If a sion. 15 Notwithstanding she shall bishop, he desireth a good be saved in childbearing, if work. they continue in faith and char- 2 A bishop then must be ity and holiness with sobriety. blameless, the husband of one Lightfoot, Hammond, Knatchbull, Doddridge, Macknight, and others, suppose the apostle refers to Gen. iii. 15, teaching that the woman shall be saved by means of bearing a child; namely, the Messiah. These may serve as a sample. But I think a more simple interpretation may better harmonize with the general scope of the passage. The current of thought seems to run thus: In ver. 12, the apostle says, "I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." See note on 1 Cor. xi. 3. As reasons why woman should occupy such a subordinate station, he mentions two facts: (1.) that the man was "first formed," and the woman from him, ver. 13, and (2.) that the woman was first in the transgression, ver. 14, for which offence the Supreme Ruler declared that her husband should rule over her. Gen. iii. 16. So much of the penalty justifies the rule prescribed by the apostle. But in referring to this, he remembered, also, the other portion of the penalty, in regard to child-bearing, and by way of encouragement declared that although this penalty was not remitted, it should not prevent her final salvation. To the same effect, substantially, it has been said, "the way of salvation was open to her as well as to man, and was to be entered in the same manner. If she had faith and holiness, even in her condition of sorrow, brought on by guilt, she might as well hope for eternal life as man. The object of the apostle seems to be, to guard against a possible construction which might be put on his words, that he did not regard the woman, as in circumstances as favorable for salva tion as those of man, or as if he taught that salvation was more difficult, or perhaps that she could not be saved at all.". Barnes. "A state of marriage is very consistent with a state of salvation; all I require from women in that state is the faith, and love, and purity, of Christians.". Gilpin. "Notwithstanding by childbearing and subjection to man, God hath imprinted on women the mark of the punishment inflicted upon Eve, and all women that conceive and bring forth children, yet the apostle teacheth that this shall not hinder their salvation, if they abide in the faith, nor the bodily evils and sorrows that they endure stop the operation of the spirit of grace in them. Or, bearing and breeding children is an ordinary way through which women go to heaven. Ch. v. 14."— Assemb. Annot. "The infliction of this punishment (the pains of child-bearing), even unto death, is, and shall be, no hindrance of the woman's eternal salvation, if there be found with her those holy qualifications and gracious conditions which the gospel requires; partly in regard of the relation which God stands in to her, partly in regard of the covenant which God has made with her; a child is as much a child under the rod, as in the bosom; neither the father's stroke nor the child's grief can dissolve that relation." - Poole. CHAPTER III. 1. The office of a bishop. "The Greek here is a single word, enoкOTηS. The word σкоп, Episcope, whence the word Episcopal is derived, occurs but four times in the New Testament. It is translated visitation, in Luke xix. 44, and in 1 Pet. ii. 12; bishoprick, Acts i. 20; and in this place, office of a bishop. The verb from which it is derived, émoκоnéw, occurs but twice. In wife, vigilant, sober, of good striker, not greedy of filthy behaviour, given to hospitality, lucre; but patient, not a apt to teach; brawler, not covetous; 3 Not given to wine, no 4 One that ruleth well his "sober-minded, watchful, circumspect.” Robinson. ¶ Sober. "To be sober-minded, to think and act soberly, discreetly, to use sound judgment and moderation.” —. Robinson. 66 Heb. xii. 15, it is rendered looking diligently, and in 1 Pet. v. 2, taking the oversight. The noun rendered bishop occurs in Acts xx. 28; Phil. i. 1; 1 Tim. iii. 2; Titus i. 7; 1 Pet. ii. 25. The verb means properly, to Of good behavior. Or, modest, as in look upon, behold, to inspect, to look the margin. Respectable."— Haafter, see to, take care of; and the weis. "Orderly."-Conybeare. "The noun denotes the office of overseeing, most correct rendering, according to inspecting, or looking to. It is never the modern use of language, would be employed in the New Testament to that he should be a gentleman. He designate an order of men superior to should not do violence to the usages of presbyters, regarded as having any refined intercourse, nor be unfit to other functions than presbyters, or appear respectably in the most refined being in any sense successors' to the circles of society." Barnes. Given apostles. It is so used now, by the to hospitality. See note on Rom. xii. advocates of prelacy; but this is a use 13. Apt to teach. No one should wholly unknown to the New Testa- take on himself the office of bishop ment. It is so undeniable that the or pastor, unless he be able to name is never given in the New Testa-impart to his flock a knowledge of ment to those who are now called Christian truth and duty. 'bishops,' that even Episcopalians concede it. As it is never used in the Scriptures with reference to prelates, it should be used with reference to the pastors, or other officers of the church: and to be a pastor or overseer of the flock of Christ should be regarded as being a scriptural bishop." Barnes. 2. Blameless. "Faultless."-Tyndale. "Irreprehensible." Haweis. "Unblamed." 3. Not given to wine. Not a winebibber. Not in the habit of using wine as a beverage. The example of a pastor given to wine would be pernicious to the flock. T No striker. Not quarrelsome, but peaceable. ¶ Not greedy of filthy lucre. "Greek, not desirous of base gain. The desire of this is condemned everywhere in the New Testament; but it is especially Macknight. "Free the duty of a minister of the gospel Not to be free from it. He has a right to a support (see notes on 1 Cor. ix.); but there is nothing that more certainly paralyzes the usefulness of a minister of the gospel than the love of money." from reproach.”. Conybeare. that absolute perfection is an indispensable qualification for the office of bishop or pastor, but he should be free from the imputation of immorality or heresy. The husband of one wife. Barnes. But patient. Or, gentle, This should not be regarded as a as the same word is translated, in Tit. requisition that a bishop must be a iii. 2; James iii. 17; 1 Pet. ii. 18. married man, nor as a prohibition In Phil. iv. 5, it is rendered moderaagainst a second marriage; but the tion. It does not elsewhere occur in rule is simply, that a Christian bishop, the New Testament. ¶ Not a brawler. or pastor, should have only one wife"Not contentious, not quarrelsome." at the same time. Polygamy had been Robinson. Not covetous. Literpractised, both by Jews and Gentiles. ally, "not loving silver." Not an The apostle forbids such an abomina- inordinate lover of money. tion in the Christian church. lant. “Theo Vigi-doret here notes that the apostle does not say, he must be 'one who possesseth none;' for a man may possess these things, and yet distribute them as he This word, vnpáλtov, denotes literally, "sober, temperate, especially in regard to wine," and figuratively, 4. One that ruleth well his own house, &c. This implies that the bishop or pastor should have a wife and children, ver. 2, and therefore stands in opposition to the Papal requisition of celibacy. The head of the family should be grave and dignified, securing obedience, as well as cheerful, affable, and companionable, securing affection. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; introducing one young in years."Barnes. THe fall into the condemnation of the devil. "Several eminent expositors, from Luther and Erasmus downward, take roû diaẞóλov (the devil) to mean the calumniator, or slanderous enemy of the gospel, the noun being, they say, used generically of those who seek an occasion to calumniate the Christians."- Bloomfield. 66 According to Erasmus, this clause should be translated, 'fall into the condemnation of the accuser;' a sense which the word diáßoxos hath, ver. 11. For he supposes, that by the accuser is meant the unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, who were ready to condemn the Christians for every misdemeanor." Macknight. 5. For if a man know not, &c. "This seems founded on a sort of proverb, that he who cannot regulate his private affairs is not fit to be entrusted with those of the public."Bloomfield. It should be observed, that while the apostle compares the church with the family, he also distinguishes between the two, and says 7. Good report of them which are the father should "rule his own house," "without. His reputation must be good but the pastor should "take care of the church of God." 6. Not a novice. Or, "one newly come to the faith," as in the margin. "The Greek word, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, means, properly, that which is newly planted.' Thus it would mean a plant that was not strong, or not fitted to bear the severity of storms, that had not as yet struck its root deep, and could not resist the fierceness of a cold blast. Then the word comes to mean a new convert; one who has had little opportunity to test his own faith, or to give evidence to others that he would be faithful to the trust committed to him. The word does not refer so much to one who is young in years, as to one who is young in faith. Still, all the reasons which apply against introducing a very recent convert into the ministry will apply commonly, with equal force, against among those who are not members of the church. "The reason for this injunction is obvious. It is his business to endeavor to do such men good, and to persuade them to become Christians. But no minister of the gospel can possibly do such men good, unless they regard him as an upright and honest man."- Barnes. ¶ Lest he fall into reproach. The more conspicuous his position, the more intently are his imperfections scanned; and faults, which might pass unnoticed or unrebuked in a private condition, are sharply condemned in a bishop or pastor, by "them which are without," especially, if by so doing they may bring the church itself into disrepute. T The snare of the devil. That is, of "the calumniator or slanderous enemy of the gospel." See note on ver. 6. |