King James Version
1 Timothy 3
16 verses with commentary
Qualifications for Overseers
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.</strong> Paul introduces the second "faithful saying" in the Pastorals, affirming that aspiring to church leadership is noble. "If a man desire" (<em>ei tis oregetai</em>, εἴ τις ὀρέγεται) suggests legitimate aspiration, not mere ambition. "The office of a bishop" (<em>episkopēs</em>, ἐπισκοπῆς) literal...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**III.**
(1) **This is a true saying.**—There is no reason why the rendering of this formula adopted in 1Timothy 1:15, “faithful is this saying,” should be altered here. The “faithful saying” here refers to the wish for high and arduous work in the Church of Christ, and declares such a wish to be a noble one; for the office in question was a beautiful one, and honourable, and in those days meant s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
20. (Ep 6:1.)
**unto the Lord--**The oldest manuscripts read, "IN the Lord," that is, this is acceptable to God when it is done in the Lord, namely, from the principle of faith, and as disciples in union with the Lord.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The Colossians exhorted to be heavenly-minded;
(1-4)
to mortify all corrupt affections;
(5-11)
to live in mutual love, forbearance, and forgiveness;
(12-17)
and to practise the duties of wives and husbands, children, parents, and servants.
(18-25)
**Verses 1-4**
As Christians are freed from the ceremonial law, they must walk the m...
Read full commentary →A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; of good: or, modest
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>A bishop then must be blameless</strong> (ἀνεπίλημπτον, <em>anepilēmpton</em>)—the overseer must be 'above reproach,' giving opponents no basis for accusation. <strong>Husband of one wife</strong> (μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα, <em>mias gynaikos andra</em>) literally 'a one-woman man'—emphasizing marital faithfulness, not necessarily excluding singles or widowers, but prohibiting polygamy and seria...
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(2) **A bishop then must be blameless.**—Now follow the various *social* and moral characteristics of the appointed and recognised officers of the Christian Church—the presbyters or bishops, and the junior ministers, the deacons. The second chapter had treated of the duties of *congregations collectively* in the matter of public prayer; the third chapter speaks of the special character and qualiti...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
21. (Ep 6:4.) It is a different Greek verb, therefore translate here, "irritate not." By perpetual fault-finding "children" are "discouraged" or "disheartened." A broken-down spirit is fatal to youth [Bengel].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The Colossians exhorted to be heavenly-minded;
(1-4)
to mortify all corrupt affections;
(5-11)
to live in mutual love, forbearance, and forgiveness;
(12-17)
and to practise the duties of wives and husbands, children, parents, and servants.
(18-25)
**Verses 1-4**
As Christians are freed from the ceremonial law, they must walk the m...
Read full commentary →Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; given: or, ready to quarrel, and offer wrong, as one in wine
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Not given to wine</strong> (μὴ πάροινον, <em>mē paroinon</em>)—not a drunkard or 'one who lingers beside wine.' <strong>No striker</strong> (<em>mē plēktēn</em>)—not violent or quick-tempered, especially when under influence. <strong>Not greedy of filthy lucre</strong> (<em>mē aischrokerdē</em>)—not pursuing shameful gain through ministry position.<br><br>The positive qualities follow: <st...
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(3) **Not given to wine.**—Drunkenness is scarcely alluded to here. It is rather a warning against choosing for the sacred office one given to frequenting noisy banquets, where wild and imprudent words are often spoken.
**No striker.**—Probably something more than merely brawling and fighting may here be included. Not only must the pattern minister of the Lord never smite his brother believer, but...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22. (Ep 6:5, 6.) This is to fear God, when, though none sees us, we do no evil: but if we do evil, it is not God, but men, whom we fear.
**singleness--**"simplicity of heart."
**fearing God--**The oldest manuscripts read, "the Lord."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The Colossians exhorted to be heavenly-minded;
(1-4)
to mortify all corrupt affections;
(5-11)
to live in mutual love, forbearance, and forgiveness;
(12-17)
and to practise the duties of wives and husbands, children, parents, and servants.
(18-25)
**Verses 1-4**
As Christians are freed from the ceremonial law, they must walk the m...
Read full commentary →One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One that ruleth well his own house</strong> (τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου καλῶς προϊστάμενον, <em>tou idiou oikou kalōs proistamenon</em>)—literally 'managing/leading his own household well.' The verb <em>proistēmi</em> means to lead, direct, care for—not domineering tyranny but benevolent leadership.<br><br><strong>Having his children in subjection with all gravity</strong> (ἐν ὑποταγῇ μετὰ πάσης σεμν...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **One that ruleth well his own house.**—Paul here again turns to the vein of thought first struck in 1Timothy 3:2 : The life of the officer in the Church of God must be a pattern life for those without, as well as for those within the Church’s fold, to copy and imitate. He must be pre-eminent in nobility of life and aims; but the life and the aims must belong to ordinary every day life. His hi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. And--**omitted in the oldest manuscripts (compare Ep 6:7, 8). Compare the same principle in the case of all men, Hezekiah (2Ch 31:21; Ro 12:11).
**do, do it--**two distinct Greek verbs, "Whatsoever ye do, work at it" (or "labor at" it).
**heartily--**not from servile constraint, but with hearty good will.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The Colossians exhorted to be heavenly-minded;
(1-4)
to mortify all corrupt affections;
(5-11)
to live in mutual love, forbearance, and forgiveness;
(12-17)
and to practise the duties of wives and husbands, children, parents, and servants.
(18-25)
**Verses 1-4**
As Christians are freed from the ceremonial law, they must walk the m...
Read full commentary →(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?</strong> (εἰ δέ τις τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου προστῆναι οὐκ οἶδεν, πῶς ἐκκλησίας θεοῦ ἐπιμελήσεται; <em>ei de tis tou idiou oikou prostēnai ouk oiden, pōs ekklēsias theou epimelēsetai?</em>)—'if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?' <em>Proistēmi</em> mea...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?**—The well-ordered household, the decent, modest behaviour, the reverent, affectionate relations between parents and children, between the master and the dependents—these things are to be the test of a man’s fitness for holding high office in the public community of believers, for, as Theodoret obse...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. the reward of the inheritance--**"Knowing that it is from the Lord (the ultimate source of reward), ye shall receive the compensation (or recompense, which will make ample amends for your having no earthly possession as slaves now) consisting of the inheritance" (a term excluding the notion of meriting it by works: it is all of grace, Ro 4:14; Ga 3:18).
**for ye serve--**The oldest manuscr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-11**
It is our duty to mortify our members which incline to the things of the world. Mortify them, kill them, suppress them, as weeds or vermin which spread and destroy all about them. Continual opposition must be made to all corrupt workings, and no provision made for carnal indulgences. Occasions of sin must be avoided: the lusts of the flesh, and the love of the world; and coveto...
Read full commentary →Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. a novice: or, one newly come to the faith
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Not a novice</strong> (μὴ νεόφυτον, <em>mē neophyton</em>)—literally 'not newly planted,' a recent convert. The danger: <strong>lest being lifted up with pride</strong> (τυφωθεὶς, <em>typhōtheis</em>)—'being puffed up with conceit,' from <em>typhoō</em> (to wrap in smoke, to cloud with pride). Rapid elevation to leadership can produce spiritual intoxication.<br><br><strong>He fall into the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Not a novice.**—In the Church of Ephesus, which, when Paul wrote these charges to Timothy, had been established some years, the chief pastor would have for the church office an ample choice of disciples of some considerable standing and experience. The word “novice” here refers rather to want of experience and standing in the Christian brotherhood than to “youth.” Timothy himself, to whom St...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. But--**The oldest manuscripts read, "for," which accords with "serve ye," &c. (Col 3:24), the oldest reading: the for here gives a motive for obeying the precept. He addresses the slaves: Serve ye the Lord Christ, and leave your wrongs in His hands to put to rights: (translate), "For he that doeth wrong shall receive back the wrong which he hath done (by just retribution in kind), and th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-10**
Thankfulness to God is very imperfect in the present state; but one great end of the ministry of the word is to help faith forward. That which was the instrument to obtain faith, is also the means of increasing and confirming it, namely, the ordinances of God; and as faith cometh by hearing, so it is confirmed by hearing also.
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without</strong> (δεῖ δὲ καὶ μαρτυρίαν καλὴν ἔχειν ἀπὸ τῶν ἔξωθεν, <em>dei de kai martyrian kalēn echein apo tōn exōthen</em>)—the elder must have 'good testimony from outsiders.' Greek <em>exōthen</em> refers to non-Christians, those outside the church community.<br><br><strong>Lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil</str...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without.**—The man to be chosen as a responsible office-bearer in the Church, should be one possessing a stainless reputation for integrity and honour with the world outside the Church’s pale; he should be one regarded by the world at large as having led a self-restrained, decorous life—a life free from those disorders and licentious prac...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-10**
Thankfulness to God is very imperfect in the present state; but one great end of the ministry of the word is to help faith forward. That which was the instrument to obtain faith, is also the means of increasing and confirming it, namely, the ordinances of God; and as faith cometh by hearing, so it is confirmed by hearing also.
Qualifications for Deacons
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Likewise must the deacons be grave</strong> (Διακόνους ὡσαύτως σεμνούς, <em>Diakonous hōsautōs semnous</em>)—deacons likewise must be 'dignified, serious, worthy of respect.' <em>Diakonos</em> means servant/minister; these are church officers who serve alongside elders, handling practical ministry (Acts 6:1-6).<br><br><strong>Not doubletongued</strong> (μὴ διλόγους, <em>mē dilogous</em>)—l...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Likewise must the deacons.**—We possess scattered and at the same time casual notices of this lower order of deacons dating from the very first days of the faith. The order clearly sprang out of the needs of the rapidly increasing church. Some two years after the Ascension (A.D. 34-35) the seven deacons were appointed to assist the Apostles as almoners of the brethren; as the Church’s life d...
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CHAPTER 4 Col 4:1-18. Exhortations Continued. To Prayer: Wisdom in Relation to the Unconverted: As to the Bearers of the Epistle, Tychicus and Onesimus: Closing Salutations.
**1. give--**Greek "render": literally, "afford."
**equal--**that is, as the slaves owe their duties to you, so you equally owe to them your duties as masters. Compare "ye masters do the same things" (see on Ep 6:9). Alford...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-10**
Thankfulness to God is very imperfect in the present state; but one great end of the ministry of the word is to help faith forward. That which was the instrument to obtain faith, is also the means of increasing and confirming it, namely, the ordinances of God; and as faith cometh by hearing, so it is confirmed by hearing also.
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience</strong> (ἔχοντας τὸ μυστήριον τῆς πίστεως ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει, <em>echontas to mystērion tēs pisteōs en kathara syneidēsei</em>)—'holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.' <em>Mystērion</em> means mystery—not something incomprehensible, but truth previously hidden now revealed in Christ (Ephesians 3:3-6). <em>Katharos...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.**—The thought again comes to the surface—mere orthodoxy without the Christ-life was an empty, useless characteristic feature in any one; but *here* the man of God, writing to his dear son these solemn warnings respecting fit and proper persons to be chosen for their Master’s work, has besides in these words another end in view. He had be...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Continue--**Greek, "Continue perseveringly," "persevere" (Ep 6:18), "watching thereunto"; here, "watch in the same," or "in it," that is, in prayer: watching against the indolence as to prayer, and in prayer, of our corrupt wills.
**with thanksgiving--**for everything, whether joyful, or sorrowful, mercies temporal and spiritual, national, family, and individual (1Co 14:17; Php 4:6; 1Th 5:1...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-10**
Thankfulness to God is very imperfect in the present state; but one great end of the ministry of the word is to help faith forward. That which was the instrument to obtain faith, is also the means of increasing and confirming it, namely, the ordinances of God; and as faith cometh by hearing, so it is confirmed by hearing also.
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And let these also first be proved</strong> (καὶ οὗτοι δὲ δοκιμαζέσθωσαν πρῶτον, <em>kai houtoi de dokimazesthōsan prōton</em>)—'let them first be tested.' <em>Dokimazō</em> means to examine, scrutinize, approve after testing—the same word used for testing metals for purity. <strong>Then let them use the office of a deacon</strong> (<em>eita diakoneitōsan</em>)—'then let them serve as dea...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **And let these also first be proved.**—No formal investigation, either in public before the congregation, or in private before Timothy and his fellow presbyters, is here referred to. What is most probably the meaning of the word is—the deacon should for a time perform many of the various duties on probation, to test his fitness before he was formally set apart for the holy office. So much of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. for us--**myself and Timothy (Col 1:1).
**a door of utterance--**Translate, "a door for the word." Not as in Ep 6:19, where power of "utterance" is his petition. Here it is an opportunity for preaching the word, which would be best afforded by his release from prison (1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Phm 22; Re 3:8).
**to speak--**so that we may speak.
**the mystery of Christ--**(Col 1:27).
**for ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-10**
Thankfulness to God is very imperfect in the present state; but one great end of the ministry of the word is to help faith forward. That which was the instrument to obtain faith, is also the means of increasing and confirming it, namely, the ordinances of God; and as faith cometh by hearing, so it is confirmed by hearing also.
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Even so must their wives be grave</strong> (Γυναῖκας ὡσαύτως σεμνάς, <em>Gynaikas hōsautōs semnas</em>)—'wives likewise must be dignified.' The Greek <em>gynaikas</em> can mean either 'wives' (of deacons) or 'women' (female deacons/deaconesses). Context could support either: qualifications for deacons' wives, or qualifications for female deacons (like Phoebe in Romans 16:1). <em>Semnos</em...
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(11) **Even so must their wives . . .**—The *position* of this solitary charge, respecting deacons’ wives, in the midst of regulations concerning “deacons,” is, of itself, almost decisive against the translation of the English version, adopted also by Luther and many others. The question naturally occurs—why are *deacon’s* wives especially referred to, while nothing has been said respecting the wi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4. Alford thinks that Paul asks their prayers for his release as if it were the "only" way by which he could "make it (the Gospel) manifest" as he ought. But while this is included in their subject of prayer, Php 1:12, 13, written somewhat later in his imprisonment, clearly shows that "a door for the word" could be opened, and was opened, for its manifestation, even while he remained imprisoned (c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-13**
Prayer is religious worship, and all religious worship is due unto God only. Prayer is to be offered to God as our Father. Prayer is not only to be offered in the name of Christ, but offered up to Christ himself, as our Lord and our Saviour. Let us acknowledge God in all our ways, and he will direct our paths. Mutual love is required of all Christians. And love is of God, and ...
Read full commentary →Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife</strong> (διάκονοι ἔστωσαν μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρες, <em>diakonoi estōsan mias gynaikos andres</em>)—literally 'one-woman men,' the same requirement as elders (3:2). Marital fidelity demonstrates broader character integrity.<br><br><strong>Ruling their children and their own houses well</strong> (τέκνων καλῶς προϊστάμενοι καὶ τῶν ἰδίων οἴκων, <em>tek...
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(12) **Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife.**—Here the exact same qualification is to be sought for as in the higher grade of presbyter. The same orderly and decorous household is required now in the case of the deacon, as was to be looked for as qualification for the presiding elder. St. Paul knew well that in the wise yet tender father, Timothy would find the firm yet generous distributo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. (See on Ep 5:15, 16.)
**in wisdom--**practical Christian prudence.
**them ... without--**Those not in the Christian brotherhood (1Co 5:12; 1Th 4:12). The brethren, through love, will make allowances for an indiscreet act or word of a brother; the world will make none. Therefore be the more on your guard in your intercourse with the latter, lest you be a stumbling-block to their conversion.
...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-13**
Prayer is religious worship, and all religious worship is due unto God only. Prayer is to be offered to God as our Father. Prayer is not only to be offered in the name of Christ, but offered up to Christ himself, as our Lord and our Saviour. Let us acknowledge God in all our ways, and he will direct our paths. Mutual love is required of all Christians. And love is of God, and ...
Read full commentary →For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. used: or, ministered
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree</strong> (οἱ γὰρ καλῶς διακονήσαντες βαθμὸν ἑαυτοῖς καλὸν περιποιοῦνται, <em>hoi gar kalōs diakonēsantes bathmon heautois kalon peripoiountai</em>)—'those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing.' <em>Diakoneō</em> means to serve, minister. <em>Bathmos</em> means step, standing, rank—good reputa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **For they that have used the office of a deacon well.**—Better rendered, *for they that have served well as deacons.* It was with good reason that the Apostle laid great stress on the many and varied qualifications necessary for one undertaking the duties of a deacon of the Church—for very great indeed was the reward reserved for the true, loyal deacon when his work was over and done (and if...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. with grace--**Greek, "IN grace" as its element (Col 3:16; Ep 4:29). Contrast the case of those "of the world" who "therefore speak of the world" (1Jo 4:5). Even the smallest leaf of the believer should be full of the sap of the Holy Spirit (Jr 17:7, 8). His conversation should be cheerful without levity, serious without gloom. Compare Lu 4:22; Joh 7:46, as to Jesus' speech.
**seasoned with ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-13**
Prayer is religious worship, and all religious worship is due unto God only. Prayer is to be offered to God as our Father. Prayer is not only to be offered in the name of Christ, but offered up to Christ himself, as our Lord and our Saviour. Let us acknowledge God in all our ways, and he will direct our paths. Mutual love is required of all Christians. And love is of God, and ...
Read full commentary →The Mystery of Godliness
These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly</strong> (Ταῦτά σοι γράφω, ἐλπίζων ἐλθεῖν πρὸς σὲ τάχιον, <em>Tauta soi graphō, elpizōn elthein pros se tachion</em>)—Paul explains his purpose in writing: to provide instructions during his absence, though he hopes for a soon visit. <em>Tachion</em> means 'more quickly, shortly.'<br><br>This verse introduces the theological ...
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(14) **These things write I unto thee.**—“These things” probably referred only to the directions respecting the special qualification to be sought for in candidates for the office of the overseers (presbyters) and deacons.
**Hoping to come unto thee shortly.**—The participle here has a concessive form, “though I hope,” &c. “I write these special urgent directions to you, though my hope is that I s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Tychicus--**(See on Ep 6:2).
**who is a beloved brother--**rather, "the beloved brother"; the article "the" marks him as well known to them.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace ...
Read full commentary →But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. ground: or, stay
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God</strong> (ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω, ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι, <em>ean de bradynō, hina eidēs pōs dei en oikō theou anastraphesthai</em>)—'if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God.' <em>Bradynō</em> means to delay, be slow. <em>Anastrophē</em> means to...
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(15) **But if I tarry long.**—St. Paul felt that dangers were pressing closer and closer—that the hoped-for visit to his loved church at Ephesus might not, probably never would be, accomplished; so these foregoing solemn directions respecting the choice of colleagues in the ministry had been written to Timothy, that, in the event of St. Paul never coming to him again, men (especially the ministers...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. for the same purpose--**Greek, "for this very purpose."
**that he might know your estate--**Translate, "that he may know your state": answering to Col 4:7. So one very old manuscript and Vulgate read. But the oldest manuscripts and the old Latin versions, "that YE may know OUR state." However, the latter reading seems likely to have crept in from Ep 6:22. Paul was the more anxious to know t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace ...
Read full commentary →And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness</strong> (καὶ ὁμολογουμένως μέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον, <em>kai homologoumenōs mega estin to tēs eusebeias mystērion</em>)—'by common confession, great is the mystery of godliness.' <em>Homologoumenōs</em> means confessedly, admittedly, universally acknowledged. <em>Mystērion</em> is mystery—revealed truth. What follows i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.**—“*And* is not simply copulative, but heightens the force of the predication, Yes, *confessedly great is the mystery”* (Ellicott)—for the glorious truth which the Church of God pillar-like upholds, is none other than that stupendous mystery, in other ages not made known, but then revealed—*the mystery of Christ, *in all His loving ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Onesimus--**the slave mentioned in the Epistle to Philemon (Phm 10, 16), "a brother beloved."
**a faithful ... brother--**rather, "the faithful brother," he being known to the Colossians as the slave of Philemon, their fellow townsman and fellow Christian.
**one of you--**belonging to your city.
**They shall make known unto you all things--**Greek, "all the things here." This substantia...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace ...
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