Notes on the problem in Ephesus

In 1 Timothy 1:3 - 7 Paul recounts how he asked Timothy to remain in Ephesus to protect the church that was established there. Even as today their were enemies of the true faith that were peddling heresy in our own churches. Paul sent his letter to Timothy to reinforce Timothy's position against the false teachers. Some of the the most egregious false teachers Hymenaeus and Alexander are mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20 and Hymenaeus and Philetus in 2 Timothy 2:17. We can assume that Alexander of 1 Timothy 1:20 and Alexander the Coppersmithin 2 Timothy 4:14 are the same person. In

Delivering unto Satan:

1 Timothy 1:20 Paul tells us that he delivered Hymenaeus and Alexander unto Satan, so that they would learn not to blaspheme. It would seem more likely that this was an expulsion from the body of the Church until such time as they came into conformity with the message of Jesus Christ rather then Paul cursing the blashemers to hell. I must note I belive it was in his power to do so. If we compare this to 1 Corinthians 5:5 it appears that expulsion from the body of believers that made up the church was a recognised method of discipline but that it was done with the intention of reclaiming the troubled soul whn they repented their evil ways.

1 Timothy Chapter 1 - Full Text

2 Timothy Chapter 2 - Full Text

2 Timothy Chapter 4 - Full Text

1 Timothy Chapter 6

2 Timothy Chapter 3

References in Scripture

1 Corinthians 5:1 - 5

1 Corinthians 5:1 - 5

1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:3 - 7

3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

1 Timothy 1:20

20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

2 Timothy 2:17 - 18

17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

2 Timothy 4:14

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

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