The Charge Renewed. Paul now returns to the charge committed to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:3-5) from which he has been twice diverted. That charge, once given orally, has failed to achieve its end. He now recommits it to him in writing, reminding him of its consonance with the Divine promptings which pointed him out (mg.) for the ministry. Paul's purpose is that Timothy may fulfil his trust, rich in those possessions deliberate rejection of which results in shipwreck in the faith. Of this Hymenæ us and Alexander are examples, whom Paul excommunicated, in the hope of their recovery.
1 Timothy 1:18. This charge: the general charge of the letter (to deal with the situation in Asia), explained in detail in 1 Timothy 2:1 ff. This is clear from therefore in 1 Timothy 2:1. prophecies: these also accompanied Timothy's ordination (1 Timothy 4:14). which: i.e. good conscience. the faith: 1 Timothy 1:10 *.
1 Timothy 1:20. Hymenæ us: for his error cf. 2 Timothy 2:17 f. Alexander: a common name. There is no proof of identity with any of the Alexanders of Acts 19:33; Mark 15:21; 2 Timothy 4:14. delivered, etc.: probably excommunication, with infliction of bodily disease; cf. 1 Corinthians 5:5 *, p. 649. A remedial, not a vindictive, act: Deissmann (Light from Ancient East, p. 203) connects it with the ancient custom of execration.