Note 14 at 1 Tim. 1:18: The English word "charge" was translated from the Greek word PARAGGELIA which means "a mandate" (Strong's). This same Greek word was translated as "commandment" (1 Tim. 1:5) and "commandments" (1 Th. 4:2).

Paul's relationship with Timothy was the most intimate of all those who helped him in ministry. Yet Paul gave Timothy commandments (see note 7 at 2 Th. 3:4, p. 1257). Friends can sometimes make demands on their friendships, but because Paul was Timothy's spiritual father, he could give him commands.

Their relationship went beyond friendship. Paul exercised his authority in the relationship for Timothy's own good. Paul gave Timothy commands about how to run the church at Ephesus, which the Holy Spirit had made Timothy the bishop.

The charge which Paul is referring to is given in 1 Tim. 2:1-3:13.

Note 15 at 1 Tim. 1:18: God speaks through prophecy (see ref. f at this verse). Acts 13:1-3 reveals that the Holy Spirit directed Paul and Barnabas through prophecy on their first missionary journey. The prophecy that Paul is referring to here may have come at the time of Timothy's ordination with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery (1 Tim. 4:14), or at another interval in Timothy's life. Regardless of when these prophecies came, they were important instruments in fighting a good fight (a term used in warfare) and holding onto the true Christian faith by staying true to God's Word.

Note 16 at 1 Tim. 1:18: Paul told us not to despise prophesyings (1 Th. 5:20). One of the benefits of prophecy is that it aids us in our battle against the devil.

The reason prophecies are helpful in our warfare is that they give us direction from our Commander-in-Chief. Just like a physical army needs orders, prophecy provides us with a glimpse of what God's plans for us are. In the midst of battle, when the enemy is trying to make us doubt that we will ever make it, the words of encouragement God has already given through prophecy give us assurance as to what the final outcome will be. That quickens our faith which quenches all the fiery darts of the devil (Eph. 6:16).

Note 17 at 1 Tim. 1:18: One of the phrases that summarizes this letter is, "...War a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience."

In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul says, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

This is the word of a man who is getting ready to leave this earth after fighting and winning battles. 1 Timothy is Paul's word to his young Christian son Timothy, probably in his mid-twenties. Paul is teaching him how to fight and win.

The nature of true Christianity is warfare. The moment you become a Christian you have entered into a battle (2 Cor. 10:4-5; Eph. 6:10-18). Paul tells Timothy that he is going to be in a battle. The battle requires two things: faith and a good conscience (see note 18 at v. 19, p. 1271).

Those who don't like to think of Christianity as a battle against the forces of evil, can't change the situation by ignoring it. We are in a battle, like it or not, and neglecting the fight just gives our enemy the advantage.