Unknowing Teachers 1 Timothy 1:7

False teachers known as Judaizers had infiltrated the church located in Ephesus. Paul the apostle commissioned his young protege' “Timothy” to oversee the church located there and to “charge some that they teach no other doctrine”. The Judaizers were promoting “fables and endless genealogies” which only produced “questions” rather than leading people to love God and love one another. Paul said they had “swerved” and “have turned aside unto vain jangling;” or empty words. In chapter one and verse seven of his letter to Timothy, Paul describes how these heretical people are “unknowing teachers” where we read:

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

The verse begins, “Desiring to be teachers of the law;” Paul began with the word, “Desiring” which means “to wish, to will, have in mind, intend to be resolved or determined and to purpose” “to be teachers of the law” or “interpreter of the law among the Jews”. They determined to be instructors of the Mosaic law, and were passionate about becoming known as “doctors” of the law of God.

The verse goes on to say, “understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” Though these men had a “desire” to be instructors and interpreters of the law of Moses, Paul wrote, “understanding” which means “to perceive with the mind, to think upon, heed, ponder, and consider” “neither what they say” or “nothing about what they teach, exhort, advise, command or direct” “nor whereof” or “about, concerning, on account of, because of, around or near” “they affirm” which means “support strongly or assert confidently”. In other words, not only do these false teachers not know what they are talking about, but they promote what they don't know with such strong conviction that it is as though they do.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, perhaps we have known people who seem to know much, but know very little. Perhaps they have spoken what they don't know with strong conviction, and they enjoy their position as “teacher” or “leader” because they desire to be known as one. One thing we will find for certain in Paul's letter to Timothy is that he doesn't mince words when referring to heretical teaching. This was one of the primary reasons Paul wrote to young Timothy, and it is greatly beneficial to us as we imagine ourselves being Paul's student as well. Let us “desire” to be teachers, but be teachers who have “understanding” that when we share with others, we are well informed and able to give good instruction to all who are in need.

Next time Paul tells how “the law is good”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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