Reference: Timothy, The First Epistle to
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FIRST EPISTLE. Its authenticity as Paul's writing, and its canonical authority as inspired, were universally recognized by the early church with the solitary exception of the Gnostic Marcion. 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy are in the Peshito Syriac of the second century. The Muratorian Fragment on the canon in the same century acknowledges them. The Pastoral Epistles, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, have a mutual resemblance. Irenaeus (adv. Haeres. i. and iii. 3,. section 3-4; 4:16, section 3; 2:14, section 8; 3:11, section 1; 1:16, section 3) quotes 1Ti 1:4,9; 6:20; 2Ti 4:9-21; Tit 3:10. Clement of Alex. (Strom. 2:383, 457; 3:534, 536; 1:350) quotes 1Ti 4; 20/type/noyes'>6:20-21,2 Timothy as to deaconesses; Tit 1:12. Tertullian (de praescriptione Haereticorum, 25 and 6) quotes 1Ti 1:18; 6:13,20; 2Ti 1:14; 2:2; Tit 3:10-11; and adv. Marcion, Scorp. 13, compare 2Ti 4:6.
Eusebius includes the two epistles to Timothy and Titus in "the universally acknowledged Scriptures." Theophilus of Antioch (ad Autolycum 3:14) quotes 1Ti 2:1-2; Tit 3:1. Caius (in Eusebius' Ecclesiastes Hist. vi. 20) recognizes their authenticity. Clement of Rome (First Epistle to Cor. 29) quotes 1Ti 2:8. Ignatius in the second century (epistle to Polycarp 6) alludes to 2Ti 2:4. Polycarp in the same century (Epistle to Philipp. 4-5) alludes to 1Ti 6:7,10; 2Ti 2:4,11-12; and (in chapter 9) to 2Ti 4:10. Hegesippus, in the end of second century (in Eusebius, Ecc. Hist. iii. 32), alludes to 1Ti 6:3,20. Athenagoras at the same period alludes to 1Ti 6:16.
Heresies opposed in the Pastoral Epistles. Ascetic Judaism and legalism (1Ti 1:7; Tit 1:10,14; 3:9) on the one hand, and incipient gnosticism on the other (1Ti 1:4), of which the theory that a twofold principle existed from the beginning, evil as well as good, appears in germ, 1Ti 4:3, etc. In 1Ti 6:20 the term gnosis, "science," itself occurs. Another Gnostic error, "that the resurrection is past," is noticed (2Ti 2:17-18; compare 1Co 15:12-33). The Judaism herein refuted is not that controverted in the earlier epistles, namely, that which joined the law with faith in Christ, for justification. The intermediate phase appears in epistle to Colossians (Colossians 2), namely, that which superadded ascetical will worship and angel worship to Judaism. In the epistle to Philippians (Php 3:2,18-19) the further stage appears, immoral practice accompanying false doctrine as to the resurrection. The pastoral epistles - 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus - exhibit the mattered godlessness which followed superstition as superstition had followed legalism.
Not knowing the true use of "the law" (1Ti 1:7-8) the false teachers "put away good conscience," as well as "the faith" (1Ti 1:19; 4:2), "spoke lies in hypocrisy, corrupt in mind," regarded "piety as a means of gain" (1Ti 6:5; Tit 1:11); "overthrew the faith" by heresies "eating as a canker, saying the resurrection is past, leading captive silly women, ever learning yet never knowing the truth, reprobate as Jannes and Jambres (2Ti 3:6-8), defiled, unbelieving, professing to know God but in works denying Him, abominable, disobedient, reprobate" (Tit 1:15-16). The universal epistles of John (1Jo 2:18-23; 4:1,3; 2Jo 1:7,11; 3Jo 1:9-10), Jude, and Peter (2Pe 2), and to the Hebrew (Heb 6:4-8) present the same features. This proves the later date of Paul's pastoral epistles. The Gnosticism opposed is not the anti-Judaic later Gnosticism which followed the overthrow of the Jerusalem temple worship, but the earlier phase which amalgamated with Judaism oriental and Greek elements.
Directions in the Pastoral Epistles as to church ministers and officers. The apostle naturally directs Timothy, the church president for the time being at Ephesus, and Titus at Crete, concerning "bishop-elders and deacons," in order to secure due administration of the church at a time when heresies were springing up and when he must soon depart this life. He shows the same anxiety in his address to the elders of the same city Ephesus earlier (Ac 20:21-30). The presbyterate and diaconate existed long before (Ac 6:8; 11:30; 14:23). Paul's directions are not as to their appointment then first, but as to the due ordination and moral qualifications of elders and deacons thenceforth, according as vacancies might occur. Timothy and Titus exercised the same power in ordaining elders in Ephesus and Crete as Paul had in the Gentile churches in general (2Co 11:28).
Unique phrases and modes of thought in the Pastoral Epistles. The difference of subject and of circumstances of those addressed, and those spoken of, as compared with Paul's other epistles, accounts for these. They partly occur in Galatians also, where as here he with characteristic warmth controverts the perverters of the truth: 1Ti 2:6; Tit 2:4, "gave Himself for us," with Ga 1:4; 1Ti 1:17; 2Ti 4:18, "forever and ever," with Ga 1:5; 1Ti 5:21; 6:13; 2Ti 2:14; 4:22 with Ga 1:20; "a pillar," 1Ti 3:15, with Ga 2:9; "mediator," 1Ti 2:5, with Ga 3:20; 1Ti 2:6; 6:15; Tit 1:3, with Ga 6:9, "in due season." Fifty special phrases occur, e.g. "the faithful saying" (1Ti 1:15), "sound," "seared" (1Ti 4:2,7), "old wives' fables," "slow bellies" (Tit 1:12). Paul's writing with his own hand, instead of by an amanuensis, as he did to Galatians and Philemon, accounts for the more concise, abrupt, and forcible style and phraseology.
TIME OF WRITING: First Epistle to Timothy. Soon after Paul's leaving Ephesus for Macedon (1Ti 1:3). The object of leaving Timothy at Ephesus was primarily to restrain the false teachers (1Ti 1:3), not to organize the church for the first time. The institution for church widows implies a settled organization. Scandals occurring after the original institution rendered directions as to the existing ministry needful. The similarity in style, subject, and state of the church, of the second epistle to Timothy (written certainly just before Paul's death) with the first epistle, implies that the date of the latter is not much prior to that of the second. The mention of Timothy's "youth" (1Ti 4:12) is not inconsistent with a late date; he was "young" not absolutely but as compared with "Paul the aged" (Phm 1:9), and with some of the elders whom he had to superintend; probably 34 or 35, compare 1Ti 5:1.
As to Ac 20:25, "all" the Ephesian elders called to Miletus "never saw Paul's face" afterward; Paul "knew" this by inspiration; but this assertion of his is compatible with his visiting Ephesus again (1Ti 1:3; 2Ti 1:18; 4:20). Being at Miletum, so near Ephesus, after his first Roman imprisonment, he would be sure to visit Ephesus. In 1Ti 3:14 Paul says "I write, hoping to come unto thee shortly"; but on the earlier occasion of his passing from Ephesus to Macedon he had planned to spend the summer in Macedon and the winter in Corinth (1Co 16:6). Nor did Paul leave Timothy then as now (1Ti 1:3) at Ephesus, but sent him to Macedon (Ac 19:22). Paul in his address to the Ephesian elders (Ac 20:29-30) prophesies the rise of false teachers; in his epistle to the Ephesians from Rome at his first imprisonment he does not notice the Judaeo-Gnostic errors as yet; but in 1 Timothy he notices them as then actually prevailing.
PLACE OF WRITING: First Epistle to Timothy. Paul's using "went" not "came," "when I went (poreuomenos) into Macedonia" (1Ti 1:3), implies he was not there when he wrote the First Epistle to Timothy. Wherever he was he was uncertain how long he might be detained from coming to Ephesus to Timothy (1Ti 3:14-15). Corinth may have been the place. Between it and Ephesus communication was easy; his course on former occasions was from Macedon to Corinth (Acts 17-18). Coincidences occur between 1Ti 2:11-14 and 1Co 14:40 as to women being silent in church; 1Ti 5:17-18 and 1Co 9:8-10 as to ministers' maintenance, on the law's maxim not to muzzle the ox treading the grain; and 1Ti 5:19-20 and 2Co 13:1-4 as to charges against elders before witnesses. In the very place where these directions had been already enforced Paul naturally reproduces them in his First Epistle to Timothy.
DESIGN.
(1) To direct Timothy to restrain false teachers from teaching aught different from the gospel (1Ti 1:3,20; Re 2:1-6).
(2) To g
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And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people.
which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And having appointed for them elders in every church, they prayed with fasting, and commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.
And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
testifying to both Jews and Greeks repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus. And now behold, I go, bound in my spirit, to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will befall me there; read more. save that the Holy Spirit witnesseth to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I count life of no value to me, so that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the glad tidings of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see my face no more.
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see my face no more. Wherefore I testify to you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men; read more. for I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the church of the Lord, which he purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And from among yourselves will men arise speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
And from among yourselves will men arise speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Is it on mans authority that I am saying these things, or doth not the Law too say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses: "Thou shalt not muzzle an ox while treading out grain." Is it for oxen that God careth? read more. Or doth he say it altogether on our account? On our account, no doubt, it was written, that he who plougheth ought to plough in hope, and that he who thrasheth should do it in the hope of partaking.
but let all things be done becomingly, and in order.
But if Christ be preached that he hath risen from the dead, how is it that some among you say, that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then Christ hath not risen; read more. and if Christ hath not risen, then is our preaching vain, and vain also is your faith. And we are also found false witnesses concerning God; because we testified concerning God that he raised up Christ, whom he did not raise up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then Christ hath not risen; and if Christ hath not risen, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins; then also they that have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now hath Christ risen from the dead, the firstfruits of them that have fallen asleep. For since through man came death, through man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ will all be made alive. But every one in his own order; Christ the firstfruits, afterward they that are Christs, at his coming. Then will be the end, when he delivereth up the kingdom to God, the Father, when he shall have destroyed all dominion, and all authority, and power. For he must reign, "till he hath put all enemies under his feet." The last enemy, death, will be destroyed; for "he put all things under his feet." But when it is said that all things have been put under him, it is manifest that he who put all things under him is excepted. And when all things have been put under him, then will also the Son himself become subject to him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. If it be not so, what are they doing, who are baptized for the dead? If the dead rise not at all, why are they then baptized for them? Why also do we stand in peril every hour? I protest, brethren, by my glorying in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, that I die daily. If with the views of men I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead rise not, "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." Be not deceived; "evil communications corrupt good manners."
and perhaps I may remain, or even spend the winter with you, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I may be going.
Besides the other troubles, there is that which presseth upon me daily, the anxiety for all the churches.
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I said before, and now say beforehand, as when present the second time, so also absent now, to those who have sinned before, and to all the others, that if I come again, I will not spare; read more. since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who towards you is not weak, but is mighty among you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God; for we also are weak in him, but we shall live together with him by the power of God toward you.
who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from the present evil world, according to the will of God our Father; to whom be the glory for ever and ever! Amen.
Now as to what I am writing to you, behold, before God, I do not lie.
and when they knew the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcised;
Now no mediator is a mediator of one; but God is one.
And let us not be fainthearted in welldoing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workmen, beware of the concision.
For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, whose mind is on earthly things.
As I besought thee, when I set out for Macedonia, to remain still in Ephesus, that thou mightst charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I besought thee, when I set out for Macedonia, to remain still in Ephesus, that thou mightst charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I besought thee, when I set out for Macedonia, to remain still in Ephesus, that thou mightst charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I besought thee, when I set out for Macedonia, to remain still in Ephesus, that thou mightst charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I besought thee, when I set out for Macedonia, to remain still in Ephesus, that thou mightst charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I besought thee, when I set out for Macedonia, to remain still in Ephesus, that thou mightst charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine, nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which occasion disputes rather than promote Gods dispensation which is in faith, [so I do now.]
nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which occasion disputes rather than promote Gods dispensation which is in faith, [so I do now.]
desiring to be teachers of the Law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
desiring to be teachers of the Law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the Law is good, if a man use it lawfully, read more. knowing this, that the Law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
True is the saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
This charge I commit to thee, my child Timothy, in accordance with the directions of the prophets before given to thee, that thou mayst in them war the good warfare, having faith, and a good conscience, which some thrusting away made shipwreck concerning the faith; read more. of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
I exhort then, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men;
I exhort then, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness and propriety.
for kings, and all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness and propriety. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, read more. whose will is that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all; to which the testimony was to be borne in its own due times,
who gave himself a ransom for all; to which the testimony was to be borne in its own due times,
I desire, then, that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not the woman to teach, nor to have authority over the man, but to be in silence. read more. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived; but the woman being deceived fell into transgression.
These things write I to thee, hoping to come to thee shortly;
These things write I to thee, hoping to come to thee shortly; but if I should tarry long, that thou mayst know how thou oughtest to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
but if I should tarry long, that thou mayst know how thou oughtest to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
through the hypocrisy of speakers of lies, who bear a brand on their own conscience,
through the hypocrisy of speakers of lies, who bear a brand on their own conscience, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from food which God created to be received with thanksgiving, for those who believe and know the truth.
But avoid the profane and old wives fables; and exercise thyself unto godliness.
Let no one despise thy youth, but become an example to the believers, in word, in behavior, in love, in faith, in purity.
Do not sharply rebuke an aged man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men, as brethren;
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor; especially they who labor in the word and in teaching. For the Scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he is treading out the grain"; and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." read more. Against an elder receive not an accusation without two or three witnesses. Those that sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may fear.
If any one teacheth other doctrine, and assenteth not to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
If any one teacheth other doctrine, and assenteth not to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is puffed up with pride, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, from which cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, read more. incessant disputings of men corrupted in their minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that godliness is gain.
incessant disputings of men corrupted in their minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that godliness is gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. read more. For we brought nothing into the world; and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
For we brought nothing into the world; and it is certain we can carry nothing out. If we have, then, food and raiment, we will be therewith content. read more. But they who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils; which some coveting have strayed away from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many pangs.
For the love of money is a root of all evils; which some coveting have strayed away from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many pangs. But do thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. read more. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on everlasting life, to which thou wast called, and didst profess the good profession before many witnesses. I charge thee before God, who giveth life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who under Pontius Pilate testified the good profession,
I charge thee before God, who giveth life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who under Pontius Pilate testified the good profession, that thou keep the commandment without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, read more. which in his own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no man hath seen, or can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.
who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no man hath seen, or can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. Charge those who are rich in this world that they be not highminded, nor place their hope in uncertain riches, but in God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, read more. that they be rich in good works, liberal in imparting, willing to communicate, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the true life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding the profane babblings, and oppositions of the falselycalled knowledge;
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding the profane babblings, and oppositions of the falselycalled knowledge;
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding the profane babblings, and oppositions of the falselycalled knowledge;
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding the profane babblings, and oppositions of the falselycalled knowledge;
No one serving as a soldier entangleth himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who chose him to be a soldier.
and their word will eat as doth a canker; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection hath already taken place, and overthrow the faith of some.
For of these are they who creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth. read more. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so also do these withstand the truth; men corrupted in their minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
For I am already about to be offered as a sacrifice, and the time of my departure is at hand.
For Demas forsook me, because he loved the present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
but in his own seasons manifested his word through the preaching with which I was intrusted by the commandment of God our Saviour:
For there are many unruly vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision; whose mouths must be stopped, since they overturn whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of base gain. read more. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said: "The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slothful gluttons."
One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said: "The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slothful gluttons."
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. To the pure all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure, but both their mind and conscience are defiled. read more. They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and for every good work reprobate.
that aged men be sober, grave, discreet, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
that aged men be sober, grave, discreet, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
that they may teach the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
that they may teach the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
The younger men likewise exhort to be soberminded;
For the grace of God, that bringeth salvation to all men, was manifested, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the present world;
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a people to be his own, zealous in good works.
Put them in mind to submit themselves to governments, to authorities, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work,
but avoid foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and contentions about the Law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that stirs up divisions, after a first and second admonition, avoid;
A man that stirs up divisions, after a first and second admonition, avoid; knowing that he that is such is utterly perverted, and sinneth, being selfcondemned.
yet for loves sake I beseech thee rather; being such a one as Paul an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus,
For it is impossible that those who have once been enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and been make partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, read more. and have fallen away, should again be renewed to repentance, since they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to open shame. For the earth which hath drunk in the rain that cometh often upon it, and beareth plants useful to those for whose sake it is tilled, receiveth blessing from God; but if it bear thorns and briers it is disapproved, and is near to being accursed; and its end is to be burned.
My children, the last time is come; and as ye have heard that Antichrist is coming, even now there are many antichrists; whereby we know that the last time is come. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they are not all of us. read more. And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and know all things. I have not written to you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denieth the Father and the Son. Whoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father; he that acknowledgeth the Son hath also the Father.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
And every spirit that doth not acknowledge Jesus, is not of God; and this is that spirit of Antichrist, of which ye have heard that it is to come, and even now it is already in the world.
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy endurance, and that thou canst not bear evil men; and thou didst try those who say they are apostles, and are not, and didst find them liars; read more. and thou hast endurance, and hast borne on account of my name, and hast not become weary. But I have this against thee, that thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore whence thou hast fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come to thee, and will remove thy candlestick out of its place, unless thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.