[:en]WARNINGS AGAINST FALSE TEACHERS OF THE LAW (vs. 3-11)
Paul sent Timothy to lead the Ephesian church and wrote this letter to help Timothy deal with the difficult situation in Ephesian church. The church of Ephesus was plagued by false doctrines of myths and genealogies. Instead of studying the truth, they embroiled the church in endless questions and irrelevant controversies. They were motivated by a spirit of curiousity and a desire to gain power and prestige. They argued about minor details of the Bible and missed the real intent of God’s message.
Paul was against those who engaged in philosophical speculations based on the Pentateuch. The false teachers wanted to become famous as teachers of God’s law, but they did not understand the law’s purpose. The law was not to give believers a list of commands for every occasion but to show unbelievers their sins and bring them to God.
THE LORD’S GRACE TO PAUL (vs. 12-20)
Before, Paul was a blasphemer, a persecutor and a violent man. He acted in ignorance and unbelief. But the grace of the Lord showed mercy on him. God forgave Paul and used him mightily for His kingdom. No matter how shameful your past was, God can also forgive and use you.
Paul mentioned about Hymenaus and Alexander, whom he had removed them from the fellowship of the church. The ultimate purpose of this punishment was correction.
Church discipline is neeeded to prevent the entire congregation from being affected. But church discipline must be done in a way that tires to bring the offender back to Christ and into the loving embrace of the church. Discipline should include strengthening, purifying, training, correcting and perfecting. Condemnation, suspension, withold of forgiveness or permanent exile should not be a part of church discipline.[:]