1 Timothy 1:20

Hymenaeus. Probably the same teacher of perverted doctrines mentioned in 2 Tim. 2:17.

Alexander. Nothing further is actually known about this man.

Delivered unto Satan. Some commentators think that this expression was equivalent to a judicial sentence in the Jewish synagogue. If so, the phrase may have originated when Job’s faith was questioned and the Lord “delivered” Job to Satan to be tested (Job 2:6). However, Paul used this phrase evidently not with the thought that the purity of those “delivered” was to be revealed but rather with the thought that their actions should thus be condemned as spiritually incompatible with the standards of the Christian church. As in 1 Cor. 5:3-5, this phrase refers specifically to church expulsion, and was the last measure of discipline that a church community could visit upon an offending member. Because the offender had rejected one or more of the fundamentals of the Christian faith (1 Tim. 1:19) he had, by his own acts, really disfellowshipped himself from the spirit and body of the church proper.

Because there are only two spiritual kingdoms in this world, that of God and that of Satan, the person who renounces the service of the kingdom of God automatically enters the service of Satan’s kingdom. The church does not actually make the transfer, but ratifies the choice already made by the offending member (see on 1 Cor. 5:5).

May learn. Gr. paideud, “to train children,” “to teach,” “to instruct.” Even though church expulsion is a drastic measure, it is intended to be remedial. The shock of finally being severed from the church body may arouse the careless sinner to tire perilous situation of his soul. No longer a member of the family of Christ, the offender may now realize his need of repentance and contrition. Thus, the extreme measure of church expulsion may be the only means of recalling the sinner to the path of “faith, and a good conscience” (v. 19) and of instructing him as to his true state before God.

Blaspheme. Perhaps Paul refers to the perverted acts of those who wrongly use the law (see on vs. 3-7). Because the law is an expression of God’s will and character, any perverted use of it would dishonor God and misrepresent His purposes. Any form of dishonoring God is blasphemy.