Chapter # 1 Paragraph # 4 Study # 3
Lincolnton, NC
June 27, 2004
KJV Translation:
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1901 ASV Translation:
20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
Textual Notes:There are no textual variations between the
Textus Receptus and the
Nestle/Aland 26. The translation of the verb "may learn/might be taught" is an error in the KJV as the verb is an Aorist Passive as the ASV renders it.
Notes:
- I. The question of the spiritual identity of Hymenaeus and Alexander is settled by these facts:
- a. One does not "deliver up" unbelievers to Satan as they are already under his dominion as Paul clearly states in Ephesians 2:2.
- b. One does not "deliver up" unbelievers for "blasphemy" as Paul identified himself that way before his conversion (I Timothy 1:13).
- c. One does not "child-train" unbelievers as they are not "children" in the household.
- II. The problems associated with "believers" who "blaspheme" are legion, but the fact is that "believers" blaspheme every time they mis-represent God in their teaching and behavior. Since justification is rooted in the perfections of Christ, and perfect doctrinal accuracy is not required for "faith unto justification", there is no reason to see these two men as anything other than wayward believers who have forsaken faith and a clear conscience and have persisted in spite of correction administered by Paul.
- III. Being delivered up to Satan was something that Peter experienced as Jesus told him that He was not going to deny Satan's desire to sift him as wheat.