And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
This instruction I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare; holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith; of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
Experience
I wonder about people like Hymenaeus and Alexander. I’ve known people like that. They wander from the faith and make a wreck of their lives. I think—and this is just my thinking—that we do people like this a great disservice by letting them stay in church too long. I think this example of moving them out of church and letting them experience Satan and his way of life is the model for helping them be restored. Maybe I’m wrong; maybe I’m not loving enough; and maybe I worry too much about the rest of the flock. Or am I wrong?
