Paragraph 1:8–11
Paul said that when people teach the Scriptures, they should teach them correctly.
1:8a
Now: This translates a Greek word, de, that is often translated as “but.” It connects 1:8 to 1:7. In this context it contrasts two facts. First, the false teachers do not understand the things they teach (1:7). Second, Paul, Timothy, and other believers do understand the law (1:8) which they teach.
we know: Paul did not mean that he and Timothy were the only people who knew that God’s laws are good. He included all believers.
the law is good: Paul was saying that God’s law is morally or ethically right. The things that the law says that people should do are just. When people obey the law, they please God. If you have translated Romans, compare Romans 7:12 and 7:16, where Paul also says that “the law is good”.
the law: Paul was still referring to the laws that God gave to Moses. See the note on 1:7a.
Since this phrase is singular in English (and Greek), some readers may think that Paul was talking about only one law. If this causes a problem for your readers you may need to use a plural term.
1:8b
if one uses: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as uses is a general word that means “teaches,” “studies,” and “obeys.” Here Paul was primarily thinking about teaching the law.
legitimately: It is good to teach the law only if people teach it legitimately or “correctly.” The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as legitimately literally means “lawfully.” If a person teaches the law “lawfully,” it means that the way he teaches it agrees with the purpose for which God gave it. In 1:9–10 Paul explained the true purpose of God’s law.
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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.