Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Timothy 1:18

18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy , according to the prophesies which went before on thee , that thou by them mightest war a good warfare .

The term Son here applyed to Timothy whom he elsewhere calls his Brother, is not a term of natural Relation, but of spiritual Relation; and of affectionate friendship and endearment. By the charge mentioned he probably means that before mentioned, ver. 3. to charge the false Teachers to teach [illegible: 1 letter]o other Doctrine, nor give heed to Fables, &c.

These prophesies were either the Judgments of good men before concerning him, or (which possibly is more probable) some Divine Revelations, Paul, or some Believers had received concerning this young man.

That thou having heard of them, or remembring them (though thou meetest with opposition as a Minister, and as a Christian yet) mightest not be discouraged, but Preach and hold the Faith, against all opposers. So the Apostle expoundeth himself.

Marginal references: chap. 6.12. 2 Tim. 4.7.