Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Summary: Paul’s language in this passage may seem abrupt, but it is rooted in deep biblical precedent. God sometimes uses what feels like a curse to teach us the consequences of disobedience.
There are a lot of questions that come to mind as we read Paul’s words in this passage. Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander? What had they done? What does it mean to “blaspheme”? What does it mean to have someone over to Satan? What can Satan teach us, and how does he do it?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:20 – Curse or Consequence?”