Hymeneus is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the pastoral epistles attributed to the Apostle Paul. He is noted for his role in spreading false teachings and is associated with a departure from orthodox Christian doctrine.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Timothy 1:19-20 : "holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme."

In this passage, Hymeneus is mentioned alongside Alexander as individuals who have rejected faith and a good conscience, resulting in a shipwreck of their faith. The Apostle Paul uses strong language, indicating that he has "handed over to Satan" these individuals, a phrase suggesting excommunication or a severe form of church discipline intended to bring about repentance and correction.

2. 2 Timothy 2:16-18 : "But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some."

Here, Hymeneus is paired with Philetus, and they are accused of spreading false teachings, specifically the claim that the resurrection has already taken place. This teaching is described as a deviation from the truth and is said to undermine the faith of some believers. The metaphor of their talk spreading like gangrene underscores the destructive nature of their doctrine.

Theological Implications:

Hymeneus serves as a cautionary example within the early Christian community. His actions and teachings are presented as a serious threat to the integrity of the faith. The mention of his name in these epistles highlights the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and the dangers of false teachings within the church.

Church Discipline:

The references to Hymeneus illustrate the early church's approach to handling heretical teachings. The act of handing someone over to Satan, as mentioned in 1 Timothy, reflects a form of church discipline aimed at both protecting the community and encouraging the offender to repent. This underscores the seriousness with which the early church viewed deviations from apostolic teaching.

Historical Context:

While specific details about Hymeneus's life and background are not provided in the biblical text, his mention in the context of false teachings suggests he may have been a figure of some influence within the community. The nature of his teachings, particularly concerning the resurrection, indicates a possible alignment with early Gnostic or proto-Gnostic beliefs, which often spiritualized or allegorized key Christian doctrines.

Legacy:

Hymeneus's legacy within the Christian tradition is primarily as a negative example of the consequences of departing from sound doctrine. His account serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to preserve the truth of the Gospel and the necessity of addressing false teachings decisively within the church.Hymeneus

nuptial; the god of marriage

Hymeneus

A member of the church, probably at Ephesus, who fell into the heresy of denying the true doctrine of the resurrection, and saying it had already taken place. When first mentioned, 1 Timothy 1:20, he was excluded from the church; and when again mentioned, 2 Timothy 2:17,18, was still exerting a pernicious influence.

5211. Humenaios -- Hymenaeus, a heretical teacher at Ephesus
... Hymenaeus. From Humen (the god of weddings); "hymeneal"; Hymeneus, an opponent of
Christianity -- Hymenaeus. (umenaios) -- 2 Occurrences. 5210, 5211. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5211.htm - 6k

Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... matrimony. In his Epistle to Timothy [443] he relates that Hymeneus and Philetus
taught that the Resurrection was past already. What ...
/.../chapter xiii causes of corruption.htm

The Teaching of Matthew 13 Proves that no Era of Millennial ...
... The "tares" may be seen in Hymeneus and Philetus of whom we read, "who concerning
the Truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the teaching of matthew.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... to 1 Timothy 1:19, 20: "Holding faith and a good conscience, which some having put
away, concerning faith have made shipwreck: of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

2 Timothy ii. 14-Nov
... And here he implies that they are incorrigible, and that they erred not weakly
but willfully. "Of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus,". Ver.18. ...
/.../homily v 2 timothy ii.htm

The Betrayal
... Hymeneus, Alexander, Hermogenes, Philetus, Demas, and others of that tribe, were
all before him as he saw the man, his equal, his acquaintance, bartering him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the betrayal.htm

Rom. xv. 8
... "A messenger of Satan" was given to St. Paul Himself, 2 Corinthians 12:7, and it
was in hope of their salvation he delivered Hymeneus and Alexander to Satan. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxviii rom xv 8.htm

Acts VIII
... For time would fail me to tell of Simon the sorcerer, of Alexander the coppersmith,
of Phygellus and Hermogenes, of Hymeneus and Alexander whom Paul delivered ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts viii.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... "Also of yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things." It has been supposed,
that he had particularly in his eye Hymeneus and Philetus, who affirmed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

John Chapter v. 19-30
... Such the apostle resisteth, saying, "Of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus, who concerning
the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection hath taken place ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xix john chapter v.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... with the remembrance of the steadfastness of God's eternal decree of election, because
grounded on his foreknowledge; saying, though Hymeneus and Philetus have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Hymeneus (2 Occurrences)
...Hymeneus (2 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom
I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. (WBS). ...
/h/hymeneus.htm - 6k

Hymenaeus (2 Occurrences)
... 1. His Career: It is worthy of notice that in both passages where these persons
are mentioned, the name of Hymeneus occurs first, showing, perhaps, that he was ...
/h/hymenaeus.htm - 13k

Philetus (1 Occurrence)
... Timothy 2:17)): 1. The Nature of His Error: This person is mentioned by Paul, who
warns Timothy against him as well as against his associate in error, Hymeneus...
/p/philetus.htm - 9k

Alexander (5 Occurrences)
... 4. Alexander an Ephesian Heretic: The fourth of the New Testament Alexanders is
one of two heretical teachers at Ephesus-the other being Hymeneus: see article ...
/a/alexander.htm - 32k

Hymn (5 Occurrences)

/h/hymn.htm - 11k

Blasphemy (15 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American) "railings"; Revelation 2:9 the Revised Version, margin
"reviling"; so perhaps in 1 Timothy 1:20; or Hymeneus and Alexander may ...
/b/blasphemy.htm - 20k

Apostate (5 Occurrences)
... Biblical examples: Saul (1 Samuel 15:11); Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:14, 27); many
disciples (John 6:66); Hymeneus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1:19, 20); Demas (2 ...
/a/apostate.htm - 14k

Apostasy (6 Occurrences)
... Biblical examples: Saul (1 Samuel 15:11); Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:14, 27); many
disciples (John 6:66); Hymeneus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1:19, 20); Demas (2 ...
/a/apostasy.htm - 14k

Hymenae'us (2 Occurrences)
Hymenae'us. Hymenaeus, Hymenae'us. Hymeneus . Multi-Version Concordance
Hymenae'us (2 Occurrences). ... Hymenaeus, Hymenae'us. Hymeneus . Reference Bible.
/h/hymenae'us.htm - 6k

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