“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,”
As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine — Timothy's specific assignment is defensive: halt the spread of false teaching in Ephesus's congregation. The charge (paraggellō) to Timothy parallels the charge Paul now gives him, establishing apostolic succession of doctrinal guardianship.
Church Fathers on 1 Timothy 1:3
Observe the gentleness of the expression, more like that of a servant than of a master. For he does not say “I commanded,” or “bade” or even “exhorted,” but “I besought you.” But this tone is not for all: only meek and virtuous disciples are to be treated thus. The corrupt and insincere are to be dealt with in a different manner, as Paul himself elsewhere directs, “Rebuke them with all authority” Titus 2:15; and here he says “charge,” not “beseech,” but “charge some that they…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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