Standard (5296) (hupotuposis from hupotupóo = to draw a sketch or first draft as painters when they begin a picture) is literally an "undertype" and means a model for imitation, an outline, a sketch or model used by an artist. In literature it described the rough draft forming the basis of a fuller exposition.
Hupotuposis is emphatic (positioned first in the Greek sentence for emphasis). Paul wants to emphasize the vital importance of "the standard". Our English word prototype conveys the same picture, for a prototype is an original model on which something is patterned or a first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a construction. The "gospel" is the prototype upon which which all preaching and teaching should be founded.
Larry Richards has an insightful note regarding personal application writing that...
In NT times, hypotyposis was used of a floor plan to guide a builder or of a first draft of written material used to guide fuller development. Paul's point is that life is to be founded on Scripture's revelation of reality. But each person and culture must move on to construction, not violating the principles laid down, but constantly seeking to flesh out the divine vision. (Richards, L O: Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Regency) (Bolding added)
Paul used this same word in his first epistle writing that
I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. (NIV) (1Ti 1:19).
Hupotuposis referred to the outline or model used by an artist. So just as the artist has a model or an initial sketch before them, so Timothy is to keep before him the outline which he has heard from Paul and never depart from it. The idea is analogous to the writer's "rough draft" which forms the basis of a fuller exposition of a writing. This picturesque word thus speaks of a pattern by which one can maintain the sameness of a thing and without which the original work (in this case the gospel) would be corrupted or distorted over time.
Paul had earlier conveyed to Timothy an outline of doctrinal beliefs that were important. He now wanted Timothy to use them as a model in his own ministry. There was a definite outline of doctrine in the early church, a standard by which teaching was tested. If Timothy changed this outline or abandoned it, then he would have nothing by which to test other teachers and preachers. It would be similar to the builder of a house discarding his "plumb line" and just "eye balling" the frame of the house to see if the corners were "close enough" to perpendicular. On the other hand, a wall built with a plumb line is a perpendicular wall with mechanical correctness and solidity, a wall built to last. Paul then in so many words told Timothy, to retain the "plumb line" which you can "entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others" (2Ti 2:2-note) thereby building up strong, solid saints. As we approach closer to the end of this present age and the glorious return of our Lord, saints need to hold fast to the life giving gospel of Christ Jesus (2Ti 1:1-note; 2Ti 1:10-note).
Paul uses the root word tupos (model, pattern or mold) writing to the Roman saints who had become
obedient from the heart to that form (tupos) of teaching to which you were committed (delivered or entrusted). (Ro 6:17-note)
Hiebert makes an interesting practical application of the "outline" Timothy was to retain stating that
the validity of a minister's message lies in its adherence to the great verities of the Christian revelation." He goes on to quote Lipscomb "None can be too careful in stating the truths of the Scriptures in the language of the inspired writers. When men cannot convey their thoughts in the words of the Scriptures, it is generally because they do not hold sound doctrine." You might re-read that last sentence, especially if you are a preacher or teacher of God's Word.
MacDonald gives us an excellent illustration of what it means for us today to retain the standard:
It is not just that he is to be loyal to the truth of God’s word, but that he is to cling to the very expressions by which this truth is conveyed. Perhaps an illustration of this might help. In our day, it is sometimes suggested that we should abandon such old-fashioned expressions as “being born again” or “the blood of Jesus.” People want to use more sophisticated language. But there is a subtle danger here. In abandoning the scriptural mode of expression, they often abandon the very truths which are communicated by these expressions. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos)
The only other Scriptural use of hupotuposis is in Paul's first epistle to Timothy where he wrote...
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16 And yet for this reason (term of conclusion - When you see this phrase always and stop and ask what is the conclusion? Or "for what reason?") I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. (1Timothy 1:15 16)
Thayer explains the use of hupotuposis in first Timothy writing that it was
for an example of those who should hereafter believe, i.e., to show by the example of my conversion that the same grace which I had obtained would not be wanting also to those who should hereafter believe.
William Barclay adds that...
Paul uses a vivid picture. He says that what happened to him was a kind of outline-sketch of what was going to happen to those who would accept Christ in the days to come. The word he uses is hupotuposis which means an outline, a sketch-plan, a first draft, a preliminary model. It is as if Paul were saying, “Look what Christ has done for me! If someone like me can be saved, there is hope for everyone.” Suppose a man was seriously ill and had to go through a dangerous operation, it would be the greatest encouragement to him if he met and talked with someone who had undergone the same operation and had emerged completely cured. Paul did not shrinkingly conceal his record; he blazoned it abroad, that others might take courage and be filled with hope that the grace which had changed him could change them too. (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series. The Westminster Press or Logos)
John MacArthur commenting on this passage in first Timothy writes that
It was for this reason (the fact that Paul had been one of the worst sinners) that Paul found mercy. God didn’t save him merely to get him out of hell or into heaven. Nor did He save him to preach the gospel or write the epistles; God could have had others do that. The purpose of salvation, whether Paul’s or ours, is to display God’s grace, power, and patience and produce a true worshiper of God (John 4:21 22 23 24). It is for His glory primarily, our benefit is secondary. It was through saving Paul that Jesus Christ could most clearly demonstrate His perfect patience. Makrothumia (patience) means to be patient with people. Paul’s point is that if the Lord was patient with the worst of sinners, no one is beyond the reach of His grace. As an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life, Paul was living proof that God can save any sinner. He was the hupotuposis, the model, type, or pattern. Those who fear that God cannot save them would do well to consider the case of Paul. (MacArthur, John: 1Timothy Moody Press) (Bolding added)
OF SOUND WORDS: hugiainonton (PAPMPG) logon: [1Ti 1:10, 6:3, 2Ti 4:3, 4:4 Titus 1:9]
of the wholesome wordes (Geneva)
right teaching (NLT)
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Greek Word Studies ( - )
Read freely Greek Word Studies from the Austin Precept text commentary of the Bible in text and pdf format. Precept Austin is an online free dynamic bible commentary similar to wikipedia with updated content and many links to excellent biblical resources around the world. You can browse the entire collection of Commentaries by Verse on the Precept Austin website.We have been "bought with a price" to be "ambassadors for Christ" and our "salvation is nearer to us than when we believed" so let us "cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" "so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming." (1Cor 6:20, 2Cor 5:20, Ro 13:11, 2Cor 7:1, 1Jn 2:28)