1 Timothy4
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
2through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;
3forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.
4For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.
6If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now:
7but refuse profane and old wives’ fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness:
8for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.
9Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation.
10For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.
11These things command and teach.
12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.
13Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.
14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all.
16Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Timothy 4.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Of departures from the faith that began already to appear. (1–5). Several directions, with motives for due discharge of duties. (6–16).
vv1-5
The Holy Spirit, both in the Old and the New Testament, spoke of a general turning from the faith of Christ, and the pure worship of God. This should come during the Christian dispensation, for those are called the latter days. False teachers forbid as evil what God has allowed, and command as a duty what he has left indifferent. We find exercise for watchfulness and self-denial, in attending to the requirements of God's law, without being tasked to imaginary duties, which reject what he has allowed. But nothing justifies an intemperate or improper use of things; and nothing will be good to us, unless we seek by prayer for the Lord's blessing upon it.
vv6-10
Outward acts of self-denial profit little. What will it avail us to mortify the body, if we do not mortify sin? No diligence in mere outward things could be of much use. The gain of godliness lies much in the promise; and the promises to godly people relate partly to the life that now is, but especially to the life which is to come: though we lose for Christ, we shall not lose by him. If Christ be thus the Saviour of all men, then much more will he be the Rewarder of those who seek and serve him; he will provide well for those whom he has made new creatures.
vv11-16
Men's youth will not be despised, if they keep from vanities and follies. Those who teach by their doctrine, must teach by their life. Their discourse must be edifying; their conversation must be holy; they must be examples of love to God and all good men, examples of spiritual-mindedness. Ministers must mind these things as their principal work and business. By this means their profiting will appear in all things, as well as to all persons; this is the way to profit in knowledge and grace, and also to profit others. The doctrine of a minister of Christ must be scriptural, clear, evangelical, and practical; well stated, explained, defended, and applied. But these duties leave no leisure for wordly pleasures, trifling visits, or idle conversation, and but little for what is mere amusement, and only ornamental. May every believer be enabled to let his profiting appear unto all men; seeking to experience the power of the gospel in his own soul, and to bring forth its fruits in his life.
Key Words
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
πνεῦμα (pneûma): a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit
ῥητῶς (rhētōs): out-spokenly, i.e. distinctly
λέγω (légō): properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas G2036 (ἔπω) and G5346 (φημί) generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 (ῥέω) is properly to break silence merely, and G2980 (λαλέω) means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean
ὅτι (hóti): demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
ὕστερος (hýsteros): later
καιρός (kairós): an occasion, i.e. set or proper time
τὶς (tìs): some or any person or object
ἀφίστημι (aphístēmi): to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.
Cross References
1 Timothy 4Predicted Roman power disregarding the 'desire of women' (marriage) in the latter days.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Prophesies the great apostasy or departure from the faith in the latter times.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Condemns self-imposed asceticism and neglect of the body that have a show of wisdom.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Contrast between pure believers who receive food with thanks, and defiled, unbelieving minds.
Supported by JFB
Predicts mockers walking after their own lusts coming specifically in the last days.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Alludes to God's original creation declaration where every creature of God was very good.
Supported by John Calvin
Repeats warning against endless fables and genealogies that hinder godly edifying.
Supported by JFB
Exhorts Timothy to avoid profane and vain babblings, guarding the trust committed.
Supported by JFB
Parallels the solemn formula: 'This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.'
Supported by JFB
Parallels the pastoral formula introducing key ecclesial and ethical truths.
Supported by JFB
Warns of false prophets and christs working deceptive signs through hypocrisy.
Supported by JFB
Warns against letting anyone judge in respect of meat, drink, or holy days.
Supported by JFB
Warns Timothy against hasty laying on of hands and commands maintaining personal purity.
Supported by JFB
Recalls the previous prophecies made concerning Timothy's ministry and charge.
Supported by JFB
Commands meditation on God's word day and night to ensure ministerial success.
Supported by Matthew Poole