Bible Commentaries
1 Timothy 4

Verse 1

1 Timothy 4:1

Explicitly says...

The reference is to the Holy Spirit, but whether to O.T. prophecy (Acts 1:16) or to some Christian utterance (2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 14:1.) we do not know. Parry recalls the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:10, Matthew 24:24.

In later times -- in due time, short time or while.

Depart from the faith - Αποστησονται - της πιστεως· They will apostatize from the faith

Origin of apostasy.. evil spirits

See James 5:19 note on APOSTASY

FALSE TEACHERS - 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 2 Timothy 4:2-4, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, Matthew 24:24, Acts 20:28-30, Galatians 1:7-9, Deuteronomy 18:21-22.

To Support false teachers is Sinful- 2 John 1:10-11.

deceiver or seducer. See 2 John 1:7, and comp. ὁ πλανῶν the deceiver, used of Satan, Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:10;

Deceitful = an impostor or misleader

Verse 2

1 Timothy 4:2

..through the hypocrisy of those speaking lies.

The metaphor is from the practice of branding slaves or criminals.. The brand is not on their brow, but on their conscience.

4:2 are dead (literally are seared): Dead consciences either don’t function or function wickedly, rendering judgments that oppose the truth of the gospel (see also Titus 1:15; Romans 1:28-32).

Verse 3

1 Timothy 4:3

Teaching celibacy, and ascetic practices. This sentiment was held by the Essenes, a religious sect among the Jews.

See note on Colossians 2:16, Colossians 2:21., where Paul condemns the ascetic practices of the Gnostics.

Verse 4

1 Timothy 4:4

It is sanctified. The food we eat is made holy when we offer thanks to God for it and pray his blessing upon it.

If it be received with thanksgiving - see the 1 Corinthians 10:31 note; Ephesians 5:20 note; Philippians 4:6

Verse 5

1 Timothy 4:5

A strong case for prayer for every meal.

It is sanctified. The food we eat is made holy when we offer thanks to God for it and pray his blessing upon it. This passage shows that the early saints were always wont to offer thanks before eating.

By the command of God; probably referring to Genesis 1:29: And God said, I have given you every herb - and every tree - to you it shall be for meat; and to Genesis 9:3:

Verse 6

1 Timothy 4:6

The apostle evidently wants to remind Timothy of the manner in which he had been trained.

Verse 7

1 Timothy 4:7

-- worldly fables fit only for old women.. NASV These seem to be particularly Jewish, Titus 1:14.

Fables - Fiction, or stories that were not founded on fact.

Fables (μύθους) See 1 Timothy 1:4, and comp. 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:14; 2 Peter 1:16.

Verse 8

1 Timothy 4:8

Verse 9

1 Timothy 4:9

Verse 10

1 Timothy 4:10

Especially = (adverb) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly: - chiefly, most of all.

Specially of those that believe - "This is evidently designed to limit the previous remark. If it had been left there, it might have been inferred that he would “actually save” all people. But the apostle held no such doctrine, and he here teaches that salvation is “actually” limited to those who believe." (Barnes)

Believe = ; objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: - believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true. (Strong)

Verse 11

1 Timothy 4:11

Command = announce, with view toward it being obeyed.

Teach = instruct

This verse applies to vs. 6-11.

Verse 12

1 Timothy 4:12

Despise = look down upon; think disparingly of.

Youth = youthfulness, probably about 35-40 yrs old. (Acts 16:1-3 how old was he then? It has been about 16 years since that time.)

[ We can imagine some of the older false teacher ridiculing Timothy’s youthfulness and crying that he is young, and knows nothing!]

An Example In

1. Word = in speech

2. conversation = manner of conduct, behavior

3. charity = love for God & brethren, his motive.

4. spirit = passion and emotions

5. faith = faithfulness, consistency in his practice,

6. purity = moral integrity, chaste

Verse 13

1 Timothy 4:13

Til I come = "while I am coming"

Give attendance =

1) Reading = public reading of the Scripture, Ephesians 3:4; Colossians 4:16; Revelation 1:3

2) Exhortation = encouragement, preaching with application of the Word

3) Teaching = instruction in the Truth

Verse 14

1 Timothy 4:14

Don’t Neglect =

Gift = cf. 2 Timothy 1:6, gift given by Paul.

By prophecy = with prophecy, The H.S. instructed Paul to do this (speaking to Paul, or through another prophet). Along with Paul laying his hands on Timothy to impart a gift 2 Timothy 1:6, Romans 1:11 (though never disclosed what that spiritual gift was, it probably had to do with his ministry as an orator, teacher, and organizer) presbyters, or elders, had also laid their hands on Timothy.

Hands of the presbytery = Acts 16:1-3, probably the elders at Lystra, ordaining him an evangelist.

Verse 15

1 Timothy 4:15

Meditate = carefully attend to;

Give wholly = "be consistent in these". "stick to your task" - Robertson.

Profiting = advance, progress, the lead soldiers

Verse 16

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed = take stock, self-examination of his conduct and teaching.

1) to self and 2) to teaching

Continue = present tense, imperative, keep on ...

Save self = by his faithfulness,

Them that hear = he becomes God’s instrument; the teaching of Paul is the Truth had save men when they obey and follow it.