Study notes
1 Timothy 4
4:1
later times: The early church believed it was already living in the later times (see Acts 2:16–17; Hebrews 1:2; compare 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 John 2:18–23).
4:1–5
Paul’s plain teaching contrasts with the false teachings he criticizes (3:16).
4:1–16 Section
Paul gave Timothy instructions about how to serve Jesus well as a church leader. Timothy was to teach people to be thankful for everything that God created. They didn’t need to avoid marriage or certain foods to be holy.
Timothy was to work hard to grow in his spiritual life. People who play sports train their bodies to be healthy and strong. In the same way, Timothy was to train his spirit to be healthy and strong.
This training comes through listening to teachings about Jesus that are true. It comes through reading God’s word. It comes through using the gifts of the Spirit. It comes through not giving up hope about living with God for ever.
Timothy must love others and believe that God is the Saviour of all people. Timothy’s example would show other believers how to live as faithful followers of Jesus.
4:2
whose consciences are seared with a hot iron: Dead consciences either do not work or work in harmful ways, making judgments that go against the truth of the good news about Jesus (see also Titus 1:15; Romans 1:28–32).
4:6
Brothers: The Greek word adelphoi refers to family members, both male and female.
a good servant: Training good servants involves a complete pattern of behavior. Paul modeled this and based it on sound teachings. Good instruction unifies words and actions, beliefs and behaviors (see 3:10, 14–15; Philippians 4:9).
4:6–16
Timothy needs to address the false teachers (see 2 Timothy 3:1–4:5).
4:8–9
physical exercise … godliness: Compare with 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 and Colossians 2:23.
holding promise for the present life and for the one to come: Compare with 1 Timothy 4:16, 6:6–8, Mark 10:29–30, and Ephesians 6:2–3.
trustworthy saying: See study note on 1 Timothy 1:15.
4:12
set an example: Only those whose lives are shaped by the good news about Jesus are worthy teachers of it (see 2 Timothy 3:10–11; Titus 2:7; Hebrews 13:7). The false teachers were not.
4:14
the laying on of the hands: This gesture showed recognition, validity, and blessing (see Acts 13:1–3; 6:6). This was likely the same event as in 2 Timothy 1:6–7 (see 1 Timothy 1:18; compare Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11; Ephesians 4:7–13). This is the way the church validated Paul’s ministry and that of his delegates.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources