1 Timothy 4 – Shortcode

Apostasy in later times

1. But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to misleading spirits and doctrines of demons,
2. through the hypocrisy of liars; *searing their own conscience so they can’t feel it.¹“*searing…  …so they can’t feel it” is one word in Greek.  It means to sear something with branding iron, which results in the flesh being rendered unfeeling/insensate,
3. forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from foods which God created for reception with thanksgiving by the faithful men who also *know the truth.
4. For every creature of God is good, and nothing received with thanksgiving should be rejected,
5. for it’s made holy through the word of God and prayer.

Godly Behavior

6. In laying these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Jesus the Anointed, being nourished by the words of the faith, and of the good teaching that you have closely followed.
7. But avoid profane fables and old wives’ myths,²“old wives’ myths” is two words in Greek.  The first is an adjective meaning “of, or relating to old women” and the second means a tale, myth, or fable.” but rather, strenuously train³“strenuously train” is one word in Greek.  It literally means to train naked or in a loincloth, and was used of athletes who trained themselves for the Olympic games, which were conducted clad thus.  Figuratively – as it’s used here – it means to constantly train with rigorous effort and practice. yourself in godliness.
8. For the exercise of bodily denial for spiritual growth⁴“exercise of… …denial for spiritual growth” Is one word in Greek.  It properly refers to denying the body for the purpose of attaining “enlightenment” or spiritual growth.  This was a core tenant of Asceticism, which grew out of Gnosticism.  From this letter, both seemed to be a problem in the early church. is of little benefit, but godliness is beneficial for all things, holding a promise of life in the present and in the time about to come.
9. The saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance.
10. For we toil and strive for this, because we *hope in the living God, who is the savior of all men, especially of believers.
11. Command and teach these things.
12. Let no one disdain your youth,⁵“youth” This Greek word could be used of men up until they were forty years old.  1 Timothy was written 14 years after Timothy started traveling with Paul in Acts 16:1.  Even if Timothy was only 16 in Acts 16:1, he would’ve been 30 when this letter was written.  If Timothy was a bit older – which is likely – he would’ve been in his mid or late 30s when this letter was written. but become a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in ^love, in faith, and in purity.
13. Until I come, pay attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
14. Don’t neglect the gift in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the body of elders.
15. Diligently ponder these things; be absorbed in them so your progress might be apparent to all.
16. Pay attention to yourself and to the teaching; remain in them.  For in doing this, you will save both yourself and the men hearing you.