4:1 the Spirit explicitly says Refers to a prophetic message known to Paul. The passage never reveals how Paul heard the message, though the Spirit is identified as its source. In the book of Revelation, a similar phrase refers to revelation given by Jesus Christ (compare Rev 2:11; 3:6).

last times This particular Greek phrase only occurs here in the nt, but is synonymous with the last days (see note on 2 Tim 3:1). Though the apostle describes these events as occurring in the future, they also describe Timothy’s circumstances in the present age. The early church considered themselves to be living in the “last days.”

demons Supernatural beings hostile to God and His people (e.g., Mark 9:38; 1 Cor 10:20). Demons and deceitful spirits probably refer to the same group of evil figures. Paul’s point is to demonstrate the errant doctrine of the false teachers comes not from themselves, but from demonic figures (compare 2 Cor 4:4; 11:13–15).

4:2 hypocrisy of liars Refers to the false teachers. The following two verses likely describe key objections to their teaching.

4:3 who forbid marrying Those who forbade marriage promoted a type of asceticism that seems to have promoted celibacy for anyone seeking a holy life. Paul reminds them that God created marriage and food, both of which are occasions for thanksgiving (1 Tim 4:4). Paul’s teaching on marriage in the letter suggests that some of the believers had adopted the false teachers’ seemingly negative view on the subject (e.g., 3:2, 12; 5:9–16).

abstaining from foods It is unknown which kinds of food are in view here. There was some debate in the early church period about whether Christians should avoid meat sacrificed to idols or observe Jewish dietary laws (see Rom 14:1–23; 1 Cor 8:1–10:33; Col 2:16–23). The false teachers may have pressured believers in Ephesus to abstain from foods because of these issues. Paul condemns their teaching on theological grounds. He argues that believers who give thanks to God are free to eat any kind of food since they acknowledge God as the creator and provider of every good thing (see Gen 1:29; 9:3; Psa 24:1).

thankfulness An expression of gratitude for God’s provision and generosity. Paul presents thankfulness as a remedy for materialism (see Col 3:17; Eph 5:20).

truth The gospel message.

4:4 everything created by God Paul’s affirmation of the goodness of creation echoes the language of the creation narrative in Genesis (e.g., Gen 1:4, 10). The false teachers apparently denied the inherent value of some created things (e.g., some kinds of food).

thankfulness See note on 1 Tim 4:3.

4:5 it is made holy Meaning acceptable for use or good for consumption. Because God has declared that creation is good, all things created by God are good. Believers are called to receive God’s gifts with gratitude and in prayer.

4:6 servant The Greek word used here, diakonos, refers generically in this instance to a “minister” or “servant” (e.g., Col 1:7; 2 Cor 11:23). Compare note on 1 Tim 3:8.

Diakonos Word Study

4:7 myths See note on 1:4. Such myths must be rejected and replaced with the gospel message.

godliness See note on 2:2.

4:8 training of the body The Greek word used here, gymnasia, refers to physical exercise or training. The related verb occurs in the preceding verse. Paul uses the term here to describe training in godliness, in preparation for ministry and for combating the false teachers. Compare Heb 12:11.

4:9 The statement is trustworthy See note on 1 Tim 1:15.

4:10 we labor The Greek word used here, kopiaō, refers to the missionary efforts to plant churches and strengthen believers (Act 14:22; Col 1:29; 1 Thess 5:12).

hope A confident expectation of God’s promises, not wishful thinking.

the Savior See note on 1 Tim 1:1.

4:12 youth It is difficult to determine an approximate age for Timothy since the Greek term used here does not denote a specific range. However, the implication of the passage is that Timothy was younger than Paul and, most likely, younger than some of the elders and the false teachers. Paul urges him not to allow others to make his age a point of criticism. His gifting validates his authority, not his age (v. 14).

an example for the believers Paul was an example to all believers (1 Cor 11:1; Phil 3:17), and Timothy must be also (see Phil 2:20–22).

in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity This list of virtues describes true godliness.

4:13 public reading Public reading of Scripture was a regular feature in early Christian worship and a tradition in religious education (e.g., Acts 13:15). In 1 Thessalonians, Paul advises the believers to read his letter aloud for the benefit of the church community (1 Thess 5:27).

exhortation The Greek word used here, paraklesis, often refers to encouragement that helps a person take the right course of action. In his letter to the Romans, Paul listed exhortation as a spiritual gift that benefits the church community (Rom 12:8). It can also refer to encouragement in the sense of comforting or lifting someone’s spirits (2 Cor 1:4).

4:14 prophecy See note on 1 Tim 1:18.

the laying on of hands A gesture used to symbolize the impartation of power. Paul does not regard this as a special power (compare Acts 8:18–20); rather, he recognizes that God empowers and equips believers for ministry (Acts 1:8; Eph 4:11–12). God uses this act, and others, to do so.

council of elders Other leaders approved Timothy’s commission.

4:16 you will save Timothy’s proper response to his calling as a minister of the gospel is to persevere in the face of opposition and difficult seasons. By demonstrating proper conduct and teaching true doctrine, Timothy will confirm God’s gift of salvation to him and other believers.