1 Timothy 4 - Introduction - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Analysis Of The Chapter

There is, in many respects, a strong resemblance between the first part of this chapter, 1 Timothy 4, and 2 Thessalonians 2; compare notes on that chapter. The leading object of this chapter is to state to Timothy certain things of which he was constantly to remind the church; and having done this, the apostle gives him some directions about his personal deportment. The chapter may be conveniently divided into three parts:

I. Timothy was to put the church constantly in remembrance of the great apostasy which was to occur, and to guard them against the doctrines which would be inculcated under that apostasy; 1 Timothy 4:1-6.

1. There was to be, in the latter days, a great departing from the faith; 1 Timothy 4:1.
1. Some of the characteristics of that apostasy were these; there would be a giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; 1 Timothy 4:1. Those who taught would hypocritically speak what they knew to be falsehood, having their own consciences seared; 1 Timothy 4:2. They would forbid to marry, and forbid the use of certain articles of food which God had appointed for man; 1 Timothy 4:3-5.

II. Timothy was to warn the churches against trifling and superstitious views, such as the apostle calls “old wives’” fables; 1 Timothy 4:7-11.

1. He was not to allow himself to be influenced by such fables, but at once to reject them; 1 Timothy 4:7.
1. The bodily exercise which the friends of such “fables” recommended was of no advantage to the soul, and no stress ought to be laid on it, as if it were important; 1 Timothy 4:8.
2. That which was truly profitable, and which ought to be regarded as important was godliness; for “that” had promise of the present life, and of the life to come; 1 Timothy 4:8.
3. Timothy must expect, in giving these instructions, to endure labor and to suffer reproach; nevertheless, he was faithfully to inculcate these important truths; 1 Timothy 4:10-11.

III. Various admonitions respecting his personal deportment; 1 Timothy 4:12-16.

1. He was so to live that no one would despise him or his ministry because he was young; 1 Timothy 4:12.
1. He was to give a constant attention to his duties until the apostle should himself return to him; 1 Timothy 4:13.
2. He was carefully to cultivate the gift which has been conferred by his education, and by his ordination to the work of the ministry; 1 Timothy 4:14.
3. He was to meditate on these things, and to give himself wholly to the work, so that his profiting might appear to all; 1 Timothy 4:15.
4. He was to take good heed to himself, and to the manner and matter of his teaching, that he might save himself and those who heard him; 1 Timothy 4:16.