1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4:1

SPirit speaketh expressly] In the Scriptures concerning apostasie from the faith in generall, and seduction by false teachers, Matth. 24. 23, 24. Luke 18. 8. but to me by speciall revelation, that the false Prophets shall broach such false and damnable doctrines in particular as are after mentioned.

in the latter times, &c] See 2 Timothy 3:1.

seducing spirits] Either he meaneth devils, who are lying spirits, or wicked or ungodly men, who are the devils instruments, to spread errours and heresies, as the word is taken, 1 John 4:1.

1 Timothy 4:2

seared with a hot iron] Either branded consciences, or stigmatized with the marks of many foule and enormous crimes; A metaphor taken from rogues who are burnt in the hand, or some other part of the body. Or consciences so insensible of their own dangerous estate, and of the fearfull judgements of God, as dead and hard flesh seared with a hot iron, whereby Physicians consume rotten flesh to save the founder parts.

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry] This prediction is verified at this day in the Romish Church, which forbiddeth any in holy Orders to marry. It is true, the Manichees, Eucratites, and other Heretikes disparaged marriage, and disallowed it in those they called their perfect ones: but we read of none that by laws and canons prohibited marriage save the Bishops of Rome, and such as adhere unto them.

to abstain from meats] Either these words have a reference to the former words, vers. 1. doctrines of devils, and all the words between are to be enclosed in a parenthesis, and so the coherence is giving heed to doctrines of devils, namely this, to abstain from meats, &c. Or else there is an Ellipsis, and the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or some such like is to be understood; a like example whereof we have above, Chap. 2. 12. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (supple〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 1 Corinthians 14:34. Or like that 1 Corinthians 3:2. For the meaning, the Apostle doth not condemn it for an hereticall practise to abstain from certain meanes out of meer politick respect to save the breed of cattel, or medicinable, to avoid some diseases; but upon pretence of holinesse, or conscience, as if some meats were unclean in their own nature, or at least lesse holy then others, Colossians 2:21.

1 Timothy 4:5

santified by the word of God] It is made pure and holy in respect of us, so that we may use it with a good conscience as received at the Lords hand.

and prayer] That our meats may be sanctified to us, we must first confesse and acknowledge that God is the Creatour and giver of these creatures, which we use. Secondly, that we are of the number of those who through Christs benefit have recovered that right over all the creatures which Adam lost by his fall. Thirdly, by our prayers we crave of the Lord that we may use those meats with a good conscience, which we receive at his hands. Fourthly, we make an end of our eating and drinking with thankesgiving to God, as we beginne it with prayer.

1 Timothy 4:7

unto godlinesse] It is not onely requisite that the Minister of the Word be found in doctrine, but also that his life be godly and religious.

1 Timothy 4:8

bodily exercise profiteth little] Or, for a little time. Some hereby understand the exercise of those that strived for prizes, by wrestling, running, or the like; of which the Apostle speaketh, 1 Corinthians 9:25. But the Apostle here treating of good works, others do more fitly understand this of externall exercises of mortification whereby the body is tamed and kept under; as watching, abstinence from such and such meats, lying hared, and the like; which are otherwise lawfull in themselves, and indeed may have some use: but little in comparison of godlinesse, in regard that all the benefit that can accure thereby is but to subdue the members of the body, and curb the outward motions and actions thereof, 1 Corinthians 9:27. They are no way able to purifie that heart and the inward man, as a lively faith and the true fear and love of God doth, Romans 8:13.

promise of the life that now is] Of the blessins of this present life, so far as they conduce to our eternall happinesse, and of the life to come absolutely.

1 Timothy 4:10

Saviour of all men] God in generall not only saveth all men, but beasts also. Psalms 36:6. Saviour here is taken for protectour or preserver, because he conserveth all men in their naturall and temporall being in generall: but he is said the Saviour especially of those that beleeve, because hee is the conserver of them in their eternall and spirituall being: hee conserveth all creatures in their estate, men in their ways and callings, but the faithfull in the state of grace: he perserveth all creatures from disorder and utter confusion, all men from manifold calamites and miseries, but the faithfull from the power of sin and death.

1 Timothy 4:14

Hands of the Presbyterie] Or, Eldership. Some by Presbyterie understand the office of a Presbyter, which Timothie received by the imposition of hands; but the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is never taken in the Scripture for the office of a Presbyter; but for the company of the Elders, who here laid hands upon Timothie, when hee was ordained: for though hee were ordained by S. Paul, 2. Tim. 1. 6. yet this ordiantion was performed in the assembly of the Elders, and with the laying on of their hands also: agreeable whereunto is the Canon of the fourth Councell of Carthage, and the practise of the Church of England and other reformed Churches at this day.

1 Timothy 4:15

to all] Or in all things.

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed to thy selfe] To thy life and carriage, that to be inoffensive; and to thy doctrine, that it be sound.

save thy selfe] Thy ministery shall be an effectuall means both to save thy selfe and others: for faith is by hearing, and hearing by preaching, and therefore the ministers of the word are said to save themselves and others; for that to them in Lord hath committed the word of reconciliation.