1 Timothy 4

Chap. IV. Ver. 1—16. The great apostacy foretold.—Apostolical advice to Timothy.—“By calling the Christian church, in the end of the preceding chapter, the pillar and support of the truth, (says Dr. Macknight,) the apostle teaches us, that one of the important purposes for which that spiritual building was reared, was to preserve the knowledge and practice of true religion in the world. Nevertheless, knowing that in aftertimes great corruptions, both in doctrine and practice, would take place in the church itself; and that the general reception of these corruptions by professed Christians, would be urged as a proof of their being the truths and precepts of God, on pretence that the church is the pillar and support of the truth, the apostle….

judged it necessary, in this 4th chapter, “In the original of this passage (says Macknight) is the boldest ellipsis found in the New Testament.” Doddridge renders it, “Requiring abstinence from marriage, and from (various kinds of) meat.” —ny Ver. 10. Saviour of all men.—The meaning is, Christ is offered as the Saviour of all—of all classes of men, Gentiles as well as Jews; but he is actually the Saviour of those only who believe and obey his Gospel. This passage is of the same import with that in (John 3:16). ; Ver. 12. In ee word is wanting in several ancient manuscripts and versions.—Macknight. i; Ver. 14. The ‘ae of the Bane hid prob peg to have laid on their nds with Paul; (2 Timothy 1:6).

Compare (Acts 8:17-18). Taner V. Ver. 1. Rebuke not.—Doddridge and Macknight, ‘‘Rebuke not severely,” nor sharply—An elder.—This is often used as a term of office;

Notes on the verses

Chap. IV. Ver.1. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly.—Macknight, Or “saith in so many words.” —That in the latter times.—Doddridge, “the last times.”” Macknight, ‘in aftertimes.” Doddridge thinks, that under this term may be included the whole of the gospel dispensation, or any part of it, as in (Hebrews 1:1-2). 1 Peter i. 20. Mede explains this expression, of the last times of the Roman Empire, Daniel’s fourth Monarchy.—Depart from the Faith.—Doddridge and Macknight, “Apostatize.” Compare (2 Thessalonians 2:3). —Doctrines of devils (or demons.)—“Not (says Mede) that demons were the authors of them, (though that be true,) but doctrines concerning demons;” meaning, that the Gentile idolatrous theology of worshipping demons should be revived in the adoration of saints and angels, as thus stated in the Creed of Pope Pius IV.—“I believe, that the saints who reign with Christ are to be worshipped and prayed to.”

Macknight adopts this explanation; but Granville Sharp contends in favour of the common version; to which Doddridge also adheres. See Sharp on the case of Saul. Ver. 1—3. Now the Spirit speaketh, &c.—(This important prediction might be more correctly rendered, ‘Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall apostatize from the faith, giving heed to erroneous spirits, and doctrines concerning demons, through the hypocrisy of liars, having their consciences seared with a hot iron, forbiddings to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats,” &c. How applicable these particulars are to the corruptions of the church of Rome need scarce be insisted on. The worship of saints and angels in that church is essentially the same with the worship of demons among the heathen; which has been established in the world by books forged in the name of the Apostles and saints, by lying legends of their lives, by false miracles ascribed to their relics, and by fabulous dreams and relations; while celibacy was enjoined and practised under pretence of chastity, and abstinence under pretence of devotion.

None but the Spirit of God could foresee and foretell these remarkable events. J—Bag sier. ~ Ver. 3. Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats.—their tombs, inscribed these words, Uni viro nupta—she had only one husband. But that St. Paul did not consider second marriages unlawful to women, is clear, from his advising them. See ver. 14. Ver. 10. If she have washed the saints’ feet.—See (Luke 7:33-44), and notes. Ver. 11. The younger widows refuse—That is, to receive them on the pension list, as widows to be supported by the church To wax wanton against Christ.—Macknight, “‘When they cannot endure Christ’s rein.” He says the original term is a metaphor, taken from high fed animals, who cannot bear the reins.

Glassius and Le Clerc translate it, “‘Who do not obey the reins.” Ver. 12, Having damnation.—Doddridge, “Exposing themselves to condemnation.”” Macknight, “Incurring condemnation.”——Cast off their first faith—That is, their fidelity to Christ, plighted when they assumed the office of Christian teachers: so Macknight. But, perhaps, to cast off their first is only to “‘leave their first love,” and lose their zeal. Compare ev. ii. 4. ee 13. Speaking things which they ought not—That is, revealing family Ver. 14. The younger women.—Instead of women, which word is not in the original, Doddridge and Macknight adopt widows, from ver. 11, which therefore warrants, in such cases, second marriages on the female side.

——To speak reproachfully—i.e. concerning Christ, or Christianity. Ver. 17. The elders that rule well.—Doddridge and Macknight, “preside (well)” especially kd labour in the word and doctrine—i.e. who are active and laborious preachers. Worthy of double honour—That is, a proportionate income. Ver. 19. But before.—Margin, “under;” i.e. under the testimony of, &c. Ver. 20. Them that sin—That is, that sin scandalously, so as to bring reproach on the cause, let them be publicly rebuked, to warn others. * Ver. 21. The elect angels.—Those who having kept their stations when Satan and his adherents fell, are now fixed in permanent felicity by the divine decree. So Doddridge. Ver. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man—That is, according to Doddridge and Macknight, ‘Ordain no one to a sacred office hastily, or without due inquiry and examination.”.

r _. Ver. 23. Drink no longer water—That is, water alone; but mix wine with it. The Greeks often mingled their wine with water in different proportions. Orient. Lit. No. 1507.