1 Timothy 4

Paul foretells the apostasy of some in the last days 3 who shall forbid marriage and the use of some meats 6 exhorts Timothy to propound the true doctrine and reject sables 8 and before all things to exercise himself in godliness and after his example in all reproach to hope in God 12 chargeth him to set to set himself for a pattern of all virtues 13 to continue in reading and not to neglect the gifts which he hath received 15 to increase and persevere in which is good 16 with a promise that so doing he shall save both himself and his bearers .

1. But the spirit [namely the holy spirit]saith expressly [namely by his extraordinary inspiration in the apostle and other prophets see Acts 20:23 and chapter 21 .4]that in the last times see 2Timothy 3.1]some shall fall away from faith that is from the true doctrine of faith as the following words show see 1 Thessalonians 2:3 2 Peter 2:1] giving themselves to seducing spirits [hereby are understood either the wicked spirit themselves as the following member of the spirit of false teachers as 1John 41]and doctrines of the devils is the author or inspirer ]

2. Through hypocrisy [or in hypocrisy that is under a show of holiness and of leading a more strict life and it is a similitude taken from stage players who often-times act persons which they are not]of liars having their own conscience scared over as with a burning iron [that is so scared all over that is hath no feeling for thereunto at last by a just judgment of God false teachers or superstitious man fall see Ephesians 4:19 2Thessalonians 2.11]

3. Forbidding to marry commanding[that is contrary word must hereupon be understood appears clearly from the following words even s such divers times come to hand see another 1Corinthians 14.34 and heretofore chapter 2.12]to abstain from meats which God hath created to be used with thanksgiving for the faithful and they that have known the truth [that is true believers to whom all things are pure even all meats used with moderation Titus 1:15]

4. For every creature of God is good and there is nothing to be rejected [namely in itself in the time of the new testament in the difference of meats is taken away see Acts 10:15] being taken with thanksgiving

5. For it is sanctified [that is prepared or made fit for a right and holy use as 1Corinthians 7.14 [by the word of God that is by the declaration which Gods word make thereof unto us see Titus 1:15]and by prayer [namely that is may be wholesome and blessing unto us under which thanksgiving is also comprehended see Matthew 15:36 Job 6:11]

6. Holding forth these things to the brethren thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ brought up [namely even from thy childhood as he adds 2Timothy 3.15]in the words of faith [that is of the found doctrine of faith even as the following words declare]and of good doctrine which hast attained

7. But rejected ungodly and old wives sables [namely whereof the Jewish Talmudists are yet full whereof Paul speaks also Titus 1:14 and chapter 3.9 and which he foretells that even some Christian teachers shall adhere to in the last times 2Timothy 4.4]and exercise thy self unto godliness

8. For the bodily exercise is profitable for little [hereby some understand the exercises of those that contend for a prize for wrestling running and otherwise as the Greek word gymnasia sometimes signifies some bodily benefit only is obtained but seeing Paul here treats of matters which concern religion others understand it more fitly of some exercise of the body whereby the same is subdued or chastified as is fasting ,watching , abstinence for some meats or clothes otherwise lawful of these then the apostle saith they may indeed of some use yet but small in comparison of godliness itself forasmuch as they may also be abused and degenerated into superstition as Paul testifies Colossians 2:23 but godliness is always acceptable unto God and useful for all things]but godliness is profitable unto all things [namely from Christ himself Matthew 6:33]the promise of the present life and of that to come

9. this is a faithful word [that is a firm and true promise]and worthy of all acceptation

10. for this we also labor and are reproached because we have hoped [namely in all troubles and tribulations]in the living God who is a preserver of all men [Gr jotter which word some here translate savior but seeing God is the savior of none but believers job 3.36 and elsewhere therefore it cannot be here taken in that sense but only for a protector and preserver as the Greek word sozein is oftentimes taken in general for all kinds of preserving and keeping yea Psalms 36:6,7 to praise the goodness of God towards his it is laid also that he saveth beast and men]but especially believers

11. Command these things and teach them

12. let no man despise thy youth [give no just cause by thy life conversation that any should be able to despise the for thy youth which sense the following words require]but be a pattern of faithfulness in word in conversation in love in the spirit [that is zeal of the spirit or gifts of the spirits]in faith in purity

13. Continue in reading [namely of the holy scripture as he adds 2Timothy 3.14c] in exhorting the teaching until I come

14. Neglect not [that is stir it up and bestow it well 2 Timothy 1:6,7]the gift[hereby is understood as well the calling as the gift needful thereunto as the following words show]which is in thee by prophesy[see hereof the annotate on chapter 1.18]with laying on the hands of eldership [that is of assembly of elders of the overseers of the church in whose name and presence Paul had laid hands on Timothy 1Timothy 6.12 for that Paul did this himself appears from 2Timothy 1.6 and that at Lystra as may be collected from Acts 16:1,2]

15. think on these things be herein that thy improvement[namely in gifts and godliness]may be manifest in all [namely things or amongst all namely man]

16. Take heed of thyself and to the doctrine persevere in these for so doing thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee [namely by the words as an instrument and minister of Christ in whom is put the word of reconciliation 2 2Corithians 3.7]