1 Timothy 4

1 doctrines of devils. Or, “teachings of demons”; i.e., emanating from evil spirits, and showing themselves in the “hypocrisy of those [teachers] who speak lies, and who are branded in their own conscience,” being either insensible or shameless.

3 forbidding to marry. By extolling celibacy as more holy and meritorious than the married state.

6 whereunto thou hast attained. Rather, “which thou hast closely followed.”

7 old wives’ fables. Silly fables: see note on i. 4.

8 bodily exercise profiteth little (for a little). Either, “in some small degree,” or “for a little while.” The Apostle does not condemn physical exercise. But he shows its insufficiency for the needs of the whole man. Godliness benefits both body and soul, the life of the present and that of the hereafter.

9. This is a faithful saying. The preceding statement; “godliness,” etc.

10 therefore. i.e., it is for the sake of this “promise” that we endure toil and reproach; because we have set our hope on God.

12. Let no man despise thy youth. Timothy must have been at this time over thirty years old, some twelve to fifteen years having passed since he became connected with the apostle (Acts xvi. 1-3).

13 reading. Properly, “the reading”; namely, of the sacred Scriptures. Till Paul’s return Timothy was diligently to maintain the public reading of Scripture in the church; accompanying it with “exhortation” and “teaching.”

14 the gift, etc. The supernatural endowment (see 1 Cor. xii. 4-11) which Timothy had received on his appointment to the ministry (see i. 15; 2 Tim. i. 6), and in accordance with the intimation of one or more “prophets” of the church; imparted in connexion with the act of designation by the combined body of elders.

15 thy profiting. Thy progress.

16 the doctrine. Rather, “the teaching”: see on ver. 13. The faithful preacher secures his own salvation, and is made a blessing to his people: cp. Rom. x. 13-15.