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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY

CHAPTER FOUR:
“A GOOD MINISTER AND GOOD DOCTRINE”

1 Timothy 4:1-5 – Apostasy Foretold

1TM4:1 But, now, the Pneuma expressly says 152 that in latter times 153 some will apostatize from the Faith, 154 giving heed to deceitful inspirations 155 and doctrines of demons, 156

152	The Pneuma expressly says: Or, KJV: the Spirit speaketh expressly; KNX: told by inspiration. PNEUMA, usually rendered “spirit,” may mean an “inspiration” or “inspired utterance.” Paul may refer to a personal inspiration experienced under the influence of the holy Pneuma.

153	In latter times: Or, after times, later seasons. Likely Paul has in mind John’s “last hour.” Compare notes on 2 Timothy 4:3. [1 John 2:18; 4:1] In 2 Thessalonians 2:7 Paul had earlier written that the apostasy was “already at work.” Research apostasy in Nazarene Commentary 2000© for details.

154

Some will apostatize from the Faith: The Greek is APOSTESONTAI [Strong’s Concordance #868, to remove, to instigate to revolt, desert, depart, draw away, withdraw self] from which the English “apostasy” is derived. Or, depart from, fall away, desert, abandon, revolt, rebel. Compare notes on 2 Thessalonians 2:3 regarding the foretold apostasy which finds its basis in the Nazarene’s parable at Matthew 13:24ff and Matthew 13:36ff. [Compare also Matthew 24:12.] Nothing could be more accurate than the historical evolution away from the primitive Church and its teachings. These involved not only doctrine but also church order. Jesus had asked the rhetorical question, “When the Son of Man arrives will he really find The Faith on earth?” [Luke 18:8]

155

Giving heed to deceitful inspirations: Or, seducing spirits, deceiving spirits, subversive. The Greek is PNEUMASI, the plural for “spirit” and may refer to inspiration. Compare notes on 1 John 4:1 and 2 Thessalonians 2:2. Part of this apostasy is due to the development of false teachings from an inspiration other than God. [Matthew 15:9; 2 Peter 2:1ff] Compare notes on “every wind of teaching” in Ephesians 4:14, 15 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

156

Doctrines of demons: Or, doctrines of devils, teachings of demons, doctrines inspired by demons. The Greeks worshiped demons and their philosophical doctrines were formed from Egyptian backgrounds. [See Preparation of the Gospel by Eusebius] Paul agrees with this. [1 Corinthians 10:20, 21] Most of this came from teachers within the Church who underwent a satanic transformation. [2 Corinthians 11:3, 14, 15] These “doctrines” surely included the concept of a triune deity, hell-fire torment, and the immortality of the human soul – all which found their roots in Egypt, passing through Greek philosophy. [See Concerning the Heavens by Aristotle and the work by Eusebius mentioned above.]

1TM4:2 in [the] hypocrisy of those [who] speak falsehoods, 157 their own conscience having been seared. 158

157	In [the] hypocrisy of those [who] speak falsehoods: Or, speaking lies in hypocrisy, teach falsely. [Acts 20:30; 2 Timothy 2:16; 2 Peter 2:3]

158

Conscience having been seared: Or, seared with a brand, hardened, as dead as seared flesh, branded with the devil’s sign. Not only is their a radical doctrinal shift evolving over several centuries, but also a moral shift resulting in more and more of a liberal and compromising character. Such could later actually convince the Church to support wars and inquisitions, or the burning of heretics at the stake.

1TM4:3 [They will] forbid marriage 159 [and command] abstinence from [certain] foods, 160 which The God created 161 for partaking with thanksgiving by believers and those who know the Truth.

159	Forbid marriage: The celibacy of the priesthood and nuns is a clear example. However, others at different times have spoken in such a way that it was clear marriage was highly discouraged and criticized.

160	Abstinence from [certain] foods: The command to refrain from eating meat on Friday is one example. If these are “doctrines of devils” what of eternal hell-fire torment? Paul grows directly against the Jewish regulations found in the Law of Moses regarding abstinence from certain meats.

161

The God created: Paul uses HO THEOS identifying the Creator. Nowhere does he ever state that the Son Jesus is Creator. Paul agrees with the Nazarene in that “all foods are clean.” [Mark 7:19] Compare also Acts 10:15 and Romans 14:3. Many foods once pronounced unclean by the Jewish Law are now readily eaten by Christians. Paul emphasizes that thanksgiving prayer must be involved.

1TM4:4 Because every one of God’s creatures [is] good and nothing received with thanksgiving is to be rejected. 1TM4:5 For it is sanctified by God’s Word and intercession. 162

162	Intercession: Or, prayer.

1 Timothy 4:6-10 – Good Teaching

1TM4:6 By suggesting these things to the brothers 163 you will be a good servant 164 of Christ Jesus, nourished with the words of the Faith 165 and the Good Teaching which you have followed. 166

163

By suggesting these things to the brothers: The Greek for “suggesting” is HYPO-TITHEMENOS [Strong’s Concordance #5294, to place underneath, to hazard, put in remembrance]. Or, pointing out, setting forth, lay these things before, instructing, explain, advices. It seems fair to conclude that Paul means what he has written up to this point.

164	You will be a good servant: Or, minister. A good minister in the Church is one characterized by teaching the contents of 1 Timothy.

165	Nourished with the words of the Faith: Or, nurturing on the messages, feeding your own soul, bred on the precepts, trained, living on. The “words of the Faith” would surely include the teachings of the Nazarene in the Gospels as well as Paul’s own inspired words. [Titus 2:1]

166	The Good Teaching which you have followed: Or, good doctrine, noble teaching, fine teaching, sound instruction, right teaching, excellent teaching. Compare notes on 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14. Certainly part of this “Good Teaching” is found in Paul’s letters to Timothy.

1TM4:7 However, refuse the profane 167 and old wives’ tales. 168 Train yourself as hard as a gymnast in godliness. 169

167

Refuse the profane: Or, worldly, unholy, godless; PME: steer clear of all these stupid God-less fictions; MOF: shut your mind. The Christian is not open to just any doctrine or teaching as though there were no real Truth in the Church. Having warned Timothy of the growing apostasy above, he cautions him against irreverent teachings. [1 Timothy 6:20; Titus 1:14]

168	Old wives’ tales: The Greek is GRAOTHEIS [Strong’s Concordance #1126, crone-like, silly]. Or, old-womanish myths. Paul uses a metaphor for ridiculous teachings and doctrines so at variance with those of Jesus Christ as to be silly.

169

Train yourself as hard as a gymnast in godliness: Or, exercise, discipline. Paul often used examples from sports and athletes. It is common for a young man to become obsessed with physical exercise, and perhaps Timothy was off balance in this. Paul encourages him to display the same energy and effort in the pursuit of godly reverence and piety.

1TM4:8 For the training of the body is only of some benefit, 170 but godliness is completely beneficial, 171 holding promise of not only the present life [but also] that future [Life]. 172

170

The training of the body is only of some benefit: The Greek is GYMNAZE. The Greeks and Romans were very much into physical training, just as the modern world is obsessed with training gyms and weight lifting centers. Perhaps young Timothy got himself involved in such as the result of an “old wives’ tale” about health and fitness? It is not that Paul discourages such altogether, but argues for a godly balance.

171

Godliness is completely beneficial: Or, PME: spiritual fitness is essential. The same energy young men put into physical exercise may also be applied to matters in the spiritual sphere. God’s ultimate purpose is that He “become everything to everyone.” [1 Corinthians 15:28] If this were true, then a Christian lives a God-centered life now and the bulk of available energy, talent, and time ought to go into the divine realities.

172	Holding promise of not only the present life [but also] that future [Life]: Or, RHM: the present and the coming; BER: present and future life; MON: here and hereafter. That future life is different from the present which is mortal. Upon the final judgment immortal life will be given to the Church.

1TM4:9 Trustworthy is that statement and worthy of acceptance. 173

173	Trustworthy is that statement and worthy of acceptance: Compare also 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 3:1.

1TM4:10 For this reason 174 we labor and agonize 175 because we have put our hope in a Living God who is a Savior of all humans, 176 especially believers.

174	For this reason: That future life.

175	We labor and agonize: The Greek is AGONIZOMETHA and represents a high degree of effort. [Compare Luke 13:24 and Luke 22:44 (= AGONIA)]

176	A Living God who is a Savior of all humans: God has no “savior.” However, God is even the Savior of Jesus Christ. [Hebrews 5:7] See notes on 1 Timothy 2:4. Paul does not mean God will save “all” humans for such a word in Greek, as in English, has certain limitations and contexts.

1 Timothy 4:11-16 – Save Others by Example and Teaching

1TM4:11 These things command and teach. 177

177

These things command and teach: Or, charge, enjoin, orders, urge. Again Paul exhorts Timothy to command and teach what he writes. This letter to Timothy, along with that to Titus, outlines much of the structure and order of the primitive Church. Anyone interested in a modern revival of the early Church does well to meditate on these letters first. Compare 1 Corinthians 14:37; 16:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:11 as to “orders.” [Hebrews 13:7, 17; Titus 2:15] Not all Christians in modern times would be favorable to Paul’s “command.”

1TM4:12 Do not permit anyone to despise your youth. 178 But rather, become a role model to the believers 179 – in speech, 180 in conduct, 181 in compassionate affection, 182 in conviction, 183 in purity. 184

178

Do not permit anyone to despise your youth: KJV: let no man despise thy youth; WMS: think little of you because you are young. It is difficult for a young, though zealous and energetic, elder to represent such apostolic orders with such words as “command.” Timothy was not to allow anyone to despise his youth, which seems to mean he had the authority to reprove or chastise those who did. It is likely Timothy had to visit many congregations where the local elders were much older than he was. Timothy always had this letter to point to Paul’s words. Note Paul’s word at 1 Corinthians 16:11. He says something similar to Titus. [Titus 2:15]

179	Become a role model to the believers: The Greek is TYPOS. Or, example, pattern, model. Compare Philippians 3:17. [1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 2:21] All elders must be role models for the rest of the Christian community.

180	Speech: Or, word, discourse, conversation. The elder’s speeches to the congregation, and his conversation with others, should be an example for all.

181	Conduct: Or, manner of life, behavior. The elder’s life-style and walk in Christ must be a model for others to imitate.

182	Compassionate affection: Or, love, loving concern, benevolent empathy, charity. The elder is an example of true loving concern for others and always seeks their highest good. [1 Corinthians 13:1-9]

183	Conviction: Or, faith, belief. The elder’s faith is demonstrated in his works and complete trust in God. He is characterized as a loyal and trustworthy person.

184	Purity: Or, chastity, clean thoughts. As a young elder Timothy had to discipline himself with regard to others in the congregation. Nothing the elder does should raise doubts about his guilelessness and chastity.

1TM4:13 Until I arrive continue to attend to reading, 185 to exhortation, 186 to teaching. 187

185

Continue to attend to reading: Or, give attendance to, devote yourself to, take care of, public reading, Scripture-reading. The reading of the Bible was a regular part of the Jewish synagogue and the early Church. [Note Luke 4:16] Paul’s letters were also read to congregations. [Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27] The elder must be able to read well when before an audience.

186

Exhortation: Or, preaching, comforting, encouragement. Exhortation is speech that encourages or arouses the morale of others. The elder may be a teacher but he must also be able to stir others to godly deeds of faith as well as to comfort and encourage. Note the synagogue tradition in Acts 13:15ff. Visiting elders were often invited to speak a word of encouragement. Compare Paul’s example.

187

Teaching: Or, doctrine, instruction. The former exhortation may be classified as speech, which is comforting and inspirational. The latter here, “teaching,” involved doctrine and deeper matters of God’s word. It is one thing to encourage others, and quite another to expound on doctrine or prophecy. An elder must be an example of such “art of teaching.” [1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9] From the above it seems clear that the early Church meetings contained at least a reading, an exhortation, and a teaching. [Compare 1 Corinthians chapter 14.]

1TM4:14 Do not neglect your gift 188 which was given to you by a prophecy 189 with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 190

188

Do not neglect your gift: The Greek for “gift” is CHARISMATOS [Strong’s Concordance #5486] from which comes “charismatic.” Or, RHM: be not careless; NEB: the spiritual endowment; NAS: spiritual gift. Certain gifts as manifestations of the holy Pneuma were passed on as charisma by apostolic representatives. [Acts 19:6; 1 Corinthians 14:1] The inference is that if one neglect such a gift it loses its power.

189

Given to you by a prophecy: Or, prediction, prophetic utterance. Compare notes on 1 Timothy 1:18. This gift was not bestowed by Paul but by a body of elders, perhaps in the congregation where young Timothy first attended and very possibly served as a deacon. When a prayer was uttered over Timothy at his appointment or ordination no doubt a word of prediction was made concerning the young minister. Modern appointments should also contain a prayer outlining what is hoped for in the new elder.

190

Laying on of hands by the presbytery: The Greek is PRESBYTERIOU [Strong’s Concordance #4244]. Or, eldership, elders, officers of the church, elders as a body. It was not the congregation which voted such a person into office, but the body of presbyters, or elders. Compare Acts 14:23 and Titus 1:5. A single elder could also lay hands upon a candidate and appoint him as an elder. It is noteworthy that this appointment was not something forwarded to Jerusalem and the apostolic body. It was a local appointment authorized by apostolic representatives. Consider one of the first examples of this at Acts 6:6 and Acts 13:3. Note how Timothy is cautioned at 1 Timothy 5:22. Also, fasting was often involved along with prayer.

1TM4:15 Practice these things 191 – [devote] yourself to these 192 – that your progress may be manifest to all. 193

191

Practice these things: Or, KJV: meditate upon; ASV: be diligent; NASB: take pains; BER: cultivate; NEB: make these matters your business and your absorbing interest; PME: give your whole attention, all your energies to these things. Paul has in mind what he has just mentioned, Timothy’s “gift” and reading, exhortation, and teaching. It is a blessing when there is a young elder in a position to exert all his energies on behalf of the Nazarene community. [Proverbs 15:28] The elder must continue improving his “gift.”

192

[Devote] yourself to these: Or, be absorbed, live in, devoted, with all your heart. This is not a part time ministry but an all-absorbing interest and vocation. Not all elders are able to do this as they have families to manage, so it is a particular blessing when such an elder is present who can give 100%.

193

Your progress may be manifest to all: Or, BER: advance may be evident to everyone; CON: improvement. Every elder must be in a constant state of improvement in the various features of his ministry. The congregation will be able to see this ongoing maturity and development. The elder of 30 is not the same as an elder of 60.

1TM4:16 Watch yourself and your teaching. 194 Persevere in them, 195 for by doing this you will save yourself and those listening to you. 196

194

Watch yourself and your teaching: Or, KJV: doctrine; NASB: pay close attention to yourself; WMS: make your habit to pay close attention; PME: keep a critical eye both upon your own life and on the teaching you give. This takes constant care on the elder’s part. What he teaches must be consistent with that doctrine delivered by the Nazarene and his inspired disciples. [Acts 20:28-30] Compare notes on 2 Timothy 4:2 and Titus 2:1. This requires an ongoing program of Biblical studies and preparation.

195	Persevere in them: Or, continue, stick to. Timothy is often encouraged by Paul to endure.

196

For by doing this you will save yourself and those listening to you: It is interesting what Paul associates this with salvation: the ministering help of an elder who will both encourage and instruct. Compare Ephesians 4:11-16. [Romans 11:14; 1 Corinthians 9:22; 1 Peter 3:15] The Church with its elders is involved in the saving process.

Review Questions on Chapter Four

Summary of Chapter Four

Having discussed the matter of appointing elders and deacons, in chapter four Paul passes on to Timothy specifically. He foretells an apostasy and thus the need to maintain doctrinal purity. Paul tells Timothy what to command the churches and never let his youth limit his ministry. He gives the young minister exhortation to devote himself to those matters of preaching and teaching in the church. He is be completely absorbed in church matters so that he will save both himself and those who listen to his preaching. Paul will now press on to other matters involving elders, women, and widows.