ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 1 Timothy 4

1 Tim. 4:1–5 Identifying the False Teaching. After his celebration of the spread of the gospel (3:16), Paul returns to the false teaching (see ch. 1).

1 Tim. 4:1 The means by which the Spirit . . . says is not made clear. later times. As is typical in the NT, this is the time that began with the outpouring of the Spirit after the work of Christ. Those who follow the false teaching depart from the faith, so this teaching is outside the bounds of true Christianity.

1 Tim. 4:2 The consciences of the false teachers have been seared (that is, made insensitive and useless) by their rebellion against the gospel. Compare “good conscience,” 1:5.

1 Tim. 4:3–5 Paul reveals some of the content of the false teaching. Questions about foods and marriage were significant issues elsewhere in Paul’s letters (see Romans 14; 1 Cor. 7:25–35; 8:1–10:33; Col. 2:16–23). The false teaching seems to define holiness by what one gives up. In response, Paul affirms the goodness of everything created by God. God’s gifts should be enjoyed (see Eccles. 9:7–9). The word of God is probably a reference to Gen. 1:12, 21, 25, 31 (“God saw that it was good”).

1 Tim. 4:6–16 How Timothy Should Be Shaped by the Gospel. Paul focuses on how Timothy, by his teaching and lifestyle, can help the church stand against the false teaching.

1 Tim. 4:6 these things. Refers at least to the preceding paragraph, and possibly to the entire letter. See also 3:14; 4:15; 5:7; 6:2b.

1 Tim. 4:9 The saying probably refers specifically to the “value” of “godliness” (v. 8).

1 Tim. 4:10 to this end. The goal of Paul’s ministry is that people attain “godliness” and its eternal “value” (v. 8). Toil and strive is typical of Paul’s description of gospel ministry (compare 5:17; Rom. 16:6, 12; 1 Cor. 16:16; Gal. 4:11). The statement that God is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe could seem to teach universalism—that everyone will eventually be saved. However, the rest of Scripture clearly denies this idea (see note on 1 Tim. 2:4). There are several other possible explanations for this phrase: (1) Christ died for all people, but only those who believe in him are saved. (2) Christ is offered to all people, though not all receive him. (3) Christ is the Savior of all people, namely, those who believe. (4) Christ is the helper of all people, taking “Savior,” to refer to how God helps and protects people in need. (5) Christ is the Savior of all kinds of people, both Jews and Greeks. In any case, the emphasis is on God’s care for the unsaved world. On God as “Savior,” see note on 2 Tim. 1:8–10.

1 Tim. 4:11 these things. See note on v. 6.

1 Tim. 4:12 your youth. Timothy is young compared to Paul. Scholars estimate Timothy’s age to be somewhere from his late 20s to mid-30s, with most favoring the mid-30s. He was an experienced missionary and had served about 15 years with Paul (Acts 16:1–5).

1 Tim. 4:13 Public reading in the churches points to the authority of Paul’s letters. It also assumes they were written to be understood by ordinary believers.

1 Tim. 4:14 gift. Timothy’s calling to and gifting for ministry came from God. God revealed it by prophecy, and it was recognized by the church when the council of elders laid their hands on you. See note on 2 Tim. 1:6.

1 Tim. 4:15 These things refers to the things commanded in vv. 12–13.

1 Tim. 4:16 Timothy’s perseverance in sound doctrine and practice will save him. That is, it will lead him (and others) to continue in the faith.