Commentaries:
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1 Timothy 4:1-2
The source of false doctrine is demonic. Paul is writing of men who listen to, consider, follow, and then teach doctrines twisted from their biblical base (II Peter 3:16). He adds in II Corinthians 11:13-15 that, though the false doctrine comes through a man, the real source is Satan. The man is just a servant.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Damnable HeresiesRelated Topics: Demonic Influence | Demons | Doctrine of Demons | False Doctrine | Heresy | Satan | Satan as Source of False Doctrine | Satan's Heresies | Satan's Influence
1 Timothy 4:1
The Greek word planos, translated as "deceiving" (NKJV) or "seducing" (KJV), is the same word from which we derive the English word "planet." It conveys the idea of wandering. To the astronomers of ancient Greece, the planets appeared to wander in a heaven populated by other, relatively fixed lights. Thus, evil spirits induce people to wander from the true path of God's Word. These are the principalities and powers against which we wrestle (Ephesians 6:10-12).
John W. Ritenbaugh
Damnable HeresiesRelated Topics: Deceiving Spirits | Deception | Demonic principalities | Evil Spirits | Planos | Principalities | Seducing SpiritsOther Forerunner Commentary entries containing 1 Timothy 4:1:
Acts 20:28-31
2 Thessalonians 2:3
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What Does 1 Timothy 4:1 Mean?
The Greek word planos, translated "deceiving" or "seducing," shares its root with "planet" and conveys wandering. Just as ancient Greek astronomers saw planets wandering among fixed lights, evil spirits induce people to wander from the true path of God's Word. These are the principalities and powers against which we wrestle. The source of false doctrine is demonic. Though such doctrine comes through a man who listens to, follows, and teaches twisted teachings, the real source is Satan, and the man is merely a servant. Those who are going to depart are not the heretical teachers, who have already departed, but rather those who are going to be misled. This describes something in progress or about to begin.