1 Timothy 4:1 - Robertson's Book Notes (NT)

1 Timothy 4:1

The Great Apostasy

1 Now the Spirit¹ expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed ^ato deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

2 ^aspeaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience ^bseared with a hot iron,

3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

5 for it is¹ sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Book Notes:

Robertson's Book Notes (NT)

I Timothy

Assuming the Pauline authorship the facts shape up after this fashion. Paul had been in Ephesus (I Timothy 1:3) after his arrival from Rome, which was certainly before the burning of Rome in AD 64. He had left Timothy in charge of the work in Ephesus and has gone on into Macedonia (I Timothy 1:3), possibly to Philippi as he had hoped (Philippians 2:24). He wishes to help Timothy meet the problems of doctrine (against the Gnostics), discipline, and church training which are increasingly urgent. There are personal touches of a natural kind about Timothy's own growth and leadership. There are wise words here from the greatest of all preachers to a young minister whom Paul loved.