1 Timothy Chapter 4 Series

I Timothy Chapter 4

I Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, (KJV Version)

4:1 But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, (Amplified Bible)

A. Now the Spirit -- Evidently the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of inspiration. It is not quite certain, from this passage, whether the apostle means to say that this was a revelation “then” made to him, or whether it was a well-understood thing as taught by the Holy Spirit. He himself elsewhere refers to this same prophecy, and John also more than once mentions it; compare 2 Thes. 2; 1Jn_2:18; Rev_20:1-15. From 2Th_2:5, it would seem that this was a truth which had before been communicated to the apostle Paul, and that he had dwelt on it when he preached the gospel in Thessalonica. There is no improbability, however, in the supposition that so important a subject was communicated directly by the Holy Spirit to others of the apostles. (Barnes)

B. Speaketh expressly - In express words, ???t??? re¯to¯s. It was not by mere hints, and symbols, and shadowy images of the future; it was in an open and plain manner - in so many words. The object of this statement seems to be to call the attention of Timothy to it in an emphatic manner, and to show the importance of attending to it. (Barnes)

C. I therefore think these words were, for the greater solemnity and certainty, pronounced by the Spirit in the apostle’s hearing, after he had finished the preceding passage.” But the apostle might mean, that the Holy Spirit had revealed this, not only to him, but also to other contemporary prophets. (Benson)

D. Latter times—the time from Pentecost until the second coming of Jesus. (Mike Mazzalongo)

E. depart from the faith – “Depart” -- a?f?´st?µ?-- aphiste¯mi -- af-is'-tay-mee From Strong’s G575 and G2476; to remove, that is, (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.: - depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self. Total KJV occurrences: 15

F. “Depart” -- a?f?´st?µ? -- aphiste¯mi Thayer Definition:

a. to make stand off, cause to withdraw, to remove

i. 1a) to excite to revolt

b. to stand off, to stand aloof

i. to go away, to depart from anyone

ii. to desert, withdraw from one

iii. to fall away, become faithless

iv. to shun, flee from

v. to cease to vex one

vi. to withdraw one’s self from, to fall away

vii. to keep one’s self from, absent one’s self from

c. Part of Speech: verb A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G575 & G2476

G. As we have already seen, these heretics were Gnostics; and the essence of Gnosticism was that spirit is altogether good and matter is altogether evil. (Albert Barnes)

H. If this be the true construction, then it will mean that those who departed from the faith did it “by” or “through” the hypocritical teachings of those who spoke lies. Or who knew that they were inculcating falsehoods; of those whose conscience is seared; of those who forbade to marry, etc. The meaning then will be, “In the last days certain persons will depart from the faith of the gospel. This apostasy will essentially consist in their giving heed to spirits that lead to error, and in embracing corrupt and erroneous views on demonology, of in reference to invisible beings between us and God. (Barnes)

I. “demon” -- ?a?µ?´???? – daimonion -- dahee-mon'-ee-on Thayer Definition:

a. 1) the divine power, deity, divinity

b. 2) a spirit, a being inferior to God, superior to men

c. 3) evil spirits or the messengers and ministers of the devil Part of Speech: noun neuter

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: neuter of a derivative of G1142

J. The mission of the leaders that have been described in previous chapters are to protect the preaching of the gospel. Heresies always begin with the idea that Jesus isn’t really who he said He was, or were not saved in the way that the gospel says we are saved. (Mike Mazzalongo)

K. Acts 20:28-30 28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” 29 “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” 30 “Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”

L. “perverse” – d?ast?e´f? -- diastrepho¯ -- dee-as-tref'-o From Strong’s G1223 and G4762; to distort, that is, (figuratively) misinterpret, or (morally) corrupt: - perverse (-rt), turn away. Total KJV occurrences: 7