1 Timothy 4

4:1-5 Paul’s sound teaching (3:16) contrasts with the false teachings that he denounces.4:1 The early church regarded itself as already in the last times (see Acts 2:16-17; Heb 1:2; cp. 2 Thes 2:7; 1 Jn 2:18-23).

4:2 Consciences that are dead either don’t function or function wickedly, rendering judgments that oppose the truth of the gospel (see also Titus 1:15; Rom 1:28-32).

4:6-16 Timothy must respond to the false teachers (cp. 2 Tim 3:1–4:5).4:6 brothers and sisters: Greek adelphoi, a generic term that refers to members of the same family, both male and female. • The training of the worthy servant involves a whole pattern of conduct, modeled by Paul and based on sound doctrine. Good teaching unifies word and deed, belief and behavior (cp. 3:10, 14-15; Phil 4:9).

4:8-9 physical training . . . godliness: Cp. 1 Cor 9:24-27; Col 2:23. • benefits in this life . . . the life to come: Cp. 1 Tim 4:16; 6:6-8; Mark 10:29-30; Eph 6:2-3. • trustworthy saying: See study note on 1 Tim 1:15.

4:12 Be an example: Only those whose lives are shaped by the Good News are worthy teachers of it (cp. 2 Tim 3:10-11; Titus 2:7; Heb 13:7). The false teachers were not.

4:14 laid their hands on you: The gesture signified recognition, authorization, and blessing (see Acts 13:1-3; 6:6). This was probably the same event as in 2 Tim 1:6-7 (see 1 Tim 1:18; cp. Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:7-11; Eph 4:7-13). Paul’s ministry and that of his delegates was under the authority of the church.