3:5 take care of the church of God. An elder must first prove in the intimacy and exposure of his own home his ability to lead others to salvation and sanctification. There he proves God has gifted him uniquely to spiritually set the example of virtue, to serve others, resolve conflicts, build unity, and maintain love. If he cannot do those essential things there, why would anyone assume he would be able to do them in the church?
3:6 not a novice, lest…puffed up with pride. Putting a new convert into a leadership role would tempt him to pride. Elders, therefore, are to be drawn from the spiritually mature men of the congregation (see notes on 5:22). fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Satan’s condemnation was due to pride over his position. It resulted in his fall from honor and authority (Is. 14:12–14; Ezek. 28:11–19; cf. Prov. 16:18). The same kind of fall and judgment could easily happen to a new and weak believer put in a position of spiritual leadership.
3:7 good testimony…outside. A leader in the church must have an unimpeachable reputation in the unbelieving community, even though people there may disagree with his moral and theological stands. How can he make a spiritual impact on those who do not respect him? Cf. Matt. 5:48; Phil. 2:15.
3:8 deacons. From a word group meaning “to serve.” Originally referring to menial tasks such as waiting on tables (see notes on Acts 6:1–4), “deacon” came to denote any service in the church. Deacons serve under the leadership of elders, helping them exercise oversight in the practical matters of church life. Scripture defines no official or specific responsibilities for deacons; they are to do whatever the elders assign them or whatever spiritual ministry is necessary. reverent. Serious in mind and character; not silly or flippant about important matters. not double-tongued. Deacons must not say one thing to some people and something else to others; their speech must not be hypocritical, but honest and consistent. not given to much wine. Not preoccupied with drink (see note on v. 3). not greedy. Like elders (see note on v. 3), deacons must not abuse their office to make money. Such a qualification was especially important in the early church, where deacons routinely handled money, distributing it to those in need.
3:9 the mystery. See notes on Matt. 13:11; 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph. 3:4, 5. Appearing frequently in Paul’s writings (cf. Rom. 11:25; 16:25; Eph. 1:9; 3:9; 6:19; Col. 2:2), the word “mystery” describes truth previously hidden, but now revealed, including Christ’s incarnation (v. 16), Christ’s indwelling of believers (Col. 1:26, 27), the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the church (Eph. 3:4–6), the gospel (Col. 4:3), lawlessness (2 Thess. 2:7), and the rapture of the church (1 Cor. 15:51, 52). a pure conscience. See note on 1:5.
3:10 first be tested. The present tense of this verb indicates an ongoing evaluation of deacons’ character and service by the church. being found blameless. See note on v. 2.
3:11 their wives. The Gr. word rendered “wives” can also be translated “women.” Paul likely here refers not to deacons’ wives, but to the women who serve as deacons. The use of the word “likewise” as an introduction (cf. v. 8) suggests a third group in addition to elders and deacons. Also, since Paul gave no requirements for elders’ wives, there is no reason to assume these would be qualifications for deacons’ wives. reverent. See note on v. 8. not slanderers. “Slanderers” is the plural form of diabolos—a title frequently given to Satan (Matt. 4:5, 8, 11; 13:39; Luke 4:3, 5, 6, 13; 8:12; 1 Pet. 5:8; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 2:10; 12:9, 12; 20:2, 10). The women who serve must not be gossips. temperate. See note on v. 2. faithful in all things. Women servants in the church, like their male counterparts (see note on v. 2), must be absolutely trustworthy in all aspects of their lives and ministries.
3:12 the husbands of one wife. See note on v. 2. ruling…their own houses well. See note on v. 4.
3:14–16 These verses mark a transition point between the positive instruction of the first 3 chapters and the warnings of the last 3. They reveal the heart of the church’s mission (v. 15) and message (v. 16).
3:14, 15 I hope to come to you shortly. The Gr. grammar suggests Paul’s meaning is “These things I write, although I had hoped to come to you sooner.” Delayed in Macedonia (see Introduction: Background and Setting), Paul sent Timothy this letter.
3:15 how you ought to conduct yourself. The second half of this verse expresses the theme of this epistle—setting things right in the church. house of God. This is better translated “household.” Believers are members of God’s household (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 4:17) and must act accordingly. This is not a reference to any building, but to the people who make up the true church. church of the living God. The church is God’s possession (Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:14; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet. 2:9). The title “the living God” has a rich OT heritage (Deut. 5:26; Josh. 3:10; 1 Sam. 17:26, 36; 2 Kin. 19:4, 16; Pss. 42:2; 84:2; Is. 37:4, 17; Jer. 10:10; 23:26; Dan. 6:20, 26; Hos. 1:10). pillar and ground. Paul’s imagery may have referred to the magnificent temple of Diana (Artemis) in Ephesus, which was supported by 127 gold-plated marble pillars. The word translated “ground” appears only here in the NT and denotes the foundation on which a building rests. The church upholds the truth of God’s revealed Word. the truth. The content of the Christian faith recorded in Scripture and summed up in v. 16.
3:16 This verse contains part of an early church hymn, as its uniformity, rhythm, and parallelism indicate. Its 6 lines form a concise summary of the truth of the gospel. mystery of godliness. “Mystery” is that term used by Paul to indicate truth hidden in the OT age and revealed in the NT (see note on v. 9). Godliness refers to the truths of salvation and righteousness in Christ, which produce holiness in believers; namely, the manifestation of true and perfect righteousness in Jesus Christ. God was manifested. The better manuscripts read “He who” instead of “God.” In either case, the reference is clearly to Christ, who manifested the invisible God to mankind (John 1:1–4; 14:9; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3; 2 Pet. 1:16–18). in the flesh. Not sinful, fallen human nature here (cf. Rom. 7:18, 25; 8:8; Gal. 5:16, 17), but merely humanness (cf. John 1:14; Rom. 1:3; 8:3; 9:5; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 John 4:2, 3; 2 John 7). Justified in the Spirit. “Justified” means “righteous,” so that “spirit” may be written with lower case “s” indicating a declaration of Christ’s sinless spiritual righteousness (John 8:46; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 5:9; 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:21, 22; 1 John 2:1), or it could refer to His vindication by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 1:4). Seen by angels. Both by fallen (see notes on Col. 2:15; 1 Pet. 3:18–20) and elect (Matt. 28:2; Luke 24:4–7; Acts 1:10, 11; Heb. 1:6–9) angels. Preached among the Gentiles. Or, nations. See Matt. 24:14; 26:13; 28:19, 20; Mark 13:10; Acts 1:8. Received up in glory. See Acts 1:9, 10; Phil. 2:8–11; Heb. 1:3. Christ’s ascension and exaltation showed that the Father was pleased with Him and accepted His work fully.
1 Timothy 4
4:1–5 After already noting the presence of false teachers at Ephesus (1:3–7, 18–20), and countering some of their erroneous teaching with the positive instruction of chaps. 2, 3, Paul deals directly with the false teachers themselves in this passage, focusing on their origin and content.
1 Tim. 4:1
Names of Satan
1. Accuser
Opposes believers before God
Rev. 12:10
2. Adversary
Against God
1 Pet. 5:8
3. Beelzebub
Lord of the fly
Matt. 12:24
4. Belial
Worthless
2 Cor. 6:15
5. Devil
Slanderer
Matt. 4:1
6. Dragon
Destructive
Rev. 12:3, 7, 9
7. Enemy
Opponent
Matt. 13:28
8. Evil one
Intrinsically evil
John 17:15
9. God of this age
Influences thinking of world
2 Cor. 4:4
10. Liar
Perverts the truth
John 8:44
11. Murderer
Leads people to eternal death
John 8:44
12. Prince of the power of the air
Control of unbelievers
Eph. 2:2
13. Roaring lion
One who destroys
1 Pet. 5:8
14. Ruler of demons
Leader of fallen angels
Mark 3:22
15. Ruler of this world
Rules in world system
John 12:31
16. Satan
Adversary
1 Tim. 5:15
17. Serpent of old
Deceiver in garden
Rev. 12:9; 20:2
18. Tempter
Solicits people to sin
1 Thess. 3:5
4:1 the Spirit expressly says. Paul repeats to Timothy the warning he had given many years earlier to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:29, 30). The Holy Spirit through the Scriptures has repeatedly warned of the danger of apostasy (cf. Matt. 24:4–12; Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thess. 2:3–12; Heb. 3:12; 5:11—6:8; 10:26–31; 2 Pet. 3:3; 1 John 2:18; Jude 18). in latter times. The period from the first coming of Christ until His return (Acts 2:16, 17; Heb. 1:1, 2; 9:26; 1 Pet. 1:20; 1 John 2:18). Apostasy will exist throughout that period, reaching a climax shortly before Christ returns (cf. Matt. 24:12). depart from the faith. Those who fall prey to the false teachers will abandon the Christian faith. The Gr. word for “depart” is the source of the Eng. word “apostatize,” and refers to someone moving away from an original position. These are professing or nominal Christians who associate with those who truly believe the gospel, but defect after believing lies and deception, thus revealing their true nature as unconverted. See notes on 1 John 2:19; Jude 24. deceiving spirits. Those demonic spirits, either directly or through false teachers, who have wandered away from the truth and lead others to do the same. The most defining word to describe the entire operation of Satan and his demons is “deception” (cf. John 8:44; 1 John 4:1–6). doctrines of demons. Not teaching about demons, but false teaching that originates from them. To sit under such teaching is to hear lies from the demonic realm (Eph. 6:12; James 3:15; 2 John 7–11). The influence of demons will reach its peak during the Tribulation (2 Thess. 2:9; Rev. 9:2–11; 16:14; 20:2, 3, 8, 10). Satan and demons constantly work the deceptions that corrupt and pervert God’s Word.
4:2 speaking lies in hypocrisy. Lit. “hypocritical lie-speakers.” These are the human false teachers who propagate demon doctrine (cf. 1 John 4:1). conscience. See note on 1:5. seared. A medical term referring to cauterization. False teachers can teach their hypocritical lies because their consciences have been desensitized (cf. Eph. 4:19), as if all the nerves that make them feel had been destroyed and turned into scar tissue by the burning of demonic deception.
4:3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods. A sample of the false teaching at Ephesus. Typically, it contained elements of truth, since Scripture commends both singleness (1 Cor. 7:25–35) and fasting (Matt. 6:16, 17; 9:14, 15). The deception came in making such human works a prerequisite for salvation—a distinguishing mark of all false religion. This ascetic teaching was probably influenced both by the Jewish sect known as the Essenes, and contemporary Greek thought (which viewed matter as evil and spirit as good). Paul addressed this asceticism in Col. 2:21–23 (see notes there). Neither celibacy nor any form of diet saves or sanctifies.
4:4 every creature of God is good. The false teachers’ asceticism contradicted Scripture, which teaches that since God created both marriage and food (Gen. 1:28–31; 2:18–24; 9:3), they are intrinsically good (Gen. 1:31) and to be enjoyed with gratitude by believers. Obviously food and marriage are essential for life and procreation.
4:5 sanctified. Set apart or dedicated to God for holy use. The means for so doing are thankful prayer and an understanding that the Word of God has set aside the temporary Mosaic dietary restrictions (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:9–15; Rom. 14:1–12; Col. 2:16, 17). Contrast the unbeliever whose inner corruption and evil motives corrupt every good thing (Titus 1:15).
4:6 nourished…words of faith…good doctrine. Continual feeding on the truths of Scripture is essential to the spiritual health of all Christians (2 Tim. 3:16, 17), but especially of spiritual leaders like Timothy. Only by reading the Word, studying it, meditating on it, and mastering its contents can a pastor fulfill his mandate (2 Tim. 2:15). Timothy had been doing so since childhood (2 Tim. 3:15), and Paul urged him to continue (cf. v. 16; 2 Tim. 3:14). “Words of faith” is a general reference to Scripture, God’s revealed truth. “Good doctrine” indicates the theology Scripture teaches.
4:7 reject profane and old wives’ fables. In addition to being committed to God’s Word (see note on v. 6), believers must avoid all false teaching. Paul denounced such error as “profane” (worldly; the opposite of what is holy) “fables” (muthos, from which the Eng. word “myths” derives), fit only for “old wives” (a common epithet denoting something fit only for the uneducated and philosophically unsophisticated). See notes on 2 Tim. 2:14–18. exercise…toward godliness. “Godliness” (a proper attitude and response toward God; see note on 2:2) is the prerequisite from which all effective ministry flows. “Exercise” is an athletic term denoting the rigorous, self-sacrificing training an athlete undergoes. Spiritual self-discipline is the path to godly living (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24–27).
4:8 profits a little. Bodily exercise is limited both in extent and duration; it affects only the physical body during this earthly life. profitable for all things. In time and eternity.
4:9 faithful saying. See note on 1:15.
4:10 trust. Or “hope.” Believers are saved in hope and live and serve in light of that hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7; see note on Rom. 5:2). Working to the point of exhaustion and suffering rejection and persecution are acceptable because believers understand they are doing God’s work—which is the work of salvation. That makes it worth all of the sacrifices (Phil. 1:12–18, 27–30; 2:17; Col. 1:24, 25; 2 Tim. 1:6–12; 2:3, 4, 9, 10; 4:5–8). the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Paul is obviously not teaching universalism, that all men will be saved in the spiritual and eternal sense, since the rest of Scripture clearly teaches that God will not save everyone. Most will reject Him and spend eternity in hell (Matt. 25:41, 46; Rev. 20:11–15). Yet, the Gr. word translated “especially” must mean that all men enjoy God’s salvation in some way like those who believe enjoy His salvation. The simple explanation is that God is the Savior of all men, only in a temporal sense, while of believers in an eternal sense. Paul’s point is that while God graciously delivers believers from sin’s condemnation and penalty because He was their substitute (2 Cor. 5:21), all men experience some earthly benefits from the goodness of God. Those benefits are: 1) common grace—a term that describes God’s goodness shown to all mankind universally (Ps. 145:9) in restraining sin (Rom. 2:15) and judgment (Rom. 2:3–6), maintaining order in society through government (Rom. 13:1–5), enabling man to appreciate beauty and goodness (Ps. 50:2), and showering him with temporal blessings (Matt. 5:45; Acts 14:15–17; 17:25); 2) compassion—the broken-hearted love of pity God shows to undeserving, unregenerate sinners (Ex. 34:6, 7; Ps. 86:5; Dan. 9:9; Matt. 23:37; Luke 19:41–44; cf. Is. 16:11–13; Jer. 48:35–37); 3) admonition to repent—God constantly warns sinners of their fate, demonstrating the heart of a compassionate Creator who has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:30–32; 33:11); 4) the gospel invitation—salvation in Christ is indiscriminately offered to all (Matt. 11:28, 29; 22:2–14; John 6:35–40; Rev. 22:17; cf. John 5:39, 40). God is, by nature, a saving God. That is, He finds no pleasure in the death of sinners. His saving character is revealed even in how He deals with those who will never believe, but only in those 4 temporal ways. See notes on 2:6.
4:12 Let no one despise your youth. Greek culture placed great value on age and experience. Since Timothy was in his thirties, still young by the standards of that culture, he would have to earn respect by being a godly example. Because he had been with P
aul since a young teenager, Timothy had much experience to mature him, so that looking down on him because he was under 40 was inexcusable. be an example…in purity. Paul lists 5 areas (the better Gr. manuscripts omit “in spirit”) in which Timothy was to be an example to the church: “word” (speech; cf. Matt. 12:34–37; Eph. 4:25, 29, 31); “conduct” (righteous living; cf. Titus 2:10; 1 Pet. 1:15; 2:12; 3:16); “love” (self-sacrificial service for others; cf. John 15:13); “faith” (not belief, but faithfulness or commitment; cf. 1 Cor. 4:2); “purity” (especially sexual purity; cf. 3:2). Timothy’s exemplary life in those areas would offset the disadvantage of his youth.
4:13 Till I come. See note on 3:14. give attention…to doctrine. These things were to be Timothy’s constant practice; his way of life. “Reading” refers to the custom of public reading of Scripture in the church’s worship service, followed by the exposition of the passage that had been read (cf. Neh. 8:1–8; Luke 4:16–27). “Exhortation” challenges those who hear the Word to apply it in their daily lives. It may involve rebuke, warning, encouragement, or comfort. “Doctrine” (teaching) refers to systematic instruction from the Word of God (cf. 3:2; Titus 1:9).
4:14 the gift. That grace given to Timothy and to all believers at salvation which consisted of a God-designed, Spirit-empowered spiritual ability for the use of ministry (see notes on Rom. 12:4–8; 1 Cor. 12:4–12; 1 Pet. 4:10, 11). Timothy’s gift (cf. 2 Tim. 1:6) was leadership with special emphasis on preaching (2 Tim. 4:2), and teaching (vv. 6, 11, 13; 6:2). by prophecy. Timothy’s gift was identified by a revelation from God (see note on 1:18) and apostolic confirmation (2 Tim. 1:6), probably when he joined Paul on the apostle’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:1–3). laying on of the hands of the eldership. See note on 5:22. This public affirmation of Timothy’s call to the ministry likely took place at the same time as the prophecy (cf. 2 Tim. 1:6). His call to the ministry was thus confirmed subjectively (by means of his spiritual gift), objectively (through the prophecy made about him), and collectively (by the affirmation of apostles and the church, represented by the elders).
The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV Page 626
