Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Timothy 4

This section explains how Timothy should spend his time until Paul arrives (3:14–15; 4:13).

Paul’s plain teaching contrasts with the false teachings he criticizes (3:16).

later times: The early church believed it was already living in the later times (see Acts 2:16–17; Hebrews 1:2; compare 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 John 2:18–23).

whose consciences are seared with a hot iron: Dead consciences either do not work or work in harmful ways, making judgments that go against the truth of the good news about Jesus (see also Titus 1:15; Romans 1:28–32).

Timothy needs to address the false teachers (see 2 Timothy 3:1–4:5).

• Brothers: The Greek word adelphoi refers to family members, both male and female.

• a good servant: Training good servants involves a complete pattern of behavior. Paul modeled this and based it on sound teachings. Good instruction unifies words and actions, beliefs and behaviors (see 3:10, 14–15; Philippians 4:9).

• physical exercise … godliness: Compare with 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 and Colossians 2:23.

• holding promise for the present life and for the one to come: Compare with 1 Timothy 4:16, 6:6–8, Mark 10:29–30, and Ephesians 6:2–3.

• trustworthy saying: See study note on 1 Timothy 1:15.

set an example: Only those whose lives are shaped by the good news about Jesus are worthy teachers of it (see 2 Timothy 3:10–11; Titus 2:7; Hebrews 13:7). The false teachers were not.

the laying on of the hands: This gesture showed recognition, validity, and blessing (see Acts 13:1–3; 6:6). This was likely the same event as in 2 Timothy 1:6–7 (see 1 Timothy 1:18; compare Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11; Ephesians 4:7–13). This is the way the church validated Paul’s ministry and that of his delegates.