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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - 1 Timothy 4:1 - 4:1
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1Ti 4:1-16. Prediction of a coming departure from the faith: Timothy’s duty as to it: General directions to him.
The “mystery of iniquity” here alluded to, and already working (2Th 2:7), stands opposed to the “mystery of godliness” just mentioned (1Ti 3:16).
Now - Greek, “But.” In contrast to the “mystery of godliness.”
the Spirit - speaking by the prophets in the Church (whose prophecies rested on those of the Old Testament, Dan 7:25; Dan 8:23, etc.; Dan 11:30, as also on those of Jesus in the New Testament, Mat 24:11-24), and also by Paul himself, 2Th 2:3 (with whom accord 2Pe 3:3; 1Jo 2:18; Jud 1:18).
expressly - “in plain words.” This shows that he refers to prophecies of the Spirit then lying before him.
in the latter times - in the times following upon the times in which he is now writing. Not some remote future, but times immediately subsequent, the beginnings of the apostasy being already discernible (Act 20:29): these are the forerunners of “the last days” (2Ti 3:1).
depart from the faith - The apostasy was to be within the Church, the faithful one becoming the harlot. In 2Th 2:3 (written earlier), the apostasy of the Jews from God (joining the heathen against Christianity) is the groundwork on which the prophecy rises; whereas here, in the Pastoral Epistles, the prophecy is connected with Gnostic errors, the seeds of which had already been sown in the Church [Auberlen] (2Ti 2:18). Apollonius Tyanaeus, a heretic, came to Ephesus in the lifetime of Timothy.
giving heed - (1Ti 1:4; Tit 1:14).
seducing spirits - working in the heretical teachers. 1Jo 4:2, 1Jo 4:3, 1Jo 4:6, “the spirit of error,” opposed to “the spirit of truth,” “the Spirit” which “speaketh” in the true prophets against them.
doctrines of devils - literally “teachings of (that is suggested by) demons.” Jam 3:15, “wisdom ... devilish”; 2Co 11:15, “Satan’s ministers.”