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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 1 Timothy 4:1 - 4:1
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Now (δὲ)
Better but, since there is a contrast with the preceding confession of the norm of faith.
Expressly (ῥητῶς)
N.T.o. olxx. In express words.
In the latter times (ἐν ὑστέροις καιροῖς)
The phrase only here. For καιρός particular season or juncture, see on Mat 12:1; see on Act 1:7. Not the same as ἐν ἐσχάταις in the last days, 2Ti 3:1, which denotes the period closing the present aeon, and immediately preceding the parousia; while this signifies merely a time that is future to the writer. There is not the intense sense of the nearness of Christ's coming which characterises Paul. The writer does not think of his present as “the latter days.”
Some (τινες)
Not, as 1Ti 1:3, the heretical teachers, but those whom they mislead.
Shall depart from the faith (ἀποστήσονται τῆς πίστεως)
The phrase only here. The verb in Paul only 2Co 12:8. Quite frequent in Luke and Acts. The kindred noun τασία (Act 21:21; 2Th 2:3) is almost literally transcribed in our apostasy.
Seducing (πλάνοις)
Primarily, wandering, roving. Ὁ πλάνος a vagabond, hence deceiver or seducer. See 2Jo 1:7, and comp. ὁ πλανῶν the deceiver, used of Satan, Rev 12:9; Rev 20:10; τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πλάνης the spirit of error, 1Jo 4:6. Once in Paul, 2Co 6:8, and in lxx, Job 19:4; Jer 23:32. Evil spirits animating the false teachers are meant.
Doctrines of devils (διδασκαλίαις δαιμονίων)
Better, teachings of demons. Comp. Jam 3:15. Διδασκαλία teaching often in Pastorals. A few times in Paul. See on 1Ti 1:10. Δαιμόνιον demon only here in Pastorals. Very frequent in Luke: in Paul only 1Co 10:20, 1Co 10:21. Teachings proceeding from or inspired by demons. The working of these evil spirits is here specially concerned with striking at the true teaching which underlies godliness. It is impossible to say what particular form of false teaching is alluded to.