1Ti 4:7. Βεβήλους, profane) The antithesis presently follows, godliness. Whatever is not profitable to this godliness, though specious, is profane, 2Ti 2:16.-[33]μὑθους, fables) The antithesis is faithful, 1Ti 4:9.-παραιτοῦ) refuse, reject them, so as not to suggest them to the brethren.-γύμναζε δὲ σεαυτὸν, but exercise thyself) A rare expression (as 1Jn 5:21[34]) for γυμνάζου; comp. Notes on Chrys. de Sacerd., p. 393. Paul had been accustomed to ‘exercise’ Timothy when present with him; he now commands Timothy to be a Paul to himself.
[33] Καὶ γραώδεις, and old wives’) Both old wives’ fables and youthful lusts are equally to be avoided, 2Ti 2:22.-V. g.
[34] The active verb with the reciprocal pronoun (φυλάξατε ἑαυτοὺς, keep yourselves from idols), is elegantly used as expressing more than φυλάξασθε, Be on your guard.-ED.