FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 1Ti_4:1-16
A. Like chapters 1-3, chapters 4-6 must be interpreted in light of the false teachers.
B. Chapter 4 reflects negative leadership (1Ti_4:1-5) and positive leadership (1Ti_4:6-10).
C. 1Ti_4:11-16 are a personal message from Paul to Timothy which continues through 1Ti_6:2.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Are the false teachers Christian? Were they ever Christian?
2. Why are abstinence and asceticism a danger to the Church?
3. What does 1Ti_4:10 mean? Will everyone be saved in the end?