_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 1 Timothy 4:1. DOCTRINES OF DEVILS.—The term “devils” seems to give the spirit of the apostle’s meaning more accurately than the more literal “demons” would. 1 Timothy 4:2. HAVING THEIR CONSCIENCE SEARED WITH A HOT IRON.—R.V. “branded in their own conscience.” As a... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 1 Timothy 4:7. BUT REFUSE PROFANE AND OLD WIVES’ FABLES.—Have nothing whatever to do with those irreligious and pitiable myths. What some reputed as wisdom St. Paul calls grandmotherly mumblings. EXERCISE THYSELF RATHER UNTO GODLINESS.—He who had Himself fought the... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 1 Timothy 4:8. FOR BODILY EXERCISE PROFITETH LITTLE.—The meaning which seems simplest may here be the correct one, as many able scholars think—bodily exercise, development of the body’s powers, is profitable in some small way, and for a short time. GODLINESS IS PROF... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 1 Timothy 4:12. LET NO MAN DESPISE THY YOUTH.—It is not upon any official position that St. Paul would demand respect, but on the worth of personal character. It is a poor thing when a distinction has to be made between the man as man and as official. _MAIN HOMILET... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 1 Timothy 4:13. GIVE ATTENDANCE TO READING.—Probably the apostle means to the public reading of the Old Testament Scriptures, though it would not be surprising if portions of our New Testament were so read at the late date when this epistle was written. 1 Timothy 4... [ Continue Reading ]