Глава IV.

The appearance of false teachers in the future (1–5). Timothy in his personal life should serve as an example for the community of believers (6–16). 1 Timothy 4:1. The Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith, listening to seducing spirits and teachings of demons, Over time, various false teachers will arm themselves against the truth of Christ, which is contained in the Church, with whom the leaders of the Church will certainly have to fight. “Spirit” - that is, various prophets who spoke at that time in the apostolic church (cf. 1 Cor 12:10, 14:31). “In recent times” - more precisely: in subsequent times (ύστεροις κ., and not έσχάτοις καιροΐς). “Deceiving spirits,” that is, people who appear to resemble true inspired teachers, but in fact lead their listeners to destruction. "Teachings of demons." These false teachers will be guided by the suggestions of the enemies of Christ - the demons. 1 Timothy 4:2. through the hypocrisy of false talkers, burned in their consciences, “Through hypocrisy” – more precisely: “in (έν) hypocrisy.” These false teachers will act hypocritically, without conviction. The same idea is contained in the following expression: “burned in their conscience.” In such people, the conscience will be, as it were, completely burned out by the stigma that sin will impose on it. The seal of sin—fiery—burns the conscience it touches. People with such a seared conscience are people who died for all that is holy and lofty. 1 Timothy 4:3. prohibiting marriage and eating food that God created to be eaten with thanksgiving by those who are faithful and know the truth. 1 Timothy 4:4. For every creation of God is good, and nothing is reprehensible if it is received with thanksgiving, 1 Timothy 4:5. because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. Characterizing these false teachers, the apostle points out that they will prohibit marriage as a state, from their point of view, unclean, and will command abstinence (in Russian the verb άπέχεσύαι is not translated) from dishes - obviously, from some dishes, perhaps from meat. Believers should not follow such teachings, because every creature, that is, everything created by God, is good and useful for man, of course, if he observes moderation in using it. In particular, there is nothing to be afraid of desecrating yourself with food when you accept it with prayer and thanksgiving to God who gave it (“The Word of God” is the word of prayer). Apparently, the apostle here has in mind false teachers, predominantly of the Gnostic school, who actually sometimes denied marriage and promoted the idea that some foods were unclean. 1 Timothy 4:6. By instilling this in your brethren, you will become a good servant of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and the good teaching that you have followed. 1 Timothy 4:7. Turn away from worthless and old woman's fables, and train yourself in piety, 1 Timothy 4:8. for bodily exercise is of little benefit, but godliness is of benefit for everything, having the promise of the present and future life. By teaching other Christians (brethren) what true godliness consists of, Timothy will appear as a good, completely suitable servant of Jesus Christ. But for this, he himself must constantly feed on those teachings of the Gospel that he received from his teacher, the Apostle Paul (cf. 2 Tim 1:13). At the same time, the apostle instills in Timothy the need to turn away, to move away from empty, useless old women’s fables (see 1 Tim. 1:3, 4), engaging only in what really affirms a pious disposition in a person’s soul - namely, deeds of Christian love and feats of abstinence. To show the usefulness of active piety, the apostle compares this piety with ordinary exercise of the body. And this last activity undoubtedly brings benefits, strengthening the body, making it more capable of enduring various labors, giving a person the opportunity to apply his strength to the task. But all this is just a little; here - benefit for the body and external life, this is not what a Christian should mainly strive for. Piety, on the contrary, is useful in everything, in all respects: even in relation to health, because a pious person will not destroy his health with sins and vices (real life). Mainly, piety leads a person to receive eternal blissful life (“future”). 1 Timothy 4:9. This word is true and worthy of all acceptance. 1 Timothy 4:10. For this is why we work and endure reproaches, because we trust in the living God, Who is the Savior of all people, and especially of the faithful. But what does true piety consist of? The Apostle responds to this with the words of a Christian song (hymn), which was apparently used in his time during divine services. A pious person, firstly, endures hard labor (κοπιώμεν), that is, does not avoid all the difficulties of life, and secondly, even because of Christ, he goes to the deprivation of his honor, to shame. Of course, this applies primarily to Christian preachers and, in particular, to Timothy (cf. 1 Thess. 5:12). At the same time, the apostle also points to the motivation for this course of action: preachers hope in the living God, who is able to strengthen them in suffering (as opposed to the powerless dead pagan gods). By calling God “the Savior of all men,” the apostle thereby makes it clear that Christians, of course, deserve help from God more than other people. 1 Timothy 4:11. Preach and teach this. Timothy must proclaim everything that is said above (from 1 Tim. 3:14) as a commandment (“preach” - more precisely: command - παράγγελε), teach this to his flock. 1 Timothy 4:12. Let no one despise your youth; but be an example for the faithful in word, in life, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Timothy was a relatively young man: at the time of writing the message he was about 38 years old. Therefore, some of the believers could neglect his instructions, and Timothy should offer them in such a way that it would not even occur to anyone that they could not be followed. And this can only be achieved when Timothy becomes a model for believers throughout his life, when he shows love for all brothers, faith in God, and purity of heart (many codes do not have the expression “in the spirit”). 1 Timothy 4:13. Until I come, keep busy with reading, instruction, and teaching. Until the apostle comes to Ephesus, Timothy himself must constantly perform divine services: reading the Holy Scriptures, instruction and teaching - all these are integral parts of Christian worship (this is indicated by the articles standing here, precisely defining the concept). 1 Timothy 4:14. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the priesthood. To motivate Timothy to activity, the apostle reminds him of those spiritual gifts (χάρισμα - in the general sense, “spiritual illumination”) that were once, probably in Lystra, bestowed upon him (cf. 1 Tim. 1:18; 2 Tim. 1:6), during his dedication as an assistant to the Apostle Paul. “According to prophecy” (δια προφητείας – vin. fallen plural), i.e. in accordance with the predictions of the Christian prophets made about Timothy. "With the laying on of hands of the priesthood." The apostle says that at the election of Timothy, all the elders of that region laid their hands on Timothy as a sign that they, so to speak, were placing him in their stead as assistant to Paul. These presbyters did not perform the dedication - only the apostle himself (Bishop Theophan) could perform it. This is also indicated by the preposition “c” (μετά, not δω through) found here. 1 Timothy 4:15. Take care of this, remain in this, so that your success is obvious to everyone. 1 Timothy 4:16. Delve into yourself and into the teaching; do this constantly: for by doing this, you will save yourself and those who listen to you. “Take care about these things,” that is, think about your responsibilities (see 1 Tim. 4:11–13), and abide in this as in your own home. Only in this case can Timofey have the right to expect success in his activities. “Pay attention to yourself,” that is, watch yourself, so as not to fall into any mistake, not to deviate from the spirit of the Gospel. "And into learning." Here it is most natural to understand the teaching activity of other teachers of faith in Ephesus, which Timothy should not leave without observation and control, - “Sim”, i.e. observation... You might be interested in: