RSV ~ 1 Timothy 4 Notes

1 Tim 4:1 | ISB Notes

in later times: Applies not only to the closing days of history, but also to the present age of the New Covenant, which for Paul already stands at the “end of the ages” (1 Cor 10:11). The explosion of error and confusion expected in these days is likewise mentioned in 2 Pet 3:3 and Jude 18 (CCC 672).

1 Tim 4:3 | ISB Notes

forbid marriage: Timothy is put on guard against teachers who deny the goodness of marriage. Even Paul, who actively promotes celibacy (1 Cor 7:25-26), firmly upholds the propriety and sanctity of married life (Eph 5:21-33). See note on 1 Cor 7:1.

abstinence from foods: Possibly a reference to the dietary restrictions of the Old Covenant (Lev 11). The warning is issued because these laws are no longer binding upon believers in the New Covenant (Mk 7:18-19; Acts 10:9-16). Some suggest this twofold ban on marriage and certain foods reflects an incipient form of Gnosticism, a second-century heresy that saw the material world as evil and called adherents to rise above the demands of their physical life as far as possible. Timothy is cautioned, not against asceticism itself, but against deviant forms of it that develop when the goodness of creation is denied (4:4; Gen 1:31).

1 Tim 4:5 | ISB Notes

consecrated by … prayer: Mealtime prayers are a regular feature of both Jewish and Christian tradition.

1 Tim 4:7 | ISB Notes

silly myths: Useless speculation about OT figures. See note on 1 Tim 1:4.

1 Tim 4:8 | ISB Notes

bodily training: Spiritual wellness is more important than bodily health. Nevertheless, the training regiment of athletes is a fitting model for the discipline and commitment necessary to advance in the spiritual life. See note on 1 Cor 9:24-27.

1 Tim 4:10 | ISB Notes

Savior of all: Paul does not mean that everyone will escape damnation in the end. He is stressing that God’s call to salvation is universal so that all who respond will find eternal life, regardless of their sex, age, language, or nationality (Acts 10:34-35; Gal 3:28; CCC 1058, 1261). .

• Vatican II affirms the possibility that even those who know nothing of the gospel may be saved by the grace of Christ, provided they seek God sincerely, follow the dictates of their conscience, and cooperate with the help given to them by divine Providence (Lumen Gentium 16).

1 Tim 4:12 | ISB Notes

your youth: There was a danger that young Timothy, probably in his thirties, would be intimidated or not held in respect by the elders of the Ephesian Church whom he was sent to correct (5:20). He is reminded that his reform efforts will succeed only if he practices the charity he preaches.

1 Tim 4:13 | ISB Notes

reading of Scripture: One of the earliest references to the recitation of Scripture in the course of the liturgy (1 Thess 5:27; Rev 1:3). This practice passed into the ancient Church fro

m the synagogue (Lk 4:16; Acts 15:21).

1 Tim 4:14 | ISB Notes

the elders: Includes Paul, along with the assembled bishops of the Ephesian Church (2 Tim 1:6). laid their hands upon: The imposition of hands is a gesture with various meanings in the Bible. It was done to (1) perform healings (Mk 16:18), (2) confer blessings (Mt 19:13), (3) appoint missionaries (Acts 13:1-3), (4) bestow the Spirit on believers (Acts 8:17; 19:6), (5) unload the sins of Israel onto sacrificial beasts (Lev 16:21), (6) transfer religious authority from one leader to another (Num 27:18-23; Deut 34:9), and (7) appoint the Levites for sacred ministry (Num 8:10-11).

• These last two examples (6 and 7) provide the immediate background for the New Covenant rite of priestly ordination. Timothy’s consecration as a bishop gives him the fullness of priestly and apostolic authority to ordain others, as well (1 Tim 5:22). Jewish rabbis were similarly appointed by a council of synagogue elders who laid hands on the candidate (CCC 1573-76).