Paul here foretels, I. A dreadful apostasy, 1 Tim. 4:1–3. II. He treats of Christian liberty, 1 Tim. 4:4–5. III. He gives Timothy divers directions with respect to himself, his doctrine, and the people under his care, 1 Tim. 4:6–16.

We have here a prophecy of the apostasy of the latter times, which he had spoken of as a thing expected and taken for granted among Christians, 2 Thess. 2:1–17. I.

The apostle would have Timothy to instil into the minds of Christians such sentiments as might prevent their being seduced by the judaizing teachers. Observe, Those are good ministers of Jesus Christ who are diligent in their work; not that study to advance new notions, but that put the brethren in…