Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

4:1 The means by which the Spirit . . . says is not made clear. It may have been something the Holy Spirit revealed directly to Paul (cf. Acts 20:29-30) or a prophecy that came through others. expressly. Explicitly, clearly. The later times (Gk. hysterois kairois) in view here clearly include Timothy's day (see the similar phrase in 2 Tim. 3:1). As is typical in the NT, "later times" refers to the time that began with the outpouring of the Spirit after the work of Christ. Those who hold to the false teaching depart from the faith, which shows that this teaching is outside the bounds of true Christianity. Furthermore, the source of the error is demonic, for these teachers follow deceitful spirits. The false teaching and resultant apostasy are no surprise. God said this would happen, so his church should not panic but should carry on in faithfulness (see 2 Tim. 2:17-19).

4:2 The consciences of the false teachers have been seared (that is, desensitized and rendered ineffective) by their rebellion against the gospel. Cf. "good conscience," 1:5.

4:3-5 Paul reveals some of the content of the false teaching, though he does not explain the overall view that led to these prohibitions. Questions of propriety in regard to foods and marriage were significant issues elsewhere in Paul's letters (see Romans 14; 1 Cor. 7:25-35; 8:1-10:33; Col. 2:16-23). The false teaching seems to gauge holiness by what is denied or given up. In response, Paul affirms the goodness of everything created by God and the propriety of enjoying it as a gift from him (cf. Eccles. 9:7-9). Made holy translates Greek hagiazō ("sanctify, make holy, consecrate"). Ordinary food should be considered "made holy" by God, and Christians have the privilege of eating such "holy" food every day. The word of God is probably a reference to Gen. 1:12, 21, 25, 31 ("God saw that it was good").