A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Timothy 4

Expressly (ρητως). Late adverb, here alone in N.T., from verbal adjective ρητος (from root ρεω). The reference is to the Holy Spirit, but whether to O.T. prophecy (Acts 1:16) or to some Christian utterance (2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 14:1ff.) we do not know. Parry recalls the words of Jesus in Mt 24:10,24.

In later times (εν υστεροις καιροις). Old adjective (Matthew 21:31) usually as adverb, υστερον (Matthew 4:2). Relative time from the prediction, now coming true (a present danger).

Some shall fall away (αποστησοντα τινες). Future middle of αφιστημ, intransitive use, shall stand off from, to fall away, apostatize (2 Corinthians 12:8).

From the faith (της πιστεως). Ablative case (separation). Not creed, but faith in God through Christ.

Giving heed (προσεχοντες). Supply τον νουν (the mind) as in 3:8.

Seducing spirits (πνευμασιν πλανοις). Old adjective (πλανη, wandering), here active sense (deceiving). As substantive in 2 Corinthians 6:8. Probably some heathen or the worst of the Gnostics.

Doctrines of devils (διδασκαλιαις δαιμονιων). "Teachings of δαιμονς." Definite explanation of the preceding. Cf. 1 Corinthians 10:20f.

Through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies (εν υποκρισε ψευδολογων). For υποκρισις, see Ga 2:13. Ψευδολογος (ψευδησ, λεγω) Koine word from Aristophanes on. Here only in N.T. "A good classical word for liars on a large scale" (Parry).

Branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron (κεκαυστηριασμενων την ιδιαν συνειδησιν). Accusative case συνειδησιν retained with the perfect passive participle of καυστηριαζω, a rare verb only here and once in Strabo. Branded with the mark of Satan (2 Timothy 2:26) as Paul was with the marks of Christ (Galatians 6:17). Agreeing in case with ψευδολογων.

Forbidding to marry (κωλυοντων γαμειν). Present active participle of common verb κωλυω, to hinder, genitive case agreeing with ψευδολογων. See Col 2:16,21f. , where Paul condemns the ascetic practices of the Gnostics. The Essenes, Therapeutae and other oriental sects forbade marriage. In 1Colossians 7 Paul does not condemn marriage.

To abstain from meats (απεχεσθα βρωματων). Infinitive dependent, not on κωλυοντων, but on the positive idea κελευοντων (implied, not expressed). Ablative case of βρωματων after απεχεσθα (present direct middle, to hold oneself away from). See 1Colossians 8-10; Romans 14; 15 for disputes about "meats offered to idols" and Co 1:22f. for the Gnostic asceticism.

Which God created (α ο θεος εκτισεν). First active indicative of κτιζω (Colossians 1:16). Cf. 1 Corinthians 10:25.

To be received (εις μεταλημψιν). "For reception." Old word, only here in N.T.

By them that believe and know (τοις πιστοις κα επεγνωκοσ). Dative case, "for the believers and those who (one article unites closely) have known fully" (perfect active participle of επιγινωσκω), a Pauline use of the word (Colossians 1:6).

Creature (κτισμα). Late word from κτιζω, result of creating. See Ge 1:31; Mr 7:15; Romans 14:14 for the idea stated.

To be rejected (αποβλητον). Old verbal adjective in passive sense from αποβαλλω, to throw away, here only in N.T.

If it be received (λαμβανομενον). "Being received." Present passive participle of λαμβανω, in conditional sense, "with thanksgiving."

It is sanctified (αγιαζετα). Present passive indicative of αγιαζω, here "rendered holy" rather than "declared holy." Cf. verse 4.

Through the word of God and prayers (δια λογου θεου κα εντευξεως). See 2:1 for εντευξις. Paul seems to refer to Genesis 1. It is almost a hendiadys "by the use of Scripture in prayer."