It was for the “latter times” of the existence of the nation of Israel. It’s talking about the Jews trying to force dietary laws on Christians.
1Ti_4:1
4:1–5 Paul returns to the subject of false teaching (compare 1Ti_1:3-11). Here Paul is concerned not with the content of the false teachers’ doctrine, but with its source. Paul claims that false teaching comes from deceptive spirits and demons.
expressly [explicitly] says -- The reference is to prophetic passages known to Paul. He credits the Holy Spirit as their originator, but whether to O.T. prophecy (Act_1:16) or to some Christian utterance (2Th_2:2; 1Co_14:1.) we do not know. One may recall the words of Jesus in Mat_24:10, Mat_24:24.
And other passages: Act_20:29-30; 2Th_2:3-12; Heb_3:12; Heb 5:11–6:8; Heb_10:26-31; 2Pe_3:3; 1Jn_2:18; Jud_1:18.
in later times -- This particular Greek phrase only occurs here in the NT, but is synonymous with the "last days" (see note on 2Ti_3:1). That is, in due time, short time or while.
It is unclear as to the "later times" of what? From our standpoint one may think it means the last times of the world. But from the standpoint of the speaker, it probably means "the later times" of the Judaism.
Though the apostle describes these events as occurring in the "later times" they describe Timothy’s current circumstances.
depart from the faith -- Αποστησονται - της πιστεως· They will apostatize from the faith falling prey to false teachers.
deceitful spirits -- An impostor or misleader.
deceiver or seducer -- See 2Jo_1:7, and compare ὁ πλανῶν the deceiver, used of Satan in Rev_12:9; Rev_20:10.
teachings of demons, -- The real origin of apostasy seems to spring from the devil at his work to steal away God's followers. The reference is to supernatural beings hostile to God and His people (e.g., Mar_9:38; 1Co_10:20).
Demons and deceitful spirits probably refer to the same group of evil figures. Paul’s point is to demonstrate the errant doctrine of the false teachers comes not from themselves, but from demonic figures (compare 2Co_4:4; 2Co_11:13-15).
The motives, methods, and doctrine of demons will fill the hearts and minds of evil men who will promote and teach lies to leads men away from the truth.
NASB "deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons"
NKJV "deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons"
NRSV "deceiftul spirits and teachings of demons"
TEV "lying spirits. . .teachings of demons"
NJB "deceitful spirits and doctrines that come from devils"
Paul's view of these false teachers is very negative. He attributes their teaching to the work of Satan (cf. 1 Tim. 2:14; 3:6-7) and to the demonic. In many ways Paul's view of these heretics parallels the OT view of Canaanites' fertility worship. God told the Israelites to totally destroy these people because they would corrupt the faith. These same warnings are found here (cf. 2 Thess. 2:9-10; James 3:15; 1 John 2:18-19).
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEMONIC (UNCLEAN SPIRITS)
SPECIAL TOPIC: SATAN
SPECIAL TOPIC: FERTILITY WORSHIP IN THE ANE
4:2
NASB "by means of the hypocrisy of liars"
NKJV "speaking lies in hypocrisy"
NRSV "through the hypocrisy of liars"
TEV "spread by deceitful liars"
NJB "seduced by the hypocrisy of liars"
These claim to be "teachers of the Law" (cf. 1 Tim. 1:7). There was obviously an element of Judaism involved. They are vividly described in 1 Tim. 1:3-7; 4:2-3,7 and 6:3-10,20-21.
they teach strange doctrines (1 Tim. 1:3; 6:3)
they pay attention to myths and genealogies (1 Tim. 1:4)
they have turned aside to fruitless discussion (1 Tim. 1:6)
they make confident assertions about what they do not understand (1 Tim. 1:7; 6:4)
they are hypocritical liars (1 Tim. 4:2)
they have seared consciences (1 Tim. 4:2)
they forbid marriage (1 Tim. 4:3)
they advocate abstaining from foods (1 Tim. 4:3)
they put forth fables (1 Tim. 4:7)
they are conceited (1 Tim. 6:4)
they have a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words (1 Tim. 6:4)
they cause constant friction (1 Tim. 6:5)
they have false knowledge (1 Tim. 6:20-21)
they have gone astray from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1; 6:21)
NASB, Peshitta "seared in their own conscience"
NKJV "having their own conscience seared with a branding iron"
NRSV "consciences seared with a hot iron"
TEV "consciences are dead, as if burnt with a hot iron"
NJB "consciences are branded as though with a red-hot iron"
This refers to one of two things.
The false teachers were beyond the place of repentance (cf. Eph. 4:19; Titus 1:15). We get the English word "cauterize" from this Greek term.
This phrase refers to Satan's brand showing his ownership (e.g., Rev. 13:16,17; 14:11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4).
Context:
This verse occurs within the broader framework of Paul's letter to Timothy, where Paul addresses Timothy as a young pastor overseeing the church in Ephesus. Paul is providing guidance on various issues, including the responsibilities of church leadership, how to combat false teachings, and how to encourage sound doctrine.
1. Warning about Apostasy
Paul emphasizes that the Holy Spirit has given a clear and explicit warning about future events: in the "latter times" (often interpreted as the period between Christ’s first and second coming), some believers will "depart from the faith." This phrase means that people who had once professed faith in Christ would abandon or turn away from it. This is an important theme in Paul's letters, where he warns repeatedly about the dangers of falling away from the truth (e.g., 2 Thessalonians 2:3).
The phrase also implies that this falling away is not simply a casual drifting, but a conscious rejection of the truth they once embraced. It shows that deception and spiritual danger would be a significant issue for the church.
2. Deception by Spirits and Demonic Doctrines
The primary cause for this departure is due to "deceiving spirits" and "doctrines of demons." Paul is not just referring to erroneous human teachings but to influences that come from evil spiritual sources. The idea of "deceiving spirits" points to spiritual beings who mislead believers by twisting the truth and enticing them away from the gospel. These "doctrines of demons" represent teachings inspired by or in service of demonic forces, rather than the truth of God's Word.
In Paul's context, this likely had to do with the
rise of gnosticism, a heretical movement that taught, among other things,
secret knowledge (gnosis) as the path to salvation and often denied the goodness of creation and bodily resurrection. It also foreshadows the coming of false teachings and spiritual confusion that would intensify as the end times approached.
3. Paul's Encouragement to Timothy
Throughout this letter, Paul encourages Timothy to combat false teachings with sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:6), to be an example of godliness (1 Timothy 4:12), and to remain steadfast in the truth (1 Timothy 4:16). The warning in 1 Timothy 4:1 serves as a sober reminder that spiritual vigilance and discernment are essential for church leaders and believers alike, especially when dealing with false doctrines.
Paul’s concern here is both pastoral and prophetic. He not only warns about the coming apostasy but also equips Timothy to lead his congregation in an age where spiritual deception will be rampant. This passage reflects a universal challenge for the church: remaining faithful to the gospel amid the pressures of false teaching and spiritual warfare.
Shalom.
J.
