1 Timothy 4:1

He fortelleth that in the latter times there shall be a departure from the faith. And to the end that Timothy might not fail in doing his duty, he furnisheth him with divers precepts belonging thereto.

The Spirit. That is, the Holy Spirit, speaking either through Paul himself or through some other prophet in the church. For a discussion of the relationship between “the Spirit” and prophets within the church see on 1 Corinthians 12:10; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Peter 1:21; Revelation 1:1; 19:10.

Latter times. Or, “later times,” that is, in the days that would follow the time when the prediction was made. The Christian church was to expect increasing apostasy, which would culminate prior to the second advent (see on Matthew 24:24; Revelation 16:14).

Depart. Gr. aphistemi, “to remove oneself from,” “to apostatize.” For apostasia, the noun derived from this verb, see on 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Paul at Miletus had already warned the elders of the Ephesian church of the coming apostasy in the Christian church (see Acts 20:28-31). For a more extended discussion of the great apostasy that was to manifest itself in the church before the return of Christ see on 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10.

The faith. The use of the definite article “the” in Greek emphasizes a “faith” that has just been referred to — here the profound truths stated in chapter 3:16.

Seducing. Literally, “wandering,” hence, misleading and deceptive. The most effective and deceptive opponents of the church are former members who set forth a cunning mixture of error and truth.

Spirits. That is, men actuated by “seducing spirits” (see on 1 John 4:1).

Devils. Gr. daimonia, “demons” (see on 1 Corinthians 10:20). The teachers of deception disseminate teachings that are inspired by Satan and his co-workers. Compare the devil’s control of Judas (see Luke 22:3). Satan works to control the minds of men, hence, the importance of a sound intellectual grasp of truth.