1Timothy 4:1-3 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
‘Expressly’ [Greek: rhetos] manifestly; in express words; openly.
‘Latter times’ Fourteen end-time expressions: Latter times – last years ending this age before the Millennium (1Tim. 4:1). Latter years – Armageddon and the end of this age (Ezek. 38:8, 16). Latter-days – the future tribulation (Num. 24:14; Deut. 4:30; 31:29; Jer. 23:20; 30:24; 48:47; 49:39; Dan. 2:28; 10:14). Latter-day – beginning of the Millennium (Job 19:25). Latter days – during the Millennium (Hos. 3:5). Last days – end of this age preceding the Millennium (Dan. 8:19; 2Tim. 3:1; Jas. 5:3; 2Pet. 3:3; Jude 1:18). Last day – the rapture, at least seven years before the Millennium and second advent (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54; 11:24). Last days – the tribulation period or the last seven years of this age (Acts 2:16-21). Last days – first coming (Heb. 1:1-2). Last times – first coming (1Pet. 1:20). Last time – apostolic times and the whole congregational age (1Jn. 2:18). Last time – second coming (1Pet. 1:5). Last days – Millennium (Gen. 49:1; Isa. 2:1; Mic. 4:1). Last day – end of the Millennium (John 12:48; cp. Rev. 20:7-15).
‘Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils …’ This is the first New Testament prophecy in 1Timothy (4:1-5), and it is fulfilled and is still being fulfilled. Seven things incited by the mystery of iniquity: [1] Departing from the faith (4:1). [Greek: aphistemi] to put away; remove; separate; to revolt from. Translated “depart from” (4:1; Luke 2:37; 4:13; 13:27; Acts 12:10; 15:38; 19:9; 22:29; 2Cor. 12:8; 2Tim. 2:19; Heb. 3:12); “refrain from” (Acts 5:38); “fall away” (Luke 8:13); and “withdraw” (6:5). It is possible to depart from the faith and apostatize if such passages are true. No man can depart from something that he is not in or does not have. All men do not have faith (2Thess. 3:2). Only men of that class would find it impossible to depart from faith for they have no faith to depart from. Men are warned to take heed, lest their hearts become evil and unbelieving and cause them to depart from God (Heb. 3:12).
To be continued…
Living the Word 