1 Tim. 4:8. For bodily exercise profits little.
Some suppose that by fasting he means bodily exercise. This is not true: fasting is a spiritual exercise. But by bodily exercise he means that which, although it requires great labors, nevertheless brings little profit, and only for a time.
1 Tim. 4:8. Godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the present life and of the life to come.
Here, he says, piety helps a person. For one whose conscience convicts him of nothing bad both rejoices in spirit here, having sure promises of future blessings, and there will live the true life in very deed. Through comparison the apostle shows the superiority of piety.
1 Tim. 4:9. Faithful is this saying and worthy of all acceptance.
That is, this saying is true and worthy of being accepted by all as undoubted. And what is this saying? That godliness is profitable both here and there. Everywhere in the epistle the apostle points this out, having no need to confirm it, but simply proclaiming it, for the word was addressed to Timothy.
1 Tim. 4:10. For we therefore both labor and endure reproaches, because we hope in the living God.
He shows what the godliness is in which the apostles themselves were exercised, and confirms how he has hope for the future life, saying: "for this reason," instead of: therefore "we both labor and suffer reproach." For why would we exhaust ourselves if we did not expect the future blessings that the living God will give us after death? Here the soldiers of an earthly king, having endured many labors and dangers, often do not receive their due reward when the king happens to die; but our King is always alive, and will always repay.
1 Tim. 4:10. Who is the Savior of all men, especially of the faithful.
That is, He wants to save all—both here and there. But He applies greater care here for the faithful. If He were not their Savior, how would they have stood against all attacks? By this the apostle urges Timothy to endure dangers. Do not lose heart, he says, having such a God, and do not ask for help from others, but hope in Him: God is living and He is the Savior.
1 Tim. 4:11. Command these things and teach them.
Some matters require teaching, while others require commanding. Thus, that one must not steal — this should not be taught gently, but commanded, that is, forbidden with particular force. But if he speaks of the distribution of possessions, or of virginity, or of how one ought to believe, then this must be taught. Therefore the apostle uses both expressions: "preach... and teach." And in another sense, when we do something knowing that it is evil, we need commanding; when we do so without knowing it, we need teaching.
1 Tim. 4:12. Let no one despise your youth.
Since youth, owing to a common prejudice, has become something easily despised, you, says the apostle, command with authority, and no one will despise you; for a teacher must not be held in contempt. Where, then, is gentleness? Where he himself is subjected to insults, he must be gentle; but where strictness is necessary for the salvation of others, there he must command with full authority. Or: show a life adorned with good character, and your youth will not be despised, but on the contrary, will attract universal admiration. Therefore the apostle adds the following as well.
1 Tim. 4:12. But be an example for the faithful.
That is, be a model in life, a rule of the best life,
1 Tim. 4:12. In word.
To speak with ease, to have a word at the ready or prepared.
1 Tim. 4:12. In conduct.
In ordinary life and in the ecclesiastical order.
1 Tim. 4:12. In love.
Love that embraces all.
1 Tim. 4:12. In spirit.
Or by spiritual disposition, or by a gift of grace, so as not to be puffed up by this gift.
1 Tim. 4:12. In faith.