The False Teachings Censured

Because of the content of 3:14–16—the statement of purpose climaxed by the hymn—it is easy to think of chapter 3 as bringing us to some kind of conclusion, or major break, in the middle of the letter. But to view 3:14–16 that way is to miss the very close tie between chapter 4 and what has preceded.

Paul is about to elaborate in some detail upon the two matters expressed in the charge in chapter 1: the nature of the errors of the false teachers (4:1–5; cf. 1:3–11, 19–20) and Timothy’s role in Ephesus (4:6–16; cf. 1:18–19). The intervening instructions of chapters 2–3, on “what kind of conduct befits a member of God’s household,” are themselves to be understood against the backdrop of the teachings and activities of the straying elders. Now, in 4:1–5, Paul re…