Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 4:5
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
For it is sanctified, etc.] Or set apart for use, and may be lawfully used at all times: by the word of God; which declares that there is nothing in itself common, or unclean, or unfit for use, and that nothing that goes into a man defiles him; so that by virtue of this word of God, every creature may be made use of, that is fit for food: or else this designs the word of God, which gives a blessing to what is eaten; for it is not by bread or meat only, but through the word of God commanding a blessing on what is eaten, that man lives, (<400404>Matthew 4:4) and therefore this blessing upon our food should be asked for: wherefore it follows, and prayer; this being used before eating for a blessing on the food, and after it, in a way of thanksgiving for it, sanctifies every creature of God, or gives men a free use of any, or all of them. So the Israelites, when they had eaten, and were full, were to bless the Lord, (<050810>Deuteronomy 8:10). And thus our Lord Jesus Christ, at meals, used to take the food, and bless it or ask a blessing on it, (<401419>Matthew 14:19). And so did the Essenes among the Jews f56, and the Christians in Tertullian's f57 time; and the practice is highly necessary and commendable, nor ought it to be disused.
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