Verse 23 By this direction, which stands in striking contrast with the ascetic doctrines which Paul had condemned, (1 Timothy 4:3,) he shows that no religious end is answered by suffering any bodily discomfort or pain which can be avoided; but that Christianity seeks to promote the welfare and happiness of man in all respects,--in small things as well as in great, at present as well as for the future, and in respect to the comfort of the body as well as to the prosperity of the soul.