1st Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Young Timothy, at this time, was a minister of the gospel, and the instruction of Paul to him was given in accordance with the light and knowledge shed on Paul’s mind at the time. Let us fast forward several centuries later, and the same Holy Ghost grants us additional light on the same subject… [Testimonies Vol, 3 pp 211] Ministers should not neglect physical exercise. The poor health of some of our ministers is because of their neglect of physical exercise in useful labor.
[LTMS 25 LT 92 1910 par, 10] Ministers make a mistake in taking so little physical exercise and in remaining so much indoors in heated and often ill-ventilated rooms. Their time is largely given to study and to writing, when physical exercise is a positive duty. By using their physical powers, they would benefit the powers of the mind. They should exercise brain, bone, and muscle equally.
So, the question is: Did Paul make a mistake when he said bodily exercise profits little? Be very careful how you answer for the fact that truth is progressive in nature, must at all times inform our perspectives. Again, not because God is using frail finite persons does it mean to say that we should point fingers at them if they were to make a mistake as though they are perfect.
Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!