Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Timothy 4:11
These things command and teach.
11. These things command and teach ] The link between the paragraphs. ‘Lay down against all comers the true Gospel; shew no boyish shrinking; on every side of conduct and character command imitation.’
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
These things command and teach – As important doctrines, and as embracing the sum of the Christian system. It follows from this, that a minister of the gospel is solemnly bound to teach that there is a sense in which God is the Saviour of all people. He is just as much bound to teach this, as he is that only those will be saved who believe. It is a glorious truth – and it is a thing for which a man should unceasingly give thanks to God that he may go and proclaim that He has provided salvation for all, and is willing that all should come and live.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
1Ti 4:11-16
These things command and teach.
Characteristics of the Christian teacher
With true affection, and with heavenly wisdom, Paul exhorts his son in the faith to be mindful of his conduct and character. Here, as well as elsewhere, the apostle exhorts to–
I. The maintenance of moral dignity.
1. The tendency of Timothy was to yield rather than to command, to sacrifice truth for the sake of peace, and to lessen his own authority by morbid self-depreciation. Probably this is not so common amongst us as self-confidence; but it is a serious fault, and may be a grievous hindrance to usefulness. Unless you believe yourself to be capable of doing something better than you are now doing you will hesitate to attempt it. If you cannot trust God to help you through an onerous duty, you will be in danger of evading it. Much noble service has been lost to the Church and to the world by a foolish self-depreciation. I remember one who became a very successful man telling me that his early youth was blighted by this morbid tendency, and that he owed all his prosperity to a wise-hearted, loving, motherly woman, who took pity on the sensitive, shrinking lad, and made him believe in himself as one gifted by God to do something in the world. Let no man despise thy youth. Be manly, and brave, and firm, lest you sacrifice interests which God has entrusted to your charge.
2. But the way to overcome the disadvantage of youth in the opinion of others, and to gain influence over them, is clearly suggested here. It is not to be done by noisy self-assertion, by the evident desire to be prominent, but by becoming, through Divine grace, an exemplar of real Christian worth. Be thou an example of the believer, in word, in conversation (or behaviour), in charity, in faith, in purity. (The phrase in spirit is properly omitted from the revised Version.)
(1) It is through our word that we chiefly manifest to others the nature of our tuner life, and the tone and temper thus exhibited either weakens or strengthens our influence for good.
(2) But words must be in harmony with conduct, and he would be a poor maintainer of Christs cause whose words were admirable while his general behaviour was frivolous or faulty.
(3) Nor is it enough to watch over our words and behaviour, but we must pay regard to motive and impulse, because we have to do with and to bear witness for the great Searcher of hearts, and should see that love and faith are the twin motive powers of Our life–love which really cares for the interests of others, faith which lays hold upon the strength and wisdom of an unseen yet everpresent God.
(4) And added to all these must be unquestioned purity, which will make us so scrupulous about moral improprieties that the breath of slander will fade away instantly from the polished shield of our reputation, and will keep the inner life clear and chaste, while it gives us the fulfilment of the Lords words, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
II. Again, preparation for Christian work is inculcated here as well as maintenance of moral dignity. The apostle appears to have expected an early return to Ephesus, and hence writes.
1. Till I come give attention to the reading, to the exhortation, to the teaching. The reference is primarily to the public duties of the Christian teacher. The reading of Holy Scripture in religious assemblies, which had been transferred from the synagogue, formed no inconsiderable part of the public worship of those days, as any one can imagine who reflects on the cost and rarity of manuscripts. Exhortation was often heard–appeals to affection and to enthusiasm, which led many a believer to give himself up entirely to the service of the Lord. And coincident with this was steady consecutive teaching, by means of which Gods Word was expounded, applied, and illustrated.
2. But the work to which Timothy was called required in the first place a gift, which the apostle says was given him instrumentally–by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. The word used for gift denotes that it came from the Holy Spirit, with whom it is always associated in Pauls writings. These two–the gift of God and the recognition of it by the Church–should ever be combined in the pastor who is working for Christ.
3. But he is foolish and sinful who relies on the possession of a gift or the recognition of it by others. Neglected, the gift will perish, and the life of promise will end in miserable failure. The phrase rendered give thyself wholly to them might be more literally translated be in them–have your life in such thoughts and truths; let them constitute the atmosphere you breathe, and then your religious work will not be a something artificial and foreign to your nature, hut the necessary outcome of your inward life.
4. Give heed, then, unto thyself and unto the doctrine. Cultivate such gifts as you have, and use them without stint in your Masters service; and see to it that the teaching you give is not the chance utterance of a thoughtless mind, but the product of earnest thinking and of believing prayer.
III. Finally, Paul looked to see in Timothy (and God looks to see in us) readliness for the promised reward.
1. It is no small blessing which is promised in the 15th verse, that thy profiting (or rather thy progress) may appear unto all. You should be a living epistle, known and read of all men.
2. Nay, more than this, Thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. A traveller who was sinking from exhaustion in a snowstorm on the mountain saw his companion suddenly drop helpless at his side; straightway his own peril was forgotten, and, flinging himself beside him, he chafed his hands and rubbed his chest; and by the effort which brought life back to the dying he kept himself alive–he saved both himself and the friend beside him. For your own sake, and for the sake of others, spend and be spent in this glorious service, and not only will your own life be the fuller here, but heaven itself will be made incomparably more full of joy. (A. Rowland, LL. B.)
Let no man despise thy youth.—
On the duties of youth
1. Among the good qualities of the young which first discover themselves, and which we regard as the sure indications of everything excellent in morals, is a nice sense of what is good and what is evil, what is truly praiseworthy and what is not, with an early and earnest attention to the forming of their principles. When embarked on the ocean of life innumerable dangers will surround them, and various temptations, under the specious forms of pleasure, will assail their hearts. To rush blindly on in a course so perilous, without either the benefits of experience or the guidance of wisdom, must quickly lead to inextricable difficulties perhaps, if not to misery and ruin. But, to descend from general reflections to the discussion of a few particular subjects, permit me to observe that too great confidence in our own strength is always dangerous, and sometimes fatal. But modesty in youth should be a natural virtue; it should be derived from other, more abundant sources than mere reflection, a feeling of comparative ignorance, or a sense of common propriety; it should spring spontaneously from sensibility–from a heart alive to every sentiment of shame, before it has been hackneyed in the ways of men or rendered callous by a long intercourse with the world. Among the more innocent excesses of youthful passions and the less dangerous delusions of the mind may be ranked the extravagancies of hope and expectation. But the loss of some distant good, however heightened by the powers of imagination or overrated by the blind partiality of our hearts, is by no means the only, or most important evil, that springs from this vain exaltation of the mind. From being so long conversant with imaginary happiness we lose our relish for that which is real. The mind also, soured with disappointments and irritated by frequent vexations, becomes, at a more advanced period, incapable of sharing in the social intercourses of life. At the same time that they should take particular care to avoid the many false and artificial notions of life, which we are but too eager to embrace with blind credulity (and which, for that reason, indeed, the fanciful writers of romance are but too apt to communicate), they ought to acquire those enlarged ideas of men and things which have their foundation in truth, and, in some measure, supply the want of experience by habits of thought and reflection. Above all, they should have recourse to the blessed gospel of our Lord and Saviour Christ, and deeply impress their hearts with those Divine truths which illumine the natural mind of man, as the rays of the sun enlighten the globe. What I would next warn young persons against is an inordinate love of pleasure. Suffer me to conclude by observing that every age and condition brings with it, beside the ordinary obligations of virtue and religion, certain peculiar and appropriate duties–duties to which young persons must diligently attend if they wish that no man should despise their youth, and which the aged must duly cultivate and regularly practise if they would have the hoary head found in the way of righteousness and reverenced as a crown of glory. There are also a thousand secondary graces of character, which must be studied, and a thousand indirect modes of temptation to be guarded against, if we wish to make any considerable advances towards perfection and to lead a godly, righteous, and sober life. (J. Hewlett, M. A.)
The least man in the ministry not to be contemned
As in a building, some bring stones, some timber, others mortar, and some perhaps bring only nails–yet these are useful; these serve to fasten the work in the building: thus the Church of God is a spiritual building. Some ministers bring stones–are more eminent and useful; others, timber; others, less–they have but a nail in the work; yet all serve for the good of the building. The least star gives light, the least drop moistens, the least minister is no less than an angel, the least nail in the ministry serves for the fastening of souls unto Christ. There is some use to be made even of the lowest parts of men; the weakest minister may help to strengthen ones faith. Though all are not apostles, all are not evangelists, all have not the same dexterous abilities in the work, yet all edify; and oftentimes so it cometh to pass that God crowns his labours, and sends most fish into his net, who, though he may be less skilful, is more faithful, and though he have less of the brain, yet he may have more of the heart, and therefore not to be contemned. (J. Spencer.)
Achievements of youth
It is often late ere genius shows itself; just as often, however, does distinction come early. Thus at twenty-two Gladstone was a member of Parliament, and at twenty-four Lord of the Treasury. Bright never went to school after he was fifteen. Sir Robert Peel entered Parliament at twenty-one, and was Lord of the Admiralty at twenty-three. Charles James Fox became a legislator at nineteen–an age when young men are given to breaking rather than to making laws. Bacon graduated at Cambridge when he was sixteen, and was called to the bar at twenty-four. Washington was a distinguished colonel at twenty-two. Napoleon commanded the army of Italy at twenty-five. Before he was seventeen Shelley was already an author–had translated the half of Plinys Natural History, and had written a number of wild romances. (Palace Journal.)
Youth not to be despised
Mr. Spurgeon began his remarkable career early enough to preach with a juvenile face many astonishingly effective sermons. His fiftieth anniversary, just celebrated, recalls an anecdote worth repetition. Mr. Spurgeon was asked, in what to most preachers would have been salad days, to deliver a discourse in a near village. Accordingly he went. On meeting the pastor, whose name was Brown, that good old gentleman was sadly disconcerted at his supplys youthful appearance. Well, well, said he to Mr. Spurgeon, I really did not dream that you were only a boy. I would not have asked you to preach for me if I had thought so. Oh! well, said Mr. Spurgeon, laughing, I can go back. But Mr. Brown would not permit this, and into the pulpit his boyish guest ascended. How he comported himself is thus narrated: Mr. Brown planted himself on the pulpit stairs. Mr. Spurgeon read a lesson from the Proverbs, and upon coming to the passage, Grey hairs are a crown of glory to a man, he said he doubted that, for he knew a man with a grey head who could hardly be civil. But the passage went on to say: If it be found in the way of righteousness, and that, he said, was a different thing. When he came down from the pulpit Mr. Brown said to him: Bless your heart, I have been thirty years a minister, and I was never better pleased with a sermon; but you are the sauciest dog that ever barked in a pulpit; and they were always good friends afterwards.
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 11. These things command and teach.] Let it be the sum and substance of thy preaching, that true religion is profitable for both worlds; that vice destroys both body and soul; that Christ tasted death for every man; and that he saves to the uttermost all them that believe in his name.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
All the things before mentioned, in this or the former parts of this Epistle, he willeth Timothy to make the matter of his sermons and other discourses.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
11. These truths, to theexclusion of those useless and even injurious teachings (1Ti4:1-8), while weighing well thyself, charge also upon others.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
These things command and teach. What are to be commanded, command, and what are to be taught, teach; command to refuse and reject all profane and fabulous doctrines, and exhort to the exercise of true godliness, and teach the profitableness of that, and declare the promises made unto it, and assert the truth and acceptableness of them; command, order, and encourage believers to labour and suffer reproach for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel, in hope of enjoying the said promises, and teach them to trust in the God of their lives, and the Saviour of all men; and whereas to this authoritative way of teaching, Timothy’s youth might be objected by himself, and others; it follows,
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
1) “These things” (tauta) “These kind of things,” teachings and instructions, the matters of the context of this chapter which concern the life conduct of a good minister of God.
2) “Command and teach” (parangele kai didaske) “Charge thou in a motivating way, and teach.” The idea is to warn believers of demon-possessed and demon-directed false teachers and peddlers of fables and myths of old women. Their teachings are to be met by the Word of God, Eph 6:11-18.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
11 Instruct and teach these things He means that the doctrine is of such a kind, that men ought not to be weary of it, though they heard it every day. There are, no doubt, other things to be taught; but there is emphasis in the demonstrative these; for it means that they are not things of small importance, of which it is enough to take a passing and brief notice; but, on the contrary, that they deserve to be repeated every day, because they cannot be too much inculcated. A prudent pastor ought, therefore, to consider what things are chiefly necessary, that he may dwell on them. Nor is there reason to dread that it shall become wearisome; for whosoever is of God will gladly hear frequently those things which need to be so often uttered.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
3.
THE TRUE SERVICE OF GOD. 1Ti. 4:11-16
a.
In Public Life 1Ti. 4:11-13
Text 4:1113
11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.
Thought Questions 4:1113
140.
Show the difference in the instructions given in 1Ti. 4:6 and 1Ti. 4:11.
141.
What is the distinction between commanding, and teaching?
142.
Why would anyone look down on Timothy? Who would do it?
143.
How was Timothy to avoid being despised?
144.
Is an ensample the same as an example? Explain.
145.
Explain in your own words, just how Timothy was to be an ensample.
146.
The meaning of the word reading of 1Ti. 4:13, is not what we usually associate with the word. Give the meaning of the word as here used. (Cf. Act. 13:15)
Paraphrase 4:7 773
11 These things solemnly enjoin as Gods express commands, and teach the believers to act suitably to them.
12 Let no one have reason to despise thy admonitions on account of thy youth; but be thou a pattern to the faithful in gravity of speech, in propriety of behaviour, in fervency of love to God and man, in meekness but firmness of spirit, in soundness of faith, in chastity.
13 Till I return, apply thyself to reading the scriptures to the people in the public assemblies. Read them likewise in private for thine own improvement: also apply thyself to exhorting those who err, and to teaching the young and ignorant.
Comment 4:1113
1Ti. 4:11. In contrast to suggesting to the brethren in 1Ti. 4:6. Timothy is here told to command and teach. What is it that merits such importance? Are we to understand the command and teaching to relate to what follows in 1Ti. 4:12-16, or what has preceded in 1Ti. 4:6-11? The subject matter of 1Ti. 4:12-16 is of such a personal nature that we cannot imagine Timothy is receiving a charge concerning it. We prefer rather, to think the command has reference to the truth and error of 1Ti. 4:6-11. Timothy is to approach the brethren in the manner of a counselor, but he is at the same time to remember the necessity of getting his points across; to do this it will be necessary to instruct and inform. Open the minds of the brethren concerning these false teachers; impress upon them the imperativeness of your message; do all of this by way of instruction as a teacher.
1Ti. 4:12. Now follows some very personal and practical instructions for Timothy as an individual. There are two misconceptions to be cleared up here: First, that Timothy was timid, this thought can not be demonstrated. The boldest of young men might need encouragement. It is just as easy to believe Timothy is being encouraged to continue in the right attitude and work.
Second, that Timothy was a mere stripling. He must have been in his teens when Paul chose him to help on the second journey. More than ten years have passed. Timothy could have been as old as forty when this word was written. There is abundant evidence to show that a man in Timothys day was considered young until the age of forty.
The word despise means to look down upon. The way to avoid such an attitude from some of the older men, is not by way of demanding respect, but rather by earning it. If we do not look down on ourselves and yet maintain humility, it will not be long until we can convince others that they should adopt the same attitude; not toward us so much as toward the work we are trying to do. This earned respect will be gained by setting up a pattern in the following five areas:
(1)
In word or in conversation: Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. How carefully we should choose our words at all times. This should be a warning against the idle talk of so many present day preachers. Such talk not only wastes Gods time but hurts Gods work by a poor example,
(2)
In manner of life or in general demeanor: it isnt what we do on Sunday that gives the example, it is our conduct day by day. We might not like to live in a goldfish bowl; if such is your attitude, choose another work. The minister asks, by his very position, for examination of his daily conduct as an example to those who believe.
(3)
In love: Please read I Corinthians Chapter 13 each day for thirty days. Begin to see the members of your congregation in the applications of the expressions given in this chapter. Begin in a very practical way to use such expressions as: hopeth all thingsbelieveth all thingsendureth all thingstaketh not account of evil. God and man will see your good example.
(4)
In faith: Is it difficult to believe God for His promises? What boldness some men of this world have in their self-confidence, and yet we cannot believe God! Why can Khruschev say your grandchildren will all be Communists?because he believes in the power of Communism. Where is the man who will say to all the peoples of the world, because he believes in the power of the gospel, all your grandchildren will be Christians? It can be true! Who will believe it and preach it?
(5)
In purity: How difficult it is to be consistent in all areas. If the minister of the Word cannot convince the community that he is above reproach in his relations to the opposite sex, he has failed in a very serious realm; he had just as well move, for he is through as a representative of Christ Jesus.
1Ti. 4:13. The general consensus of opinion among commentators is that the public reading of the Scriptures, the public exhortation, and the public teaching from the preacher, is referred to here. The article the can appear before each word; so it becomes: the readingthe exhortationthe teaching. We are reminded of the order of service in the synagogues. In the synagogue, after reading a portion of scripture from the Old Testament, its application to life was pointed out; following this, the finer points of meaning from an exegetical viewpoint were given. It is quite possible, such was also the order in the congregations of Christians in Ephesus. Timothy was to carefully supervise each portion of the service in each congregation. Compare Luk. 4:16 and Act. 13:15 for examples of the services in the Jewish assemblies.
Paul anticipated a visit to Timothy. We do not know the details of this visit. See our introduction for the possible time and place.
Fact Questions 4:1113
113.
What was it Timothy was to command and teach?
114.
What are the two misconceptions to be cleared up?
115.
What is demanded respect?
116.
What is idle talk? Why is it used by many?
117.
How shall we earn the respect of older men?
118.
The preacher must live in a goldfish bowl. Explain.
119.
What was the very practical suggestion as to how we can become an example in love?
120.
How does our present world conflict demonstrate both a lack of faith and a possession of it?
121.
In what areas must the man of God be pure?
122.
Was Timothy the reader of the scripture in the church service? Explain.
123.
Did Paul visit Timothy at Ephesus? Explain.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(11) These things command and teach.These thingsi.e., the real meaning of godliness, that practical everyday piety which, in contradistinction to the severe and strained asceticism of a limited and narrow section of society, should enter into all homes and influence all lives without distinction of class or race, age or sex. These things in the Church of Ephesus must form a part of the public commands and charges to the congregations, must likewise enter into private Christian teaching.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
b. Timothy directed to complete his self-qualification for this charge, 1Ti 4:11-16 .
11. These things Embracing the whole epistle thus far, as the nature of the directions shows.
Command Applying to the Church organization in ii, and 1Ti 3:1-13.
Teach Applying to the doctrines of all the preceding paragraphs.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘These things command and teach.’
And these are the things that Timothy must command and teach
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Ti 4:11. Command Give in charge. See ch. 1Ti 1:3; 1Ti 1:5; 1Ti 1:18.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Ti 4:11 . ] Timothy is to proclaim to the community that which Paul has enjoined to him. refers not only to what is in 1Ti 4:10 (according to Hofmann: “to God’s living power and willingness to help”), but to everything that has been said previously in regard to . The two verbs and tell how he is to proclaim these things. They are not distinguished from each other as referring, the one to private, the other to public instruction, nor as expressing, the one, generally public proclamation, the other, more especially exact instruction, explanation, information (Matthies); but , which in the N. T. has constantly the sense of “command,” indicates that Timothy is to hold up these things ( ) to the community as the standard of their conduct.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
11 These things command and teach.
Ver. 11. These things command and teach ] Teach the tractable, command the obstinate, lay God’s charge upon all.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
11 .] Command (see ch. 1Ti 1:3 ) these things (viz. those insisted on since ver.7) and teach them .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Ti 4:11-16 . Silent example or mild suggestion will not do in every case. There are many occasions when it will be necessary for you to speak out, with the authority given to you at your ordination. At the same time, do not forget that the charismatic gift will die if it be neglected. Give yourself wholly to the cultivation of your character; so will you save yourself and those committed to your charge.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
1Ti 4:11 . : In point of time, teaching precedes commanding . The tone of command can only be used in relation to fundamentals which have been accepted, but are in danger of being forgotten. Similar directions recur in 1Ti 5:7 and 1Ti 6:3 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1Ti 4:11-16
11Prescribe and teach these things. 12Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 13Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 15Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
1Ti 4:11 “Prescribe” This is a present active imperative of a term meaning “strict military orders” (cf. 1Ti 1:3; 1Ti 1:18).
“and teach these things” This is another present active imperative. Paul is encouraging Timothy to take charge. This church was disrupted by false teachers and their surrogates (i.e. possibly younger widows, cf. 2Ti 3:6-7, or older women, cf. 1Ti 4:7).
1Ti 4:12 “Let no one look down on your youthfulness” This is a present active imperative with a negative particle which usually means to stop an act already in process. The term “young” in Roman and Greek culture could refer to a person up to the age of 40. Possibly the false teachers were picking up on Timothy’s age as a way of attacking or depreciating his teachings (cf. 1Co 16:11). Timothy was Paul’s apostolic surrogate. Paul encourages Titus in much the same way in Tit 2:15.
“but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity” Timothy was to show (present middle [deponent] imperative) his equipment for leadership by his lifestyle (cf. 1Ti 4:6 c and 7b). He was to live exactly opposite of the false teachers!
There is a Greek manuscript variant in this phrase. The Textus Receptus adds after “in love,” “in spirit.” This is found in the uncial manuscripts K, L, and P and also most later minuscule manuscripts. However, it is absent in MSS , A, C, D, F, G, and the Vulgate, Syrian, and Coptic translations, which implies it was added by a later scribe.
“example”
SPECIAL TOPIC: FORM (TUPOS)
1Ti 4:13 “Until I come” (cf. 1Ti 3:14)
“give attention to” This is another present active imperative. Paul emphasizes three public functions for Timothy as the official leader in corporate worship.
1. public reading of Scripture
2. preaching
3. teaching
The Early church took the basic form of worship from the Synagogue (cf. Act 13:15; Act 15:21).
1Ti 4:14 “Do not neglect” This is a Present imperative with a negative particle which usually means to stop an act already in process. Does this verse imply that Timothy had neglected his giftedness or that he should not neglect his giftedness? I think the latter.
“the spiritual gift within you” Every believer is given a spiritual gift at conversion (cf. 1Co 12:7; 1Co 12:11; 1Co 12:18). In this context, Timothy’s spiritual gift became recognized by local church leaders at Lystra (cf. Act 16:2) and affirmed at a special commitment service (cf. 1Ti 1:18). Spiritual giftedness is given by the Triune God (cf. 1Co 12:4-6) to individual believers for the common good of the body of Christ (cf. 1Co 12:7; 1Co 12:11). The exact time of the giftedness is not explicitly stated, the exact number of gifts is not delineated, and the exact mechanism is not revealed. What is obvious is that all believers are gifted for ministry (cf. Eph 4:12).
“with the laying on of hands” This seems to be a dedication practice of the NT Church (cf. Act 6:6; Act 13:3; 2Ti 1:6), which they took from the OT (cf. Num 8:10; Deu 34:9).
SPECIAL TOPIC: LAYING ON OF HANDS
“which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance” Does this imply that Timothy’s spiritual gift was given to him
1. at the time of his being set apart for service (cf. 1Ti 1:14)
2. by means of prophecy and laying on of hands (cf. 2Ti 1:6)
3. that the prophets acknowledged his giftedness and the elders set him apart for service (cf. 1Ti 1:18)
I think #3 is best.
NASB, NKJV”by the presbytery”
NRSV”by the council of elders”
TEV”the elders”
NJB, NIV”the body of elders”
I must admit that I bring some frustration to this text. I have a theological bias against the “clergy/laity” dichotomy that has developed in Christianity. I believe that all believers are called and gifted for maturity and ministry (cf. 1 Corinthians 12; Eph 4:11-12). Believers are saints and ministers!
The Reformation concept of “the priesthood of the believer,” first articulated by Martin Luther, misses the biblical point all believers are to function as priests (cf. Exo 19:5-6; Num 16:3). Biblically it must be “the priesthood of believers”!
Now in saying this I also realize that God calls believers to lead believers. There is no question that some are called and equipped to direct, guide, motivate, exhort, and organize the people of God.
However, these leaders are not special believers, or privileged believers, but servant leaders (cf. Mat 18:1-4; Mat 20:20-28; Mat 23:11). Modern ordination tends to depreciate several biblical truths:
1. all believers are servant ministers
2. all believers are gifted for ministry
Ordination has developed from an unofficial affirmation of giftedness and a prayerful commitment to a specific ministry task into an elaborate, high-walled elitism! This concept must be changed; this paradigm must be reevaluated; this unbiblical development must be challenged. Modern Christianity has based so much tradition and elitism on such a small biblical base. So where is the authority, in clear NT passages or in denominational traditions?
1Ti 4:15
NASB”Take pains with these things”
NKJV”meditate on these things”
NRSV”put these things into practice”
TEV”practice these things”
NJB”Let this be your care”
This is another present active imperative. In the Septuagint this term was used of meditating (cf. Isa 33:18; Act 4:25). In the NT is seems to have an active sense of strenuous exercise.
NASB”be absorbed in them”
NKJV”give yourself entirely to them”
NRSV, TEV”devote yourself to them”
NJB”your occupation”
This is another present imperative. It means “put yourself into these teachings.” Let them be priority in your life and ministry. God’s truth needs to clearly and evidently mold our lives in such a way that others can clearly see Christ in us!
“so that your progress will be evident to all” Remember that Timothy is to live before believers and nonbelievers so that they will have no handle for criticism of the gospel or his ministry (cf. 1Ti 3:2; 1Ti 3:7; 1Ti 3:10; 1Ti 5:7-8; 1Ti 5:14; 1Ti 6:14). The exact opposite of this progress in godliness is seen in the false teachers (cf. 2Ti 2:16; 2Ti 3:9).
1Ti 4:16 “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching” Here is yet another present active imperative. Timothy is to take time for his own spiritual maturing and nurturing. This is a good word for pastors in our day (cf. 1Ti 4:6 c; 7b; 12b).
“persevere in these things” This is yet another present active imperative. Timothy is to be an example of perseverance because the false teachers and their followers have obviously not persevered. Salvation is linked not only to an initial confession of repentance, faith and godliness, but also to continuance in these things. Perseverance is evidence of true salvation! In true biblical Christianity the way one starts, the way one lives, and the way one finishes are all crucial!
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE NEED TO PERSEVERE
“for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” This can relate to 1Ti 4:10 or to the false teachers (cf. 1Ti 2:15). Paul was always concerned that he guard himself lest he become disqualified (cf. 1Co 9:27).
See SPECIAL TOPIC: SALVATION (GREEK VERB TENSES) at 2Ti 1:9.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
command. See Act 1:4. Compare 1Ti 1:3.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
11.] Command (see ch. 1Ti 1:3) these things (viz. those insisted on since ver.7) and teach them.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Ti 4:11. [37] ) these things, dismissing all other things.
[37] , of believers) who place their hope in the living God.-V. g.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Ti 4:11
These things command and teach.-These truths that God is the Savior of all, desires that none should perish, but that all should repent and live, and that it is mans highest duty to trust and obey God.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
1Ti 6:2, 2Ti 4:2, Tit 2:15, Tit 3:8
Reciprocal: Mat 5:19 – do 1Ti 1:3 – charge 1Ti 5:7 – General 1Ti 6:14 – keep
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ti 4:11. Command and teach. Not being an inspired man, Timothy could not speak with authority. However, he could deliver the communications as the express commands of the apostle, then explain their meaning and urge their observance.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Ti 4:11. The exhortation becomes more personal, as if the writer called to mind all that he had observed of the strength and weakness of his young disciple, and felt for and with him in the work and responsibility to which he had been, it may be, so unexpectedly called.
Command and teach. The first word points to single precepts and counsels, the latter to more systematic instruction.
These things, i.e. the precepts of this chapter specially.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Still our apostle proceeds in farther direction and advice to Timothy, both as to his preaching and his practice, both as to his doctrine and conversation.
1. As to his preaching, he requires it to be done with due authority: These things command and teach, that is, these things teach commandingly, and with a necessary authority; the ministers of God speak from God, therefore may command from God.
2. As to his conversation, he exhorts him to exercise such a becoming gravity in his deportment, that, though he was very young, none might despise him or his function because of his youth: where piety and modesty meet in young ministers, it will preserve their youth from contempt; and where levity and vanity are found, it will expose not only youth, but gray hairs also, to contempt and scorn.
3. He directs them to be not only a precedent to all ministers, but a pattern to all believers: Be thou an example of the believers, and that,
1. In word, or speech; look that thy discourse be wise and instructive, not idle and impertinent, much less frothy and profane, but let something for edification always drop from thy lips.
2. In conversation, look that thy gravity be beyond thy years, make up in thy deportment what is wanting in thy age observe a just equality, neither too amusing nor too prostrate, behave not thyself neither above nor below thyself.
3. In charity, show benevolence and exercise beneficence towards all mankind, according to thy ability and opportunity: nothing gives a minister a greater advantage for the success of his labours than charitable distributions; this gives us a throne in the hearts of our people, when wisely managed.
4. In spirit, that is, in zeal and warmth of spirit, in fervency and affection, in an active and sprightly zeal for the glory of God and the good of souls, such a zeal as may render thee industrious in feeding, governing, and instructing thy flock.
5. In faith, that is, in fidelity to, and constancy in, the true religion, not enduring either to be huffed or wheedled out of the truth; for it is a sacred depositum, an holy treasure, which we must transmit to our posterity, as our forefathers did to us with their precious blood.
6. In purity, in chastity and cleanliness, abstaining from sensual lusts, from wantonness and worldly-mindedness; choose spiritual delights now, for they are the entertainment which we must live upon to eternal ages.
By all this we see how much it is in a minister’s own power to procure a due esteem to himself, at least to prevent his own contempt, since an holy and exemplary deportment, faithful and constant labours, never fail to do that in some measure: but if we fail here, what other methods soever we use, we shall find God making good his threatening, 1Sa 2:30, that they which despise him shall be lightly esteemed; nor will any titles, dignities, or pre- eminences above others, secure the guilty from the efficacy of this curse, which will cleave to their persons, yea, to their memories, like a girdle to their loins.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
CHAPTER 21
One of the great preachers of the past is Bishop of Constantinople John Chrysostom. Some called him Golden-mouthed. MacArthur quotes Stott:
‘He is generally and justly regarded as the greatest pulpit orator of the Greek church. Nor has he any superior or equal among the Latin Fathers. He remains to this day a model for preachers in large cities.
“Four chief characteristics of his preaching may be mentioned. First, he was biblical. Not only did he preach systematically through several books, but his sermons are full of biblical quotations and allusions. Secondly, his interpretation of the Scriptures was simple and straightforward. He followed the Antiochene school of “literal” exegesis, in contrast to fanciful Alexandrian allegorizations. Thirdly, his moral applications were down to earth. Reading his sermons today, one can imagine without difficulty the pomp of the imperial court, the luxuries of the aristocracy, the wild races of the hippodrome, in fact the whole life of an oriental city at the end of the fourth century. Fourthly, he was fearless in his condemnations. In fact, “he was a martyr of the pulpit, for it was chiefly his faithful preaching that caused his exile.”” Stott. John R. W.; Between Two Worlds; Grand Rapids; Eerdmans; 1982; 21
Infopedia encyclopedia mentions: “Chrysostom, John c.347-407. Syrian prelate. Called soon after his death Chrysostom, i.e. Golden-mouthed. Became hermit monk; returned to Antioch, gained great reputation as preacher; ordained priest (386); archbishops of Constantinople (398-404); gained popular following by eloquent criticisms of wealthy and powerful; deposed at a synod near Constantinople and banished at an instance of Empress Ataxia and patriarch of Alexandria (403); recalled because of wrath of people, but banished again (404), to Armenia. Authors of homilies, commentaries, and letters that had great influence. Later recognized as Doctor of the Church.”
Interesting to me that a man that interpreted the Word literally, was a Biblicist and preached against the ills of his society was banished! Maybe there is hope for me and my desire for a mountaintop cabin away from all mankind.
Riddle mentions “THE pre-eminence of Chrysostom as a preacher remains undisputed, despite the many reversals of judgment that have resulted from modern historical investigations; no voice has been raised against the popular verdict, repeated in every age, that awards to him the first place among pulpit orators in the Eastern Church.
“Nor has there been any serious difference of opinion in regard to his personal character. His intense moral earnestness has always been recognized, and the man has been honored because it was distinctly felt that the man gave power to the oration. “Golden mouth” avails little, unless it belongs to a golden man.” From an INTRODUCTORY ESSAY “ST. CHRYSOSTOM AS AN EXEGETE” BY M. B. RIDDLE, D.D.; found in a book of Chrysostom’s homilies.
Verse 11 These things command and teach.
Aaahhh, you didn’t know that word was allowed in the Bible did you! COMMAND – one of those words that seems to be left out of most of our current world vocabulary.
“Command and teach” Note command and teach – not command and then teach at a later date. Command seems to give the thought of laying out what is to be done and then teaching would indicate a need to show how to do what is commanded.
Recently at work I told one of the new associates to do something. Normally the job would take about an hour and a half at most. I noticed about two hours into the day she was only about a third of the way through the project. I inquired as to what was going on and was informed that when I told her what to do, she didn’t know how to do it. I had assumed that she had been trained in that area, but not so. I HAD COMMANDED, BUT HAD NOT TAUGHT!
Someone gave me a pin sometime back that states that the ten commandments aren’t multiple choice. Paul tells Timothy to command and teach these things. They are not optional, they are not multiple choice, and they are not for only the pastors, teachers, and missionaries.
I hope I’m not bursting any bubbles in this study but every single one of us have received this command and it is our responsibility to do it from this point on until we meet the Lord.
We will be looking at PERSONAL EXAMPLE in verse twelve, PERSONAL MINISTRY in verses thirteen and fourteen, and PERSONAL PREPARATION in verse fifteen and sixteen.
I. PERSONAL EXAMPLE
1Ti 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
“Let no man despise thy youth,” Now that is one I can forget about very quickly – been there can’t do that no more! Timothy was probably thirty-five to forty by now according to some writers.
Many years ago we were attending a little Baptist church with a wonderful preacher. He asked me to take a senior citizen class which I did. One day the folks voiced their concern that they weren’t helping in the church. I asked them what in the world they thought a bunch of old people could do (they knew my humor).
Before the class was over, they had filled a large blackboard with jobs they felt they could do. I took the list to the pastor and he went straight through the roof. He accused me of all sorts of things and indicated just how ignorant I was to believe that those old folks would ever do anything.
I left and prayed for a couple days and decided to call one of the deacons and talk to him. I had barely told him who I was when he started telling me off for being a young know-it-all etc. I finally hung up without talking to him – just listened a lot.
We left the class/church. We later found out that I was the third in a line of teachers he had run off. We also heard later I was not the last. He could not stand to have anyone in his church that was young and that ministered to the congregation.
It is not uncommon for older men to try and run a younger man’s ministry. It is not uncommon for the older men to have knowledge and wisdom which far surpass that of the young man. True, they know much and are wiser, but young men have been alive for several years and have learned many things also. The proper attitude is one of co-learning and co-teaching. Many older pastors could benefit from advice from younger men if they weren’t too proud and obstinate to take it.
Likewise the younger pastor can benefit greatly from having the wisdom of the older if he isn’t too proud and obstinate to take it.
Be an example to the believers that you minister to in, word, or might we say in speech, teaching and preaching.
Being an example was important for Timothy in that he was one of the leaders – one of the shepherds. Adam Clarke listed a little poem of note concerning a wondering pastor.
“Himself a wanderer from the narrow way,
His silly sheep, no wonder if they stray.”
Stedman expands on this thought somewhat “Charles Spurgeon, in a lecture to his students in London in the last century said, “Beware of being like some, who go about with theological revolvers in their ecclesiastical trousers.” Stedman continues “Some young men have a tendency to shoot from the lip. Modern-day jet fighters, however, give us a better picture of how the battle in the public Christian ministry is fought: Today the whole plane has to be aimed in order to bear upon the target. Here the apostle tells Timothy that his whole life has to be aimed at his objective. ” From a sermon at http://www.pbc.org/dp/stedman/timothy/3776.html
Be an example by your conduct or manner of life. Be careful of where you go and what you do. Don’t give anyone the chance to attack you because of your conduct.
Be an example by your love. If a leader doesn’t show love then he will not be well accepted. There must be a concern and compassion for those around them.
Be an example by your spirit. The term spirit is not in most manuscripts though Young lists it in his literal translation. It would have the idea of your spiritual life being above board and in order. Your attitude and spirit must also be in proper order.
Be an example by your faith. How can a man of little faith lead a group to great spiritual heights? He can’t.
Be an example by your purity. He must have sin under control in his life. If sin enters, he must confess it on the spot. No one is going to follow a man that is living in sin.
Purity may well relate to Timothy’s age and young women. This is a very serious area of concern for young single men in the ministry.
IN SHORT IF YOU ARE DOING ALL OF THESE THINGS THEN YOU WILL NOT HAVE MANY WONDERING ABOUT YOUR YOUTH!
Once you have your personal example down, you can begin to concentrate on your ministry.
II. PERSONAL MINISTRY
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
Paul charged Timothy to insist regularly on these things that he had just been saying and to teach them to the Ephesians (cf. 1Ti 5:7; 1Ti 6:2; 2Ti 2:2; 2Ti 2:14; Tit 2:15). The verbs are in the present tense in Greek suggesting continuing action. These are the first two of 10 imperatives in 1Ti 4:11-16. Evidently Timothy needed some prodding to make him more assertive.