Study—1 Timothy 4:6-16
Observations:
Commentary:
4:6–16 How Timothy Should Be Shaped by the Gospel. Paul focuses on how Timothy, by his teaching and lifestyle, can help the church stand against the false teaching.
4:8 Paul inverts the gnostic understanding that distinguishes between this physical life and the next one, which is spiritual, by pointing out that godly training has value and application for both this life and the one to come. He is reiterating to Timothy the importance the Christian life has here on earth in the present. Christian faith is not just about life after death.
4:9 The phrase “the saying is trustworthy” is used four other times in the Pastoral Epistles (1:15; 3:1; 4:9;
4:13 Public reading in the churches points to the authority of Paul’s letters. It also assumes they were written to be understood by ordinary believers.
4:14 gift. Timothy’s calling to and gifting for ministry came from God. God revealed it by prophecy, and it was recognized by the church when the council of elders laid their hands on you. See note on
4:16 Timothy’s perseverance in sound doctrine and practice will save him. That is, it will lead him (and others) to continue in the faith.
Paul sums up the challenge Timothy faces: Command and teach these things (11). Even though Timothy was young, he could commend the truth to the congregation he led by setting an example (12) for them in his personal conduct and in his public ministry. The example which Christian leaders set is to be dynamic and progressive—be diligent (15), watch your life and doctrine closely (16), persevere (16).
Timothy is a young man whom Paul has left as his representative at the church in Ephesus. Undoubtedly a challenging role for anyone, Paul offers Timothy a few encouraging words on how to serve well.
4:12 Paul recognizes the struggle a young man is going to have when leading those older than himself. Therefore, Paul expects Timothy to serve as an example to them in all areas of his life. Doing this allows him to be above reproach.
4:13 This should not be understood as once Paul arrives that the reading (of Scripture), preaching, and teaching will cease, but that Paul intends to return to the churches in Ephesus, and he wants to make sure these activities are continuing while he’s away.
4:14 Paul mentions Timothy’s gift again (cf. 1:18). This verse clarifies a bit more that the gift is likely that of preaching and teaching, based on the context of Paul’s comment.
4:15 Paul exhorts Timothy to take his role seriously not only for Timothy’s sake but for the benefit of the entire community of believers. Perhaps Paul is thinking of the proverb “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (
