1 Timothy
Chapter 4
Timothy’s Duties As Pastor of the Community
The Spirit clearly tells us that in the last days some will abandon the faith and follow deceitful spirits and harmful doctrines,
led by lying hypocrites whose consciences have been branded with infamy.
They forbid marriage and restrict the use of certain foods, which God created for those who know the truth, and which believers receive with thanksgiving.
Everything created by God is good, and all food is lawful; nothing should be rejected if received with thanksgiving,
for it is sanctified by the invocation of God in prayer.
If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, you will demonstrate that you are a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the teachings of faith and sound doctrine that you have followed.
Personal Conduct of a Minister of God
Reject irreligious fables and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness.
Physical training has limited value; godliness, however, is beneficial in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Here, you have a trustworthy doctrine you can rely on.
We work hard and endure because we trust in the living God, the Savior of all, especially of those who believe.
Command and teach these things.
Let no one look down on you because of your youth. Be an example to the believers in your speech and conduct, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Devote yourself to reading, preaching, and teaching until I arrive.
Do not neglect the spiritual gift given to you through the prophetic word when the elders laid their hands on you.
Put these things into practice, so that everyone can see your progress.
Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching. Be steady in doing this, and you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
Commentaries
Timothy’s Duties As Pastor of the Community.
These duties stand in stark contrast to the actions of false teachers, who are described with terms like criminals or runaway slaves. The early communities’ strong awareness that they were living in the end times leads the author to see these individuals as the promoters of the apostasy that must occur before the Lord’s final coming (cf. 2 Thes 2:3). He concludes by affirming that a “good minister of Christ Jesus is nourished by the message of faith and sound doctrine” (6), and thus teaches and witnesses to it through his life. The best way to describe the ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons today is precisely this: to be “servants of the Word of God.”
Personal Conduct of a Minister of God.
As in previous exhortations, the author continues to speak to Timothy personally, aiming to describe the ideal leader of the local churches. This figure applies to anyone who exercises authority in ministry and must be: “a model for believers in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity” (12). Similar to Paul in his letter to the Ephesians (cf. Eph 4:11), the author, addressing Timothy, does not focus on the gift he has but instead urges him to become that living example for his brothers and sisters in faith. This warning is so important that the salvation of the leader depends on that of his followers: by doing all this, “both you and your listeners will be saved” (16).