1 Timothy 4:12-16
Chapter 4
12
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.
13
Devote yourself to reading, preaching, and teaching until I arrive.
14
Do not neglect the spiritual gift given to you through the prophetic word when the elders laid their hands on you.
15
Put these things into practice, so that everyone can see your progress.
16
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
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).