1Ti 4:11-16 | NETfull | STEP | Command and teach these things.

1 Timothy 4:11-16

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, ^{▼▼ Or “faith.”} and purity. 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, ^{▼▼ Grk “reading.”} ^{▼▼ The public reading of scripture refers to reading the scripture out loud in the church services. In a context where many were illiterate and few could afford private copies of scripture, such public reading was especially important.} to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, ^{▼▼ Grk “in you.”} given to you and confirmed by prophetic words ^{▼▼ Grk “which was given to you through prophecy.” Here as in 2:15 the preposition “through” denotes not “means” but accompanying circumstances: “accompanied by prophecy.”} ^{▼▼ These prophetic words perhaps spoke of what God would do through Timothy in his ministry (cf. 1 Tim 1:18).} when the elders laid hands on you. ^{▼▼ Grk “with the imposition of the hands of the presbytery” (i.e., the council of elders).} 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress. ^{▼▼ Grk “that your progress may be evident to all.”} 16 Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. ^{▼▼ Grk “about yourself and your teaching.”} Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.