1 Timothy 4:6

ταῦτα : repeated in 1 Timothy 4:11, refers to all the preceding directions, but more especially to the warnings against false asceticism.

ὑποτιθέμενος : (remind, suggest) is a somewhat mild term, as Chrys. points out; but in some circumstances suggestion is more effectual than direct exhortation.

διάκονος Χρ. Ἰησ. seems emphatic, a deacon, not of the Church, but of Christ Jesus, who is the Chief Pastor.

ἐντρεφόμενος : The present tense is significant, “meaning to imply constancy in application to these things” (Chrys.), “ever training thyself” (Alf.). “The present … marks a continuous and permanent nutrition” (Ell.). The process begun from his earliest years, 2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:15, was being still maintained.

ἡ πίστις and ἡ διδασκαλία denote respectively the sum total of Christian belief, conceived as an ideal entity, and the same as imparted little by little to the faithful. See note on 1 Timothy 1:10.

ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας : There is a similar use of this verb in 2 Timothy 3:10, where see note. Alford attempts to give the word here the same force as in Luke 1:3, by rendering the course of which thou hast followed. The A.V., whereunto thou hast attained, expresses also the sense of achievement which we find in Luke l.c. It seems better, however, to associate the word with the notion of discipleship; so R.V., doctrine which thou hast followed until now.