1 Timothy 4:12-16

Take Heed to Yourself and the Doctrine

Roberts points out that Paul was an aged man by the time he wrote this letter. Also, priests did not begin their work until age 30 and elders were not less than 50 years old. Thus, Timothy, perhaps now between 30 and 40, is still considered a youth. Rather than letting people despise his relatively young age, Timothy was told by Paul to be an example of a true believer in Christ. He would do this in watching the things he said and the way he conducted himself. He was also to be careful to display true love (John 13:34-35) and complete trust in God. In general, he was to keep his life free from sin (1 Timothy 4:12).

While Paul was in the process of trying to come to Timothy, he instructed the younger evangelist to pay close attention to what was being read, with a special emphasis likely being placed on what was read from the pulpit or in assemblies. Exhortation is encouragement to do the things one has heard the scriptures direct. Teaching is instruction that educates as to the meaning of what has been read. It seems, after reading 2 Timothy 1:6, that Paul may have laid his hands on Timothy at the same time the elders did. If so, the gift mentioned here could be miraculous. However, it does not have to be miraculous since Romans 12:3-8 lists some things called gifts which do not have to be miraculously given. In fact, in this context, it appears that Paul is calling the duties Timothy has to fulfill a gift. His work may have been prophesied, like the work of Paul and Barnabas was prophesied (Acts 13:1-3). Then the elders' hands would be laid on him to set him apart for the work (1 Timothy 4:13-14).

Paul told him to give diligence and apply himself fully to the task that was before him, much like we say certain men live to hunt or fish. When a preacher makes preaching his life, his growth will be evident to all. Timothy was to pay close attention to the way he lived as well as the things he taught. Just as the elders from Ephesus were first to watch out for their own spiritual condition and then the spiritual condition of the flock they oversaw, a good preacher must first see to it that he lives the Christian life before he tells others how to live. By thus watching how he lived and the way he taught, Paul assured Timothy he could save himself and those who heard his teaching (1 Timothy 4:15-16).