1 Timothy 4:11

These things command and teach.

These things {G5023} command {G3853} and {G2532} teach {G1321}.

Command these things and teach them.

Command and teach these things.

These things command and teach.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:11 KJV

1 Timothy 4:11: "These things command and teach."

Context

This concise verse serves as a direct instruction from the Apostle Paul to his protégé, Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus. It follows Paul's urgent warning against false teachers and their deceptive doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1). Paul emphasizes the value of spiritual discipline and godliness, contrasting it with worldly training (1 Timothy 4:8). "These things" refers to the sound doctrines and principles Paul has just outlined: the goodness of God's creation, the importance of spiritual training, the truth of Christ as Savior of all (especially believers), and the trustworthiness of this message (1 Timothy 4:9-10).

Key Themes

  • Pastoral Authority and Responsibility: Timothy is given a clear mandate to not merely suggest but to "command and teach" foundational truths. This highlights the serious and authoritative nature of a spiritual leader's role in upholding sound doctrine.
  • Upholding Sound Doctrine: The core message is the imperative to diligently communicate and enforce biblical truth, especially in the face of error. This includes the call to godliness and faith in Christ.
  • Active Discipleship: The instruction implies a dynamic process of both authoritative declaration and patient instruction, ensuring believers are not only informed but also guided in their conduct.

Linguistic Insights

The two verbs used here, "command" (Greek: parangelle - παράγγελλε) and "teach" (Greek: didaske - δίδασκε), convey distinct but complementary actions. Parangelle carries the weight of a solemn charge, an authoritative order, or even a military command. It implies that these "things" are not optional suggestions but essential truths to be proclaimed with conviction. Didaske, on the other hand, refers to the systematic instruction, explanation, and imparting of knowledge. Combining these two verbs emphasizes that Timothy's role involves both the authoritative declaration of divine truth and the patient, thorough instruction of believers in its meaning and application.

Practical Application

For spiritual leaders today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of their dual responsibility: to boldly declare God's truth with authority and to diligently instruct their congregations in its nuances. It means being unashamed of the Gospel and unwavering in teaching biblical principles, even when unpopular. For all believers, 1 Timothy 4:11 underscores the importance of seeking out and submitting to sound, authoritative teaching that aligns with God's inspired Word. It also encourages us to live out "these things"—the truths of godliness and faith—with conviction, demonstrating their transformative power in our daily lives.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 6:2

    And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them], because they are brethren; but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

  • 1 Timothy 5:7

    And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

  • Titus 2:15

    ¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

  • Titus 3:8

    [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

  • 2 Timothy 4:2

    Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
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