1 Timothy 4:13

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Till {G2193} I come {G2064}, give attendance {G4337} to reading {G320}, to exhortation {G3874}, to doctrine {G1319}.

Until I come, pay attention to the public reading of the Scriptures.

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.

1 Timothy 4:13 is a concise yet profound instruction from the Apostle Paul to his young protégé, Timothy, highlighting essential duties for effective ministry within the early church. This verse emphasizes three core responsibilities: the public reading of Scripture, the act of exhortation, and the teaching of sound doctrine.

Context

This verse is situated within Paul's first letter to Timothy, who was serving as a leader in the church at Ephesus. Paul, acting as a spiritual mentor, provides guidance on various aspects of church order, personal conduct, and ministry amidst challenges like false teachings and youthful inexperience. The phrase "Till I come" indicates Paul's intention to visit Timothy, suggesting these instructions were immediate priorities for Timothy's ongoing work until Paul's arrival. Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus (often called the Pastoral Epistles) are rich sources for understanding early church structure and leadership responsibilities.

Key Themes

  • Public Reading of Scripture (anagnosis): Paul instructs Timothy to prioritize the public reading of the sacred texts. In a time before widespread personal copies of the Bible, this was the primary way for congregations to hear and engage with God's Word. It underscores the foundational importance of Scripture in worship and spiritual formation. This practice echoes earlier traditions, such as the public reading of the Law in Nehemiah 8:8.
  • Exhortation (paraklesis): Beyond mere instruction, Timothy was to engage in encouraging and urging the believers. This involves comforting the distressed, motivating the complacent, and inspiring the faithful to live out their calling. It's a call to practical application and spiritual encouragement, vital for fostering a vibrant and supportive community. This aspect of ministry is crucial for building up the body of Christ, as seen in Hebrews 10:25.
  • Doctrine (didaskalia): The teaching of sound theological truth was paramount. Timothy was responsible for accurately conveying the Christian message, safeguarding the church from error, and establishing believers in firm biblical understanding. This emphasis on correct teaching is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, particularly in combating false teachings prevalent in Ephesus. Paul frequently warned against deceptive spirits and doctrines of devils.

Linguistic Insights

The three Greek terms Paul uses are significant:

  • Anagnosis (reading): Refers specifically to the public, liturgical reading of texts, often sacred writings. It wasn't just silent personal reading but an authoritative proclamation to the assembly.
  • Paraklesis (exhortation): Carries a broad meaning of calling alongside, appealing to, comforting, encouraging, and admonishing. It implies a pastoral care that moves people to action or provides solace.
  • Didaskalia (doctrine): Denotes the act of teaching, but more commonly, the content that is taught—the body of instruction or theological truth itself. It highlights the importance of the substance of belief.

Practical Application

While specifically addressed to Timothy as a church leader, the principles in 1 Timothy 4:13 remain highly relevant for all believers today, especially those in leadership roles. It underscores the ongoing need for:

  • Engagement with Scripture: Both personally and corporately, the Bible remains the primary source of truth and guidance.
  • Mutual Encouragement: Believers are called to build each other up, offering comfort, challenge, and support in their faith journeys.
  • Commitment to Sound Teaching: In an age of diverse and often conflicting information, discerning and adhering to biblical truth is more critical than ever. This verse reminds us that effective ministry is built on continuous learning, faithful proclamation, and diligent application of God's Word.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 6:4

    But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

  • Titus 2:15

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

  • 1 Timothy 4:16

    Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

  • 2 Timothy 4:2

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

  • 2 Timothy 2:15

    Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

  • 2 Timothy 2:17

    And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

  • 1 Timothy 4:6

    ¶ If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
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