1 Timothy 4:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's instruction to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:13 provides a concise yet profound mandate for effective ministry within the early church, emphasizing three non-negotiable duties: the diligent public reading of Scripture, the pastoral act of exhortation, and the faithful teaching of sound doctrine, all to be prioritized until Paul's anticipated arrival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's first letter to Timothy, one of the three "Pastoral Epistles" (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus), which offer practical guidance for church leadership and order. Timothy, a young protégé of Paul, was serving as a leader in the challenging environment of the Ephesian church. Paul, acting as a spiritual mentor, provides specific instructions on how Timothy should conduct himself and manage the congregation amidst various internal and external pressures, including the rise of false teachings. The phrase "Till I come" indicates Paul's intention to visit Timothy, suggesting that these instructions were immediate and crucial priorities for Timothy's ongoing work and the health of the church until Paul's personal presence could offer further support and direction. The broader context of the letter addresses issues ranging from combating heresy to establishing qualifications for church leaders and maintaining proper worship, all contributing to the church's role as the [pillar and ground of truth](/1_timothy/3-15 "1 Timothy 3:15 - The Church as the Pillar and Ground of Truth").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent and influential city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and the pervasive cult of Artemis. This environment presented significant challenges for the nascent Christian community, which faced both external pagan pressures and internal doctrinal deviations. Literacy rates in the first century were generally low, and the widespread availability of personal copies of sacred texts was non-existent. Scrolls were expensive and labor-intensive to produce, making public reading the primary means by which congregations could hear and engage with God's Word. Timothy, likely a young leader, was tasked with guiding a community that was navigating its identity and mission in a complex, often hostile, cultural landscape. Paul's emphasis on sound teaching was particularly vital given the prevalence of [deceptive spirits and doctrines of demons](/1_timothy/4-1 "1 Timothy 4:1 - Warnings Against False Teachers") that threatened to undermine the church's theological foundations.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Timothy 4:13 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the Pastoral Epistles. Foremost is the **centrality of sound doctrine and biblical truth**. Paul consistently warns against false teachers and emphasizes the need for accurate instruction to safeguard the church's purity and integrity, as seen in his charge to Timothy to [guard the good deposit entrusted to him](/2_timothy/1-14 "2 Timothy 1:14 - Guard the Good Deposit"). Another crucial theme is the **nature and responsibilities of spiritual leadership**. Timothy's role as a pastor required him to be diligent in these three areas, reflecting the comprehensive demands of shepherding God's flock, a responsibility echoed in Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders in [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Paul's Charge to the Ephesian Elders"). Finally, the verse underscores the **importance of communal worship and spiritual formation**, highlighting how the public engagement with Scripture, mutual encouragement, and theological instruction are essential for the growth and edification of the body of Christ, contributing to the church's overall health and maturity, as described in [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Building Up of the Body").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **give attendance (Greek, _proséchō'_):** From πρός and ἔχω, meaning "to hold the mind towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to." Paul's imperative command to Timothy signifies a call to diligent, focused, and persistent application of effort. It implies more than a casual engagement; it demands a devoted and continuous commitment to these three activities as core ministerial duties.
* **reading (Greek, _anágnōsis'_):** From ἀναγινώσκω, meaning "(the act of) reading." This term specifically refers to the public, liturgical reading of texts, particularly sacred writings, to the assembled congregation. In the context of the early church, where personal copies of Scripture were rare, this practice was the primary means for believers to hear, absorb, and engage with God's authoritative Word, making it a foundational element of communal worship and instruction.
* **exhortation (Greek, _paráklēsis'_):** From παρακαλέω, meaning "imploration, hortation, solace." This word encompasses a broad range of pastoral activities, including comforting the distressed, encouraging the faint-hearted, admonishing the wayward, and appealing to believers to live out their faith. It is about applying biblical truth to life, fostering spiritual growth, and providing practical encouragement and motivation within the community.
* **doctrine (Greek, _didaskalía'_):** From διδάσκαλος, meaning "instruction (the function or the information)." This term refers to the content of teaching—the body of theological truth and Christian instruction. Paul emphasizes the importance of accurately conveying the Christian message, ensuring believers are grounded in correct understanding, and protecting the church from the false teachings that were prevalent in Ephesus. It highlights the critical role of theological precision in maintaining the integrity of the faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Till I come,"**: This opening clause establishes a temporal framework for Paul's instructions. It signifies that these directives are immediate and ongoing priorities for Timothy's ministry in Ephesus, to be diligently pursued until Paul's personal arrival. It underscores the urgency and importance Paul places on these tasks, indicating they are not optional but essential for the interim period.
* **"give attendance"**: This is a strong imperative verb, a direct command from the Apostle Paul to his younger colleague. It conveys the necessity of wholehearted devotion and diligent application. Timothy is not merely to perform these duties; he is to dedicate himself to them with focused attention and consistent effort, reflecting a pastoral commitment.
* **"to reading,"**: This refers to the public, communal reading of the sacred Scriptures within the church assembly. In an era without widespread personal copies of the Bible, this was the primary means for believers to hear and internalize God's authoritative Word. It underscores the foundational importance of Scripture as the source of truth and guidance for the congregation, central to worship and spiritual formation.
* **"to exhortation,"**: This involves the pastoral act of encouraging, comforting, admonishing, and inspiring believers. It's about applying biblical truth to the practical lives of the congregation, motivating them to live out their calling, providing solace in distress, and stirring spiritual fervor. This aspect builds up the community by fostering mutual support and spiritual growth.
* **"to doctrine."**: This refers to the teaching of sound theological truth. Timothy was responsible for accurately conveying the Christian message, ensuring believers were grounded in correct understanding, and safeguarding the church from the false teachings prevalent in Ephesus. It emphasizes the critical role of theological precision and comprehensive instruction in establishing and maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs an **imperative mood** through the command "give attendance," underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of these duties for Timothy. This direct address highlights Paul's authority and the critical importance of these tasks. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **tricolon**, presenting three distinct yet interconnected responsibilities ("reading, exhortation, to doctrine") in a concise and memorable list. This **parallelism** emphasizes the comprehensive nature of effective pastoral ministry, illustrating that it involves both the foundational input of God's Word (reading), its practical application and encouragement (exhortation), and its systematic understanding (doctrine). The deliberate ordering of these elements suggests a logical progression from divine revelation to its practical and theological assimilation within the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a foundational theology of ministry rooted in the centrality of God's Word. It posits that effective spiritual leadership is not merely about personal charisma or administrative skill, but primarily about faithfully mediating divine truth to the community. The public reading of Scripture grounds the church in revelation, ensuring that its faith is built upon God's authoritative voice. Exhortation then applies that truth to daily life, fostering spiritual growth, communal encouragement, and practical obedience. The emphasis on doctrine ensures theological integrity, safeguarding the flock from error and building a robust, accurate understanding of Christian faith. This triad forms the bedrock for a healthy, biblically-informed, and spiritually vibrant congregation, reflecting God's desire for His people to be nourished by His truth and equipped for every good work.
* [Nehemiah 8:8](/nehemiah/8-8 "Ezra and the Levites read and explained the Law to the people")
* [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Paul's charge to the Ephesian elders to shepherd the church of God")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's charge to Timothy remains profoundly relevant for all believers, especially those in leadership, today. In an age saturated with information yet often lacking wisdom, the disciplined engagement with God's Word—both personally and corporately—is paramount. We are called not just to consume information but to allow Scripture to transform us through diligent study and attentive listening ("reading"). Furthermore, the church thrives when its members actively encourage and build one another up, offering comfort, challenge, and spiritual support ("exhortation"). This calls for intentional community where genuine care and spiritual motivation are prioritized. Finally, a steadfast commitment to sound doctrine is crucial for navigating complex ethical issues, discerning truth from error, and maintaining a robust faith in a world of competing ideologies ("doctrine"). This verse calls us to a holistic and intentional approach to spiritual formation and communal life, centered on the unchanging truth of God, ensuring that our faith is both deeply rooted and actively lived out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I personally "give attendance" to the reading of Scripture in my daily life, moving beyond mere consumption to genuine engagement?**
* **In what practical ways can I more effectively practice "exhortation" within my family, church, or broader community, offering both comfort and challenge?**
* **What steps can I take to deepen my understanding of "doctrine" and develop a more robust theological framework for discerning truth from error in contemporary issues?**
* **How does the balance of reading, exhortation, and doctrine contribute to the health and vitality of my local church, and how can I contribute to strengthening these areas?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul emphasize public reading when people could read privately?**

Answer: In the first century, literacy rates were significantly lower than today, and personal copies of scrolls or codices were extremely rare and expensive, accessible only to the wealthy elite or institutions. Therefore, the public reading of Scripture in the synagogue or church assembly was the primary, if not sole, way for most believers to hear and engage with God's Word. This practice ensured communal access to the sacred texts and reinforced their authoritative role in the life of the church, echoing ancient Jewish practices, such as the public reading and explanation of the Law by Ezra and the Levites in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law"). It was a communal act of worship and instruction, vital for the spiritual formation of the congregation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Timothy 4:13 provides practical instructions for pastoral ministry, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how these three elements—reading, exhortation, and doctrine—ultimately point to and serve the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "reading" of Scripture, particularly the Old Testament, was always understood by the early church as testifying to Christ, as Jesus himself declared in [John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - Search the Scriptures, for they testify of me"), and as the apostles demonstrated by interpreting the prophecies concerning Him (e.g., [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus explains the Scriptures concerning Himself")). The "exhortation" that Timothy was to offer finds its ultimate source and model in Christ, who is our great [Paraclete, our Advocate and Comforter](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Advocate"). His life, death, and resurrection are the supreme encouragement and call to action for believers, motivating us to [live for Him who died for us](/2_corinthians/5-15 "2 Corinthians 5:15 - Live for Him who died for us"). Finally, "doctrine" is not merely abstract theology but the truth about God revealed supremely in Jesus. All sound Christian doctrine culminates in understanding who Christ is and what He has accomplished, as articulated by Paul in passages like [Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - The Supremacy of Christ"), where Christ is presented as the image of the invisible God and the reconciler of all things. Thus, these ministerial duties are not ends in themselves but means by which the church is continually built up in the knowledge and grace of its Head, Jesus Christ, enabling believers to live lives that honor Him and proclaim His truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.