ST. PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY 4:9-15
Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.
All Men?
This is an interesting phrase “Savior of all men, especially of those who believe”. A parallel passage:
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Jesus died for all. And all will be raised. This does not fit well with Reformed theology where Jesus only dies for the elect.
Elements of Teaching Authority
Several are here
- Council of elders
- Prophetic utterance
- Laying on of hands
The gift Timothy was given seems to have been teaching.
Leave a Reply