Instructions for Ministry

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech,(A) in conduct,(B) in love,[a](C) in faith, and in purity.(D) 13 Until I come,(E) give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy,(F) with the laying on of hands(G) by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save(H) both yourself and your hearers.(I)

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Footnotes

  1. 4:12 Other mss add in spirit,

11 These are the things you must insist on and teach. 12 Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness,[a] and purity. 13 Until I arrive, give your full concentration to the public reading of Scripture,[b] to exhorting, and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect[c] the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you. 15 Think on these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching. Persevere in these things, because if you do so, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 4:12 Or faith
  2. 1 Timothy 4:13 Lit. on the reading
  3. 1 Timothy 4:14 Or Stop neglecting