Seventh in a series of studies of Paul’s instruction to Timothy
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. “Till I come give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:12-13).
Turning from the points of which Timothy is to be an example, Paul now shifts into three positive actions the young preacher is to take, the first of which is to give attention to reading.
The instruction to “give attention to” gives urgency to Paul’s direction, and it is compatible with the Jewish practice of reading the Old Testament scriptures aloud in the synagogue. It would be beneficial for Christians to read these same scriptures aloud in their assemblies, especially the significant prophesies they would find there about Jesus.
While many writers believe this instruction is specifically about reading aloud in worship, it is not unreasonable to understand that Timothy was also to read the scriptures privately so that he would be better able to exhort and teach the doctrine.
Public and private reading of scripture is commanded for all living in the Christian Age. Without it, we cannot know God’s will for us and, as well, we cannot we know the doctrine of Christ nor what we are to teach others.
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