Command and teach these things.
Summary: Understanding Paul’s words in this passage involves humble self-reflection and an honest assessment of what our role is in the Body of Christ.
This verse has to be one of the shortest and most direct sentences that Paul has ever written!
Wow!
“Command and teach these things.” Direct, concise, and easy to understand. The problem is that if we don’t understand the context of this sentence, it could be easy to misunderstand and misapply Paul’s words.
So, before we go off commanding and teaching “these things” to everyone we meet, let’s examine Paul’s words within the larger context of his whole letter and the rest of God’s Word.
First, let’s look at the context of God’s command structure.
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18, John 3:35). Jesus, in turn, gave certain authority to those he designated as Apostles.
It is important to understand what kind of authority was given to the Apostles and what was not. Jesus gave his disciples authority over demons and the authority to cure diseases (Luke 9:1). Later, he gave them authority to “bind” and “loose” (Matthew 18:18).*
What is important to remember is that Jesus is not issuing authority in a worldly sense (John 14:27). This is not God’s permission to boss people around. The authority God gives is more like a responsibility to serve than anything else (John 13:12-17).
While God provides all believers with authority to become children of God, victory over the power of the enemy, and to do the work Jesus did,† he also structured authority so that the church was guided by the Holy Spirit through those designated as overseers.
Paul’s letter to Timothy is written specifically to someone who is an “overseer” of God’s people. In a sense, Timothy is actually an “overseer” of “overseers.” Part of his work for the Lord is identifying and training overseers (1 Timothy 3).
As we read Paul’s instruction to “command and teach these things,” it is important to be mindful of our place in the Body of Christ.
Application: Humility is a key requirement for serving God’s people.
Food for Thought: What “things” would you expect an overseer to “command” others to do?
*The terms “bind” and “loose” are likely Jewish rabbinical terms related to community discipline. Understandings of these terms vary within the church body.
†John 1:12, Luke 10:19, Mark 16:17, John 14:12–14, John 16:23–24, Matthew 28:18–20, 2 Corinthians 5:20, James 4:7, Ephesians 6:10–18, 1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Peter 4:10–11, Romans 8:16–17, Revelation 1:5–6
I would expect an overseer to reiterate Christ’s commands to the church: Make disciples; be His witness to the ends of the earth; preach the gospel to all creation; love the Lord with all our heart, strength and mind; love our neighbors as ourselves, etc.
Of course, a good argument for “these things” could also be made for everything Paul was charging Timothy with in verses 1 to 10, as that is the context.
Thank you, Rich!
It is amazing how all the things you mentioned are interrelated.
When I read the word “command” I think of a “commander” like I experienced in my military years. Yes, the commander does give commands, but it was more than that. A commander was the sole person responsible for the execution of the mission, or at least their component of the mission. So, they had to give the orders (or commands) that aligned with ensuring mission success. Along with that they were also responsible to ensure everyone understood what was expected of them, make sure they were equipped, and make sure they were trained.
I think this perspective falls in line with what Paul is saying to Timothy, and I think it is true of an overseer in the church today. An overseer would “command and train” others so that they understand the Gospel of Christ, unadulterated, teach them to seek the Lord in everything, and prepare them for works of ministry in the name of Christ.
Thank you, Chris!
Yes, with authority comes responsibility. Well said!
What “things” would you expect an overseer to “command” others to do?
Command, implies utilizing power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience. Not leaving a topic or action up for discussion.
One command could be to for worship service to be conducted in an orderly, productive manner within a predetermined time frame, or a simple phrase such as “ Let us pray “.
Thank you, Ron!
Very interesting thought!