Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
Summary: In this passage, Paul gives Timothy specific instructions; read, preach, and teach.
Much of Paul’s letter to Timothy is background information. In Chapter One, Paul explains about false doctrine, where it comes from, and why.
Paul gives Timothy three “trustworthy sayings” that are keystones of truth. These gems are to be passed on as “sayings,” unaltered.
Timothy is encouraged to be faithful (1 Timothy 1:18-20), and then given three specific instructions about praying for all people (1 Timothy 2:1-2), how men are to pray (v 8), and how women should behave (v 11).
Paul continues with a description of overseers, noting that they should be “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2). Timothy, of course, is an overseer himself, so we are given to understand that Paul has full confidence in Timothy’s ability to teach.
In Chapter Four, Paul returns to the topic of false teachings. He describes false teachers as “hypocritical liars” (1 Timothy 4:2) and gives examples of the kinds of things they teach. Paul then explains that Christian living is the opposite of the false teacher’s “rules:”
”For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
Now, finally having completed sharing his dossier of background information, Paul says, “Command and teach these things” (1 Timothy 4:11). Only then does he add the instruction, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, and to teaching.”
It is interesting to note here that the phrase “reading of Scripture” is not always translated this way. The Greek text does not specify what is being read. It simply says “reading.” This is why some translations follow the lead of the King James Version:
“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” (1 Timothy 4:13, KJV)
What was Timothy supposed to read? Much of the Old Testament would qualify. Perhaps Timothy read Paul’s letters aloud, or copies of Luke’s writings to Theophilus.
While it is not clear exactly what Timothy was to read, the principles that would guide his choices are clear. Paul’s three “trusted sayings” are a reliable guide for anything Timothy would read, preach on, or teach.
Application: Paul’s guidance to Timothy still holds true for all leaders in the Body of Christ.
Food for Thought: How are preaching and teaching different?
How are preaching and teaching different?
My understanding is that preaching is more when the audience or congregation comes and listens to the message without directly interacting, aside from an “Amen” or similar expression. The message is layed out; specific points are made and not usually altered. In that sense, preaching is more introspective for the listener. Preaching then needs to be easily understood by all, because if the message is outside their understanding, some of the listeners may come away from it and not fully grasp the message.
Teaching is similar but the audience does interact and ask questions or “think out loud” to the message. In teaching the conversation itself can move into areas that were not originally intended, but are related and offer more detail or understanding to the original message. Teaching can take the audience from basic knowledge to deeper and more transformative understanding because it allows the listener to ask for more clarity. Also, in that sense, all listeners can benefit from the entire discussion and questions from other listeners.
I think the line from preaching to teaching is thin. As soon as a listener asks a question and the messenger answers it, we move from preaching to teaching. I believe both preaching and teaching are necessary for growth.
Thank you, Chris.
I like your ‘thin line’ between preaching and teaching. That makes a lot of sense!
How are preaching and teaching different?
Matthew 4:23, Jesus was going all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every[a] disease and sickness among the people.
The early disciples in Acts devoted themselves to both declaring the gospel publicly and instructing believers in sound doctrine, Acts 5:42.
Preaching is where one person communicates a portion or portions of Gods word into bite size pieces for his audience to receive and apply to their lives.
Teaching is far less formal and in its most effective form involves an exchange of truths between two or more people.
Thank you, Ron!
Yes, well said! The early disciples are a good example!