Fathers

1 Timothy 4

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Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

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What the Fathers say

1 Timothy 4:15

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"That thy profiting may appear," he says, "to all." Thus he would have him appear great and admirable in this respect also, showing that this was still necessary for him, for he wished that his "profiting should appear" not only in his life, but in the word of doctrine.

Homily on 1 Timothy 13 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

He frequently instructs him on the same things, wishing to show that a bishop must above all strive for this. Not only in life, but also in the word of teaching. See how he desires him to be great and admirable even in this.

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

Study these things; give yourself entirely to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine; continue in them. For by doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you. Study these things. Which ones? Those that Paul mentioned above. In word, he says, in conduct, in faith, in purity. And from the frequent repetition of the same things, it shows that the bishop must unquestionably guard these things. your progress may be evident to all. …

Commentary On 1 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, meditate upon these things, he shows how he should fulfill what has been commanded, namely, that he continually meditate upon the things which pertain to his office: they watch as being to render an account of your souls (Heb 13:17). Meditate, therefore, upon these things, i.e., dwell frequently on the duties which pertain to the care of your flock; and be wholly in these things, i.e., let all your energy be directed to this. And why? …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗