Fathers

1 Timothy 4

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But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron, forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer. If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come. This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders. Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all. Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

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What the Fathers say

1 Timothy 4:11

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

In some cases it is necessary to command, in others to teach; if therefore you command in those cases where teaching is required, you will become ridiculous. Again, if you teach where you ought to command, you are exposed to the same reproach. For instance, it is not proper to teach a man not to be wicked, but to command; to forbid it with all authority. …

Homily on 1 Timothy 13 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Some matters require teaching, while others require commanding. Thus, that one must not steal — this should not be taught gently, but commanded, that is, forbidden with particular force. But if he speaks of the distribution of possessions, or of virginity, or of how one ought to believe, then this must be taught. Therefore the apostle uses both expressions: "preach... and teach." And in another sense, when we do something knowing that it is evil, we need commanding; when we do so without knowing it, we need teaching.

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

Command these things, and teach them. 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. Concerning those who err in knowledge, it is necessary to command them with authority; but concerning those who err in ignorance, to simply teach them. The one who encourages toward good, teaches; but the one who hinders evil, commands. Let no one despise your youth. For the bishop must also speak more authoritatively. …

Commentary On 1 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Above, the Apostle exhorted Timothy to godliness; here he gives him the formula for teaching godliness: first, he commands him to teach godliness; second, how he is fit to teach, at let no man; third, how he must teach different persons in different ways, at do not rebuke an ancient man. Now the doctrine of godliness is composed of two things: what is to be done and what is to be believed. …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗