1 Timothy 4:14

Neglect not. Or, “Be not careless.”

Gift. Gr. charisma, “a gift of grace” (see on Romans 1:11; 12:6). Here Paul refers to Timothy’s special abilities of administration (see 1 Timothy 1:18; 4:11), often mental analysis of conflicting teachings (see chapter 1:3, 4; 6:5), and of his rare quality of clarity in teaching (see chapter 4:6, 11). All Christians have some “gift,” the exercise of which will strengthen the church (see on Romans 12:6). However, no “gift” should give cause for boasting, because every gift is from God alone. The consequences of neglecting one’s personal “gift” are fearful to contemplate. First, the efficiency of soulsaving is diminished and the general program of the church is adversely affected. In the second place, the result in the character of the careless church member will be fully revealed in the judgment. Compare Matthew 25:14-30.

Paul especially commands all ministers to give themselves unreservedly to their sacred calling and to avoid competing interests that absorb time and energy that should be devoted to ministry to the flock entrusted to their care.

By prophecy. Or, “through prophecy.” God had communicated His will for Timothy through Paul and other prophets of the Christian church (see on chapter 1:18).

Laying on of the hands. Timothy’s “gift” of church leadership was not bestowed on him at the time of his ordination. No special power flowed through the hands of the “presbytery.” Rather, the ordination service recognized Timothy’s abilities and consecration, and thus expressed the church’s approval of his appointment as a church leader. All thus ordained are authorized to perform the rites of the church. For a discussion of the Biblical concept of the “laying on the hands” in ordination see on Acts 6:6.

Presbytery. Gr. presbuterion, “council of elders.” For the interchangeable usage of the titles presbuteros, “elder,” and episcopos, “bishop,” see Vol. VI, pp. 26, 38; see on Acts 11:30; 1 Timothy 3:1.