Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Timothy 4:6

Rec. text has Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ with D2c and cursives; but Χρ. Ἰησοῦ is found in אACD2*GKLP &c. See critical note on 1 Timothy 1:16.

παρηκολούθηκας. So nearly all authorities; but Westcott and Hort, on the authority of CG, give a place in their margin to παρηκολούθησας, the true reading in 2 Timothy 3:10 (which see).

6. ταῦτα ὑποτιθέμενος κ.τ.λ. In setting these things (sc. the principles laid down in 1 Timothy 4:4-5) before the brethren. ὑποτίθεσθαι (cp. Romans 16:4) does not carry with it the idea of reminding or advising, but simply of expounding.

διάκονος. Here used in its most general sense of minister. See above on διακονίαν (1 Timothy 1:12), and cp. 2 Timothy 4:5; 2 Corinthians 11:23 &c.

Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ. This places the duty of Timothy in respect of false asceticism on a very high level; he is to expound the principles of 1 Timothy 4:4-5 as a good minister of Christ Jesus.

ἐντρεφόμενος. The word does not occur elsewhere in the Greek Bible, but its meaning is not doubtful, being nurtured, the present participle indicating a continual nourishment and training. Cp. 2 Timothy 3:14.

τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως. The A.V. renders in the words of faith, which seemingly means the words in which faith expresses itself (cp. 1 Corinthians 2:4 σοφίας λόγοι). The R.V. (more correctly) lays stress on the article, in the words of the faith, understanding πίστις objectively of the Christian creed, rather than subjectively of the belief of individuals (see note on 1 Timothy 1:19). τῆς πίστεως in any case must be taken in close connexion with καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας; and the words of the faith and the good doctrine have reference to formal doctrinal statements in which Timothy had been instructed and to which he could continually appeal. It is natural to think at once of the ‘Faithful Sayings’ of the Pastoral Epistles (see above on 1 Timothy 1:15).

ἦ παρηκολούθηκας. Which thou hast followed, sc. until now. The A.V. “whereunto thou hast attained” does not give the sense accurately. Compare 2 Timothy 3:10 σὺ δὲ παρηκολούθησάς μου τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ.

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Timothy 4:6

Old Testament

New Testament