Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

4:6 The referent of these things, here and in v. 11, is debated. It refers each time at least to the preceding paragraph, and it may refer more broadly to the entire letter. See also 3:14; 4:15; 5:7; 6:2b.

4:9 The saying probably refers specifically to the "value" of "godliness" (v. 8).

4:10 to this end. The goal of Paul's labors is that people attain "godliness" (v. 8) and its eternal "value." Toil and strive is typical of Paul's description of gospel ministry (cf. 5:17; Rom. 16:6, 12; 1 Cor. 15:10; 16:16; Gal. 4:11; Eph. 4:28). The statement that God is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe could seem to teach universalism, that every person will eventually go to heaven. However, the rest of Scripture clearly denies this idea (see note on 1 Tim. 2:4). There are several other possible explanations for this phrase: (1) It means that Christ died for all people, but only those who believe in him are saved. (2) It means he is offered to all people, though not all receive him. (3) It means "the Savior of all people, namely, those who believe" (a different translation of Gk. malista, based on extrabiblical examples). (4) It means "the helper of all people," taking Greek Sōtēr, "Savior," to refer not to forgiveness of sins but to God's common grace by which God helps and protects people in need. (5) It means "the Savior of all kinds of people, not Jews only but both Jews and Greeks." In any case, the emphasis is on God's care for the unsaved world, and in the flow of the letter Paul is stressing once more (cf. 2:3-5) that God's will that people would be saved is the basis of the universal mission (cf. Matt. 28:19-20). On God as "Savior," see note on 2 Tim. 1:8-10.

4:11 these things. See note on v. 6.

4:12 your youth. From an analysis of other uses of this word (Gk. neotēs) and the chronology of Timothy's life to this point (starting in Acts 16:1), commentators estimate Timothy's age to be somewhere from his late 20s to mid-30s, with most favoring the mid-30s.

4:13 public reading. See Acts 13:15; 2 Cor. 3:14; and note on Col. 4:16.

4:14 Gift probably refers to something related to Timothy's calling to and gifting for ministry, as indicated by God (by prophecy) and recognized by the church when the council of elders laid their hands on you, though the exact gift that Timothy received is not specified. Cf. note on 2 Tim. 1:6.

4:15 These things that Timothy is to practice and immerse himself in are the things commanded in vv. 12-13, encompassing his behavior and teaching (cf. "yourself and . . . the teaching," v. 16).

4:16 Timothy's perseverance in sound doctrine and practice will save him, i.e., it will lead him to persevere in the faith, confirming his salvation. This type of ministry will be effective in preserving his hearers as well.