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. (1 Timothy 4:12)
Or, “in conversation,”“in speech,” whether public or private.
Example of the believers.
That is, a model of what every genuine Christian should be like. Compare Titus 2:7. The phrase may be rendered “an example to the believers,” that is, a model of conduct to be imitated by those who believe (cf. Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:6, 7; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Peter 5:3). Thus the apostle challenges Timothy to continue to exemplify the Christian virtues and graces, so that his authority may be held in honor.
Thy youth.
Timothy was probably not 40 years old, and yet would have numerous elders under his charge (see ch. 5:1, 17, 19). From ch. 4:12-16 some have concluded that Timothy was timid and reticent by nature, more given to obey than to command, and that Paul’s counsel here was intended to correct this supposed defect. Youth is no barrier to a rich spiritual fellowship with God, and old age is not a guarantee of sound thinking or complete dedication. Men, according to Paul, are to be judged by their sanctified abilities and not by arbitrary standards such as age.
Despise.
Or, “think down on.”
Conversation.
Gr. anastrophē, “manner of life” (see on Eph. 4:22).
Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of this phrase.
In faith.
By observing Timothy’s unswerving conviction that God is trustworthy and merits our fullest loyalty, other church members would be encouraged to do likewise. Both love and faith grow in proportion to an expanding knowledge of the character of God. Love and faith have an interacting force upon each other; the increase of one nurtures the growth of the other.
In purity.
As an example of the Christlike life, both to believers and nonbelievers alike, the Christian minister’s moral record must be completely unsullied (see ch. 5:2, 22).