Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Timothy 4:12

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity." — 1 Timothy 4:12 (ASV)

Let no man despise thy youth. That is, do not act in such a manner that any will despise you on account of your youth. Act as befits a minister of the gospel in all things, and in such a way that people will respect you as such, though you are young. It is clear from this that Timothy was then a young man, but there is no way to determine his exact age. It is implied here:

1. That there was a danger that, due to the levity and indiscretion to which youth are so exposed, the ministry might be regarded with contempt; and

2. That it was possible that his deportment could be so grave, serious, and in every way appropriate that the ministry would not be blamed, but honoured.

The apostle immediately goes on to specify how Timothy was to live so that the ministry would not be despised on account of his youth.

But be thou an example of the believers. This is one of the constant duties of a minister of the gospel, no matter his age. A minister should live in such a way that if all his people were to closely follow his example, their salvation would be secure, and they would make the highest possible attainments in piety. Regarding the meaning of the word translated example, see the notes on Philippians 1:27 and 1 Thessalonians 1:7.

In word. In speech—that is, your manner of conversation. This does not refer to his public teaching—in which he probably could not be an example to them—but to his usual and familiar conversation.

In conversation. In general deportment. This word is explained in the notes on Philippians 1:27.

In charity. Love to the brethren and to all. See the notes on 1 Corinthians 13:1 and following.

In spirit. In the government of your passions, and in a mild, meek, forgiving disposition.

In faith. At all times and in all trials, show believers by your example how they should maintain unshaken confidence in God.

In purity. In chasteness of life. See 1 Timothy 5:2. There should be nothing in your interactions with the other sex that would give rise to scandal.

The Papists, with great impropriety, understand this as enjoining celibacy—as if there could be no purity in that holy relation which God appointed in Eden, and which He has declared to be honourable in all, (Hebrews 13:4), and which He has made so essential to the well-being of mankind. If the apostle had wished to produce the highest possible degree of corruption in the church, he would have enjoined the celibacy of the clergy and the celibacy of an indefinite number of nuns and monks. There are no other institutions on earth which have done so much to corrupt the chastity of the race as those which have grown out of the doctrine that celibacy is more honourable than marriage.