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Verse Takeaways
1
Earn Respect Through Character
Commentators agree that Paul's instruction is not for Timothy to simply demand respect despite his youth. Instead, he is to proactively live in such a way that no one has a valid reason to look down on him. As one scholar puts it, he must "supply by gravity of demeanor what is lacking in his age." A leader's authority is earned through godly character, not commanded by title.
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Book Overview
1 Timothy
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On 1 Timothy 4:12
18th Century
Theologian
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 min…
AT Robertson
On 1 Timothy 4:12
Despise (καταφρονειτω). Imperative active third singular of καταφρονεω, old verb, to think down on, to despise ([Reference Romans …
Charles Ellicott
On 1 Timothy 4:12
19th Century
Bishop
Let no one despise your youth. If Timothy desired that his teaching should be listened to with respectful, earnest attent…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 1 Timothy 4:12
Timothy must keep on commanding and teaching the things Paul has been writing about, exercising his authority as pastor. Moreover, he must conduct …
John Calvin
On 1 Timothy 4:12
16th Century
Theologian
Let no man despise thy youth. He says this concerning both others and Timothy himself. Regarding others, he does not wish that Timothy's a…
John Gill
On 1 Timothy 4:12
17th Century
Pastor
Let no man despise your youth
Timothy was now a young man; some think he was about three and twenty years of age; bu…
Matthew Henry
On 1 Timothy 4:11–16
17th Century
Minister
Young people will not be despised if they keep from vanities and follies. Those who teach by their doctrine must also teach by their life. Their di…