Deeper Reflection
HERE, THE APOSTLE PAUL GAVE SEVERAL OVERARCHING principles to Timothy on how he was to relate to the different generations in the church at Ephesus. Timothy was likely in his 30s when he started to care for and lead the church. First, Paul urges Timothy not to “rebuke” an older man (v.1). The Greek verb epiplesso has two spheres of meaning: (1) to strike upon, beat upon; and (2) chastise with words, to chide, upbraid, rebuke⁸. Referring to the latter sense, Paul urged Timothy not to use harsh words to “strike”, chastise and correct an older man. Instead, Timothy was to “encourage” him (v.1). The Greek verb parakaleo means “to address, speak to (call to, call on), which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc⁹.” For ancient Jews, Greeks and Romans, elders were highly esteemed. Timothy was to treat older men and women with the honour and respect that he accorded fathers and mothers. This value is of timeless relevance and application, notwithstanding considerable challenges to its validity in the youth culture of many societies today. Second, Timothy was to relate to younger men and women like brothers and sisters, with the affection, respect and purity as was proper in such familial relationships. We must not despise or ill-treat younger men and women, just as we would not so do to our own brothers and sisters. Third, Paul commanded Timothy to not let his youth be despised by others. Paul reaffirmed Timothy’s leadership by encouraging him to be an example to the believers from all the different generations that he is serving (1 Tim 4:12).

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⁸ According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: https://biblehub.com/greek/1969.htm ⁹ According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: https://biblehub.com/greek/3870.htm