What does 1 Timothy 4:11 reveal about the authority of biblical teachings? The verse in focus “Command and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:11) Imperative weight of Paul’s wording • “Command” (paraggellō) — an authoritative military term. • “Teach” (didaskō) — systematic, ongoing instruction. Together they show that Timothy is not merely offering suggestions; he is issuing binding directives straight from apostolic revelation. Source of the authority • Originates with God who spoke through Paul (1 Thessalonians 2:13). • Rooted in the inspired Scriptures Timothy already knew (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Carries the same force Jesus invested in His apostles: “teaching them to obey all I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20). Content to be commanded and taught • “These things” points back to verses 6-10—sound doctrine, godliness, hope in the living God. • The phrase also looks forward to the rest of the letter, showing every apostolic instruction is to be treated as binding truth. Related passages reinforcing this authority • Titus 2:15 — “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” • 2 Peter 3:2 — believers are to “remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles.” • Acts 2:42 — the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” • Galatians 1:8-9 — any deviation from apostolic gospel brings a curse. Implications for today • Biblical teachings are divine commands, not negotiable opinions. • Pastors and teachers must present Scripture confidently, knowing its inherent authority. • Every believer is obligated to submit to and live out what Scripture plainly teaches. • The church’s unity, purity, and witness depend on treating biblical doctrine as binding truth rather than optional advice. |
    |