Verse 14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.’
He wants Timothy to recognise his great responsibility. His calling had been recognised publicly through prophecy, and the eldership had laid hands on him (a sign of identification with him). And as a result he had received a gift, presumably of teaching (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28-29). It was thus incumbent on him not to neglect that gift. He had received a demanding responsibility (James 3:1-2). He must utilise it to the full.
The laying on of hands for identification was prominent in the Old Testament with respect to offerings and sacrifices. It was also used to designate men who had been set apart by God for a particular task. Sometimes it is connected with the coming of the Spirit, but not necessarily so. The two must not be directly equated. In each case whether the Spirit comes in abundance is dependent both on the task in hand and on God.
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