1 Timothy 4:16 - Exposition

To for unto , A.V. (twice); thy teaching for the doctrine , A.V. ; these things for them , A.V.; save both for both sate , A.V. Take heed ( ἔπεχε ); as in Acts 3:5 (see too Luke 14:7 ). Thy teaching. The A.V., the doctrine , is the better rendering, though the difference of meaning is very slight. The use of ἡ διδασκαλίς in 1 Timothy 6:1 and 1 Timothy 6:3 , and Titus 2:10 strongly supports the sense of "doctrine," i.e. the thing taught (see note on Titus 2:13 ). Continue in these things ( ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς ); comp. Acts 13:43 ; Romans 6:1 ; Romans 11:22 , Romans 11:23 ; Colossians 1:23 . It is impossible to give a satisfactory solution to the question—What does αὐτοῖς refer to? It seems to me necessarily to refer to what immediately precedes, viz. σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ , and so to refer rather to the sense of the words than to the exact grammar. The things which he was to "take heed to" were his own conduct and example (included in σεαυτῷ ) an d the doctrine which he preached; and in a steady continuance in these things—faithful living and faithful teaching—he would save both himself and his hearers. The application of the words to the ταῦτα of Colossians 1:15 , or to all the things enumerated from Colossians 1:12 onwards, or, taken as a masculine, to the Ephesians , or the hearers , as variously proposed by eminent commentators, seems alike impossible.