I Timothy 4:14

Neglect not the gift--by letting it lie unused. In Ti2 1:6 the gift is represented as a spark of the Spirit lying within him, and sure to smoulder by neglect, the stirring up or keeping in lively exercise of which depends on the will of him on whom it is bestowed (Mat 25:18, Mat 25:25, Mat 25:27-28). The charism or spiritual gift, is that of the Spirit which qualified him for "the work of an evangelist" (Eph 4:11; Ti2 4:5), or perhaps the gift of discerning spirits, specially needed in his function of ordaining, as overseer [BISHOP HINDS]. given thee--by God (Co1 12:4, Co1 12:6). by prophecy--that is, by the Holy Spirit, at his general ordination, or else consecration, to the special see of Ephesus, speaking through the prophets God's will to give him the graces needed to qualify him for his work (Ti1 1:18; Act 13:1-3). with . . . laying on of . . . hands--So in Joshua's case (Num 27:18-20; Deu 34:9). The gift was connected with the symbolical act of laying on hands. But the Greek "with" implies that the presbyter's laying on hands was the mere accompaniment of the conferring of the gift. "By" (Ti2 1:6) implies that Paul's laying on his hands was the actual instrument of its being conferred. of the presbytery--In Ti2 1:6 the apostle mentions only his own laying on of hands. But there his aim is to remind Timothy specially of the part he himself took in imparting to him the gift. Here he mentions the fact, quite consistent with the other, that the neighboring presbyters took part in the ordination or consecration, he, however, taking the foremost part. Paul, though having the general oversight of the elders everywhere, was an elder himself (Pe1 5:1; Jo2 1:1). The Jewish council was composed of the elders of the Church (the presbytery, Luk 22:66; Act 22:5), and a presidin…

Paul here foretels, I. A dreadful apostasy (Ti1 4:1-3). II. He treats of Christian liberty (Ti1 4:4, Ti1 4:5). III. He gives Timothy divers directions with respect to himself, his doctrine, and the people under his care (Ti1 4:6 to the end)

4:14 laid their hands on you: The gesture signified recognition, authorization, and blessing (see Acts 13:1-3; 6:6). This was probably the same event as in 2 Tim 1:6-7 (see 1 Tim 1:18; cp. Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:7-11; Eph 4:7-13). Paul’s ministry and that of his delegates was under the authority of the church.