Have you ever wondered why your Bible reading feels rushed, superficial, or disconnected from your daily Christian walk?
Perhaps you open Scripture with good intentions, skim a few verses, and close your Bible feeling like you’ve checked off a religious duty but gained little understanding or transformation.
Or maybe you’ve questioned whether serious Bible study is really necessary when you already believe in Jesus and attend church regularly.
In a culture of quick information, social media sound bites, and instant gratification, the idea of devoted, intensive Scripture reading can seem outdated or overly religious.
Yet the Apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4 vs 13 reveals something profound: reading Scripture diligently isn’t just a nice religious practice—it’s essential for understanding the Gospel, protecting against deception, and living in the fullness of what Christ accomplished.
Welcome to the Riches of Christ 1 Timothy 4 vs 13 commentary, where we’ll explore not just what this verse says, but why it matters for your spiritual life today.
We’ll begin with foundational context about Timothy and Paul’s relationship, examine what 1 Timothy 4 teaches us about protecting the Gospel, and discover why Paul prioritized reading so highly that he commanded a seasoned minister to devote himself to it.
By the end, you’ll understand how devoted Scripture reading connects directly to experiencing the riches of Christ in your daily life.
Background: Understanding the Books of Timothy
Before diving into 1 Timothy 4 vs 13, we need context. The books of 1st and 2nd Timothy are pastoral letters written by the Apostle Paul to his young protégé in ministry.
The Relationship Between Paul and Timothy
Timothy was born at Lystra to a Greek father and a Jewish mother named Eunice, who taught him the Scriptures from childhood (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15).
When Paul came to Lystra on his second missionary journey, he enlisted Timothy, who became closely associated with Paul until the end of his ministry (Acts 16:1-3).
First Timothy is the first letter Paul wrote to Timothy while Timothy was ministering at Ephesus.
Shortly after writing this letter, Paul was arrested and taken back to Rome as a prisoner, where he wrote his second letter to Timothy—a more personal farewell letter.
Timothy himself was eventually imprisoned but later released (Hebrews 13:23).
The Context of Paul’s First Letter
Understanding Paul’s purpose helps us appreciate why he emphasized certain things.
In 1 Timothy Chapter 1, Paul recounts his personal testimony—how he walked in ignorance but the mercy and grace of Christ Jesus rescued him.
He also warned believers to keep away from fables, myths, and endless genealogies, for they cannot save anyone.
Paul advised Timothy to wage good warfare by holding on to the Gospel, which is Christ alone who saves.
1 Timothy Chapters 2-3 contain instructions for the church, including responsibilities and character requirements for church leaders, principles of godliness, Christian conduct, and God’s character regarding salvation.
This brings us to 1 Timothy Chapter 4, where Paul’s tone becomes more urgent as he addresses threats to the Gospel and gives Timothy crucial instructions for ministry—including our focal verse about devoted reading.
What Does 1 Timothy 4 Teach Us?
1 Timothy Chapter 4 opens with a sobering warning that sets the stage for everything Paul will instruct Timothy to do.
The Warning Against False Teachers
1 Timothy 4:1-2 declares: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.”
Paul teaches us to be watchful against false doctrine spread by professional liars who either do not know Christ or have abandoned the Gospel and embraced another gospel.
This same warning appears in Galatians, where Paul says, “let him be accursed” regarding anyone who preaches a different gospel (Galatians 1:6-9).
Paul highlights that these false teachers have consciences that are “seared”—dead, unresponsive to truth.
They’ve so thoroughly rejected the true Gospel that they can teach lies without any internal conviction of wrongdoing.
The Mystery of Godliness
In response to these false teachings, Paul reminds Timothy of the true Gospel, which he calls “the mystery of godliness” in 1 Timothy 3:16:
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
This verse is crucial for understanding what “godliness” actually means according to Scripture.
Godliness isn’t about rule-keeping or religious performance—it’s about the Gospel message itself:
God became human flesh, was justified by the Spirit, seen by angels, announced to the nations, believed throughout the world, and taken to heaven in glory.
The Apostle John emphasizes the critical importance of this truth:
1 John 4:2-3: “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”
2 John 1:7: “I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.”
These passages emphasize the importance of affirming that Jesus Christ truly became incarnate as a human being.
John’s letters were countering early heresies that denied Christ’s physical embodiment—teachings that undermined the Gospel itself.
Paul’s Instruction: Train Yourself in Godliness
Understanding that godliness equals the Gospel message, Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 4:7 makes perfect sense: “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
The NIV renders it: “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”
Don’t waste time arguing about godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself—exercise yourself—unto godliness (the Gospel message).
This training, as we’ll see, centrally involves devoted reading of Scripture.
The Importance of Reading: Examining 1 Timothy 4 vs 13
Now we arrive at our main text, which Paul delivers with striking directness:
1 Timothy 4:13 (KJV): “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
1 Timothy 4:13 (Amplified): “Till I come, devote yourself to (public and private) reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal appeals), and to teaching and instilling doctrine.”
1 Timothy 4:13 (NLT): “Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.”
1 Timothy 4:13 (NIV): “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, and to teaching.”
Why Reading Matters So Much
To truly understand and interpret Scripture, reading is involved. This means you must be a diligent student of the Bible, for this is what we are called to do—this is the believer’s custom.
Notice that Paul isn’t just giving this instruction to new converts who need to learn the basics.
He’s commanding Timothy—a seasoned minister of the Gospel, a Bible teacher, someone who had traveled with Paul and learned directly from him—to “give attendance to READING.”
If Timothy, with all his experience and direct mentorship from Paul, still needed to devote himself to reading, how much more do we?
Understanding “Give Attendance”
The phrase “give attendance” in Greek means to pay attention to, to apply oneself, to adhere closely, and to have regard for something. It suggests:
- Intentionality: This isn’t casual or accidental reading
- Priority: This deserves focused attention and time
- Consistency: This is an ongoing devotion, not a one-time activity
- Reverence: This requires the kind of attention you’d give to something supremely important
Thus, the reading of Scripture must not be done frivolously or in a lackadaisical manner. It requires dedication, focus, and discipline.
The Connection Between Reading and Understanding
Paul emphasized the importance of reading in his letter to the church at Ephesus as well:
Ephesians 3:3-4: “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).”
Paul wrote so that the epistle could be read—it must be read. The purpose was for them to READ and UNDERSTAND.
The word “read” in Greek implies continual reading or to keep reading. It means to read properly, to pay attention to details as you read.
In historical times, this word was applied to judges when they read their judgments on matters of justice brought before them. It was also used to reference reliving an experience.
When Paul said, “when ye read, ye may understand,” it’s better understood as: “As you keep reading, you may understand.”
Paul pointed out that understanding is directly related to how dutiful we are in reading. Therefore, believers have a duty not just to have read the Scriptures once, but to keep reading them continuously.
Two Types of Reading
In today’s educational framework, there are two basic types of reading:
Intensive reading involves the learner reading in detail with specific learning tasks—analyzing, studying, and examining the text carefully.
Extensive reading involves the learner reading for enjoyment and to develop general reading habits—reading broadly without deep analysis.
While both have their place, Paul’s instruction to Timothy clearly calls for intensive reading. The art of Bible reading should take on the rigor of academic study—intensive, concentrated, and comprehensive.
Practical Application: How to Read Scripture Properly
Based on Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 4:13 and the broader context of Scripture, here are practical principles for reading the Bible effectively:
1. Reading Must Be Deliberate and Planned
Reading must be deliberate; it must be planned and consistent. Bible reading is not what we do in our idle time but what we make time to do.
If we relegate Bible reading to our idle time, we may not find time for it on many days. Our schedules will always present what appear to be good reasons for not reading the Bible at a particular period.
Practical step: Schedule specific times for Bible reading just as you would any important appointment. Treat it as non-negotiable time with God.
2. Reading Should Not Be Just a Glance
Often, we find ourselves applying texts without trying to find out their actual meaning. Reading is beyond glancing at a verse and merely giving it your intended meaning.
When reading is rushed or assumed, the meaning is lost, and where this happens, true worship is obstructed.
Practical step: Slow down. Read passages multiple times. Ask questions: What did this mean to the original audience? What does this reveal about God’s character? How does this connect to the Gospel?
3. Reading Should Aim for Understanding
We must assure ourselves of understanding when we read. This happens when we pay attention to details. Understanding comes by reading—real, careful, devoted reading.
Reading calls for discipline. We shall always have what appear as good reasons for not reading the Bible at a particular period. We need to start now. Let’s attend to reading the Scriptures.
Practical step: Don’t just read—study. Use tools like cross-references, concordances, and commentaries to deepen your understanding. Compare translations. Look up unfamiliar words and concepts.
4. Reading Protects Against Deception
When you’re deeply familiar with Scripture through consistent, careful reading, you develop the ability to recognize false teaching.
Just as bank tellers study genuine currency so carefully that they can immediately spot counterfeits, believers who know Scripture well can identify deception.
Acts 2 vs 42 emphasizes that the early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine”—they devoted themselves to learning and preserving true teaching.
Practical step: When you hear teaching—whether from a preacher, book, podcast, or social media—compare it to Scripture.
Does it align with the Gospel? Does it point to Christ’s finished work or to human performance?
What Jesus Said About Reading Scripture
Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of reading Scripture.
Throughout the Gospels, He repeatedly asked, “Have you not read?” This question appears when addressing those who should have known Scripture but either hadn’t read it carefully or hadn’t understood it properly.
Matthew 21:42: “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?”
Matthew 12:3-5: “But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?”
Matthew 19:4-5: “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?”
Jesus expected people to have read and understood Scripture. He pointed them back to what was written, demonstrating that God’s Word contains the answers we need for life, doctrine, and understanding God’s character.
The Moral Lesson of 1 Timothy 4 vs 12
Before verse 13, Paul gives Timothy crucial encouragement in verse 12:
1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
The moral lesson here is powerful: Never think you are too young to engage with the Scriptures and matters regarding the Gospel.
Both Jesus and Timothy started engaging deeply with Scripture at a young age. Timothy was taught Scripture from childhood by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 3:15).
Jesus, at age twelve, was in the temple discussing Scripture with teachers, amazing them with His understanding (Luke 2:46-47).
Understanding the Gospel message enables you to:
- Walk in love toward others
- Build your faith on solid truth
- Affect your confession (what you speak and believe)
- Understand that God has made you holy and accepted in Christ
Age is not a barrier to understanding Scripture or serving God effectively. What matters is devotion to knowing God through His Word and living in light of the Gospel.
1 Timothy 4 vs 16 Meaning: Continuing in Sound Doctrine
Paul follows his instruction about reading with this command:
1 Timothy 4:16: “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine. Continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”
Here, Paul admonishes Timothy to pay attention to doctrine—teachings regarding Christ and His finished work—and to continue steadfastly in the Gospel.
In doing so, Timothy would “save” both himself and those who heard him.
This doesn’t mean Timothy could lose his salvation and then save himself through good teaching. Rather, Paul is saying that by maintaining sound doctrine:
- Timothy would preserve himself from falling into error
- Timothy would protect those he taught from deception
- Timothy would effectively deliver the message of salvation to others
The Pattern of Acts 2:42
Paul’s instruction echoes the pattern of the early church described in Acts 2:42, which tells us that the church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching—the pure Gospel message about Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and all its implications for believers.
Paul warned believers several times in the Epistles to guard the Gospel they had received from being perverted.
The present church should also continue in the apostles’ doctrine so we can all enjoy the full benefits of redemption.
When we devote ourselves to reading Scripture, understanding sound doctrine, and continuing in the true Gospel, we position ourselves to experience everything Christ accomplished for us.
How Reading Scripture Connects to Christ’s Finished Work
You might wonder how devoted Scripture reading connects to living in the fullness of Christ’s finished work. Here’s the vital connection:
Scripture Reveals What Christ Accomplished
You cannot fully appreciate or experience what Christ provided if you don’t know what He provided. Scripture reveals:
- The completeness of Christ’s sacrifice
- Your new identity as a believer
- The promises that are yours through faith
- The freedom from performance-based religion
- The security of your salvation
Scripture Protects You From False Teaching
False teaching typically adds to or subtracts from Christ’s finished work. It either suggests Christ’s work wasn’t sufficient (so you must add your works) or that parts of the Gospel aren’t true.
When you know Scripture well through devoted reading, you can recognize these distortions and remain grounded in the truth that sets you free.
Scripture Transforms Your Mind
Romans 12:2 tells us we’re transformed by the renewing of our minds. This renewal happens as we fill our minds with God’s truth through consistent Scripture reading.
As your thinking aligns with God’s Word, your life naturally transforms—not through religious striving but through genuine understanding of who God is and who you are in Christ.
Scripture Enables You to Live in Your Identity
Many believers struggle to live in the fullness of their identity in Christ because they don’t know what Scripture says about them. Devoted reading reveals:
- You are righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)
- You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- You are accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6)
- You are complete in Him (Colossians 2:10)
- You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).
Overcoming Obstacles to Devoted Scripture Reading
Knowing we should read Scripture devotedly and actually doing it are two different things. Here are common obstacles and how to overcome them:
Obstacle 1: “I Don’t Have Time”
Solution: Be honest—you have time for what you prioritize. We find time for social media, entertainment, and other activities. Bible reading requires making it a priority, not waiting until you have spare time.
Start small if necessary. Even 15 minutes of focused, intensive reading is better than zero. As you experience the benefits, you’ll naturally want to invest more time.
Obstacle 2: “I Don’t Understand What I Read”
Solution: Understanding grows with practice. The more you read, the more familiar you become with Scripture’s language, themes, and structure.
Use study tools, read commentaries, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Remember Paul’s words: “when ye read, ye may understand.” Understanding comes through the process of reading.
Obstacle 3: “I Feel Condemned When I Read”
Solution: If you feel condemned when reading Scripture, you may be misunderstanding what you’re reading or reading it through a performance-based lens.
Remember, Romans 8:1 declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”
Scripture should convict you of truth, but it shouldn’t condemn you. Christ’s finished work means you’re accepted, loved, and secure.
Read Scripture to discover what Christ accomplished for you, not what you must do to earn God’s favor.
Obstacle 4: “Reading Feels Like a Duty”
Solution: If reading feels like religious duty, you’re missing its purpose.
Scripture reading isn’t about checking off a spiritual task—it’s about encountering God, understanding His character, and discovering the riches He’s given you in Christ.
Approach Scripture as a treasure hunt where you discover truths about God’s love, grace, and provision. This shifts reading from duty to delight.
Practical Steps to Implement 1 Timothy 4:13 Today
Based on Paul’s instruction to Timothy, here are actionable steps to devote yourself to reading Scripture:
Step 1: Set a Specific Reading Schedule – Choose a time when you’re alert and can focus. Morning works for many people, but find what works for your schedule.
Step 2: Choose a Reading Plan – Don’t read randomly. Use a plan that helps you read systematically through Scripture. This ensures you don’t just read your favorite passages repeatedly.
Step 3: Prepare Your Heart and Mind – Before reading, pray briefly asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth. Acknowledge your dependence on God for understanding.
Step 4: Read with Pen and Paper – Write down observations, questions, and insights. This active engagement enhances understanding and retention.
Step 5: Read Passages Multiple Times – Don’t rush through. Read the passage two or three times, noticing different details each time.
Step 6: Ask Questions Who wrote this? To whom? Why? What’s the main point? How does this relate to Christ’s finished work? What does this reveal about God’s character?
Step 7: Apply What You Learn – Ask yourself: How does this truth affect how I view God, myself, and others? What difference should this make in my daily life?
Step 8: Share What You Discover – Discuss insights with other believers. Teaching what you’ve learned deepens your own understanding.
Conclusion
Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 4 vs 13 isn’t just advice for ministers—it’s essential for every believer who wants to live in the fullness of what Christ provided.
Devoted Scripture reading isn’t religious duty; it’s the pathway to understanding the Gospel, protecting yourself from deception, and experiencing the riches that are yours in Christ.
When you give attendance to reading—when you devote yourself to studying God’s Word with the same intensity Timothy was called to—you position yourself to:
- Understand the mystery of godliness (the Gospel)
- Recognize and reject false doctrine
- Grow in your knowledge of Christ’s finished work
- Live confidently in your identity as a believer
- Experience transformation that flows from renewed thinking
The same Paul who wrote 1 Timothy 4 vs 13 also wrote most of the New Testament letters that reveal the depth of what Christ accomplished.
His consistent message was that understanding the Gospel—through devoted reading and study—liberates believers from performance-based religion and enables them to live in grace.
Start today. Don’t wait until you feel more prepared or have more time. Give attendance to reading now. Make it your practice, your discipline, your priority.
As you do, you’ll discover that Scripture isn’t just information to know—it’s the revelation of Christ and all He’s provided for you.
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Remember: the more you read Scripture with devotion and attention, the more you’ll understand the love of Christ and experience the fullness of His finished work in your daily life.
Hallelujah!
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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