Be Thou An Example Of The Believers

1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
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.





Conduct Yourself With Respect

Timothy was a mere youth when he joined the Apostle Paul.

• Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. —Acts of the Apostles 16:1-3 (KJV)

Eleven years had elapsed since then to the time subsequent to Paul’s first imprisonment. He was, therefore, still young; especially in comparison with Paul, whose place he was filling; also in relation to elderly presbyters whom he should entreat as a father.

• Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; —1 Timothy 5:1 (KJV)

Timothy was fulfilling duties which ordinarily accord best with an elderly person, including, generally: rebuking, exhorting, and ordaining.

• This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. —1 Timothy 3:1 (KJV)

No matter what age, Christians should act so as to be respected in spite of their youth, or otherwise:

• Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren. —1 Corinthians 16:11 (KJV)
• These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. —Titus 2:15 (KJV)

Compare youthful...

• Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. —2 Timothy 2:22 (KJV)

Reference: Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary