1 Timothy 4:13
“Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching.”
What does 1 Timothy 4:13 mean?
Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader, reminding him to stay focused on what matters most while leading a congregation. The three things he lists—reading Scripture, encouraging others, and passing on solid teaching—form the backbone of healthy spiritual community. When Paul says "until I come," he's emphasizing that this isn't temporary advice but Timothy's ongoing calling as a shepherd of people. This verse speaks to anyone in a position of spiritual influence, whether formally or simply by living out faith in front of others: keep the focus on God's Word, on speaking life and truth to people who need it, and on helping others understand what it all means for their lives.