Meaning of "Persevere" in 1 Timothy 4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
επεχε σεαυτω και τη διδασκαλια επιμενε αυτοις τουτο γαρ ποιων και σεαυτον σωσεις και τους ακουοντας σου
Ἐπιμένω, f. νῶ, in Class. to remain upon or at, i.e. to remain at any place or state, or to continue [intent] on any action; in N. T. it is used I. prop. of place, to continue here or there[1]
The Greek verb translated as "persevere" means to continue steadfastly or to keep doing something even when it is difficult or takes a long time.
In this verse, Paul commands Timothy to continue
carefully watching his life (behavior) and doctrine (teaching) without giving
up.
Perseverance here involves steadfastness in faith and
conduct, especially in the face of challenges such as false teachings or
hardships.
It is not mere stubbornness but a Christ-like endurance
that involves patient faithfulness and self-control.
Perseverance is a continuous, active effort to live and
teach according to God's truth, maintaining integrity and sound doctrine.
This endurance is essential for spiritual maturity and is
supported by God's faithfulness and power to keep believers from falling.
The Outcome of Persevering
Paul says that by persevering in watching one's life and
doctrine, Timothy will "save both yourself and your hearers."
This "saving" is not about initial salvation
but the completion or confirmation of salvation, which will be fully realized
in heaven.
Timothy’s faithful teaching and example will confirm his
own salvation and also lead others to salvation.
Perseverance in faith and teaching is thus both
personally protective and evangelistically fruitful.
It ensures spiritual growth, maturity, and the
fulfillment of God's purpose through Timothy’s ministry.
Persevere means to steadfastly continue in faithful
living and teaching despite difficulties.
The outcome is the confirmed salvation of both the
teacher (Timothy) and those who hear and follow his teaching.
This verse emphasizes the vital connection between personal holiness, sound doctrine, and the impact on others.
The New American Commentary says, “Paul commanded Timothy to “watch [his] … life and doctrine closely.” Timothy was to scrutinize both his behavior and his theology. Moral and doctrinal rectitude are the inseparable twins of the Christian life. Paul’s final statement in v. 16 has important application for the doctrine of eternal security. First, Paul indicated that believers must endure to obtain the benefits of salvation. If Timothy persevered, his salvation would be evident to him as well as others. Both holy living and sound teaching are the inevitable fruits of saving faith. It is not that Timothy’s endurance would merit salvation but that a stamina that produced holiness and doctrinal orthodoxy gave incontrovertible evidence of heading for salvation. Second, Paul suggested that the obedient perseverance of the preacher is an important factor in the endurance of the hearers. The preacher’s model of perseverance builds the same trait in his flock. The stumbles and fumbles of a wandering spiritual leader will infect a congregation with a variety of spiritual sicknesses. Summary. The best antidote for error is a positive presentation of the truth. Paul urged Timothy to follow this method in dealing with opponents and false teaching in Ephesus (v. 6). It is also mandatory for the teacher of truth to accredit the presentation with personal supportive evidence. Paul mentioned two types of personal supportive evidence. First, he appealed to Timothy to demonstrate godliness (v. 7). A reverence for God offers promise in this life and hope for the life to come (v. 8). Second, Paul directed Timothy to persevere (v. 16). To overcome error and misunderstanding, we must endure with stamina in the practice of righteousness.”[2]
Conclusion
Paul’s charge to Timothy is as timely for us today as it was in Ephesus. A faithful Christian life requires careful attention to both belief and behavior, for truth without holiness is hollow, and holiness without truth is unstable. Salvation is not earned by endurance, but endurance proves the reality of salvation. Likewise, the preacher’s perseverance not only safeguards his own soul but also strengthens the faith of those who follow him. The surest way to combat error and build up the church is through the steady combination of sound teaching and godly living, lived out with patient perseverance until the very end.
prop. properly.
[1] S.
T. Bloomfield, A Greek and English
Lexicon to the New Testament (London: Longman, Orme, Brown,
Green, & Longmans, 1840), 144.
[2]
Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus,
vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman
Publishers, 1992), 141.
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