A Good Degree—Boldness

Three things are very remarkable as to Timothy's position.
1. "The prophecies which went before on thee." 1 Tim. 1:18.
2. "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on the hands of the presbytery." 1 Tim. 4:14.
3. "I put thee in remembrance, that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." 2 Tim. 1:6.
Passing over any question of progress in the apostolic powers of Paul, do these notices indicate progress in Timothy's life? Was it principle? "They that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." 1 Tim. 3:13. Whatever is allowed on such points, one fact is palpable, that gifts are to be waited upon and may be strengthened by use. They are solemn responsibilities. "Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it." Col. 4:17.
The epistles to Timothy and Titus are surely intended to balance the truths in 1 Cor. 12 and 14. Men, since the Reformation and long before, ignored or forgot these two chapters and formed their systems upon Timothy and Titus. Still, let us beware how we make light of this side of the question. Far be it from any to disparage the place which the Holy Spirit authoritatively holds in the Church, but impulse is not the commanding thought of ministry.
“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 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." 1 Tim. 4:15, 16. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15.
Nothing is to hinder the free development of life in the body, but also "God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers.... Are all teachers?" 1 Cor. 12:28, 29. The instructions for such permanent gifts [persons], as to their general conduct, behavior, and manner of life are largely found in these Pastoral Epistles.