1 Timothy 4:12-16

Paul, or one of his colleagues, writes to Timothy: "You have in you a spiritual gift, which was given to you. Do not neglect it."

Chapter four of this letter is concerned with false teachers, who forbid marriage and urge abstinence from foods that are not kosher under Jewish law. Paul teaches that all food may be eaten, if it is blessed by prayer and thanks is given to God. This letter cautions Timothy not to be misled by false myths, but to concentrate on the public reading of scripture, preaching and teaching.

What was "scripture" for Paul? The Bible as we know it did not yet exist. The gospels had not been written, and there was no "Old Testament." In the New Testament the word "scripture" refers to the readings from scrolls used in the synagogues, and among Greek-speaking Jews these readings were from the Septuagint — an interpretative translation into Greek of the Hebrew Torah, prophets and writings. The Septuagint was probably completed in Alexandria, Egypt around 200 BCE. The early churches organized by Paul adapted the forms of the synagogue to Christian ministry and worship.

The letter to Timothy says that Timothy's gift comes with the "laying on" of hands by the elders of the church. The Spirit is understood as a power that resides physically in the body and may be transferred and received. This act continues to be used within the life of the church today to confer leadership responsibility upon its leaders (priests, pastors, and elders), although it may be that many who now receive the "laying on" of hands do not conceive of the Spirit as literally being transferred from one person to another.

Grace and peace...Bob