Paul was definitely an exhorter. The bible word ‘exhorter’ does include encouragement, but its primary meaning is to prod or provoke (positively). Barnabus, the one who took Paul to the Apostles, was named this by the Apostles by way of His exhortation. The name itself means consolation. Exhortation runs deep in the New Testament. To bring one example front and center, let’s look closely into Paul’s exhortation of Timothy in 2 Timothy 2.2— “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
“Thou therefore” meaning ‘you in particular’. Both verses that bookend this verse (1,3) say this. It’s personal. It’s specific to this man. ‘You, do this’. He says: “The things”; and “The same”. He’s talking about the Apostles doctrine which are Jesus’ commands. These were imparted to: Paul by the Apostles, Barnabas, and Jesus Himself; Then to Timothy, as he has done with multiple others (“among many witnesses”); Now to “Faithful ones”; Who will be able to impart to even more (“others”); Who will be able to repeat this process again and again.
“Commit” means to entrust (paratithemai). It’s to place beside and to set before, as a meal. The beginning of that word (para) means to be right next to and close beside. The rest of it (tithemai) means to set before. The food set close before and entrusted to you as a meal.
The word “Faithful” is to be loyal (pistols) or trustworthy. Worthy of trust of what has been entrusted to them. It’s one who can be relied upon with a certain thing.
“Men” is obviously mankind (anthropois). He’s referring to all human kind. So this is not just men, or the Pastor’s responsibility, which Timothy was. It’s referring to every believer, who would be faithful. It is their responsibility to eat of the food provided, and obey it. This means it’s also every believers responsibility to impart it to others.
The small but powerful word “Able” means sufficient (hikanos). It was used by first century greeks as one who is sufficiently sturdy or suitable in quantity. The prefix of the word (hika) is to arrive or come to eventually. It’s the same word used by Jesus when He told his first disciples that He would “…make you to become…” fishers of men.
And now the most used term out of the words used in our text: “Teach”. Literally means to impart (didasko). Someone who holds a discourse with others in order to instruct. Someone who imparts to another in a close way.
How rude would it be for someone to prepare a meal, in love, and personally place it before another. Only to have the reciever snub it and say they don’t want it? What would you say about someone eating sumptuously, while there are starving people just over their shoulder? Or someone who had plenty, but shares with no one. What would you call that person? _______________________. Jesus said in Luke 12.48b— “… For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”
In case there’s any doubt, it means we are held responsible for what we have been given. Have you been given a spiritual meal? Have you taken and eaten it, savoring the flavor and nutrients out of it? Have you shared your overflowing plate of spiritual food with others also? If you are the chef, the waiter, or the bus boy… have you been busy preparing, serving, and cleaning up after those who desperately need the food?