1 Timothy 4:14

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, etc.] What qualifies men for the work of the ministry is a gift from God: it is not of nature, nor is it mere natural abilities and capacity; nor is it any thing acquired, it is not human learning, or the knowledge of languages, arts, and sciences; nor is it special saving grace; for a man may have all these, and yet not be apt to teach, or fit for the ministry; but it is a peculiar and distinct gift, it is a gift of interpreting the Scriptures, and of dispensing the mysteries of grace to the edification of others; which, when it meets in a man with all the rest before mentioned, makes him very considerable: and this gift is in a man; it is a treasure…”

“Neglect not the gift--by letting it lie unused. In Ti2 1:6 the gift is represented as a spark of the Spirit lying within him, and sure to smoulder by neglect, the stirring up or keeping in lively exercise of which depends on the will of him on whom it is bestowed (Mat 25:18, Mat 25:25, Mat 25:27-28). The charism or spiritual gift, is that of the Spirit which qualified him for "the work of an evangelist" (Eph 4:11; Ti2 4:5), or perhaps the gift of discerning spirits, specially needed in his function of ordaining, as overseer [BISHOP HINDS]. given thee--by God (Co1 12:4, Co1 12:6). by prophecy--that is, by the Holy Spirit, at his general ordination, or else consecration, to the special see of…”

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee - An important question arises here, to what the word “gift” refers; whether to natural endowment; to office; or to some supposed virtue which had been conferred by ordination - some transmitted influence which made him holy as a minister of religion, and which was to continue to be transmitted by the imposition of apostolic hands. The word which is here used, is rendered “gift” in every place in which it occurs in the New Testament. It is found in the following places, and with the following significations: deliverance from peril, 2 Corinthians 1:11; a gift or quality of the mind, 1 Corinthians 7:7; gifts of Christian knowledge or consolation, Romans…”

“Neglect not - They neglect it who do not exercise it to the full. The gift - Of feeding the flock, of power, and love, and sobriety. Which was given thee by prophecy - By immediate direction from God. By the laying on of my hands - Ti2 1:6; while the elders joined also in the solemnity. This presbytery probably consisted of some others, together with Paul and Silas. 1 Timothy 4:15”

“4:14 laid their hands on you: The gesture signified recognition, authorization, and blessing (see Acts 13:1-3; 6:6). This was probably the same event as in 2 Tim 1:6-7 (see 1 Tim 1:18; cp. Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:7-11; Eph 4:7-13). Paul’s ministry and that of his delegates was under the authority of the church.”

“Neglect: Matt. 25:14-30; Luk 19:12-26; Rom 12:6-8; Th1 5:19; Ti2 1:6; Pe1 4:9-11 which: Ti1 1:18 with: Ti1 5:22; Act 6:6, Act 8:17, Act 13:3, Act 19:6; Ti2 1:6 1 Timothy 4:15”