Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
While Timothy is commanding and teaching these things, he must exert himself to maintain the respect of his people; and he must not provide excuse to any to set aside his teachings because of his youthfulness. At this writing, Timothy probably is at least thirty years old; it is likely that he is significantly closer to forty. The term rendered "youth" (neotetos) was frequently applied to men until the age of forty. It seems almost certain that when he was chosen to accompany Paul on his second missionary journey about 50 A.D. (Acts 16:1-4), he was at least sixteen.