1:18 What were the prophesies that "went before" on Timothy which Paul refers to here?
1:18 What were the prophesies that "went before" on Timothy which Paul refers to here?
Timothy had received spiritual gifts by prophecy through the laying on of hands by Paul and the elders of the church (CP 4:14-16; 2Ti 1:6, 4:5).
The presbytery in 1Ti 4:14 are the ruling elders of the church (CP Ac 14:21-23; 20:17-21, 28; 1Pe 5:1-3).
The gifts Timothy received qualified him for the work of the ministry as apostle, evangelist and teacher. He also had the gift of exhortation (CP 1Th 1:1 and 2:6 with 1Ti 4:13).
For a more detailed study on ruling elders see comments on Ac 11:27, 20:17, Ro 11:13, Eph 4:11-12, 1Th 5:12-13, 1Ti 3:1-7, 1Pe 5:1-3.