Fearing that Timothy's mild, yielding disposition might lead him to shun an essential part of his work, Paul exhorted him to be faithful in reproving sin and even to rebuke with sharpness those who were guilty of gross evils. Yet he was to do this "with all long-suffering and doctrine." He was to reveal the patience and love of Christ, explaining and enforcing his reproofs by the truths of the word.

Paulus ængstede sig for, at Timoteus milde, føjelige sind skulle føre ham til at vige tilbage for en væsentlig del af arbejdet og derfor foremanede han ham til med trofasthed at dadle synden og endog skarpt tilrettevise dem, der gjorde sig skyldige i grove forseelser. Dog skulle han gøre det "med al langmodighed og belæring." Han skulle være et billede på Kristi tålmodighed og kærlighed og forklare og indprente sine bebrejdelser ved hjælp af sandhedens ord.