Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Neglect not the gift - by letting it lie unused.
In thee. In 2 Timothy 1:6 the gift is represented as a spark of the Spirit within him, sure to smoulder by neglect, the stirring up or keeping in lively exercise of which depends on himself (Matthew 25:18; Matthew 25:25; Matthew 25:27-28). The spiritual gift х charisma (G5486)] is that which qualified him for "the work of an evangelist" (Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:5), including perhaps the discerning of spirits, needed in ordaining, as overseer.
Given thee - by God (1 Corinthians 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:6).
By prophecy - i:e., by the Holy Spirit, at his ordination, or else consecration to the see of Ephesus; speaking through the prophets God's will to give him the graces to qualify him for his work (1 Timothy 1:18; Acts 13:1-3).
With the laying on of the hands. So in Joshua's case (Numbers 27:18-20; Deuteronomy 34:9). The gift was connected with the symbolical laying on of hands. х Meta (G3326): the outward sign of an inward impartation of the Spirit (Acts 6:6; Acts 8:17; Acts 9:17; Acts 13:3).] "WITH" implies that the presbyters' laying on bands was the accompaniment of the conferring of the gift. "BY" х dia (G1223)] (2 Timothy 1:6) implies that Paul's laying on hands was the instrument of its being conferred.
Of the presbytery. 2 Timothy 1:6 mentions only the apostle's laying on of hands. But there his aim is to remind Timothy of the part he took in imparting to Timothy the gift. Here he mentions the fact, consistent with the other, that the neighbouring presbyters joined in the ordination or consecration, he taking the foremost part. Paul, though having the general oversight of the elders everywhere, was an eider himself (1 Peter 5:1; 1 Peter 2 John
1). The Jewish council was composed of the elders (the presbytery, Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5) and a presiding Rabbi; so the Christian church was composed of elders and a president (Acts 15:19; Acts 15:23). The apostles were presidents in general. As the president of the synagogue was of the same order as his presbyters, so the bishop was of the same as his presbyters. At the ordination of the president there were always three presbyters present to lay on hands; so the early Church canons required three bishops to be present at the consecration of a bishop. As the president of the synagogue, so the bishop of the church alone could ordain, acting as the representative, in the name of the presbytery (Vitringa). So, in the Anglican church, the bishop ordains, the presbyters present joining with him in laying on hands.