Note 1 at 1 Tim. 4:6: This statement by Paul seems strange to some people. Surely, there must have been other matters that were more important, but Paul tells Timothy that if he will instruct the Ephesians about celibacy and eating meat, he will be a good minister.

Actually, the issue wasn't celibacy and eating meat. It was the legalism that was trying to work its way back into the church. Anything that we have to do to become right with God, other than believing the good news about what Jesus did for us, is legalism. Paul could see past the surface of these issues and he recognized that these doctrines would lead people back into a works mentality. Paul was always opposed to all forms of legalism.

Note 2 at 1 Tim. 4:6: Paul's use of the word "remembrance" means that the people had heard this before. The Apostle Paul probably had already dealt with these issues when he was ministering in Ephesus.

Note 3 at 1 Tim. 4:6: Paul is calling Timothy a good minister because he followed these instructions. Those who don't follow these instructions are not good ministers.

Note 4 at 1 Tim. 4:6: "Nourished up" is translated from the Greek verb "ENTREPHO" and means "to educate, and to form the mind" (Thayer). Paul is saying that if Timothy follows these instructions, he will show himself to be a mature minister.