Footnote

b At 2 Timothy 4:2, the Bible says that elders must at times “reprove, reprimand, exhort.” The Greek word rendered “exhort” (pa·ra·ka·leʹo) can mean “to encourage.” A related Greek word, pa·raʹkle·tos, can refer to an advocate in a legal matter. Thus, even when elders give firm reproof, they are to be helpers of those needing spiritual assistance.