The interpretation timeline

1Tim 4:15

How this passage has been read — the sources, oldest to newest.

From the early Church Fathers to now.

4 Patristic · 1 Orthodox · 1 Catholic

1Tim 4:15 · Douay-Rheims
“Meditate upon these things, be wholly in these things: that thy profiting may be manifest to all.”
Patristic before A.D. 750
220
A.D.
Tertullian Patristic
c. A.D. 150–220
“If he is making prayer to the Lord, he is near heaven. If he is bending over the Scriptures, he is "wholly in them." If he is singing a psalm, he satisfies himself.”
187 years pass — nothing from this stretch is hosted yet
407
A.D.
John Chrysostom Patristic
A.D. 347–407
“"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them." Observe how often he gives him counsel concerning the same things, thus showing that a teacher ought above all things to be attentive to these points.”
407
A.D.
John Chrysostom Patristic
A.D. 347–407
“"That thy profiting may appear," he says, "to all." Thus he would have him appear great and admirable in this respect also, showing that this was still necessary for him, for he wished that his "profiting should appear" not only in his life, but in the word of doctrine.”
719 years pass — nothing from this stretch is hosted yet
Scholastic c. 1100 – 1500
1126
A.D.
Theophylact of Ohrid Orthodox
c. 1055–1107
“He frequently instructs him on the same things, wishing to show that a bishop must above all strive for this. Not only in life, but also in the word of teaching. See how he desires him to be great and admirable even in this.”
1274
A.D.
Thomas Aquinas Catholic
1225–1274
“Then when he says, meditate upon these things, he shows how he should fulfill what has been commanded, namely, that he continually meditate upon the things which pertain to his office: they watch as being to render an account of your souls (Heb 13:17). Meditate, therefore, upon these things, i.e., dwell frequently on the duties which pertain to the care of your flock; and be wholly in these things, i.e., let all your energy be directed to this. And why? That your profiting may be manifest to all: no man lights a candle and puts it in a hidden place, nor under a bushel; but upon a candlestick (Luke 11:33); let your modesty be known to all men (Phil 4:5).”
Source
Undated date unknown
Oecumenius Patristic
c. A.D. 550
“Study these things; give yourself entirely to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine; continue in them. For by doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you. Study these things. Which ones? Those that Paul mentioned above. In word, he says, in conduct, in faith, in purity. And from the frequent repetition of the same things, it shows that the bishop must unquestionably guard these things. your progress may be evident to all. But if the progress does not become very great, it would not become obvious. In all, either with people or with matters. Take regard to yourself. That is, focus and apply your mind, not only for yourself but also for the sake of learning, so that you may benefit others as well. Then, giving precise instructions, Paul said, continue in them. For by doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you. For encouraging others, the one who encourages is also moved and benefited, becoming responsible for those whom he prevents from sinning. That he may suitably adapt himself to each individual.”
Source
Modern · 1953 →

The in-app commentary runs from the Fathers to the early-modern record, then stops — that's where the public-domain sources end, not where the reading does. For the modern reading, follow the sources directly.