2 Timothy 4:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 4:1

In the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus for therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, A.V. and T.R.; and by for at, A.V. and T.R. I charge thee ( διαμαρτύρομαι ); as 2 Timothy 2:14 and 1 Timothy 5:21 (where see note). The words οὖν ἐγώ , wanting in some of the best manuscripts, are "rejected by Griesbach, Tischendorf, Lachmann," and by Huther, Alford, Ellicott, and others. The chapter opens rather abruptly without the connecting "therefore." And by his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 4:1-2

A solemn charge to Timothy to make full proof of his ministry. The prospect of his approaching death led the apostle to address his young disciple with deep and earnest feeling. I. THE SOLEMN ADJURATION . "I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the quick and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom." The object of the apostle is to impart to Timothy a solemn sense of responsibility in the discharge of his ministry. 1 . All preachers... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 4:1-8

The last charge. The words of this chapter have the peculiar interest which attaches to the last words of one who was prominent above his fellow men, and they have this striking character, that the apostle, knowing that the time of his departure was at hand, when the great work of his life must cease as far as he was concerned, was intensely solicitous that the work should go on after his death with uninterrupted course and with undiminished force. It is one of the features of the holy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Solemn charge to Timothy. I. CHARGED TO BE FAITHFUL IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OFFICIAL DUTIES . 1 . Witnessing the charge. 2 . Particulars of the charge. These are given in rapid succession, without connecting words, by which there is gain in force. II. ARGUMENT DRAWN FROM A DISTURBED FUTURE . 1 . The intolerableness of sound doctrine. "For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine." The sound or healthful... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 4:2

Teaching for doctrine, A.V. Preach the Word ( κήρυξον τὸν λόγον ). It is impossible to exaggerate the dignity and importance here given to preaching by its being made the subject of so solemn and awful an adjuration as that in 2 Timothy 4:1 (compare the designation of κήρυξ which St. Paul gives to himself in 1 Timothy 2:7 ; 2 Timothy 1:11 ). Be instant ( ἐπίστηθι ). The force of the exhortation must be found, not in the verb itself taken alone, but by coupling ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Timothy 4:2

The apostolic injunction. "Preach the Word." Timothy had not to create a gospel, but to preach one; and the "Word" is broad and vast enough for any preacher. The cross has for its circumference all truth, and is to be carried into all spheres of life. I. PREACH IT WITH INSTANCY . It is not a mere philosophy to interest students as an esoteric study; nor is it a mere elaborate theological thesis to be proven true. It has to do with "the present salvation" and the future well... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Timothy 4:1

I charge thee therefore before God - See the notes on 1 Timothy 5:21.Who shall judge the quick and the dead - That is, the Lord Jesus; for he is to be the judge of men; Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Corinthians 5:10. The word “quick” means “living” (See the Acts 10:42 note; Ephesians 2:1 note); and the idea is, that he would be alike the judge of all who were alive when he should come, and of all who had died; see the notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. In view of the fact that all, whether preachers or... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word - The Word of God; the gospel. This was to be the main business of the life of Timothy, and Paul solemnly charges him in view of the certain coming of the Redeemer to judgment, to be faithful in the performance of it.Be instant - see the notes at Romans 12:12. The meaning here is, that he should be constant in this duty. Literally, “to stand by, or to stand fast by;” that is, he was to be pressing or urgent in the performance of this work. He was always to be at his post, and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Timothy 4:1-4

2 Timothy 4:1-4. Having, in the preceding chapter, explained to Timothy the duties of his office, as an evangelist, the apostle now proceeds solemnly to charge him, in the presence of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be diligent and faithful in all the duties of the ministry; by preaching the true doctrine, confuting gainsayers, rebuking sinners, and exhorting both the teachers and people under his care to conduct themselves properly in every respect. His words are peculiarly solemn, I... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Preach the Word constantly (3:10-4:5)Paul refers to his own experiences to illustrate the truth that the person who whole-heartedly follows God must expect persecution. Timothy was well aware of this, even before he joined Paul in his work. In his own neighbourhood he had seen Paul suffer because of his devotion to Christ (10-12; cf. Acts 13:50; Acts 14:5-6,Acts 14:19; Acts 16:1-2). This shows in a clearer light the difference between the true teacher and the false. The latter gains a following... read more

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