2 Timothy 4:1

‘I charge (or ‘adjure’) you in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly rule,’

Paul, aware of his near demise, gives Timothy a most solemn charge. He does it as ‘in the sight of God and of Christ Jesus’, and adds to the latter’s name a description of the prime responsibility that make the true proclamation of the word of such importance. For He will one day judge the living and the dead (compare John 5:22; John 5:27; Acts 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The charge is also given ‘by His appearing and His Kingly Rule’. It is given in the light of what the future finally holds, and therefore of the urgency of the hour. Thus he is facing Timothy up with exactly what his responsibility involved. He is acting as the servant of God and of Christ Jesus, in the light of the emergency situation.

It will have been noted that Timothy has been given a number of solemn ‘charges’ by Paul ( 1Ti 1:18 ; 1 Timothy 5:21; 1 Timothy 6:13; compare 2 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:5), but none as solemn as this, for he is conscious of the urgency of the moment (only 1 Timothy 5:21 uses the same strong verb).

‘Judge the living and the dead.’ Compare 1 Peter 4:5. These words had clearly become a formalised idea, possibly even a part of a primitive creed or hymn. They bring out that none will escape His judgment when he comes, neither those living on earth at the time, nor those who have died and gone to their graves (compare Matthew 13:41-43; Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 14:10-12; Revelation 14:14-20; Revelation 20:11-15. It should be noted that while in each case the judgment is described in vivid picture form, as though it would be a physical judgment, it will in fact be spiritual, and the form it will really take is unknown to us).

‘By His appearing.’ The same word was used when the Roman Emperor visited a city. If word came that he was ‘appearing’, then great efforts would be made to ensure that everything was suitable and ready. In the same way must the Christian be preparing for His ‘appearing’, the day when His kingly glory is manifested (compare its use in 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Timothy 6:14; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:7). Alternately this may be referring to His first appearing (as in 2 Timothy 1:10), when He appeared on earth as the lowly king to be our Saviour (Matthew 1:21), with the idea that His appearing has given urgency to the situation.

‘And His kingly rule.’ This may again be referring to His final triumph as King over the everlasting kingdom, in the light of which must be determined all that we do, or it may signify His present Kingly Rule (Matthew 12:28; Romans 14:17) in the light of which we must faithfully serve Him as His subjects.