2 Timothy 4:2 - Exposition

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 εὐκαίρως ἀκαίρως closely with it. Be at your work, attend to it always, in and out of season; let nothing stop you; be always ready, always at hand. Reprove ( ἔλεγξον ); see 2 Timothy 3:16 , note (comp. Matthew 18:15 ; Ephesians 5:11 ; 1 Timothy 5:20 ). Generally with the idea of bringing the fault home to the offender. Rebuke ( ἐπιτίμησον ); a stronger word than ἔλεγξον , implying more of authority and less of argument ( Matthew 8:26 : Matthew 17:18 ; Luke 19:39 ; Jud Luke 1:9 , etc.). Exhort ( παρακάλεσον ) . Sometimes the sense of "exhort," and sometimes that of "comfort," predominates (see 1 Timothy 2:1 ; 1 Timothy 6:2 , etc.). Every way of strengthening and establishing souls in the fear and love of God is to be tried, and that with all long suffering and teaching. (For μακροθυμία , see 2 Timothy 3:10 , note.) For "teaching" or "doctrine" ( διδαχή ), St. Paul more frequently uses διδασκαλία in the pastoral Epistles ( 1 Timothy 1:10 ; 1 Timothy 4:6 , 1 Timothy 4:13 , 1 Timothy 4:16 ; 1 Timothy 5:17 ; 1 Timothy 3:10 , 1 Timothy 3:16 , etc.); but there does not seem to be any great difference of meaning. Possibly διδαχή points more to the act of teaching. The use of it here, coupled with "long suffering," directs that the man of God, whether he preaches, reproves, rebukes, or exhorts, is always to be a patient teacher of God's Word and truth.