2 Timothy 4:1-2

1. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

charge (v.1) — use by the Greeks to call the gods and men to witness

therefore (v.1) — in light of what Scripture can accomplish as set forth in 2 Timothy 3:16-17

before (v.1) — The word translated “before,” is enopion, and is a compound of a number of Greek words which together mean, “one who is in sight.” It was used in such expressions as, “the case will be drawn up against you in the court at Heracleopolis in the presence of,” “deliver personally,” “I gave notice in person.” It is used of one who does or says something in the presence of someone else, and does it with the consciousness that that one has him in sight and mind. Paul delivered this solemn charge to Timothy, conscious of the fact that he was doing so in the sight of God, and he wished Timothy to ever so regard the charge. — Wuest, page 152

God and the Lord Jesus Christ (v.1) —  the Greek construction here means this is referring to the same person — so, “our God, even Christ Jesus” — “Lord” isn’t in the original

will (v.1) = to be about to do something, on the point of doing something

The Authorized Version translates the Greek kata (“at,” in v.1) by no less than 64 words and expressions! In several cases it is rendered “according to,” “as concerning,” “in view of” and “by.” Any of these would be appropriate to the context and in any case the connective and is implied. This writer holds the view that the apostle here continues with his charge, the sense being: “I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead, and by [or “in view of”] His appearing and His kingdom.”

Not only will the Lord Jesus Christ judge the unsaved living and dead at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15), but believers of this dispensation will be called upon to stand before Him at His appearing to catch away His own (1 Corinthians 3:13-15; 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 2 Timothy 4:8, “at that day”) when the Body is complete, and it is at this bema, or “judgement seat,” (Romans 14:10) that our Lord will “reward” some and appoint them to “reign with Him,” while others will “suffer loss” and be “denied” this honor (See 1 Corinthians 3:14-15; 2 Timothy 2:12).

All this is involved in the solemn charge to Timothy. Paul would surely receive a crown “at that day” (v.8) and would reign with Christ in glory. Would Timothy, in the long run, be as faithful? Thus this most solemn of all Paul’s charges to him. — Stam, page 209

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preach (v.2) — The Greek word here (kerusso) … called to mind the Imperial Herald, spokesman of the Emperor, proclaiming in a formal, grave, and authoritative manner which must be listened to, the message which the Emperor gave him to announce. It brought before him the picture of the town official who would make a proclamation in a public gathering. The word is in a construction which makes it a summary command to be obeyed at once. It is a sharp command as in military language. This should be the pattern for the preacher today. His preaching should be characterized by that dignity which comes from the consciousness of the fact that he is an official herald of the King of kings. It should be accompanied by that note of authority which will command the respect, careful attention, and proper reaction of the listeners. — Wuest, page 154.

word (v.2) — revealed truth — 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Galatians 6:6

be ready (v.2) = be diligent, stand by, be at hand

in season (v.2) = opportune

out of season (v.2) = inopportune

convince (v.2) = a rebuke which results in confession, or at least, conviction, of guilt

rebuke (v.2) = a sharp, severe rebuke with a suggestion of impending penalty

exhort (v.2) = please, I beg you, I urge you

doctrine (v.2) = teaching, instruction

Wuest’s translation — Make a public proclamation of the Word with such formality, gravity, and authority as must be heeded. Hold yourself in readiness for this proclamation when opportunity presents itself and when it does not; reprove so as to bring forth conviction and confession of guilt; rebuke sharply, severely, and with a suggestion of impending penalty. Pleadingly exhort, doing all this with that utmost self-restraint which does not hastily retaliate a wrong, and accompany this exhortation with the most painstaking instruction. — Wuest, page 156.

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