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As for you, [Timothy], always be sober-minded in everything – be willing to suffer difficulties,1 do the work of an evangelist,2 completely fulfill your ministry.3
| 1 | Always be sober-minded in everything – be willing to suffer difficulties: Or, KJV: endure afflictions; RHM: suffer hardship; BER: but amid it all, you keep your head; MOF: whatever happens, be self-possessed, flinch from no suffering. Note Paul’s earlier admonition to Timothy. [2 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:3] Paul is winding down and coming to a conclusion in his exhortation to Timothy. |
| 2 | Do the work of an evangelist: Or, TCN: missionary; WMS: herald; NEB: work to spread the Gospel. The Greek is EU-ANGELISTOU [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2099 = well + messenger (angel)] See notes on Romans 10:15 and Ephesians 4:11. Timothy is to “work.” |
| 3 | Fulfill your ministry: Or, KJV: make full proof of thy ministry; ABU: fully accomplish; WMS: fill your ministry to the brim; TAY: leave nothing undone that you ought to do. Timothy got off to a good start under Paul’s leadership, now he needed to follow through no matter what may come. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose 2 Timothy 4:5 as the theme verse of chapter four – My Charge. Paul urges Timothy to “preach urgently.” [1-5] Timothy should “convince, reprove and encourage with all tolerance and art of teaching.” For “the time is coming when Christians will no longer tolerate healthy teaching.” These members of the Christian Church will determine for themselves who will teach them and they will chose those who will “tickle their ears.” The young elder is encouraged to “suffer difficulties, do the work of an evangelist, completely fulfill your ministry.”
Paul now draws to a conclusion stating, “I have fought the good fight.” [6-8] He has “agonized the most excellent agony.” Paul is confident a crown awaits him on that day when Christ appears again. Timothy is urged to do his best to come and visit Paul. [9-13] Some of Paul’s associates abandoned him and returned to the world. Luke and Mark and Tychicus are mentioned favorably. Timothy should watch his back when it comes to Alexander who “resisted our message.” [14, 15] No one supported Paul in his first appearance before the Roman court. [16-18] However, the Master stood at his side and rescued him from “the mouth of the lion.” Paul expresses his hope and confidence that the Master will “preserve him for his celestial Kingdom.” Paul concludes with various greetings. [19]
Abba our Father bless those who “fully accomplish” their ministry.
[6 August 2002]
