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
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
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
The sound for sound, A.V.; having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts for after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, A.V. The sound ( τῆς ὑγιαινούσης ). Nothing is gained by the addition of the article in English. The phrase, ἡ ὑγιαίνουσα διδασκαλία , is characteristic of the pastoral Epistles, having arisen, no doubt, from the growth of heresy (see 1 Timothy 1:10 ; 1 Timothy 6:3 . 2 Timothy 1:13 ; ... read more
The waywardness and restiveness of so called Christians afresh incentive to fidelity in ministers. This is an argument from the future to tell upon present duty. I. THE REASON OF THE APOSTASY . "For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine." 1 . The gospel doctrine is sound, because it necessitates a holy life, and holds the gratification of sinful passions to be inconsistent with the hopes of salvation. 2 . Evil men cannot endure it, ... read more
Will turn for they shall turn, A.V.; turn aside for shall be turned, A.V. Will turn away, etc. The sober, sound doctrine of the Word of God, teaching self-discipline, humility, and purity of heart and life, will not assuage their itching ears, and therefore they will turn away from it, and go after more congenial fables—those taught by the heretics. Turn aside ( ἐκτραπήσοναι ); as 1 Timothy 1:6 , note. Fables ( μύθους ); see 1 Timothy 1:4 ; 1 Timothy 4:7 ; Titus... read more
Be thou sober for watch thou, A.V.; suffer hardship for endure afflictions, A.V.; fulfil for make full proof of, A.V. Be thou sober ( νῆφε ); as 1 Thessalonians 5:6 , 1 Thessalonians 5:8 ; 1 Peter 1:13 ; 1 Peter 4:7 ; 1 Peter 5:8 . The adjective νηφάλιος occurs in 1 Timothy 3:2 (where see note), 11; Titus 2:2 . Here "Be sober in all things" clearly does not refer to literal sobriety, which Timothy was in little danger of transgressing (l Timothy 5:23), but... read more
The duty of Timothy in trying times. I. " BUT BE THOU SOBER IN ALL THINGS ." 1 . The presence of false teachers necessitated a wakeful attitude, a constant presence of mind, a quick discernment of opportunities for advancing the truth. 2 . There ought to be a consistently sober and watchful care extending through the whole life of the minister, who has to "give account of souls." II. " SUFFER HARDSHIP ." 1 . If the minister fears the anger of men,... read more
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
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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