Faithfully Preaching the Word 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Paul urged Timothy throughout the letter to be bold, unashamed, and faithful in preaching the gospel. Now, at the close of the letter, he once again emphasized that this was the central task of ministry- to preach, to correct, to reprove, to encourage, to teach. All these are aspects of the ministry of the Word. Timothy was to preach with urgency, “in season and out of season” (Vs 2). The expression “in season” may derive from the Greek philosophers, who insisted on finding just the right time for sharing their teaching in order to make the greatest impact. Paul insisted that the luxury of waiting for the opportune moment no longer existed. The time had grown short. (Vs 1). The false teachers were on the increase, leading astray more whose ears were itching to here the latest novelty (Vs 3-4). Paul himself was positioned at death’s door, uncertain when he would hear the executioner’s footsteps (vs 6-8). He challenged his young colleague to be true to his calling, to be always self-controlled, ever alert, a faithful witness to the gospel, even if it should mean suffering hardship and persecution as Paul was now experiencing himself.

Source: Paul and his letters. By John B. Polhill