A. Purpose of the Ministry. 4:1–2.

4:1. Charge thee. Paul’s final charge to Timothy. A charge is more than a command for a charge carries with it the moral obligation to be carried out. Judge. In the light of what has been said in chapter 3 about the last days, Paul reminds Timothy of a day of reckoning. The quick, the living, those who are alive and remain (I Thess 4:17) and the dead, “for the dead, in Christ shall rise first” (I Thess 4:16). Pastors and people alike shall stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ (II Cor 5:10), at his appearing. “To whom much is given much is required” (Jas 3:1).

2. Preach the word. This means to herald as the emperor’s herald gave a formal message in an authoritative way. Be consistent, he says, always at it. Don’t be afraid to reprove or rebuke but do it with long-suffering and doctrine. The minister’s personal feelings are not the ground for reproof: doctrine alone is that ground.

B. Perversion of the Ministry. 4:3–4.

3. The time will come and most believe it is here today. Itching ears will be “tickled” by preachers who do not preach the Bible. Many pastors bow to the wishes of ungodly congregations who only want to hear what pleases them.

4. Turn away (Gr apostrephō) is in the Greek active voice and has the idea of deliberate action by themselves. Shall be turned (Gr ektrepō) means they are acted upon; it is a medical term meaning “to twist out of place.”

KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1994, S. 2515

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