FocusFaithfulness despite changing appetites
Connection to the wholeThe solemn charge calls Timothy to patient, complete ministry even when people seek teachers who satisfy their own desires.
interpretation 2 Timothy 4:2
KJVPreach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Read it in context
Preach the word
Start reading at 2 Timothy 4:1 (2 Timothy 4:1 to 2 Timothy 4:5).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The solemn charge calls Timothy to patient, complete ministry even when people seek teachers who satisfy their own desires.
- 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
- 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
- 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
- 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
- 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, traditionally understood as writing to Timothy late in his ministry. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 4:6. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Timothy 1:1–4:22): Paul addresses Timothy personally, urging faithful teaching and endurance and asking him to come; coworkers and opponents are named in the circumstances he describes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Timothy, called Paul's dearly beloved son, with instructions he is to entrust to other faithful teachers. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Preach the word. Read 2 Timothy 4:1 through 2 Timothy 4:5 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The solemn charge calls Timothy to patient, complete ministry even when people seek teachers who satisfy their own desires. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul describes imprisonment and speaks of his departure as approaching. The letter does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Rome is named in the account of Onesiphorus' search for Paul; other places concern earlier ministry and fellow workers. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Preach the word (2 Timothy 4:1 to 2 Timothy 4:5). Start reading at 2 Timothy 4:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul calls Timothy to remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead and to continue in the Scriptures that make wise unto salvation through faith in Christ. See 2 Timothy 1:17, 2 Timothy 2:8, 2 Timothy 3:15. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Continue faithfully in teaching and conduct despite opposition. Use Scripture for its stated work of instruction and correction, and do not confuse faithfulness with the absence of suffering. interpretation
Cited: 2 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Timothy 1:17, 2 Timothy 2:8, 2 Timothy 3:15
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Timothy 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedGrouped with the other Pastorals in the critical discussion above.
Related passages
- Preach Ps 40:9 Isa 61:1-3 Jonah 3:2 Luke 4:18-19 Luke 9:60 Rom 10:15 Col 1:25,28
- be Luke 7:4,23 Acts 13:5 Rom 12:12 1 Tim 4:15-16
- in John 4:6-10,32-34 Acts 16:13,31-33 Acts 20:7,18-21 Acts 28:16,30-31
- reprove Col 1:28-29 1 Thess 2:11-12 1 Thess 5:14 1 Thess 5:20 Titus 1:13 Titus 2:15 Heb 13:22 Rev 3:19
- exhort 1 Tim 4:13
- all 2 Tim 2:21,25 2 Tim 3:10
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Timothy 4
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
2 Timothy 1:1 2 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1:8 2 Timothy 4:6
Paul's approaching departure
2 Timothy 4:6–8FocusA course faithfully completed
Connection to the wholePaul's reflection on finishing his course provides a personal setting for the charge and directs hope toward the Lord's righteous reward.
interpretation Personal requests and final confidence
2 Timothy 4:9–22FocusCompanions, opposition, and the Lord's help
Connection to the wholeThe closing names, needs, and recollections show the cost and fellowship of ministry alongside Paul's confidence in the Lord's deliverance.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Timothy
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
2 Timothy 1:1 2 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1:8 2 Timothy 4:6
The entrusted testimony
2 Timothy 1:1–18FocusCourage and faithful keeping
Connection to the wholePaul recalls Timothy's faith and gift, urging him not to be ashamed and to guard the trust through the Holy Ghost.
interpretation The faithful worker
2 Timothy 2:1–26FocusTransmission, endurance, and gentle correction
Connection to the wholeImages of disciplined service lead into directions for teaching, personal holiness, and patient treatment of opponents.
interpretation Difficult times and the Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:1–17FocusDiscernment and continued learning
Connection to the wholePaul warns about corrupt conduct and deception, then directs Timothy to continue in what he has learned through the holy Scriptures.
interpretation FocusPreaching and finishing the course
Connection to the wholeThe command to preach is set beside Paul's approaching death and personal instructions concerning fellow workers and needs.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.