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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadEzekiel, Jonah, and Pastoral Epistles by Patrick Fairbairn - 2 Timothy 4:2 - 4:2
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Ver. 2. Here follow, in a series of imperative sentences, the several things which Timothy was taken bound to do; the imperatives all in the aorist, as noted by Ellicott, indicating rapidity of action, or the vivid nature of the address (Winer, Gr. § 43, 3, a). Preach the word—the word of God generally, no doubt, but that word more especially as connected with the realities, obligations, and hopes of the gospel. Be instant ( ἐðßóôçèé , lit. stand by, or near; and when used here in a moral sense, with reference, no doubt, mainly to what goes before,—the preaching of the word, implying an ever wakeful, ready attitude: be at it) in season, out of season—that is, at all times; for what may seem to the careless or lukewarm unseasonable occasions for making mention of the truth, will often by the zealous and faithful pastor be found opportunities of usefulness. It means, says Chyrsostom, “Have no definite time; let it be always time for thee: not in peace alone, or in quietness, or when sitting in the church. And if you should be in perils, if in prison, if compassed about with chains, if even going forth to death, at that very time convince, withhold not the word of rebuke. For then even rebuking is in season, when the work meets with success.” Truly and beautifully said, only somewhat too exclusively with reference to the circumstances of the pastor; for, as Calvin remarks, the reference should also be made to the people. “To the pastor, indeed, lest he should give himself to the function of teaching only at his own times, and when it suits his own convenience; but let him apply himself, sparing no labour and trouble. As regards the people, there is this importunate diligence, when they are entreated though in a state of slumber, when the hand is laid upon them while they are hurrying elsewhere, when they are chid as to the vain occupations of the world.” Then, as required by the various conditions of those addressed, a corresponding variety in the mode of address is enjoined: reprove, exhort, rebuke, in all long-suffering and teaching— äéäá÷ῇ , which occurs only here and in Tit_1:9, of the Pastoral epistles, while äéäáóêáëßá is of pretty frequent occurrence: the former having respect mainly to the work or mode of teaching; the latter to the thing taught—the instruction. This concluding part of the charge clearly implies that in his ministerial vocation Timothy should have to lay his account with much in the condition of those he had to deal with that would try his patience, and call for earnest pleading and remonstrance. Instead of listening with attentive ears and willing hearts to the gospel message, ready to hail what it taught, and comply with its requirements of duty, the corrupt tendencies of nature, the sluggishness of the flesh, the love of ease and the world, would present to his efforts too often a resisting medium, which would call for something else than soft and honeyed words—what might rather be likened to a sharp and two-edged sword. All faithful ministers must lay their account to a measure of the same, and must consequently know how to reprove and admonish as well as to win, to exhort as well as encourage. But it is of unspeakable importance for the success of their mission, that, when those severer methods have to be resorted to, all should be done in a gentle and patient spirit, or, as it is here, in every kind of long-suffering and teaching, continuing at the work in a forbearing, steady, peaceful manner, if haply the truth may thus find its way into the heart, and bring the stubborn will into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The more any one can carry on his ministerial work in such a spirit, the more is the conviction likely to take hold of his hearers that he really seeks their good, and that it will be well for them to listen to his counsels; whereas, if he should but mock their follies, fiercely denounce their sins, or flare up in passion at their opposition to the calls addressed to them, it is next to certain that no progress will be made—a prejudice rather will be created against the work of the ministry. He must act, as Chrysostom says again well, “not as one provoked, not as inflamed with hatred, not as insulting or as having found an enemy: let all such things be absent. But what? As one who loves and condoles, as sorrowing even more than the other, and grieved at the things which concern him.”