2 Timothy 4:1 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Having, in the preceding chapter, explained to Timothy the duties of his office, as an evangelist, the apostle now proceeds solemnly to charge him, in the presence of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be diligent and faithful in all the duties of the ministry; by preaching the true doctrine, confuting gainsayers, rebuking sinners, and exhorting both the teachers and people under his care to conduct themselves properly in every respect. His words are peculiarly solemn, I charge thee, therefore This is an inference drawn from the whole preceding chapter; before God and the Lord Jesus Christ Now and always present with us, observing our whole behaviour; who shall judge the quick and the dead. Bringing every work into judgment with every secret thing, and rendering unto every man according to his deeds, Romans 2:6; at his appearing and his kingdom That is, at his coming, when he shall most manifestly exercise his kingly and judicial power in the sight of all intelligent beings. Preach the word The pure gospel doctrine, in all its branches. Be instant Importunate, pressing; insist on and urge the great truths and duties of the religion of Jesus; in season, out of season That is, continually, at all times and places. The Greek, ευκαιρως, ακαιρως, may be rendered, when there is a good opportunity, and when there is no opportunity, or, not only when a fair occasion is given, but even when there is none, one must be made. Reprove Ελεγξον, convince the consciences of men, and endeavour to reclaim them from their erroneous principles and practices; rebuke Them, for their impieties and immoralities, without fearing the face of any man; and exhort to zeal and diligence in the pursuit of every grace, and the performance of every duty; with all long-suffering Though thou mayest not immediately see the desired success; and doctrine That is, still continue to warn and teach. And the rather seize the present opportunity with all earnestness; for the time will come And is fast approaching; when they Even the professors of Christianity; will not endure sound doctrine Wholesome, salutary, healing doctrine Doctrine calculated to save them from their errors and sins, and to heal their spiritual disorders. But after their own lusts According to their own desires; shall they heap to themselves teachers As smooth as they can wish; having itching ears Fond of novelty and variety; which disposition the number of new teachers, as well as their empty, soft, or philosophical discourses will please. Such teachers and such hearers seldom are much concerned with what is strict and searching, or calculated to excite them to aspire after a conformity to the Lord Jesus. Not enduring sound doctrine, they will reject the sound preachers, and gather together all that suit their own taste. And So greatly will their minds be perverted, that they shall turn away their ears from the truth From the true, genuine doctrine of the gospel; and be turned unto fables Unto vain, idle stories, and uncertain opinions and traditions. See on 1 Timothy 1:4.