Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2. preach the word ] The unconnected aorist is emphatic; so is the aorist, to indicate the ‘verb thought’ standing out with prominence; ‘I adjure thee, remember preaching, persisting, reproving, rebuking, rousing, to it, in God’s name!’ If the tenses had been present, the stress would have been different; ‘Go on with each, keep on at it, form the habit of it.’
be instant ] The other uses of the word in N.T. are either in the sense (of person) ‘coming and standing by’ or (of time) ‘being present,’ cf. Act 17:5; as below 2Ti 4:6. Here the sense is the classical one of giving attention,’ ‘applying oneself to a thing. Compare Dem. De Cor., 305. 7, ‘what means and resources our country possessed when I entered on the administration, what when I applied myself to it I collected for her.’
in season, out of season ] An oxymoron, not to be pressed literally any more than the familiar nolens volens, but implying, as we should say, ‘ constant application.’ Vulg. ‘opportune,’ ‘importune.’
reprove ] The same word as in 2Ti 3:16, ‘reproof’; less strong than the following ‘rebuke,’ which St Paul has nowhere else; it is frequent in the Gospels, and occurs Judges 9.
exhort ] Or here perhaps ‘rouse’; see note on 1Ti 5:1. The order of the verbs in some mss. is ‘reprove, rouse, rebuke’; so Vulg. ‘argue obsecra increpa in omni patientia et doctrina,’ which the English Prayer-Book follows in the last prayer for the consecration of a Bishop ‘that he may be earnest to reprove, beseech and rebuke with all patience and doctrine.’
longsuffering ] See 1Ti 1:16; 2Ti 3:10.
doctrine ] Rather teaching; this word only occurs in Tit 1:9 besides, of the Pastoral Epistles, though it is used by all the Evangelists and by St Paul four times in his other Epistles. The distinction, drawn Tit 1:9, holds equally here between this word and the word translated ‘doctrine’ in 2Ti 4:3.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Preach the word – The Word of God; the gospel. This was to be the main business of the life of Timothy, and Paul solemnly charges him in view of the certain coming of the Redeemer to judgment, to be faithful in the performance of it.
Be instant – see the notes at Rom 12:12. The meaning here is, that he should be constant in this duty. Literally, to stand by, or to stand fast by; that is, he was to be pressing or urgent in the performance of this work. He was always to be at his post, and was to embrace every opportunity of making known the gospel. What Paul seems to have contemplated was not merely, that he should perform the duty at stated and regular times; but that he should press the matter as one who had the subject much at heart, and never lose an opportunity of making the gospel known.
In season – eukairos. In good time; opportunely; compare Mat 26:16; Luk 22:6; Mar 14:11. The sense is, when it could be conveniently done; when all things were favorable, and when there were no obstructions or hindrances. It may include the stated and regular seasons for public worship, but is not confined to them.
Out of season – akairos. This word does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It is the opposite of the former, and means that a minister is to seek opportunities to preach the gospel even at such periods as might be inconvenient to himself, or when there might be hindrances and embarrassments, or when there was no stated appointment for preaching. He is not to confine himself to the appointed times of worship, or to preach only when it will be perfectly convenient for himself, but he is to have such an interest and earnestness in the work, that it will lead him to do it in the face of embarrassments and discouragements, and whenever he can find an opportunity. A man who is greatly intent on an object will seek every opportunity to promote it. He will not confine himself to stated times and places, but will present it everywhere, and at all times. A man, therefore, who merely confines himself to the stated seasons of preaching the gospel, or who merely preaches when it is convenient to himself, should not consider that he has come up to the requirement of the rule laid down by the apostle. He should preach in his private conversation, and in the intervals of his public labors, at the side of the sick bed, and wherever there is a prospect of doing good to any one. If his heart is full of love to the Saviour and to souls, he cannot help doing this.
Reprove – Or convince; See the notes at 2Ti 3:16. The meaning is that he was to use such arguments as would convince men of the truth of religion, and of their own need of it.
Rebuke – Rebuke offenders; Tit 2:15; see the use of the word in Mat 8:26; Mat 12:16, (rendered charged); Mat 16:22; Mat 17:18; Mat 19:13; Mat 20:31; Luk 4:35, Luk 4:39; Luk 17:13; Luk 18:15; Jud 1:9. In the New Testament the word is used to express a judgment of what is wrong or contrary to ones will, and hence, to admonish or reprove. It implies our conviction that there is something evil, or some fault in him who is rebuked. The word in this verse rendered reprove, does not imply this, but merely that one may be in error, and needs to have arguments presented to convince him of the truth. That word also implies no superior authority in him who does it. He presents reasons, or argues the case, for the purpose of convincing. The word here rendered rebuke, implies authority or superiority, and means merely that we may say that a thing is wrong, and administer a rebuke for it, as if there were no doubt that it was wrong. The propriety of the rebuke rests on our authority for doing it, not on the arguments which we present. This is based on the presumption that men often Know that they are doing wrong, and need no arguments to convince them of it. The idea is, that the minister is not merely to reason about sin, and convince men that it is wrong, but he may solemnly admonish them not to do it, and warn them of the consequences.
Exhort – See the notes at Rom 12:8.
With all long-suffering – That is, with a patient and persevering spirit if you are opposed; see the notes on 2Ti 2:25; compare the notes on Rom 2:4; compare Rom 9:22; 2Co 6:6; Gal 5:22; Eph 4:2; Col 1:11; Col 3:12; 1Ti 1:16.
And doctrine – Teaching, or patient instruction.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 2. Preach the word] Proclaim the doctrine, the doctrine of Christ crucified, for the sins of the whole world; the doctrine, that the Gentiles are invited to be fellow heirs with the Jews, and that for Jews and Gentiles there is no salvation but by faith in Christ.
Be instant in season, out of season] , . Be urgent whether the times be prosperous or adverse, whenever there is an opportunity; and when there is none, strive to make one. The Judge is at the door, and to every man eternity is at hand! Wherever thou meetest a sinner, speak to him the word of reconciliation. Do not be contented with stated times and accustomed places merely; all time and place belong to God, and are proper for his work. Wherever it can be done, there it should be done. Satan will omit neither time nor place where he can destroy. Omit thou none where thou mayest be the instrument of salvation to any.
Reprove] . Confute, the false teacher.
Rebuke] . Reprove cuttingly and severely those who will not abandon their sins.
Exhort] . Comfort the feeble-minded, the diffident and the tempted.
With all long-suffering] In reference to each and all of these cases.
And doctrine.] The different modes of teaching suited to each.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Preach; proclaim like a herald, cry like a common crier in the hearing of a multitude. Thus God to Isaiah, Isa 58:1; Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet. The word; the word of truth, Isa 2:15, or the gospel, called the word by way of emphasis: see Mat 4:23; 24:14; Mar 1:14; 13:10; 16:15. The word of God, not old wives fables, endless genealogies, perverse disputings, unedifying questions, &c. This precept reflects upon unpreaching ministers, and impertinent, vain preachers.
Be instant; be earnest and diligent. This reflects upon a cold and perfunctory preaching. God bid Isaiah cry aloud, lift up his voice like a trumpet. Sinners are like deaf adders.
In season, out of season; that is, at all times, not on the Lords days only, but any other time when thou hast opportunity; not in times when thou mayst do it with safety, but when the wisdom of the flesh tells thee it is out of season. This reflects upon such as preach rarely, and consult their flesh, whether they should perform it at all, or no.
Reprove; elegzon, convince such as gainsay the truth.
Rebuke all sinners, all that live an ill life. This reflects upon those effeminate preachers, against whom Ezekiel denounced the woe, Eze 13:18, that sew pillows to all armholes; that prophesy smooth things instead of the right things of the word.
Exhort; persuade or comfort, (the word signifies both), as thou seest occasion.
With all longsuffering; but do what thou doest prudently, with meekness. God needeth not thy passion, though he makes use of thy art in instruction.
And doctrine; do it so as to join instruction with thy reproof. This reflects upon flattering, fawning, unfaithful preachers, and such as vent their own passion, rather than pursue their due end for instruction and reformation of souls.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. Preachliterally, “proclaimas a herald.” The term for the discourses in the synagogue wasdaraschoth; the corresponding Greek term (implyingdialectial style, dialogue, and discussion, Act 17:2;Act 17:18; Act 18:4;Act 18:19) is applied in Acts todiscourses in the Christian Church. JUSTINMARTYR [Apology,2], describes the order of public worship, “On Sunday all meetand the writings of the apostles and prophets are read; then thepresident delivers a discourse; after this all stand up and pray;then there is offered bread and wine and water; the presidentlikewise prays and gives thanks, and the people solemnly assent,saying, Amen.” The bishops and presbyters had the right and dutyto preach, but they sometimes called on deacons, and even laymen, topreach. EUSEBIUS[Ecclesiastical History, 6.19]; in this the Church imitatedthe synagogue (Luk 4:17-22;Act 13:15; Act 13:16).
be instantthat is,urgent, earnest, in the whole work of the ministry.
in season, out of seasonthatis, at all seasons; whether they regard your speaking as seasonableor unseasonable. “Just as the fountains, though none may drawfrom them, still flow on; and the rivers, though none drink of them,still run; so must we do all on our part in speaking, though nonegive heed to us” [CHRYSOSTOM,Homily, 30, vol. 5., p. 221]. I think with CHRYSOSTOM,there is included also the idea of times whether seasonable orunseasonable to Timothy himself; not merely when convenient,but when inconvenient to thee, night as well as day (Ac20:31), in danger as well as in safety, in prison and when doomedto death as well as when at large, not only in church, but everywhereand on all occasions, whenever and wherever the Lord’s work requiresit.
reprove“convict,””confute.”
with, c.Greek,“IN (the elementin which the exhortation ought to have place) all long-suffering(2Ti 2:24 2Ti 2:25;2Ti 3:10) and teaching“;compare 2Ti 2:24, “apt toteach.” The Greek for “doctrine” here isdidache, but in 2Ti 3:16,didascalia. “Didascalia” is what onereceives; “didache” is what is communicated[TITTMANN].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Preach the word,…. Either Christ the essential Word, who is the sum and substance of the Gospel ministry; or the word of truth and faith, the Gospel of salvation, the word of righteousness, peace, and reconciliation by Christ; which is to be preached, or published, in like manner as heralds proclaim the will of their princes; openly, publicly, and with a loud voice, without adding to it, or taking from speaking out the whole, and keeping back no part of it; and that with all courage and boldness: some copies read, “the word of God”; and the Ethiopic version, “his word”; that is, the word of Christ:
be instant in season, out of season; that is, be constant and assiduous in the work of the ministry; be always and wholly in it, either preparing for it, or performing it; or doing those things which are annexed to it, or follow upon it; redeem time, and take every opportunity of dispensing the mysteries of grace, as a faithful steward of them; not only make use of the common and stated seasons for the ministration of the word and ordinances, but embrace every other that offers; make use not only of those seasons which may seem commodious and advantageous both to preacher and hearer, and promise usefulness and success, but even such as may seem incommodious and disadvantageous to flesh and blood; such as times of persecution and opposition; but none of these things should deter and move from the preaching of the Gospel. Several parts of the ministerial function to be insisted on and attended to are next mentioned, as being within the solemn charge given before God and Christ:
reprove; errors, and men for their errors and heresies; make use of convincing arguments taken out of the Scriptures, which are profitable for reproof of this kind; and which reproof sometimes is to be given with sharpness, as the case requires, that men may be sound in the faith.
Rebuke; or chide for sin; some privately, others more publicly, according to the nature and circumstances of the offence; some more gently, others more roughly, as is needful.
Exhort; to all the duties of religion respecting God and man; to show love, and to do good works; to hold fast the profession of faith, and walk as becomes the Gospel of Christ; and to persevere in faith and holiness: or “comfort”, as the word may be rendered; for as the ministers of the Gospel are in some cases to be “Boanergeses”, sons of thunder, so other cases they should be Barnabases, sons of consolation; and comfort distressed minds, by preaching the comfortable doctrines of peace, pardon, righteousness and salvation by Jesus Christ:
with all longsuffering: or patience. The success of the Gospel ministry should be patiently waited for as husbandmen do for the fruits of the earth. Those that give into error, and oppose themselves to the truth, should be instructed in meekness; and those who are overtaken in a fault should be gently rebuked, and restored in such a spirit; and every exhortation should be pressed as persons are able to bear it:
and doctrine; in a way that is instructive and teaching, and in agreement with the doctrine of the Scriptures, which are profitable for that purpose.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Preach the word ( ). First aorist active imperative of . For “the word” used absolutely, see 1Thess 1:6; Gal 6:6.
Be instant in season, out of season ( ). Second aorist (ingressive) active imperative of (intransitive use), “take a stand,” “stand upon it or up to it,” “carry on,” “stick to it.” The Vulgate has “insta.” The two adverbs are like a proverb or a play (pun) on the word . There are all sorts of seasons (), some difficult (, 3:1), some easy (, 1Co 16:12).
Reprove (). First aorist active imperative of . “Bring to proof.” Eph 5:11.
Rebuke (). First aorist active imperative of , to give honour (or blame) to, to chide. Common in the Gospels (Lu 17:3).
Exhort (). First aorist active imperative of , common Pauline word.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Be instant [] . Better, be ready. Once in Paul, 1Th 5:3. Frequent in Luke and Acts. Lit. stand by, be at hand, be present. To come suddenly upon, Luk 2:38. Hence, be ready. Instant signifies urgent, importunate, persevering. Lat. instant to press upon. Thus Latimer, “I preached at the instant request of a curate.” So N. T., Rom 12:12, “Continuing instant in prayer.”
In season [] . Only here and Mr 14:11. LXX once, Sir. 18
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Preach the word” (kerekson ton logon) “Preach, proclaim, or herald the Word;” The charge of both the ministers and the church, Mat 28:18-20; 1Co 1:21-23; 2Co 5:19-20; Col 1:25-29. To preach the word means more than a “pet-part” of it, Act 20:26-27.
2) “Be instant in season, out of season” (episthethi e u k airos, akairos) “Be attentive, alert, diligent; seasonably, unseasonably;” When things seem favorable and unfavorable, day and night, Act 20:31.
SEASONABLE PREACHING
The bishop sent for John Berridge to reprove him for preaching at all hours and on all days. “My Lord, said he modestly, “I preach only at two times.” “Which are they, Mr. Berridge?” “In season and out of season, my Lord. “
-6,000 Windows for Sermons
EVERYTHING BUT GOD’S WORD
An Ohio church called a pastor who qualified on nine points beyond all other candidates, being “selected on a strictly scientific basis.” Some of these points included -“Spirituality — but this doesn’t mean belief in the virgin birth, or any of the other dogmas of the old church, such as Jonah and the whale.” If candidates professed belief in any such ideas they were marked off on the first point. Other points were Intellectuality, Scholarliness, Adaptability, Poise, Personality, Tolerance and Sympathy, Vision, Appeal to Youth. The minister according to these qualifications, should enjoy the same things a college professor does,” have a good “stage appearance,” his shoes must always be shined and his suit pressed; he should have a tolerance for all religious sects. The minister chosen “scored ninety-three per cent out of a possible one hundred,” outstripping the other candidates by a large majority. It is a relief to turn from this to Paul’s word to ministers: “I charge thee… Preach the Word.”
-Sunday School Times
a) “Reprove” (elegkson) For lack of truth and holiness.
b) “Rebuke” (epitimeson) “Admonish” those who live in sin.
c) “Exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (parakales en pase makrothumia kai didache) “Exhort in all (kinds of) longsuffering and teaching,” (to repentance in faith), in every possible exhibition of suffering and every possible method of teaching, 1Co 9:20-23.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
2 Be instant in season, out of season By these words he recommends not only constancy, but likewise earnestness, so as to overcome all hindrances and difficulties; for, being, by nature, exceedingly effeminate or slothful, we easily yield to the slightest opposition, and sometimes we gladly seek apologies for our slothfulness. Let us now consider how many arts Satan employs to stop our course, and how slow to follow, and how soon wearied are those who are called. Consequently the gospel will not long maintain its place, if pastors do not urge it earnestly.
Moreover, this earnestness must relate both to the pastor and to the people; to the pastor, that he may not devote himself to the office of teaching merely at his own times and according to his own convenience, but that, shrinking neither from toils nor from annoyances, he may exercise his faculties to the utmost. So far as regards the people, there is constancy and earnestness, when they arouse those who are asleep, when they lay their hands on those who are hurrying in a wrong direction, and when they correct the trivial occupations of the world. To explain more fully in what respects the pastor must “be instant,” the Apostle adds —
Reprove, rebuke, exhort By these words he means, that we have need of many excitements to urge us to advance in the right course; for if we were as teachable as we ought to be, a minister of Christ would draw us along by the slightest expression of his will. But now, not even moderate exhortations, to say nothing of sound advices, are sufficient for shaking off our sluggishness, if there be not increased vehemence of reproofs and threatenings.
With all gentleness and doctrine. A very necessary exception; for reproofs either fall through their own violence, or vanish into smoke, if they do not rest on doctrine Both exhortations and reproofs are merely aids to doctrine, and, therefore, have little weight without it. We see instances of this in those who have merely a large measure of zeal and bitterness, and are not furnished with solid doctrine. Such men toil very hard, utter loud cries, make a great noise, and all to no purpose, because they build without a foundation. I speak of men who, in other respects, are good, but with little learning, and excessive warmth; for they who employ all the energy that they possess in battling against sound doctrine, are far more dangerous, and do not deserve to be mentioned here at all.
In short, Paul means that reproofs are founded on doctrine, in order that they may not be justly despised as frivolous. Secondly, he means that keenness is moderated by gentleness; for nothing is more difficult than to set a limit to our zeal, when we have once become warm. Now when we are carried away by impatience, our exertions are altogether fruitless. Our harshness not only exposes us to ridicule, but also irritates the minds of the people. Besides, keen and violent men seem generally unable to endure the obstinacy of those with whom they are brought into intercourse, and cannot submit to many annoyances and insults, which nevertheless must be digested, if we are desirous to be useful. Let severity be therefore mingled with this seasoning of gentleness, that it may be known to proceed from a peaceful heart.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(2) Preach the word.The language of the original here is abrupt and emphatic, written evidently under strong emotion and with intense earnestness. St. Paul charged his friend and successor with awful solemnity, as we have seen, preach, or proclaim. loudly and publicly, as a herald would announce the accession of his king. The exact opposite to what St. Paul would urge on Timothy is described by Isa. (Isa. 56:10), when he speaks of Gods watchmen as dumb dogs, who cannot bark, sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
Be instant in season, out of season.Some difference exists between commentators respecting the exact meaning to be given to the Greek word translated be instant. Some would give it the sense of drawing nigh to, and as it is not specified in the text to whom Timothy should draw nigh, they supply from the context the brethren, those to whom the word is preached: draw near to Christian assemblies. It seems, however, best to understand this rather difficult word as an injunction to Timothy to be earnest and urgent generally in the whole work of his ministry: Press on, in season, out of season.
In season, out of season.In other words, For thy work, set apart no definite and fixed hours, no appointed times. Thy work must be done at all hours, at all times. Thy work has to be done not only when thou art in church, not merely in times of security and peace, but it must be carried on, in the midst of dangers, even if thou art a prisoner and in chains, even if death threaten thee.
So Chrysostomwho also uses St. Pauls words here as an urgent call to ministers to labour on in spite of discouragement and apparent failuretelling them in his own bright, eloquent way, how fountains still flow on, though no one goes to them to draw water, and rivers still run on, though no one drinks at them.
Augustine asks and answers the question to whom in season and to whom out of season refers: in season to those willing, out of season to the unwilling. This, however, only touches a portion of the thought of St. Paul, who urges on Gods true servants a restless, sleepless earnestness, which struggles on with the Masters work in spite of bodily weakness and discouragement, in face of dangers and the bitterest opposition.
Reprove.Not merely those erring in doctrine, but generally those who are blameworthy: Was tadelnswerthist.
Rebuke.A sharper and more severe word than the preceding. It is used by St. Jud. 1:9, in his report of the words addressed by St. Michael to the devil: The Lord rebuke thee. It frequently occurs in the Gospels. (See, for instance, Mat. 17:18, And Jesus rebuked the devil.)
Exhort.Not only is he to remember ceaselessly to watch over the flock, and to reprove and rebuke the erring and sinners, but also with no less diligence to speak comfortable words of encouragement and hope to all, especially the dispirited and sad-hearted.
With all longsuffering and doctrine.The word translated doctrine signifies, rather, teaching. He must reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all gentleness and patience; and in all this he must take care that teachingthe teaching which is right, and true, and full of hopeaccompanies his rebuke and his words of comfort.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2. What he is charged to do.
Preach Proclaim as a herald, the word which, as herald, thou bearest from God to man.
Be instant Or urgent and pressing, as becomes God’s herald, to force thy message on men’s attention.
Out of season As they may esteem it; yet it will be in season if its very abruptness makes it effectual. Methods of the message. Men are entangled in sophisms, therefore reprove, that is, refute, convince them: they are persistent in known wickedness, therefore rebuke: they are slow to good, therefore exhort, incite, encourage, urge them. Tempers longsuffering, for they will be long-trying; and doctrine for they will need teaching, a continual inculcation of truth.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.’
And what is the charge? It is that he preach ‘the word’, that is, the word of the truth of the Gospel, as evidenced in the Scriptures. He is to do it constantly, both when the time appears to be right, and when it does not, and when men are listening and when they are not. As mentioned in 2Ti 3:16 he is to use the Scriptures in order to reprove men and women when they err (Paul saw this ministry of tender reproof as important, compare 1Ti 5:20; Tit 1:13; Tit 2:15), to rebuke men and women when they do wrong (a slightly more sever form of reproof), and to exhort and encourage men and women to obedience and to righteous living. It has been suggested that this signifies that he is to reprove in order to reach their reason, rebuke in order to stir their conscience and exhort in order to move their will. And he is to do it with both a caring and compassionate heart, and with sound doctrine (see 2Ti 4:3 for ‘sound’, and compare 2Ti 1:13). The especial importance of the sound doctrine is then brought out in what follows.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
2Ti 4:2. In season, out of season; That is, “in the stated season of religious assemblies; and out of that season, whenever occasional Providences may give thee an opportunity: yea, carry it into thy private conversation, in the intervals of private labour.”
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Ver. 2. Be instant ] Gr. , stand over it, stand close to it. Chrysostom, at Antioch, having preached many sermons against swearing, was at length asked when he would preach upon another subject? He answered, When you leave swearing, I will leave preaching against swearing.
In season, out of season ] On the Lord’s day, on the week day, Volentibus nolentibus die importunus, Tu vis errare, tu vis perire, ego nolo, saith Augustine. Let men know, whether they will or not, that for lack of preaching they shall not perish. The shewbread stood all the week before the Lord; to show, that preaching is not out of season on any day. The friars of Basil held that it was Lutheranum diebus profanis praedicare, heretical to preach on working days. (Melch. Adam.) But Anthony Person, martyr, told his persecutors that they were bite sheeps and not bishops for neglecting to preach. It being as great a wonder at Rome to hear a bishop preach as to see an ass fly, said Dr Bassinet. But Bishop Ridley preached usually every sabbath day and holy day; so did Bishop Jewel, Dr Taylor, martyr, Mr Bradford, even during his imprisonment; preaching, reading, and praying was all his whole life. He did sharply reprove sin, pithily improve errors, sweetly preach Christ crucified, earnestly persuade to a godly life.
With all longsuffering, &c. ] Si decimus quisque, si unus persuasus fuerit, ad consolationem abunde sufficit, saith Chrysostom. If you gain but the tithe of your hearers, or less, it is well.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2 .] proclaim (notice the sudden and unconnected aorists. Ellic. well observes after Schoemann, Isus, p. 235, that the use of the imper. aor. seems often due, both in the N. T. and in classical authors, to the “lubitus aut affectus loquentis”) the word (of God. The construction after . is carried on in 1Ti 5:21 with : in our ch. 2Ti 2:14 with infinitives: here with simple imperatives, which is more abrupt and forcible), press on ( is generally referred to the last clause ‘be diligent in preaching:’ . , as Thl.: and Thdrt., , . De W. doubts this meaning being justified, and would rather keep the verb to its simpler meaning ‘accede (ad ctus Christianos),’ as Bretsch. and so Huther. But there seems no need to confine the sense so narrowly. The quotations in De W. himself justify the meaning of ‘press on,’ ‘be urgent,’ generally: not perhaps in preaching only, but in the whole work of the ministry. Cf. Demosth. p. 1187. 6, , ‘pressed upon him,’ ‘urgebant eum:’ id. p. 70. 16, , ) in season, out of season ( , , , , , , , , , , , Chrys. I cannot forbear also transcribing a very beautiful passage cited by Suicer i. 146 from the same father, Hom. xxx. vol. v. p. 221: , . , , , , . , , , , , , , , . This latter passage gives the more correct reference, not so much to his opportunities, as the former, but to theirs (as Ellic. quotes from Aug. on Psa 128 , vol. iv. p. 1689, “sonet verbum Dei volentibus opportune, nolentibus importune”). Bengel, from Pricus, gives examples of similar expressions: “Nicetas Choniates, , . Julian: . Virgilii: ‘ digna indigna pati,’ Terentii: ‘cum milite isto prsens absens ut sies.’ ” So fanda nefanda, plus minus, nolens volens , &c.), convict, rebuke (reff.), exhort, in (not ‘ with ;’ it is not the accompaniment of the actions, but the element, the temper in which they are to be performed) all (possible) long-suffering and teaching (not subjective, ‘ perseverance in teaching ,’ as Conyb.; but ‘ teaching ’ itself: it (objective) is to be the element in which these acts take place, as well as (subjective). The junction is harsh, but not therefore to be avoided. Of course, hendiadys (= , Grot., Rosenm.) is out of the question. On and , see Ellicott’s note).
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Ti 4:2 . : In 1Ti 5:21 . is followed by with the subj.; in 2Ti 2:14 by the inf. Here the adjuration is more impassioned; hence the abruptness; this is heightened also by the aorists.
: Insta, Be at hand , or Be ready to act . . . . qualifies adverbially ; while the following imperatives, , . . ., are various departments of “preaching the word”.
: opportune, importune (Vulg.). So few remain available (see next verse), that you must use them all. Do not ask yourself, “Is this a suitable occasion for preaching?” Ask rather, “Why should not this be a suitable occasion?” “Have not any limited season; let it always be thy season, not only in peace and security and when sitting in the Church” (Chrys.).
Similar expressions are cited by Bengel, e.g., digna indigna; praesens absens; nolens volens . We need not ask whether the reasonableness, etc., has reference to the preacher or the hearers. The direction is to disregard the inclinations of both.
: Taking this in the sense convict , Chrys. comments thus on the three imperatives, “After the manner of physicians, having shown the wound, he gives the incision, he applies the plaister”.
: “The strict meaning of the word is ‘to mete out due measure,’ but in the N.T. it is used only of censure”. So Swete (on Mar 1:25 ), who also notes that with the exceptions of this place and Jud 1:9 , it is limited to the Synoptists.
: See on 1Ti 4:13 .
: This qualifies each of the three preceding imperatives; and belongs to as well as to ., with the utmost patience and the most painstaking instruction .
: “( teaching ) seems to point more to the act , ( doctrine ) to the substance or result of teaching” (Ell.). In the only other occurrence of in the Pastorals, Tit 1:9 , it means doctrine .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Preach. App-121.
word. App-121.
in season. Greek. eukairos. Only here and Mar 14:11.
out of season. Greek. akairos. Only here. reprove. Greek. elencho. See Joh 8:9. Tim. 2Ti 5:20.
rebuke. Greek. epitimao. One, twenty- nine times, twenty-four times “rebuke”, five times “charge”. All in Gospels, save been and Jud 1:9. The difference between these two Greek. words is that the former means to bring to conviction, as used in Joh 8:46; Joh 16:8; while the latter can be used of unjust or ineffectual rebuke, as in Mat 16:22. Luk 25:40.
exhort. App-134.
with. App-104.
doctrine = teaching. Greek. didache,
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
2.] proclaim (notice the sudden and unconnected aorists. Ellic. well observes after Schoemann, Isus, p. 235, that the use of the imper. aor. seems often due, both in the N. T. and in classical authors, to the lubitus aut affectus loquentis) the word (of God. The construction after . is carried on in 1Ti 5:21 with : in our ch. 2Ti 2:14 with infinitives: here with simple imperatives, which is more abrupt and forcible), press on ( is generally referred to the last clause-be diligent in preaching: . , as Thl.: and Thdrt., , . De W. doubts this meaning being justified, and would rather keep the verb to its simpler meaning accede (ad ctus Christianos), as Bretsch. and so Huther. But there seems no need to confine the sense so narrowly. The quotations in De W. himself justify the meaning of press on, be urgent, generally: not perhaps in preaching only, but in the whole work of the ministry. Cf. Demosth. p. 1187. 6, ,-pressed upon him, urgebant eum: id. p. 70. 16, , ) in season, out of season ( , , , , , , , , , , , Chrys. I cannot forbear also transcribing a very beautiful passage cited by Suicer i. 146 from the same father, Hom. xxx. vol. v. p. 221: , . , , , , . , , , , , , , , . This latter passage gives the more correct reference,-not so much to his opportunities, as the former, but to theirs (as Ellic. quotes from Aug. on Psalms 128, vol. iv. p. 1689, sonet verbum Dei volentibus opportune, nolentibus importune). Bengel, from Pricus, gives examples of similar expressions: Nicetas Choniates, , . Julian: . Virgilii: digna indigna pati, Terentii: cum milite isto prsens absens ut sies. So fanda nefanda, plus minus, nolens volens, &c.), convict, rebuke (reff.), exhort, in (not with; it is not the accompaniment of the actions, but the element, the temper in which they are to be performed) all (possible) long-suffering and teaching (not subjective, perseverance in teaching, as Conyb.; but teaching itself: it (objective) is to be the element in which these acts take place, as well as (subjective). The junction is harsh, but not therefore to be avoided. Of course, hendiadys (= , Grot., Rosenm.) is out of the question. On and , see Ellicotts note).
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Ti 4:2. ) be instant, be urgent.-, ) Pricus understands the word as it were proverbially, for assiduously, or at every time; and brings in support of his view the examples which follow:-Nicetus Choniates: , , like a severe schoolmaster, he was always beating, in and out of season. Such is that expression of the Tragic writer Seneca: Incipe quicquid potes, Medea, quicquid non potes, Medea, attempt whatsoever thou canst do and whatsoever thou canst not do; i.e. anything whatever. Of Plautus: qui comedit quod fuit, quod non fuit, one who eats up what there was, what there was not; i.e. who devours everything. Of Terence: cum milite isto prsens absens ut sies, that whether present or absent, thou mayest be with that soldier. Of Catullus: Hoc facias, sive id non pote, sive potest, Do this, whether it be impossible or possible; i.e. it must be done. Of Julian: , , he went to the houses of his friends, whether invited or not, reconciling those most nearly related to one another. Of Aristophanes: , justly and unjustly, where the Scholia say, for in every way. Of Virgil: digna, indigna pati, to suffer things, worthy and unworthy; where Servius says, it is a proverbial expression for all things. Of Terence: justa injusta, things just or unjust; where Donatus says, expressions of this kind are proverbial-fanda nefanda, right or wrong; digna indigna, worthy or unworthy. Pricus has collected these examples, and more, all of which do not rest on the same footing as the example in the text. This is the meaning of the apostle: Be instant at ordinary and proper times, and beyond these, whether it be convenient for thyself and thy hearers or not, night and day; Act 20:31.-, , reprove, rebuke) The want of the conjunction is here appropriate. All these things do no violence to long-suffering [ch. 2Ti 3:10, 2Ti 2:24-25], but require it.-, in doctrine) ch. 2Ti 2:24, note.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Ti 4:2
preach the word;-He was to preach the word that would make the man of God perfect, and that would thoroughly furnish him unto every good work. He was to preach this word as all-sufficient. It is a fearful thing to add to it or take from it or in any way to mutilate or change that word.
be urgent in season,-Be ready on every favorable occasion to teach, exhort, and admonish; be urgent generally in the whole work of his ministry.
out of season;-Do not await favorable moments, but create them, to teach the word even under unfavorable circumstances. Eternal ruin is facing the world-await not for favorable circumstances to warn them of the terrible danger. [This, however, only touches a portion of the thought of Paul, who urges on Gods faithful servants sleepless earnestness, which struggles on in the Lords work regardless of bodily weakness and discouragement in face of dangers and bitterest opposition.]
reprove,-For wrong teaching with the idea of bringing the fault home to the offender.
rebuke,-For sins and wrongs persisted in. [A sharper and more severe word than reprove, generally with the idea of bringing the fault home to the offender.]
exhort,-Kindly encourage to greater fidelity those who are weak, disheartened, and ready to give up.
with all long-suffering and teaching.-Do this in a kind, forbearing, long-suffering spirit, striving to instruct and lead into the right paths while applying the word to the different conditions.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Preach: Psa 40:9, Isa 61:1-3, Jon 3:2, Luk 4:18, Luk 4:19, Luk 9:60, Rom 10:15, Col 1:25, Col 1:28
be: Luk 7:4, Luk 7:23, Act 13:5, *marg. Rom 12:12, 1Ti 4:15, 1Ti 4:16
in: Joh 4:6-10, Joh 4:32-34, Act 16:13, Act 16:31-33, Act 20:7, Act 20:18-21, Act 28:16, Act 28:30, Act 28:31
reprove: Col 1:28, Col 1:29, 1Th 2:11, 1Th 2:12, 1Th 5:14, 1Th 5:20, Tit 1:13, Tit 2:15, Heb 13:22, Rev 3:19
exhort: 1Ti 4:13
all: 2Ti 2:21, 2Ti 2:25, 2Ti 3:10
Reciprocal: Lev 19:17 – rebuke Num 1:53 – shall pitch Jos 10:9 – all night 2Ch 30:22 – taught Ezr 7:10 – and to teach Psa 37:18 – the days Pro 22:29 – a man Pro 24:25 – them Ecc 11:6 – sow Isa 9:15 – the prophet Jer 25:3 – rising Zec 3:7 – if thou wilt keep Mar 2:2 – and he Luk 4:43 – I must Luk 9:11 – and he Luk 12:42 – in due Luk 14:23 – compel Act 5:42 – daily Act 6:4 – give Act 14:7 – General Act 14:26 – the work Act 15:32 – exhorted Act 15:35 – teaching Act 19:9 – daily Act 20:20 – and have Rom 12:7 – ministry 1Co 13:4 – suffereth 1Co 14:3 – exhortation 1Co 14:6 – doctrine 2Co 6:6 – knowledge Eph 5:11 – but 1Th 2:19 – in 1Ti 4:11 – General 1Ti 5:17 – word 1Ti 5:20 – rebuke 2Ti 1:6 – that 2Ti 3:16 – for reproof Heb 3:13 – exhort Rev 4:8 – six
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ti 4:2. Preach the word. This is consistent with the declarations in the closing verses of the preceding chapter. Since the word is inspired and complete, it is logical that it should be preached. Be instant means to be at hand and ready for the work when any opportunity occurs. In season, out of season. There are times when the prospect is apparently more favorable than at others, but the true preacher of the word should not wait until he finds it more convenient (for himself) to press the claims of the Gospel. Reprove and rebuke are virtually the same in effect, and means to disapprove of the wrongs committed by professed disciples of Christ. Exhort means to insist on one’s doing what he has learned to be his duty, and in order that men may be ready for exhortation, the preacher must first deliver the doctrine (teaching) that is applicable in the case. He will need to be longsuffering or patient in all this work, because of the conditions to be described next.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Ti 4:2. Preach the word. Better, proclaim, do a heralds work. The entreaty or command connects itself with what had just been said as to the right use of Scripture. Not that the word of God is identified with Scripture, but that the one gives the right training and the best appliances for the due utterance of the other.
Be instant. In the old English sense, press on be urgent, with special reference to the work of proclaiming the word of God.
In season, out of season. The sharply – expressed contrast has sometimes proved misleading, and men have thought themselves bound to drag in sacred counsels in the strict sense of the word unseasonably, even when they were casting pearls before swine. What is meant is with or without what seems to men a special opportunity. We may, perhaps, trace a recollection of what had once happened in St. Pauls experience, in the case of one who waited for a more convenient season (Act 24:25).
Reprove, rebuke, exhort. The words, strictly speaking, are in a descending scale of severity, and each act is to be not only with, but in the temper of long-suffering. The unusual connexion of that temper with the doctrine or teaching seems to imply a fear lest the long-suffering should lead to toning down the teaching and so to a sacrifice of the truth.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
Preach the word: This is a simple charge to do the work listed in the following phrases.
It is also a direct order to preach only the Word of God. There is no need to preach other information from the pulpit of the church. No need for philosophy, no need for travel-logs, no need for the many and varied side tracks of our day.
We attended a church years ago and the morning service was made up of a woman telling of her trip to China – no real reason for her going to China such as missions or visiting a church, just went to China and the pastor thought she should report to the congregation.
Preaching the Word will take up every available moment of time and there still will never be enough time to cover the depth and riches of the Word.
“be instant in season, out of season” gives further emphasis to the order – do it in and out of season – all the time, there is no right or wrong time to preach the Word – all the time, preach the Word.
And while you are doing it there are some items that you should use it to do – “reprove” those that have need of it. This word can mean a number of things relating to proving another wrong. It can relate to just reproof, or it can relate to severe confrontation as in cases of outward sin that needs to be confronted outwardly.
There are many that condemn a negative message as being negative and inappropriate – Paul was often negative, Christ was also very negative at times. When sin is involved, you need to get negative and get rid of it.
Purity of the church seems to be a lost concept. Some churches have as much outward sin as secular organizations – what a dishonor to our Lord.
“Rebuke” relates to “censure severely” – tell it like it is – you know – be like your deacons don’t want you to be – make waves over sin, tell people what sin is, censure wrong doing – that seems to be the thought of the word.
The next phrase seems to tell you how to do the above – “exhort with all longsuffering” – do it with longsuffering – or patience – or steadfastly – keep up doing it as long as it takes.
The term exhort is the thought of one called along side to council – to help – give guidance might be the idea of it.
This would relate to sin that is not outward, but yet sin must be cared for if the shepherd knows of it. When he finds that a lamb is straying, his duty is to go along side and attempt to guide the sheep back to the flock.
One sin in the life can take a person off track, and usually leads to other sin that will further derail the believer. The sooner someone comes along side to assist the better.
And we see that nasty word “doctrine” that many hate to hear. Oh, how often I hear pastors knocking theology – theology is doctrine, doctrine is simply teaching – they knock that which they are supposed to do.
It also is the basis for any exhortation – exhortation based on less than the Word is not true exhortation and should be avoided.
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
Herald the Word of God! That is the primary responsibility of every leader of God’s people (cf. 2Ti 1:14; 1Ti 6:20).
"kerysso ["preach"] is the verbal cognate of kerych, the ’herald’ whose duty it was to make public proclamation. The verb thus means ’proclaim aloud, publicly’ and is used in the NT of public proclamation or ’preaching’ of the message that God has given . . ." [Note: Knight, p. 453. Cf. 1 Timothy 3:16.]
We must preach the Word in season and out of season (continually, always, when convenient or inconvenient, not just during special periods of emphasis). Paul already explained the reason for this in 2Ti 3:16-17. Timothy was to use the Word of God to reprove (convict) those in error (an appeal to the emotions). He was to use it to rebuke those in sin (an appeal to the mind). He was also to use it to encourage those living in harmony with God’s will (an appeal to the will). He was to carry on all of these activities-conviction, warning, and appeal-very patiently and with careful instruction (cf. 2Ti 2:25; 2Ti 3:10; 1Ti 1:16). There are five imperatives in this verse: preach, be ready, reprove, rebuke, and exhort.
"Christian reproof without the grace of long-suffering has often led to a harsh, censorious attitude intensely harmful to the cause of Christ. But the other requirement is equally essential, for correction must be intelligently understood and hence based on ’teaching’. To rebuke without instruction is to leave the root cause of error untouched." [Note: Guthrie, pp. 166-67.]
"Christian ministry centers on the Word of God, God’s own expression of his will for people whom he desires to bless. If God had not spoken, we would not have known about him. Since it is through his Word that he continues to speak with his people, ministry first and foremost must be the communication of his Word." [Note: Towner, 1-2 Timothy . . ., p. 204.]