I charge you– a technical term that at times refers to the transitioning of an office or responsibility to another. This bears the weight of a solemn oath. Here again we have the transferring of responsibility from Paul to Timothy in the presence of the one who is judge (Moses-Joshua).
[cf. 1 Tim 5:21 and 2 Tim 2:14]
The tone of this installment language is amplified by Paul’s eschatology:
● In the presence (OT idiom “before the face”)
● Who is [about] to judge the living and the dead
● By his appearing
● By his kingdom
Five Imperatives – In light of this installment & eschatological realities:
● Preach the word
● Be ready--[3:1 “times of difficulty”]
− in season
− out of season
● Reprove [correct/expose/convict]=tell them what is wrong
● Rebuke =tell them to stop
● Exhort [urge/encourage]=tell them what to do
Attitude/Motive = with complete patience and teaching
For a time is coming...
● 2 Tim 3:1 = times of difficulty
● 2 Tim 4:2 = out of season
When people will not endure (put up with) sound/healthy teaching
a. Notice the progression: not endure-accumulate--turn--wander
But having itching ears will accumulate teachers to suit their own passions.
b. “Itching/tickling” is only used here.
c. Ears – a stock metaphor with connotations of both audible hearing and obedience.
d. “Accumulate” or “pileup” as if to validate their false teaching.
e. “Passions”–always negative in the Pastoral Epistles [1Tim6:9;2Tim2:22; 3:6; 4:3].
Question: Do our unhealthy passions influence our teachings, or do the sound teachings of Scripture influence our passions?
And will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths
● cf. 1 Tim 1:3-4, “...myths and endless genealogies...”
Four Imperatives
● Be sober-minded (cf. 1 Tim 3:11; 1 Thess 5:6)
● Endure suffering In a flip of the script this has been a phrase used of Paul thus far in 2 Timothy, now he charges Timothy to do the same (cf. 1:8; 2:3; 2:9)
● Do the work of an evangelist = “one who proclaims good news” (cf. Philip in Acts 21:8; Eph 4:11).
● Fulfill your ministry—to “bring your service to completion” was commonly used in reference to a repayment of a debt or an obligation. This is thus Timothy’s response to the work of Christ and the example of Paul.
