C. Receive the Charge (4:1-8)

Now Paul issues nine commands, stressing their importance by using a formal court scene (cf. 1Ti 5:21). He calls on the ultimate authority, God, and the ultimate Judge and King, Christ, as his witnesses (v.1). Five imperatives are presented in 4:2: Preach the Word—proclaim the Gospel; be prepared—stand ready at all times, continually alert; correct—reprove, rebuke as NIV does in 3:16; rebuke—admonish, command; and encourage—from the same word family as paraklēte. All are to be practiced with great patience (Gk., “all long-suffering”) and careful instruction (Gk., “all teaching”). Patience addresses the manner, teaching, and method that Timothy is to practice (Guthrie, 166).

The rationale and urgency of Timothy doing this is given in 4:3-4. In 4:3 Paul uses a superbly ironic metaphor to illustrate the way these unsound people want a teacher who only itches/tickles their ears. The teachings hit the outer ear but never go any deeper. V.4 speaks of the tragic consequence and gives a succinct definition of heresy: to turn from the truth to the myths.

Paul, as in 3:10, 14, employs the emphatic you as he shifts to Timothy and the remaining commands. Keep your head is a good translation emphasizing the idea of vigilance (see 1Th 5:6, 8). Endure hardship has been a frequent theme of 2 Timothy (1:8; 2:3, 9). The work of an evangelist is to preach/proclaim the Gospel (Gk., “evangel”). Discharge . . . ministry conceptualizes the fulfillment of his task.

Fulfilling one’s ministry causes Paul to reflect on his imprisonment and ministry. Using the emphatic I, Paul describes himself as a drink offering that is being poured out. This progressive idea contrasts with an earlier description of himself in Php 2:17, which is conditional. Drink offering was designed as a completion of the burnt offering ceremony (Nu 15:10, 28). He then asserts, using a series of three perfects (I have fought, finished, and kept), that there is a completion of his ministry (4:7). In 4:8 Paul affirms the confidence that he and any believer can have when they have fulfilled 4:7. The crown of righteousness is a victor’s crown (see 2Ti 2:5). The Lord, the righteous judge correctly identifies Christ (v.1). Award is in keeping with having fought, finished, and kept. On that day refers to the Day of Judgment (see 1:12). This crown is not just for Paul, but for all who long for Christ’s appearance.