Preach the Word

Paul charges Timothy before God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, to preach the word at all times, rebuking, correcting, and encouraging with patient teaching. He must do this because people will gather teachers to suit their desires and turn from the truth to myths, while Timothy must remain sober, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill his ministry.

I¹ charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: ²Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. ³For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. ⁴So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Paul says he is already being poured out like a drink offering and that his departure is near. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, and now the crown of righteousness awaits him from the righteous Judge on that day, along with all who have loved Christ's appearing.

⁶For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.