2 Timothy 4:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

NIV: But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

NASB: But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

CSB: But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

NLT: But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

KJV: But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

NKJV: But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

After four warnings about those who would turn from the Word of God in the future, Paul gives Timothy four positive commands. First, Timothy was to be focused and alert, talking his life and role seriously. The concept of living a "sober" life, as used here, is not a reference to alcohol (1 Timothy 5:23), but comes from the Greek word nēphe. This means to be calm, focused, and controlled.

Second, Timothy needs to "endure suffering." Endurance is a major theme in this letter, mentioned several times already (2 Timothy 2:10, 12; 3:11; 4:3). The idea is not merely "surviving" situations, but maintaining his Christian perspective during those hard times.

Third, Timothy is to "do the work of an evangelist." This is an interesting term, and Paul's use of it teaches some important points. The Greek euangelistou, from the root word euaggelistes, is uncommon in the New Testament. This description is used elsewhere only of Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8), who was one of the seven leaders selected in Acts 6, and for a type of church leader mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. An evangelist is literally a person who presented the good news of Christ. Timothy, whether this was his spiritual gift or not, is being commanded to communicate the gospel as part of his ministry as a church leader.

What's also interesting about this is how Paul has not described Timothy. Specifically, Timothy is not being referred to as an "apostle," a term Paul used of himself (2 Timothy 1:1). According to the New Testament, true "apostles" were only those men specifically commissioned as "sent ones" by Christ. Those who came after may be evangelists, such as Timothy, but they cannot be "apostles."

Fourth, Timothy is to more than endure; he is to accomplish the purposes of his ministry calling. Ministry is hard work and there is often a temptation to quit. There is a natural lure to settle for less than our best. Here, Paul commands Timothy to continue, even during difficult times, to complete the calling God had given him.

Second Timothy 4:1–8 contains Paul's last ministry instructions to Timothy. Paul knows that he will not survive his current imprisonment. So, he clearly and boldly charges Timothy—commands him—to hold to the faith he has seen and lived. He can do this knowing that Paul has faithfully served God, expecting the heavenly rewards given to all of God's followers. The poignant tone of this passage is made even more bittersweet by the long friendship these two men have shared.

Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy, through a practical application of his prior teachings. Timothy is "charged" by Paul to defend his faith, against all error and false teaching, at all times. Timothy will face resistance. Paul also openly admits that his life is nearly over, so Timothy will need to soldier on without him. After this, Paul gives some personal updates about his situation, giving Timothy a few instructions and advice about particular people. Paul makes a final appeal for Timothy to visit him, then closes his letter—as he will close his life—focused on the grace of God.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.