2 Timothy 4:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

NIV: 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, I give you this charge:

NASB: I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:

CSB: I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of his appearing and his kingdom:

NLT: I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom:

KJV: I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

NKJV: I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

Paul begins this final chapter of his letter with a strong command to Timothy. He uses a Greek courtroom term which implies testimony, witness, or obligation: diamartyromai. This is a solemn, serious obligation which Paul is placing on his friend. The exact same word is found in 1 Timothy 5:21 where Paul wrote, "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality." In 1 Timothy 6:13 Paul used different Greek terminology, but a similar meaning, to say, "I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus." Paul's intent is to bring Timothy to close attention and obedience to an important instruction.

Paul refers to Jesus using a phrase also found in Acts 10:42 and 1 Peter 4:5. Two other attributes are also given regarding Jesus in this verse. First, Paul spoke of His appearing. Paul's later writings noted an emphasis on this idea of Christ's appearing or return (1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13). Second, he spoke of Christ's kingdom. Paul believed he would soon live with Jesus in this heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18).

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.