4:1-2 How are we to understand what Paul says here?
4:1-2 How are we to understand what Paul says here?
The word charge in V1 is a summary command that has to be obeyed (CP Ac 10:42; 1Ti 5:21).
Preach is from the Greek word kerusso, which means to proclaim or herald in an authoritative manner which must be listened to (CP Mt 3:1-2; 1Pe 3:19).
Word refers to the whole body of scriptural truth (CP Ga 6:6; 1Th 1:6).
In the Greek construction of 2Ti 4:1-2
Paul commands Timothy, and by extension every Christian, to preach God's word with dignity and authority which will command the respect, careful attention and affirmative response of the listeners.
There is no place for flippancy or jocularity when preaching God's word (CP Tit 2:7-8).
We are to be in a constant state of readiness to preach God's word - whether we feel like it or not, and whether the time is opportune or not. We are to use careful biblical argument for correcting any error in the lives of our listeners (CP 1Ti 4:13; 5:20; Tit 1:13; 2:15). See also comments on Tit 2:7-8.