Continued:

Ne`pho`; Kakapatheo`; Euangelion; Plerophore`o; Diokania; in all you think, say do, be moderate and focused on what and who are important – even in the face of misfortune and difficulty, present the Gospel and complete all that you have been called to.

Contextualized Commentary for Biblical Readiness

As it directly relates to the context of Biblical re adiness and the intended meaning of Paul’s text (2 Timothy 4:1-5), there are three aspects of “the charge” to be considered. He calls Timothy/Us to readiness, and to a clear sense of what and how this charge and assignment needs to be done.

Paul’s Charge and Assignment – Verse Two

The essence of the charge is in the three words ‘Preach the word’. We should see quickly that the message Timothy is to preach is not called a ‘word’ (a spoken utterance). But rather, it is the word, God’s Word which
God has inspired – God has breathed – and God has spoken. Once that is said there is no further need for specifics, Timothy will know at once that it is the body of sound doctrine, Old Testament principles, moral law, and prophetic revelation, the message of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, and the proclamation of apostolic truths which he has been taught by Paul. It is indeed all of that which he is committing to Timothy.

To Timothy, to pass on to others – to pass on to others – to pass on to others – to pass on to us – to pass on to others. That is the continuity and commission of Biblical readiness in obedient action.

The full deposit of faith – sound, patient, informed, and informative teaching – unaltered and unashamed truth – proclaim the name – stay away from the fame – eyes on Jesus – not on me. Continue in that which you have known from childhood; that which you have followed, learned, and firmly believed. The same charge is laid upon the Biblical Church in every age of every time and every season. We have no liberty to invent our message, but only to communicate ‘the word’ which God has spoken and has now committed to the Church as a sacred trust.

Paul’s Premise and Purpose – Verse 3-5

It has already become apparent in early chapters of this letter both that Timothy was unassertive and reserved by disposition and that the times in which he lived and worked were—to say the least—difficult and demanding. Surely he must have been moved but apprehensive as he read Paul’s intense charge to keep preaching the word. Maybe he would even be tempted to pull back from such a responsibility. So Paul does more than issue a charge; he adds incentives and hope. He reminds Timothy to look in three directions—first at Jesus Christ, the coming judge and king; secondly at the world’s condition; and thirdly, to look to him. Paul, the aging prisoner approaching his final days, knows he will die before the return of Christ. The hope of glory allows us all to look joyfully and peacefully to the beginning of our days of being present with the Lord.

Paul is giving a second premise on which to ground his charge. It is the full reality of dark and difficult days coming. Although the apostle seems to be anticipating that the situation will deteriorate, it is also plain from what he has written earlier that such a time has already begun for Timothy. The central sign for days of hopelessness, chaos, and human depravity is the loss of truth. Truth as the moral code for thought and behavior, truth as the identity for humanity and meaning for life, truth as the hope for salvation and eternal life, truth as Jesus Christ – Yeshua. When humanity rejects truth of this magnitude and significance, there is collapse and ruin. Preach the word Timothy – no matter what. That is Biblical readiness unpacked and made known.

Conclusion

This chapter contains some of the very last words spoken or written by the apostle Paul. They are certainly the last which have survived. He is writing within weeks, perhaps even within days, of his martyrdom (killed for his public witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ). According to a reliable historical traditions he was beheaded on the Ostian Way. For about 30 years without intermission Paul served and worked as an apostle (one who is sent) and an itinerant (traveling) evangelist. Listen to how he reflects as he writes. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race and kept the faith” (verse 7). In hope and humility he continues, ‘henceforth 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 also to all who have loved his appearing.” (verse 8).

These words to Timothy are also Paul’s last legacy to the church – all who have loved and kept the promise of His Word and those in a state of readiness – having made themselves ready. Paul’s last words breathe an air of not only dramatic intensity, but also they possess great spiritual gravity and significance. It is impossible to read them without being profoundly inspired. Most importantly because the call of Biblical readiness was not only to Timothy and the early Church but to those of us who in real-time present-day are committed to living out our lives according to the unchanging and eternal Word of God.