2 Timothy 4:1
I 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:
I charge you
The phrase "I charge you" is a solemn and authoritative command. In the Greek, the word used is "διαμαρτύρομαι" (diamarturomai), which conveys a strong sense of earnest testimony or witness. Paul, as an apostle, is invoking his authority to impress upon Timothy the seriousness of his responsibilities. This charge is not merely a suggestion but a binding obligation, emphasizing the weight of the ministry Timothy is to carry out.

in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus
This phrase underscores the divine witness to the charge being given. The Greek word "ἐνώπιον" (enopion) means "in the presence of" or "before," indicating that God and Christ Jesus are the ultimate witnesses to this charge. This highlights the accountability Timothy has not just to Paul, but to the highest authority—God Himself. It serves as a reminder that all Christian service is conducted under the watchful eyes of the divine.

who will judge the living and the dead
Here, Paul refers to the eschatological role of Christ as the judge of all humanity. The Greek word "κρίνων" (krinōn) means "to judge" or "to decide," and it is a reminder of the ultimate accountability every person has before Christ. The phrase "the living and the dead" encompasses all of humanity, indicating that no one is exempt from this judgment. This serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of our earthly actions and the importance of faithfulness in ministry.

and in view of His appearing
The term "appearing" comes from the Greek "ἐπιφάνεια" (epiphaneia), which refers to a manifestation or glorious display. This is often associated with the second coming of Christ, when He will return in glory. The anticipation of Christ's return is a powerful motivator for believers to live righteously and fulfill their God-given duties. It is a call to readiness and vigilance, knowing that Christ's return is imminent and will bring about the fulfillment of God's kingdom.

and His kingdom
The mention of "His kingdom" points to the reign of Christ, both present and future. The Greek word "βασιλεία" (basileia) signifies a realm or dominion. In a historical and scriptural context, this kingdom is both a present reality, as believers live under Christ's lordship, and a future hope, as they anticipate the full realization of His reign. This dual aspect of the kingdom encourages believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, as citizens of a heavenly kingdom that will one day be fully established on earth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle and author of the letter, writing to Timothy with urgency and authority.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of Paul, receiving guidance and encouragement in his ministry.

3. God
The ultimate authority in whose presence Paul gives his charge.

4. Christ Jesus
The Son of God, who will judge all humanity and whose return is anticipated.

5. The Living and the Dead
All of humanity, indicating the comprehensive scope of Christ's judgment.

6. His Appearing and His Kingdom
Refers to the second coming of Christ and the establishment of His eternal reign.
Teaching Points
The Authority of the Charge
Paul’s charge to Timothy is given with the utmost seriousness, invoking the presence of God and Christ. This underscores the weight of pastoral responsibility and the divine accountability that comes with it.

The Certainty of Judgment
Christ’s role as judge of both the living and the dead emphasizes the certainty and universality of judgment. Believers are called to live with an awareness of this reality, influencing their conduct and priorities.

The Imminence of Christ’s Return
The mention of Christ’s appearing and kingdom serves as a reminder of the imminent return of Jesus. This should inspire urgency in fulfilling our God-given missions and living holy lives.

The Kingdom Perspective
Understanding that Christ’s kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope encourages believers to live as citizens of heaven, reflecting kingdom values in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the awareness of Christ’s judgment influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

2. In what ways can you, like Timothy, be faithful to the charge given to you in your own ministry or sphere of influence?

3. How does the anticipation of Christ’s return shape your priorities and goals?

4. What practical steps can you take to live with a kingdom perspective in your current circumstances?

5. How do the themes of judgment and Christ’s kingdom in 2 Timothy 4:1 connect with other scriptures you have studied, and how do they deepen your understanding of God’s plan for humanity?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 25:31-46
This passage describes the final judgment, where Christ separates the righteous from the unrighteous, illustrating His role as judge.

Acts 10:42
Peter speaks of Jesus as the one appointed by God to judge the living and the dead, reinforcing the authority of Christ in judgment.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Describes the return of Christ and the gathering of believers, connecting to the theme of His appearing.

Revelation 20:11-15
Provides a vivid depiction of the final judgment, aligning with the themes of judgment and the kingdom.
A Solemn Charge to Timothy to Make Full Proof of His MinistryT. Croskery 2 Timothy 4:1, 2
A Word in SeasonChristian Miscellany.2 Timothy 4:1-2
An Earnest ChargeT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 4:1-2
An Ordination ChargeR. M. McCheyne.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Benefit of ReproofP. B. Power.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Charged Before GodT. Hall, B. D.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Conditions of Success in Working for ChristJ. D. Fulton, D. D.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Constant PreachingOld Puritan.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Earnestness in PreachingJ. Trapp.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Effectual Reproof2 Timothy 4:1-2
Fruitful RebukesC. H. Spurgeon.2 Timothy 4:1-2
In Season, Out of SeasonAmerican Messenger.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Making an Opportunity2 Timothy 4:1-2
Ministers At the JudgmentW. H. Baxendale.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Ministers Must be FaithfulT. Watson.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Need of ReproofG. Swinnock.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Never Out of SeasonC. H. Spurgeon.2 Timothy 4:1-2
No Harpoons on Board2 Timothy 4:1-2
Not Strawberry-PreachersC. H. Spurgeon.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Personal Rebuke BestM. Miller.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Preach the WordJ. Parsons.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Preach the Word, not Sceptical ObjectionsC. H. Spurgeon.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Preaching in the Sight of God2 Timothy 4:1-2
Preaching the WordE. R. Ingersoll, D. D.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Seasonable FishingR. Cecil.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Silent ReproofMemoir of Dr. Cutler.2 Timothy 4:1-2
The JudgmentH. O. Mackey.2 Timothy 4:1-2
The Ministry of the WordJ. Riddell.2 Timothy 4:1-2
The Seasonable Word not to be Delayed2 Timothy 4:1-2
The Second AdventU. R. Thomas.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Unlikely Opportunity UsedJ. F. B. Tinling. B. A.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Urgency of the Ministerial OfficeBp. Baring.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Using an OpportunityThos. Cooper.2 Timothy 4:1-2
Zealous ExhortationA Faithful Pastor2 Timothy 4:1-2
Solemn Charge to TimothyR. Finlayson 2 Timothy 4:1-8
People
Alexander, Aquila, Claudia, Crescens, Demas, Erastus, Eubulus, Linus, Luke, Mark, Onesiphorus, Paul, Prisca, Priscilla, Pudens, Timothy, Titus, Trophimus, Tychicus
Places
Corinth, Dalmatia, Ephesus, Galatia, Miletus, Thessalonica, Troas
Topics
Appearing, Charge, Christ, Command, Dead, Fully, Implore, Judge, Kingdom, Kingship, Manifestation, Orders, Presence, Quick, Reign, Revelation, Sight, Solemnly, Testify, View
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Timothy 4:1

     1310   God, as judge
     2051   Christ, majesty of
     2309   Christ, as judge
     2345   Christ, kingdom of
     2423   gospel, essence
     5358   judges
     9210   judgment, God's
     9240   last judgment

2 Timothy 4:1-2

     2565   Christ, second coming
     8251   faithfulness, to God
     8489   urgency

2 Timothy 4:1-3

     8162   spiritual vitality

2 Timothy 4:1-5

     1614   Scripture, understanding
     7760   preachers, responsibilities

Library
Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."--2 Tim. iv. 4. From these words of the blessed Apostle, written shortly before he suffered martyrdom, we learn, that there is such a thing as religious truth, and therefore there is such a thing as religious error. We learn that religious truth is one--and therefore that all views of religion but one are wrong. And we learn, moreover, that so it was to be (for his words are a prophecy) that professed Christians,
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

A Last Look-Out
We have mainly to do with the second description which he gives of his death. What does he say when the hour that this grim monster must be grappled with is at hand? I do not find him sad. Those who delight in gloomy poetry have often represented death in terrible language. "It is hard," says one-- To feel the hand of death arrest one's steps, Throw a chill blight on all one's budding hopes, And hurl one's soul untimely to the shades." And another exclaims-- "O God, it is a fearful thing To see the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
Of brotherly rebuke and admonition, how far it is advisable and seemly or not, and especially how prelates and governors ought to demean themselves toward their subjects. 2 Tim. iv. 2.--"Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine." THIS is the lesson which St. Paul gives to his beloved disciple Timothy, whom he set to rule over men, and it equally behoves all pastors of souls and magistrates, to possess these two things,--long-suffering and doctrine. First, it is their office to
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Demas
BY REV. PRINCIPAL DAVID ROWLANDS, B.A. Many a man who figures in history, is only known in connection with some stupendous fault--some mistake, some folly, or some sin--that has given him an unenviable immortality. Mention his name, and the huge blot by which his memory is besmirched starts up before the mind in all its hideousness. Take Cain, for example. He occupies the foremost rank as regards fame; his name is one of the first that children learn to lisp; and yet what do we know about him?
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Some Other Writers of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap L) Ancient engraving of man reading scroll] Let us now look at the rest of the books which make up the New Testament. In the days when Paul preached at Athens, the old capital of Greece, much of the ancient splendour and power of the Greek people had passed away, for the Romans had conquered their country, and they were no longer a free nation. Yet, although the Greeks had been forced to yield to Rome, their conquerors knew that the Grecian scholars and artists were far
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Epistle Liii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1503] . Though consideration of the case moves me, yet charity also impels me to write, since I have written once and again to my most holy brother the lord John, but have received no letter from him. For some one else, a secular person, addressed me under his name; seeing that, if those were really his letters, I have not been vigilant, having believed of him something far different from what I have found. For I had written about the
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How the Meek and the Passionate are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 17.) Differently to be admonished are the meek and the passionate. For sometimes the meek, when they are in authority, suffer from the torpor of sloth, which is a kindred disposition, and as it were placed hard by. And for the most part from the laxity of too great gentleness they soften the force of strictness beyond need. But on the other hand the passionate, in that they are swept on into frenzy of mind by the impulse of anger, break up the calm of quietness, and so throw into
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Fulfilled Aspiration
'So that I might finish my course....'--ACTS xx. 24. 'I have finished my course....'--2 TIM. iv. 7. I do not suppose that Paul in prison, and within sight of martyrdom, remembered his words at Ephesus. But the fact that what was aspiration whilst he was in the very thick of his difficulties came to be calm retrospect at the close is to me very beautiful and significant. 'So that I may finish my course,' said he wistfully; whilst before him there lay dangers clearly discerned and others that had all
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Glory of Jesus and Mary.
Before entering upon the contemplation of the excellent glory which surrounds the blessed in heaven, we must endeavor to form a correct idea of God's grace, which enabled them to perform the great and noble actions we are now to consider. They were all, except Jesus and Mary, conceived in sin, and, therefore, subject to the same temptations that daily assail us. They never could have triumphed and reached the supernatural glory which now surrounds them, had they been left to their own natural strength,
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
In conclusion I feel that the Lord would be pleased for me to say a few words for the encouragement of young ministers and workers. In my work in the ministry I have come through many varied experiences that, I trust, will be helpful to you in the trials through which you will have to pass before you get settled in the Lord's work. The first difficulty met by most young ministers and workers is in regard to their call. Unless the call be clear and definite, they are likely to be in some doubt as
Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith

Author's Introduction,
In Which the Sources of This History Are Principally Treated A history of the "Origin of Christianity" ought to embrace all the obscure, and, if one might so speak, subterranean periods which extend from the first beginnings of this religion up to the moment when its existence became a public fact, notorious and evident to the eyes of all. Such a history would consist of four books. The first, which I now present to the public, treats of the particular fact which has served as the starting-point
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Perseverance
'Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.' I Pet 1:1. The fifth and last fruit of sanctification, is perseverance in grace. The heavenly inheritance is kept for the saints, and they are kept to the inheritance. I Pet 1:1. The apostle asserts a saint's stability and permanence in grace. The saint's perseverance is much opposed by Papists and Arminians; but it is not the less true because it is opposed. A Christian's main comfort depends upon this doctrine of perseverance. Take
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Conflict and Comfort.
"For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ."--COL. ii. 1, 2. Although he was in prison the Apostle was constantly at work for his Master, and not least of all at the work of prayer. If ever the words
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

Concerning God's Purpose
1. God's purpose is the cause of salvation. THE third and last thing in the text, which I shall but briefly glance at, is the ground and origin of our effectual calling, in these words, "according to his purpose" (Eph. i. 11). Anselm renders it, According to his good will. Peter Martyr reads it, According to His decree. This purpose, or decree of God, is the fountainhead of our spiritual blessings. It is the impulsive cause of our vocation, justification, glorification. It is the highest link in
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Second Missionary Journey
Scripture, Acts 15:36-18:22 +The Inception+--After the Jerusalem Council Paul returned to Antioch where he spent some time, "teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord with many others also." "And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren i+The Companions+ (Acts 15:37-40).--Barnabas proposed to take John Mark, his nephew, with them on this second journey. But Paul strenuously objected, basing his objection on the ground that this young man had deserted them
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

How the Gospels came to be Written
[Illustration: (drop cap B) Early Christian Lamp] But how did the story of the Saviour's life on earth come to be written? We have seen that many years passed before any one thought of writing it down at all. The men and women who had really seen Him, who had listened to His voice, looked into His face, and who knew that He had conquered death and sin for evermore, could not sit down to write, for their hearts were all on fire to speak. But as the years passed, the number of those who had seen Christ
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Because There is not a Single Scripture in the Church Epistles Which, Rightly Interpreted, Teaches a Partial Rapture.
How could there be? Scripture cannot contradict itself. If the Pauline Epistles explicitly teach and expressly affirm that "all shall be changed in a moment," that "they that are Christ's at His coming shall be raised from the dead, that "we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ" and that when our lord returns to the earth to be glorified in His saints He shall be "admired in all them that believe" then these same Church Epistles can not teach that a part of the Church only shall be
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Curiosity a Temptation to Sin.
"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."--Proverbs iv. 14, 15. The chief cause of the wickedness which is every where seen in the world, and in which, alas! each of us has more or less his share, is our curiosity to have some fellowship with darkness, some experience of sin, to know what the pleasures of sin are like. I believe it is even thought unmanly by many persons (though they may not like to say
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

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