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"reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
This is to be done `in season, out of season'. Of the two words `reprove' and `rebuke'
the Companion Bible's note includes this: "The difference between these two Greek
words is that the former means to bring to conviction, . . . . . while the latter can be used
of unjust or ineffectual rebuke . . . . .". The object of the faithful proclamation of the
Word is to convict and so convince, but the ineffectual preaching is no cause to refrain,
but rather calls for exhortation: an appeal to the hearer by way of exhortation,
encouragement or comfort. There may be no quick result. Patience and longsuffering
will be necessary. Appeal must always be through doctrine, or teaching. The exhortation
of verse 2 begins with the Word and concludes with teaching. The proclamation of the
Word of God has no place in it for the studied appeal to the emotions: the appeal is
always the teaching of Scripture. Then, it may be, there will be a response by the
emotions: but the intent has been the proclamation of the Word, not the deliberate
stirring of the emotions.
"But watch thou in all things" (verse 5). The word translated `watch' occurs six times
altogether, and apart from this instance is always rendered `sober'. The N.E.B. puts it:
"But you yourself must keep calm and sane at all times". The N.I.V. has it: "But you,
keep your head in all situations". Stability is needed in those seeking to combat the Lie,
undue emotionalism has its place with deceitfulness. But the one who faithfully stands
by the Word must be prepared to `endure afflictions', suffer misfortune, bear hardship
patiently whether these things come by way of force of circumstances, or by the evil
intent of others.
Timothy is also exhorted to `do the work of an evangelist'. It would seem possible
that Timothy's main task was that of teaching:
"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt (able) to
teach, patient, in meekness instructing (training) those that oppose themselves"
(IITim.ii.24,25).
None the less he was not to neglect the opportunities of telling the good news. Indeed,
he was to `discharge all the duties of your ministry' (N.I.V.).
In the face of world events, and of developments in the church, in the broad sense of
the word, there can be little doubt that, if we are not yet in `the latter days' we must be
very near to them indeed. Very many of the indications of those days are in evidence,
and we who profess to have received the love of the truth may learn much from the
instructions given by Paul to Timothy. Truth, the Word, doctrine or teaching figure large.
He is to guard the good deposit: "that which is committed to thy trust" (I Tim. 6: 20),
"that good thing which was committed unto thee" (II Tim. 1: 14). In proclaiming the
Word he is to `stand by or upon' it, he is to be `sober' in everything. He is to continue,
stay, in the things he has learned and of which he has been assured, recognizing that all
Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and therefore is profitable for all that the man of
God needs to be fitted and equipped for God's purpose for him. In all this he is to be
diligent to gain God's approval, having no shame as he rightly divides the Word of truth.