by Mark Mayberry
Synopsis: In admonishing Timothy to “Preach the word!” the apostle Paul provides a pattern for how preachers, teachers, elders, and those who write on biblical themes should approach their work.
Few passages set forth the duties of a Christian preacher/teacher more clearly than 2 Timothy 4:2 which says,
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction (NASB).
Preach the word (Most versions); Proclaim the message (NEB). The Greek word kērussō, rendered “preach,” means “(1) to make an official announcement, announce, make known, by an official herald or one who functions as such; (2) to make public declarations, proclaim aloud” (BDAG).
Faithful preachers/teachers proclaim the gospel. God’s saving message may seem foolish to the world, but it is His power to save (1 Cor. 1:18-21). We must not promote human traditions, the commandments of men, empty speculation, the doctrine of devils, etc. Like the apostle Paul, let us promote nothing but the word of God (1 Cor. 2:1-5), knowing that the inspired Scriptures are profitable for all things (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Jesus is the Incarnate Word, the Logos (John 1:1, 14). Faithful preachers/teachers proclaim the inspired message without any alteration (1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 1:13; 2:15).
Be instant (KJV); Be ready (NKJV, NASB, ESV); Be urgent (ASV, RSV); Press it home (NEB). The Greek word ephistēmi, rendered “be ready,” means “to be present in readiness to discharge a task, fix one’s mind on” (BDAG).
Faithful preachers/teachers are prepared to offer a reasoned defense of their faith (1 Pet. 3:14-15). The gospel message involves issues of life and death. Eternity hangs in the balance. As Paul was eager to preach the gospel to those who lived in Rome (Rom. 1:15), we should willingly serve the spiritual needs of others. Saints in Macedonia showed similar evangelistic zeal (1 Thess. 1:6-8).
In season (Most Versions); On all occasions, convenient or inconvenient (NEB). The Greek word eukairōs, rendered “in season,” is descriptive of action that is done “conveniently” (BDAG).
At times, fields are white unto harvest (John 4:35-38; Matt. 9:37-38). As wicked men and the devil himself look for opportunities to advance their cause (Mark 14:11; 1 Pet. 5:8), we must be ready to act when opportunities arise (Gal. 6:10). Although He was weary, Jesus took time to teach the Samaritan woman who had come to draw water from Jacob’s well (John 4:5-10). May we redeem the time, making the most of the opportunity (Eph. 5:15-16; Col. 4:5).
Out of season (Most Versions); On all occasions, convenient or inconvenient (NEB). The Greek word akairōs, rendered “out of season,” refers to that which is “untimely, in a play on words, ‘in season, out of season,’ i.e., whether or not the preaching comes at a convenient time for the hearers” (BDAG).
Sometimes God’s word falls into good ground, and sometimes it lands upon the wayside (Luke 8:5-8). Some are open-minded; others are closed-minded (2 Cor. 4:3-4). Faithful preachers/teachers proclaim the message regardless of the circumstances. Noah preached for 120 years, but his warnings fell on deaf ears (1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 2:5). While Noah only saved his own family, that was still a notable accomplishment (Heb. 11:7).
Elijah also lived in a difficult time. Fleeing from Queen Jezebel, the prophet was so discouraged that he said, “Let me die...” (1 Kings 19:4). Despairing, Elijah said, “I alone am left...” (1 Kings 19:10). However, his bleak assessment was inaccurate (1 Kings 19:18). Afterward, God encouraged Elijah, blessing him with renewed strength and purpose (1 Kings 19:15).
Jesus did not give up because many rejected His message. After emphasizing the spiritual nature of His ministry and the true cost of discipleship, many departed and walked with Him no more (John 6:24-27, 66). Nevertheless, Jesus was comforted in the fact that Peter and the other apostles appreciated what He had to offer (John 6:67-69).
Where would we be if our Lord had become discouraged and quit? Bible class teachers, preachers, brethren, mothers and fathers, teenagers: Don’t quit! (Prov. 24:10; 2 Cor. 4:1-2; Heb. 12:1-3). Our faith will be tested. Troublesome times will come. Let us faithfully uphold the truth in season and out of season. Regardless of how bleak circumstances may appear, remember that God’s cause will be victorious in the end. Live by the motto, “It’s too soon to quit!”
Reprove (KJV, ASV, NASB, ESV); Convince (NKJV, RSV); Use argument (NEB). The Greek word elegchō, rendered “reprove,” means “(1) to scrutinize or examine carefully, bring to light, expose, set forth; (2) to bring a person to the point of recognizing wrongdoing, convict, convince someone of something, point something out to someone; (3) to express strong disapproval of someone’s action, reprove, correct…” (BDAG).
Faithful preachers/teachers must convict their hearers. Spiritual growth is only possible if we are dissatisfied with our present state. Believers must be convicted of the truth of the gospel; sinners should come to recognize their alienated and lost condition, and respond obediently.
False teachers use flattery and cater to the pride of their listeners, pampering, pandering and placating. Such is not true of gospel preachers. A student of Socrates once said to his master, “Socrates, I hate you, because every time I meet you, you make me see what I am” (Barclay, 205). This is the essence of gospel preaching. The first thing a Christian teacher must do is to make a man see himself as he is.
Administering scriptural rebukes is required of saints living in a sinful world. John the Baptist courageously rebuked Herod for all the evils which he had done (Luke 3:19-20). The inspired revelation of the Spirit rebukes the world of sin (John 16:8). Saints must have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather must expose them (Eph. 5:11-13). This is the responsibility of all disciples (Matt. 18:15-17), but especially elders and evangelists (Titus 1:9, 12-13; 2:15). When administered without partiality (1 Tim. 5:19-20), rebukes serve as expressions of love (Heb. 12:5-6; Rev. 3:19).
Rebuke (Most Versions); Use reproof (NEB). The Greek word epitimaō, rendered “rebuke,” in this context means “to express strong disapproval of someone, rebuke, reprove, censure also speak seriously, warn in order to prevent an action or bring one to an end…” (BDAG).
The word occurs in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, with but two exceptions (2 Tim. 4:2; Jude 9). Jesus demonstrated His miraculous power by rebuking sickness and disease (Luke 4:39-40), evil spirits (Luke 4:35, 41), and the forces of nature (Luke 8:23-24). When necessary, He also rebuked the disciples. He chastised James and John because they wished to call down fire from heaven to consume a village of the Samaritans (Luke 9:51-56). When Peter upbraided the Lord for saying that He would be crucified, Jesus strongly rebuked him, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan” (Mark 8:31-33).
Faithful preachers/teachers must rebuke with utter fearlessness. Why? Warnings and rebukes can save a brother or sister from spiritual shipwreck (Jas. 5:19-20). Such words must always be spoken in love and with a consciousness of our common guilt. Hypocritical judgments do not further the kingdom of God. Before we can help a brother who is struggling with sin, we must first remove the beam from our eye. Yet, when the need arises, let us utter words of warning (Matt. 7:1-5).
Followers of Jesus Christ must have the courage to rebuke sin. The Lord said, “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3). However, let us not sin in the process of rebuking sin; rather, rebukes must be administered in a respectful and dignified manner (Jude 9-10).
Exhort (KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, RSV, ESV); Appeal (NEB). The Greek word parakaleō, rendered “exhort,” means “(1) to ask to come and be present where the speaker is, call to one’s side; (2) to urge strongly, appeal to, urge, exhort, encourage...” (BDAG). Faithful preachers/teachers not only rebuke but also exhort. Censure must not be expressed in such a way as to drive men to despair. Our message should appeal to man’s heart and hope. All need encouragement.
The preaching of John the Baptist (Luke 3:15-18), the apostle Peter (Acts 2:40-41), Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36-37; 11:22-23), and Paul (Acts 14:21-22; 20:1-2) all expressed words of exhortation. Such should be given in a spirit of fatherly concern (1 Thess. 2:10-12).
Exhortation goes hand in hand with the work of convicting and rebuking. Overseers must hold fast to the faithful word, which is in accordance with the teaching so that they will be able both to exhort (parakaleō) in sound doctrine and to refute (elegchō) those who contradict (Titus 1:9). Faithful evangelists will heed the admonition given to Titus: “These things speak and exhort (parakaleō) and reprove (elegchō) with all authority. Let no one disregard you” (Titus 2:15).
With all longsuffering (KJV, NKJV, ASV); With great patience (NASB); Be unfailing in patience (RSV); With complete patience (ESV); With all the patience that the work of teaching requires (NEB). The Greek word makrothumia, rendered “patience,” refers to “(1) a state of remaining tranquil while awaiting an outcome, patience, steadfastness, endurance; (2) a state of being able to bear up under provocation, forbearance, patience toward others” (BDAG).
This quality is very important. God demonstrates longsuffering toward us (Rom. 2:4; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Pet. 3:15). We should manifest the same spirit toward others (Gal. 5:22; Eph. 4:1-3; Col. 3:11-12).
Doctrine (KJV); teaching (NKJV, ASV); instruction (NASB); in teaching (RSV & ESV); with all the patience that the work of teaching requires (NEB). The Greek word didachē, rendered “instruction,” refers to either “(1) the activity of teaching,” or “(2) the content of teaching” (BDAG).
Biblical doctrine is from above (John 7:16). The early disciples “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). We must abide in the doctrine of Christ, or suffer the consequences of spiritual alienation (2 John 1:9).
In charging Timothy, Paul discusses the duty of preachers and infers the duty of hearers (2 Tim. 4:1-5). May we faithfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Like Timothy, let us fulfill our ministry, preaching the word, being ready in season and out of season—reproving, rebuking, and exhorting in a scriptural manner, i.e., with great patience and instruction. Let us teach sound doctrine and biblical truth, not myths, seeking God’s favor, not man’s approval.
Denominations that are trying to revive their flagging fortunes, and some brethren who have adopted the approach of community churches, present an unswervingly positive message. They stress self-realization over redemption, self-help rather than self-sacrifice, self-fulfillment instead of self-denial. They accentuate atmospherics, depreciating doctrine and emphasizing emotion.
In contrast, may we recognize two simple truths: Pleasing men and pleasing God are mutually incompatible goals (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:3-4). Genuine growth occurs when we speak the truth in love, and each member does his part (Eph. 4:11-16).
Barclay, William. The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Rev. ed. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1975.
BDAG = Bauer, Walter, Frederick W. Danker, William Arndt, and F. Wilbur Gingrich. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
Author Bio: Mark and Sherelyn have labored with the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His Bible study website is markmayberry.net. He can be reached at mark@truthpublications.com.
