2 Timothy 4:19-22

2 Timothy 4:19-22

19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick. 21 Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Commentary

 Vs. 19-20 This section concludes the Apostle Paul's second epistle (i.e. letter) to Timothy. Here mentioned are some of Paul's closest fellow believers coworkers, friends. Prisca and Aquila are a husband and wife couple that the Apostle Paul first met after departing from Athens and arriving in Corinth, where they too had recently arrived from Italy (Acts 18:1-4). Being both Jewish and of the same trade, the Apostle Paul stayed with them and brought them to faith in Christ. Later they themselves brought a man named Apollos into the faith (Acts 18:24-28). They also hosted a church in their home and are always mentioned favorably by the Apostle Paul, and so here the Apostle on the eve of his "departure" again sends his greetings to them (Rom 16:3; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Tim 4:19).

Onesiphorus is only mentioned here and at the beginning of this epistle where the Apostle Paul says: 15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus. 2 Tim 1:15-18

And thus Onesiphorus was a faithful man when many if not all were turning away from him.

Erastus is mentioned here as staying in Corinth (2 Tim 4:20), there is three occurrences in the N.T. of this name and it's unclear whether they all refer to the same individual. And thus if the Erastus mentioned here was the same individual who ministered to Paul along with Timothy (Acts 19:22). And whether this Erastus is the same Erastus who was a city official in Corinth (Rom 16:23) whose name is inscribed in the pavement of the ancient amphitheater there (Nelson's Bible Dictionary). Now that Erastus was from Corinth and stayed in Corinth while Paul traveled onto Ephesus gives rise to consider that at least two or possibly three of this names occurrences refer to one individual. For it seems unlikely the Apostle Paul on the eve of his own death would mention someone to Timothy whom neither knew Timothy or was not an important part of his Christian ministry and life.

Trophimus Is a Gentile Christian from Asia, i.e. Ephesus. He is first mentioned along with a group of believers who went ahead of the Apostle Paul and his ministry team to meet up with them at Troas while Paul was on his third missionary journey heading onward to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4-6). Later the unbelieving Jews in Jerusalem seeing the Apostle Paul with Trophimus in the city falsely accuse Paul of bringing Trophimus into a restricted area in the Temple which brings about Paul's eventual arrest and being taken to Rome for trial (Acts 21:27 to the end of the Book of Acts covers these events). By the Apostle Paul's mention of Trophimus to Timothy here it appears that Trophimus accompanied the Apostle Paul while Paul was being transported to Rome. That Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus sick is not an abandonment of him by Paul. Rather one must rightly assume that Paul would've made provisions for him to remain there for his needed care. The Apostle's mentioning him to Timothy indicates that Paul had neither forgotten nor forsaken him, though again himself now imprisoned.

Vs. 21-22 Apostle Paul's exhortation to Timothy to do his best to come before winter indicates that Paul was probably writing in the late summer or early fall. Paul then mentions four brethren by name as personally greeting Timothy; Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and of course all the brethren. And so by them we get a sense of just how closely nit the community of believers truly was. The Apostle Paul's finial exhortation that the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, that grace be with you is truly the greatest need of us all. For true and fulfilling companionship and love maybe found only in Jesus Christ and His love richly dwelling in us all.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Timothy 4:9-18

⁹ Be diligent to come to me quickly; ¹⁰ for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. ¹² And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. ¹³ Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. ¹⁴ Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. ¹⁵ You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. ¹⁶ At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. ¹⁷ But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. ¹⁸ And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

Commentary
Vs. 9-11 The Apostle Paul having already given some exceptional exhortations with gracious words of wisdom and encouragement. Now concludes with a personal exhortation to Timothy, urging Timothy to come to him quickly, saying Demas having loved this present world has forsaken him departing for Thessalonica; Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Now Demas is mentioned favorable by the Apostle Paul in Col. 4:14 and Philemon 24. But here it is very evident that Demas though serving with the Apostle Paul for a season in the end loved this present world more and forsook Paul and the sufferings of Christ with him, for it. The two other men mentioned as having left Paul are Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Crescens is only mentioned here in the N.T. (though he must have been known to Timothy for Paul to mention him). Yet it is uncertain by the text whether Crescens departure was an abandonment of the Apostle Paul or something else. Titus too is said to have gone to Dalmatia, a region on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea, equivalent to Illyricum (the region north of Greece and across the Adriatic Sea from Italy) where Paul once preached. Hence Titus' departure may have been by mutual consent (as it seems) to go and minister there, or he may have went there of his own accord for undisclosed reasons. Nevertheless the Apostle Paul mentions that Luke, and only Luke, is with him, (a great testament to Luke's faithfulness), but hence the urgency for Timothy's coming to him. Now in exhorting Timothy to come to him the Apostle Paul specifically mentions that he should bring with him Mark, saying he is useful for him in ministry. Which itself is a great turn of events as the Apostle Paul previously had a falling out with Barnabas over him (Acts 15:36-41). Yet here there is a genuine desire by Paul to have Mark there with him for the work of ministry. The Apostle Paul likely now upon reflection; both of himself and Mark; now sees Mark no longer as a liability to the gospel's work and ministry (as he once did) but now as a needed and desired asset.

Vs 12 The Apostle Paul now mentions that he has sent Tychicus to Ephesus. A man who became a trusted friend, and was a fellow worker and gospel minister who followed and served with the Apostle Paul early on. Tychicus is first mentioned along with other believers in (Acts 20:4-5) as traveling ahead of the Apostle Paul to await his arrival in Troas. Later the Apostle Paul entrusts Tychicus to carry news of him and his affairs to both the Ephesian (Eph 6:21-22) and Colossian (Col. 4:7-8) church's. It may have been that Tychicus was the person who brought and first read the Apostle's Epistles to those churches? If so it would speak volumes of his trusted person and character. Again the N.T. mentions the Apostle Paul possibly sending Tychicus as a messenger to Titus in Crete (Titus 3:12). And finally here once again in sending Tychicus back again to Ephesus (2 Tim 4:12).

Vs. 13 Having addressed all the personnel issues, the Apostle Paul now asks Timothy to bring with him Paul's cloak (an outer garment) which he left with another believer named Carpus in Troas. Now it was while the Apostle Paul was in Troas that God gave him a vision of a man calling to him to come to Macedonia and help them and thus to preach the gospel there (Acts 16:6-10). Carpus must have been then a convert of the Apostle Paul's preaching and ministry work there and one whom the Apostle Paul trusted to leave his only outer garment with, but more importantly to leave his books, and his parchments with, which if Scriptural works, would have been invaluable to him.

Vs. 14-15 The Apostle Paul now warns Timothy about a man known to them, Paul refers to him as Alexander the coppersmith, saying that man did much harm to him. Though were not told how Alexander the coppersmith harmed the Apostle Paul, it must have harmed either Paul's person or reputation pretty severely for him to say as much about him. Paul, nonetheless rather than seeking personal vengeance invokes a wise Spiritual principle of non-retaliation, of committing justice and judgment to the Lord's hands. Something that King David once invoked when fleeing from the then rejected King Saul (see 1 Sam 24:1-22, vs 12-13; also consider Psalm 17:1-15; Proverbs 3:25-26). Thus the Apostle Paul can say of Alexander the coppersmith may the Lord repay him according to his works! And so in verse fifteen the Apostle Paul continues to warn Timothy of Alexander the coppersmith saying that he has greatly resisted his words. A dead giveaway if you want to know who the troublers inside the house of faith are, or are going to be (consider Luke 10:16). For to resist Jesus Christ's Words and gospel, accurately spoken and presented through a Biblical Apostle can only indicate one thing, Alexander the coppersmith was not a believer. Indeed the words Paul uses to warn Timothy about him indicate that Alexander not only sought Paul's harm, but he set himself against the very faith that the Apostle Paul was preaching! Which gives rise to speculation that he may have been the same Alexander the Apostle mentions in 1 Tim 1:19-20 as having suffered shipwreck in his faith and who had been turned over to Satan by him.

Vs. 16 Having warned Timothy to beware of Alexander the coppersmith. The Apostle Paul now tells Timothy that at his first defense no one stood with him. It appears this was some sort of Roman legal tribunal. What the Apostle Paul was charged with is not stated. But you can be sure of this it wasn't a criminal act. It must have been directly related to the faith, for at this point in the early church there was ever increasing opposition to it. No longer just from unbelieving Jews, but from Rome itself. And so believers seeing how Rome was dealing with those of "the Way" were likely shying away from standing up for church leaders who found themselves in the clutches of Roman justice. And so as Jesus was forsaken by the twelve at His arrest and trial, so here it seems Paul too must drink that cup. Yet few and privileged are those who are called to suffer so much for the Lord while still being called to be a faithful witness for Him. And so there is no bitterness in the Apostle's voice, no ill will towards those whom he loved, yet forsook him at his first defense (gr. apologia). Rather just an appeal that it might not be charged against them. For they likely in a moment of weakness let their fears get the better of them; they did not intend to harm Paul, or abandon their faith, or stand in opposition to it, as Alexander the coppersmith did. They like Apostle Peter after he denied Christ, likely had their own moments of deep regret for not standing with Paul in his hour of need as well.

Vs. 17-18 And so the Apostle Paul though forsaken by certain brethren, was not forsaken by the Lord. As Paul says: 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

Therefore the Apostle could boldly declare that the Lord Jesus Christ both stood with him and strengthened him to be His witness (even when others did not). And so it was the Lord who both encouraged and strengthened Paul to fully declare the gospel to all the Gentiles, even if this meant it might end in his own death. Now the Apostles Paul's reference to being delivered out of the mouth of the lion harkens back Scripturally to the prophet Daniel and God's deliverance of him from certain death for his own faithfulness to God. And so here it seems the Apostle Paul standing alone before a Roman tribunal had every reason to cower and doubt, but like Daniel the prophet he too found himself both strengthened by the Lord to be His witness, but also delivered by Him from anyone or anything (even from personal fears or past personal failures) that could have hindered him from effectively declaring the gospel to all. And thus the Apostle Paul's declaration here is one utter confidence in Jesus Christ to both deliver him from whatever present personal weaknesses he had, but also of the Lord preserving him for His heavenly Kingdom; where we will never again have to wrestle against fears; failures or personal weaknesses. And so the Apostle Paul in great gratitude and thanksgiving for being strengthened one more time before his departure from this life gives all glory to the Lord. For ultimately it is the Lord Jesus Christ who upholds, strengthens, sustains and preserves us all who believe in Him for His heavenly Kingdom, to Him alone then be glory forever and ever amen!

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Timothy 4:6-8

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.


Vs. 6-8 The Apostle Paul having exhorted Timothy to fulfill his ministry now begins to tell of the end of his own, at least as far as this life is concerned. Drawing on the analogy of the Old covenant drink offering as a metaphor for his life (vs, 6). The Apostle Paul describes it as being poured out; this time not on the service of others faiths (Phil 2:17); but as the crowning jewel of his having left and lived it all for Christ. Therefore the Apostle Paul's words here are not the words of man whose life is about to end with a meaningless end and death. But of a quiet contentment, knowing that he had sacrificed it all for the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul could confidently look at his circumstances and exhort Timothy to fulfill his own ministry, by saying: 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. vs. 7-8
And so the Apostle Paul confidently looking back must have been amazed at all the Lord Jesus Christ preserved and brought him through (2 Tim 3:11). And that is the secret of having a deep abiding faith. Always moving forward in spite of ones circumstances or opposition. For when by the permissive will of God we go through afflictions; persecutions, perils and or trials. We also experience the reality of His Person in our lives. Sometimes subtly, sometimes rather dramatically, but always it is the Lord who is carrying and preserving us through it all (Ps 34:19).
Therefore drawing on three different metaphors to picture the fulfillment of his duties for Christ.
The Apostle Paul begins by saying that he has "fought the good fight"; that is the cause and proclamation and defense of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to everyone, everywhere (consider Acts 20:26-27; Phil 1:7, 17). Now we who believe in Jesus are likewise charged with the proclamation and defense of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (consider 2 Cor 10:5; 1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3). Of expounding not only Scriptural truth in a world hostile to it, but of obeying it as well (consider Rev 14:6-12). And thus declaring the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ to the best of our abilities, as His witnesses. From His Divine Person, to His virgin birth as a Man, to His Crucifixion death at Jerusalem. To His Resurrection from the dead and His ascension back to God the Father, now seated at God's right hand until all His enemies are made His footstool. Fighting the good fight is ultimately standing up for Jesus Christ and all His Words, in all the circumstances of our lives (consider Matt 10:27-33; Mark 8:34-38). Therefore the Apostle Paul could confidently say that he fully preached Jesus Christ the Lord, Savior, Judge, Redeemer of all people, everywhere. So that by repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead anyone can have remission of all their sins and everlasting life the moment they believe (consider Acts 17:30, 31; 20:21; 26:20; Rom 2:4; 2 Cor 7:9-10; Eph 1:13-14).
 Now in doing so the Apostle Paul took a lot of flack from all sides. From the Jews, (especially those who did not believe) Paul the former Pharisee, was in their minds, a traitor to their religion and nationalistic ambitions. For the Apostle Paul didn't preach "Judaism" he preached the Messiah (i.e. the Christ) as the Scriptures do, that Jesus Christ is God's King and Priest for all mankind, not just the Jews. For Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of everyone who believes in Him, regardless of their background or nationhood (consider the Apostle Peter's words in Acts 10:34). As well the Apostle Paul early on took no small fight to those Jews who believed yet were commanding the Gentiles who were turning to God by faith in Jesus; and thus by the grace of God; to be circumcised and to keep the Law, as essential to being accepted by God. And thus the Apostle Paul because of his absolute opposition to all such notions was often thought an enemy of Moses by his own countrymen. Not that the Apostle Paul opposed God's Law, just the misuse and miss application of it, and thus their using it as a means to be justified before God the Father by observing it rather than by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord (consider Acts 15:1-29; 21:17-25; Rom 10:1-13; 5:1; Gal 2:16, 19-21 etc.).
Thus the Apostle Paul continually and fully refuted every reasoning and argument that would endorse or impose putting Gentile believers under the Law and it's covenant, (as did all the Apostles and church elders), rather than the New Covenant ushered in by the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, which binds us all who believe to the grace of God. Now those principals of God's grace given to all by faith in Jesus Christ inundate, and are, the theology of the Apostle Paul's Spirit inspired letters. Everything else in them in regards to righteous; holiness and self-control etc. are born out of a regenerated heart and life, by the Spirit of God indwelling and transforming us all who believe in Jesus (Gal 5:16-23). Therefore do not let anyone bring you into bondage (consider 2 Cor 3:5, 6, 9, 17; Gal 5:1, 4-5 etc.). Either by their misusing the Law (see Rom 6:14; 1 Tim 1:5-11). Or by their developing and or promoting their own ideals of what constitutes our being made right before God. Often by their deciding what is acceptable for believers to do and not do. Essentially taking non-moral things and applying and imposing all sorts of legalistic restrictions on anyone naive enough to heed them (consider 2 Cor 11:18-21).  And so the Apostle Paul fully opposed not just those Jews who wanted to put Gentiles under the Law, but any and all man made traditions, commandments, or ideals whether born out of the Law, or elsewhere, as being incumbent on anyone who believes in Jesus (Col 2:20-23; Titus 1:14). Just as Jesus Himself did and first warns us all about (consider Matt 15:1-9; 16:6-12; 1 Tim 4:1-3). And thus no works based salvation. Nor no faith plus works based salvation, but only the gospel and the grace of God, period. That by faith in Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead, and ones confession of Him, one receives everlasting life as a gift of God. Not as a repayment for good behavior, or services rendered (consider Luke 18:9-13; Rom 3:19-28; 10:9-10, 13; 11:6; 11:34-36; Eph 2:8-9; Gal 2:16; 2:19-21 etc).

"Finished the race"
This is the second in the Apostle Paul's three part declaration that he had finished what God had appointed him to do. For the Apostle Paul was called and appointed by Christ to be His Apostle in every sense of the word. Leader; teacher, preacher, evangelist, church planter, miracle worker and healer, the Apostle Paul in every sense of the word was Christ's chosen messenger and envoy of Jesus' Divine Person. Both to Jews and Gentiles alike. Though the Lord Jesus laid a particular burden on Him as His Messenger to the Gentiles, just as He did with the Apostle Peter to Jews (see Gal 2:6-10). The Apostle Paul never restricted himself to preaching, teaching or discipling any particular ethnic group, or socio-economic class of people. For the Apostle Paul was entrusted by Jesus Christ to the founding of His church by the declaration and defense of His Person and doctrine before Jew and Gentile alike. Whether the worst of societies sinners to the most affluent and powerful amongst us all. The Apostle Paul both preached the gospel and treated all who came to faith in Jesus Christ as dearly beloved and equal brethren (Gal. 3:26-29; Eph. 2:19-22 etc.). And the though the Apostle Paul was one of the last Apostles called and equipped by the Lord Jesus Christ he was arguably one of the most proficient. In season and out of season the Apostle Paul preached and defended the gospel of God (and the sound doctrine that is born out of it) that brings salvation to everyone who believes; irregardless of Paul's personal circumstances, persecutions or sufferings.

"Kept the faith"
The Apostle Paul now declares that he has done is kept the faith. For as fighting the good fight of faith is incumbent upon us all, so is keeping the faith. The difference being "fighting the good fight of faith" is that it is primarily the defense and proclamation of the gospel; while having "kept the faith" is something that each and every believer must do personally irregardless of what others are doing around us. And thus this entails both a lifestyle and grace based heart and attitude that is congruent with the gospel. Now sometimes we are stronger in one area of our lives than in another. So I don't want anyone to come away with a feeling of smugness or of defeat, but rather to be always striving to move forward by the Spirit of God, in the grace of God in spite of ones weaknesses and failings. For keeping the faith is after all a lifetime journey that requires patience (with ourselves and others) and of course steadfastness with Christ as we journey home.

And so the Apostle Paul having exhorted Timothy to continue on in his journey with Jesus by telling him how the end of his earthly sojourn is drawing near concludes by saying: "Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." vs 8 

And thus drawing on analogies of competitive athletics or chariot races the Apostle Paul says of himself and all who follow Jesus Christ to the end of their lives in faith and love that there is laid up for him (and us all) the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will give not only to Paul but to everyone who loved His appearing; who received the love of truth rather than carrying on in their sins and transgressions (consider John 5:28-30; 2 Thess 2:9-11). For our lives are either being lived in faith for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom and Righteousness or their being lived in unbelief in sins and trespasses for the world and the things that the world treasures. There is no neutrality.  Therefore do not be like those who disobey the truth. Rather receive it while you can. Receive the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and life to be your Lord and Savior then follow Him in discipleship. For there is no other way. For the Lord Jesus Christ alone has the keys to life and death, to an eternity in heaven or hell (Rev 1:18). Therefore choose life, choose to believe and obey Christ!


Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

2 Timothy 4:1-5

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.


The charge/command the Apostle Paul gives here is given in the light of his previous exhortation on the fact that all of Scripture is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness etc. (2 Tim 3:16-17). Therefore the Apostle Paul's imperative here is to do just that! "Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." vs .2
And so the Apostle commands us to convince people of the gospel and or their need for it, rebuke those who are sinning, exhort all to receive the life of Christ while they can, and to strive to obey the gospel, for that is where true wisdom is found. And this do with all longsuffering and teaching. For Spiritual truth sometimes takes time to take root in someones heart. Now this is given as an exhortation before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and Kingdom. Thus there is an urgency, but also a responsibility not to drift from the Word of God but to preach it, period. Let the political and worldly pundits preach politics and the worlds affairs (consider 2 Tim 2:4). But you and I are charged to preach the Word of God! Not seasonally; that is not just on Sunday at church, or at a home meeting, or Bible study, or Bible conference somewhere, but everywhere, all the time, as doors open and opportunities present themselves. That is what Paul is emphatically saying: "Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season." For that is the preachers job, to be ready to preach the Word of God at a moments notice, and thus to be ready at all times to bring Scriptural Knowledge, Wisdom and Light, and thus Spiritual truth to anyone, in anyplace, at anytime. For that is what Jesus did. Everywhere He went, and every encounter He had with someone, He always introduced Kingdom truth and reality into it. As He said: It is for this reason I have come forth, so that I might preach the gospel of the Kingdom (consider Matt 4:23; Luke 4:18-19; 4:43; 8:1 etc.). And that is what Jesus commands of us all who follow Him. To go into every place and unashamedly and urgently preach the Kingdom of heaven to everyone, everywhere in everyplace. To simply share the Good News about Him; (consider Matt 10:27-33; 11:1; Mark 16:15; Luke 9:60; 24:46-48). And that is just what the early church did. They went out and preached the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. You want a return to 1st century Christianity; a return to a pure and unadulterated and unworldly faith, then begin by preaching the Kingdom of God. That by repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and raised from the dead, anyone can have remission of all their sins and everlasting life; all by faith in Jesus (John 3:16; Rom 10:9-10; 13). For it is when the Lord Jesus Christ is both preached and believed on, that those who believe, then receive the life and transforming power of God, by the Spirit of God, into their own lives as well! And so it's not just the preachers "job" or "burden" to share the Gospel, though there are burdens to be born in sharing it, it is a great privilege. And thus all of our responsibility who believe to share the Lord Jesus Christ through our own unique persons; personalities and experiences.

Now in order to effectively do just that one must know the Scriptures as the Apostle Paul previously told Timothy to do (see 1 Tim 4:15-16). For preaching the King and the Kingdom of God means you must first know Him and what it is He teaches and commands of us all; because as the end draws near there will be those professing believers who will fall away from the true faith, as Paul warns here and elsewhere (consider 2 Thess 2:1-4; 1 Tim 4:1-3; Titus 1:14 etc.). "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. vs. 3-5
Therefore everything begins with sound doctrine. For one cannot evangelize, nor make sound disciples unless you preach, teach, and live out sound doctrine. Therefore everything starts there. Yet as the Apostle Paul warns the time will come when professing believers will not endure sound doctrine. But according to their own desires (not God's) because they will have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers. That is they will raise up for themselves so called "teachers" who will teach and preach to them what they want to hear; "entertaining" them with new "spiritual" ideas, fables as the Apostle Paul refers to them here. And thus be turned away from the Gospel! Therefore in light of such perilous things he commands Timothy, and us all who believe, to first be watchful in all things, (not just watchful for the Lord's return). But watchful in all things, knowing that there will be an apostasy and apostates within the House of Faith. And thus to be personally watchful of not only ones own life and doctrine, but also of where ones church assembly is going. For if it is not going faithfully forward with the Lord Jesus Christ by preaching and teaching His gospel of His Kingdom, and thus keeping His and His Biblical Apostle's commandments, it will not go anywhere. Therefore we must always ask ourselves are we staying with Christ or straying into fables and otherwise fruitless and useless so called "spiritual" things? Therefore be watchful!
The second thing the Apostle Paul says is to endure afflictions. For as he said earlier all who desire to live godly will suffer persecution, and thus there will be those kinds of afflictions to endure (2 Tim 3:12). But here the Apostle Paul lays particular stress on personal ones. Afflictions born out of living for Christ and believing in Him, surely, but also, afflictions of life as it were. For nowhere does God promise believers lives void of having to endure these things; whether physical pain, hardships or distresses, of whatever sorts. Whether born out of illness, injury or injustice. Nonetheless when these things occur, as they surely will, we do not "throw in the towel" when we get a little beaten up, whether by the world or Satan or anything or anyone else. Rather we learn from these things, we grow, and we continually carry on, always looking forward to what is ahead (2 Cor 4:16).
The finial exhortation the Apostle Paul gives is for Timothy to do the work of an evangelist, to fulfill his ministry. Something that you and I can also take to heart whether we are Spirit equipped for evangelism or not. For we all have ministries from the Lord. Whether in the home, or workplace, or in some sort of volunteering capacity, inside the church, or elsewhere. We all have God given ministries and purposes for our lives, and it is incumbent upon us all to do and pursue those things.
To fulfill the ministries that we have been given, and not hinder others, but to encourage and strengthen all, so that all might succeed in whatever calling God has placed on their lives.

Now it all begins with ones faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. By first believing; and thus trusting in His Crucifixion death and Resurrection from the dead, one receives the life of Christ into their own (Rom 10:9, 10; 13; Gal 2:20). Everything else then that comes under the grand "tabernacle" of discipleship (or following Jesus) is born out of having first received the grace of God by faith in Jesus Christ (Titus 3:4-7). Therefore begin there, by first seeing your need for your sins remission; and thus your own helplessness to either atone for your sins, or bring the life of God within you, and God will bring His life; Christ's Life by the Spirit of God within you the moment you believe (Eph 1:13-14).

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982