| Geneva Study Bible I {1} charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (1) The principal and chief of all admonitions, being therefore proposed with a most earnest charge, is this: that the word of God is explained and set forth with a certain holy urgent exhorting, as necessity requires: but in such a way that a good and true ground of the doctrine is laid, and the vehemency is tempered with all holy meekness. People's New Testament 4:1 The Last Solemn Charge SUMMARY OF II TIMOTHY 4: A Charge to Preach the Word. Paul's Time of Departure at Hand. His Blessed Confidence. Timothy Asked to Come. Deserted by Others in the Hour of Trial, Yet the Lord Was with. Him. Parting Salutations. I charge thee. How impressive this charge from the weary, war-worn apostle, as he stood on the edge of the grave! Before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. The names of God and of Christ are invoked to give it solemnity. Who shall judge. Christ is named in his capacity of Judge, who shall judge not only Timothy's hearers, but himself. The quick and the dead. See 1Th 4:15. At his appearing and his kingdom. This final judgment is placed at the time when Christ shall appear in his kingdom of glory. See Mt 25:31. Wesley's Notes 4:1 I charge thee therefore - This is deduced from the whole preceding chapter . At his appearing and his kingdom - That is, at his appearing in the kingdom of glory. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary CHAPTER 4 2Ti 4:1-22. Solemn Charge to Timothy to Do His Duty Zealously, for Times of Apostasy Are at Hand, and the Apostle Is near His Triumphant End: Requests Him to Come and Bring Mark with Him to Rome, as Luke Alone Is with Him, the Others Having Gone: Also His Cloak and Parchments: Warns Him against Alexander: Tells What Befell Him at His First Defense: Greetings: Benediction. 1. charge-Greek, "adjure." therefore-omitted in the oldest manuscripts. the Lord Jesus Christ-The oldest manuscripts read simply, "Christ Jesus." shall judge-His commission from God is mentioned, Ac 10:42; his resolution to do so, 1Pe 4:5; the execution of his commission, here. at his appearing-The oldest manuscripts read, "and" for "at"; then translate, "(I charge thee before God . ) and by His appearing." and his kingdom-to be set at His appearing, when we hope to reign with Him. His kingdom is real now, but not visible. It shall then be both real and visible (Lu 22:18, 30; Re 1:7; 11:15; 19:6). Now he reigns in the midst of His enemies expecting till they shall be overthrown (Ps 110:2; Heb 10:13). Then He shall reign with His adversaries prostrate. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 4:1-5 People will turn away from the truth, they will grow weary of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them. People do so when they will not endure that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the purpose. Those who love souls must be ever watchful, must venture and bear all the painful effects of their faithfulness, and take all opportunities of making known the pure gospel. | 
