2 Timothy 4:1

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Timothy 4:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I charge [thee] in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I charge [thee] in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
2 Timothy 4:1 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Timothy 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1I charge [thee] in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I charge thee therefore before God, etc.] Whose word the Scriptures are, and by whom they are inspired; who had made Timothy an able minister of the New Testament, and to whom he was accountable for his ministry: and the Lord Jesus Christ; who is equal with God, and bestows ministerial gifts on men, and from whom Timothy had his; whose Gospel he preached; in whose cause he was embarked; and before whom he must appear, to give an account of his ministry, talents, and souls under his care: who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; it is certain there will be a general judgment; the day is appointed, and Christ is ordained the Judge of all men; all judgment is…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. (2Ti. 4:1-22) 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, Act 10:42; his resolution to do so, Pe1 4:5; the execution of his commission, here. at his appearing--The oldest manuscripts…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I charge thee therefore before God - See the notes on 1 Timothy 5:21. Who shall judge the quick and the dead - That is, the Lord Jesus; for he is to be the judge of men; Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Corinthians 5:10. The word “quick” means “living” (See the Acts 10:42 note; Ephesians 2:1 note); and the idea is, that he would be alike the judge of all who were alive when he should come, and of all who had died; see the notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. In view of the fact that all, whether preachers or hearers, must give up their account to the final Judge, Paul charges Timothy to be faithful; and what is there which will more conduce to fidelity in the discharge of duty, than the thought that we must…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“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. 2 Timothy 4:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:1-8 Timothy stood in the presence of God and was to work in view of Jesus’ coming to judge and set up his Kingdom (see 1 Tim 5:21; 6:13-14). Christ’s appearing will bring cleansing (2 Tim 2:19), accountability (3:8-9), salvation, vindication, and reward (4:8, 18). See also 1 Cor 3:10-15; 4:4-5; 2 Cor 5:10. 4:1 judge the living and the dead: See Matt 25:31-46; Acts 10:42; Rom 14:7-12; Rev 20:11-15. • when he comes (literally his epiphany): See study note on 1 Tim 6:14; see also 2 Tim 1:10; 4:8; Titus 2:11-13; 3:4.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“charge: Ti2 2:14; Ti1 5:21, Ti1 6:13 who: Psa 50:6, Psa 96:13, Psa 98:9; Mat 16:27, 25:31-46; Joh 5:22-27; Act 10:42; Act 17:31; Rom 2:16, Rom 14:9-11; Co1 4:4, Co1 4:5; Co2 5:9, Co2 5:10; Th2 1:7-10; Pe1 4:5; Rev 20:11-15 at: Ti2 4:8; Col 3:4; Th1 4:15, Th1 4:16; Ti1 6:14; Tit 2:13; Heb 9:27, Heb 9:28; Pe1 1:7; Pe1 5:4; Jo1 2:28; Rev 1:7 his kingdom: Luk 19:12, Luk 19:15, Luk 23:42; Pe2 1:11, Pe2 1:17 2 Timothy 4:2”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification