In Paul’s conclusion of his second letter to Timothy, the urgency in his message is glaring. His fervor for the Lord and His message is commendable, and should be imitated (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1). His life was near its end, but still, his overwhelming focus was the furtherance of the gospel, and his concern for those who needed it. The coming judgment was motivation for Paul’s charge to Timothy – men need to know how, and with what they will be judged, so they may be able to prepare themselves.

Evangelists should heed Paul’s words as a warning to themselves. The “work of an evangelist” is crucial. He must “be ready in season and out of season” – constantly aware as to take advantage of every opportunity to preach the gospel message, not allowing any opposition to affect him negatively in his work. He must be willing to convince the hearers that they have sinned, arouse the guilt of sin in their hearts, urge them to turn from it to the Lord, all while being patient when they do not immediately respond to the Lord’s teaching.

Timothy must uphold and proclaim the unadulterated truth in its entirety, for there will not only be people who want to be given an alternate message, but there will be those who are willing to give it. In doing so, they deceive themselves (cf. James 1:22). They are delusional, thinking the fiction (“fable”) which they desire is beneficial. Timothy must be constant in the truth, and warn others. He must watch for opportunities, as well as evil. He must not become discouraged in affliction, but be strengthened and endure. This is the work of an evangelist. Those who fail to conform to Paul’s charge do not fulfill the ministry of the gospel.

Note: In this charge there is the obvious indication of how trying the work of an evangelist can be. Those in the church who have not assumed this full time role can either be of great assistance and encouragement to the man, or of great hindrance and discouragement. If you are not doing one, you are likely engaged in the other.