Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Timothy 4:5

"But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry." — 2 Timothy 4:5 (ASV)

But watch you in all things. Be vigilant against error and against sin, and faithful in the performance of duty (see Barnes on Matthew 25:13; see Barnes on 1 Corinthians 16:13).

Endure afflictions (see Barnes on 2 Timothy 2:3).

The Greek word here is the same which is there rendered endure hardness.

Do the work of an evangelist. On the word evangelist, see Barnes on Acts 21:8.

The phrase here means do the work of preaching the gospel, or of one appointed to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation. This is the proper business of all ministers, whatever other rank they may maintain. Whether it was ever regarded as the proper duty of a separate class of men to do this, see Barnes on Ephesians 5:11.

Make full proof of your ministry. Marginal reading, fulfil. Compare with Barnes on Romans 14:5.

The word used here denotes, properly, to bear or bring fully; then to persuade fully; and then to make fully assured of, to give full proof of. The meaning here seems to be to furnish full evidence of what is the design of the Christian ministry, and of what it is adapted to accomplish, by the faithful performance of all its duties.

Timothy was so to discharge the duties of his office as to furnish a fair illustration of what the ministry could do, and thus to show the wisdom of the Saviour in its institution. This should be the aim of all ministers of the gospel. Each one should resolve, by the blessing of God, that the ministry, in his hands, shall be allowed, by a fair trial, to show to the utmost what it is adapted to do for the welfare of mankind.