Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Timothy 4:2

2 Preach the word , be instant in season, and out of season , reprove , rebuke , exhort , with all long suffering , and doctrine .

Proclaim like an herauld, cry like a common cryer in the hearing of a multitude. Thus God to Isaiah, chap. 58.1. Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a Trumpet.

The word of truth, chap. 2.15. or the Gospel, called the word, by way of Emphasis. See Mat. 4.23. and 24.14. Mark 1.14. and 13.10. and 16.15. The word of God, not old Wives Fables, endless Genealogies, perverse disputings, unedifying questions, &c. This precept reflects upon unpreaching Ministers, and impertinent vain preachers.

Be earnest and diligent. This reflects upon a cold and perfunctory preaching. God bid Isaiah cry aloud, lift up his voice like a trumpet. Sinners are like deaf Adders.

That is at all times, not on the Lords dayes only, but any other time when thou hast opportunity, not in times when thou mayest do it with safety, but when the wisdom of the flesh tells thee it is out of season. This reflects upon such as preach rarely, and consult their flesh, whether they should perform it at all, or no.

Reprove, [non-Latin text not transcribed] convince such as gainsay the truth.

Rebuke all sinners, all that live an ill life. This reflects upon those effeminate preachers, against whom Ezekiel denounced the w[illegible: 1 letter], Ezek. 13.18. That sow pillowes to all arm-holes; that prophesie smooth things in stead of the right things of the word.

Perswade or comfort, (the word signifies both) as thou seest occasion.

But do what thou doest prudently, with meekness. God needeth not thy passion, though he makes use of thy art in instruction.

Do it so as to join instruction with thy reproof. This reflects upon flattering, fawning, unfaithful Preachers, and such as vent their own passion, rather then pursue their due end for instruction and reformation of souls.