“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. — Timothy's counter-call: nēphō (be sober), paschō (endure suffering), poieō (accomplish) the erga euaggelistou (work of evangelist), plerophoreō (fully complete) the diakonia (ministry). Steadfast perseverance marks authentic pastoral fidelity.
Church Fathers on 2 Timothy 4:5
It was for this therefore, that he foretold these things; as Christ also toward the end predicted that there should be “false Christs and false prophets”; so he too, when he was about to depart, spoke of these things. “But watch thou in all things, endure affliction”; that is, labor, preoccupy their minds before this pestilence assails them; secure the safety of the sheep before the wolves enter in, everywhere endure hardship. “Do the work of an evangelist, make full proof…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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