What does it mean to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)?

TL;DR:

To preach the Word means to proclaim the gospel to the world. Paul exhorted Timothy to preach the Word, and believers are called to do the same today.

In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul exhorts Timothy to “preach the word.” This call is woven throughout Scripture. The Old Testament recounts many instances in which God appointed prophets to warn His people of impending judgment when they strayed and to encourage them with messages of hope (Isaiah 61:1; Ezekiel 33:7). God’s chosen nation, Israel, had an evangelistic purpose: they were to be a “light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). As God’s people they were to live differently from the pagan nations around them and thus reflect God’s character. Jesus sent His apostles to share the truth about the kingdom of God (Matthew 10:5–14; Mark 3:14). After His resurrection, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission, to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18–20). This call still applies to believers today. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is our “Helper,” who supports us in preaching the Word (John 14:26).

from the old testament

During Old Testament times, God tasked prophets with bringing messages of judgment and hope to Israel. In Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah delivers messages of hope to God’s chosen people: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” The gospel message delivers “good news” to all who hear it.
Ezekiel 33:7 exemplifies the responsibility God gave His servants: “So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” Christians today share the truth of God’s Word and the gospel with others.

from the new testament

In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul advises his spiritual protege to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” “Preach” in the Greek is keyroxon, which is defined as "publish or proclaim openly." Paul’s advice to Timothy emphasizes the importance of publicly declaring the Word, whether the timing is convenient or not. This type of preaching includes correction, encouragement, and teaching.
In Matthew 28:18–20, a resurrected Jesus gives His disciples the charge that has become known as the Great Commission: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This task is still relevant to believers today and not just for those in official church roles (e.g., pastors, deacons, etc.). Proclaiming the Word is the duty and privilege of all Christians.
In Acts 28:30–31, Luke writes of Paul, “He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” Even while imprisoned, Paul shared the Word. His example shows that even “out of season” (i.e., during inconvenient times), we should still preach the gospel (2 Timothy 4:2).

implications for today

A man whose people are enslaved murders one of the slaveholders and escapes to a different country. Many years later, God sends him back to the country he fled to confront the ruler about freeing the slaves. The problem? He’s not a great speaker so he begs the Lord to bow out of the task (Exodus 2—4). Maybe you can empathize with Moses as you think about God directing Christians to preach the Word (Matthew 28:18–20). As uncomfortable as it is for some of us to talk to others about Christ, it’s what God wants us to do (Romans 10:9–17; 1 Peter 3:15). Not everyone has to stand behind a podium to preach. Thankfully, we can proclaim the Word in any setting—talking with a friend at lunch, leading a small group at church, or even in a well-thought out reply to a social media post. Any time you present the Word of God to someone, you’re proclaiming it. Christians are called to do that—even when we’re uncomfortable, even when it’s inconvenient. Thankfully, we have a “Helper” in the Holy Spirit, who supports us in preaching and living out the truth of the Word (John 14:26; Romans 8:1–30; James 1:22).

understand

God calls His people to proclaim the truths of God’s Word.
God calls believers to share the gospel to everyone.
God equips us to preach the Word.

reflect

What opportunities has God provided for you to share His Word with others, and how are you responding?
What fears or challenges hold you back from proclaiming the gospel, and how can trusting in the Holy Spirit help you overcome them?
How does the example of Paul or other biblical figures inspire you to preach the Word in both convenient and inconvenient times?

engage

How can we support other believers in fulfilling the Great Commission?
How can reflecting on God’s faithfulness in equipping His servants encourage us to share the gospel boldly?
How can we proclaim God’s Word in our daily lives beyond traditional preaching or teaching roles?