February 23

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

In the Gospel dispensation, all are to be witnesses for Christ. God has committed the Gospel to Preacher and layman alike. “Ye are my witnesses”. The congregation leaves the Sunday worship services and spreads out into the community, daily reaching thousands of persons in the daily pursuits of business, instruction, recreation, etc. that the pastor can never see or reach. We carry the flame of the Gospel and Jesus said “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. Paul tells us the manner of doing this. We are to be constant, ready at all times in bearing witness to Christ, in season and out of season, that is, when it is opportune and easy or when it is discouraging and difficult, in good times and bad, spreading the good news of a full, free, eternal salvation bought and paid for by the blood and suffering of our Savior Jesus Christ. If we faithfully fulfill this mission, we will have no need to be ashamed before Him at His return to judge the living and the dead.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

"...what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30