4:5 {3} But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, {b} make full proof of thy ministry.
(3) The wickedness and falling away of the world ought to cause faithful ministers to be so much the more careful.
(b) Prove and show by good and substantial proof, that you are the true minister of God.
4:5 Watch thou in all things. Rather, be thou sober, and on the alert. Do not sleep.
Do the work of an evangelist. Preach the gospel and look after the churches.
Make full proof of your ministry. Discharge thy ministry fully.
4:5 Watch - An earnest, constant, persevering exercise. The scripture watching, or waiting, implies steadfast faith, patient hope, labouring love, unceasing prayer; yea, the mighty exertion of all the affections of the soul that a man is capable of. In all things - Whatever you are doing, yet in that, and in all things, watch. Do the work of an evangelist - Which was next to that of an apostle.
4:1-5 People will turn away from the truth, they will grow weary of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them. People do so when they will not endure that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the purpose. Those who love souls must be ever watchful, must venture and bear all the painful effects of their faithfulness, and take all opportunities of making known the pure gospel.
