4:1 in the presence of God. Paul mentions witnesses to impress on Timothy the utmost seriousness of the charge.

Christ Jesus, who is to judge. For Christ as Judge, see v. 8; Matt. 25:31–46; John 5:22, 27; Acts 10:42.

his appearing. Christ’s Second Coming (cf. v. 8; 1 Tim. 6:14; Titus 2:13).