4:1 charge thee. This charge suggests that Christ will judge the “quick” (that is, those whose mortal bodies will be quickened by the Spirit when Christ returns—see Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 15:36,45) at His appearing (II Corinthians 5:10), and the “dead” (that is, those who have never been quickened, or made alive, in Christ) when He comes to establish His eternal kingdom (Revelation 20:12-14; 22:1-5).

4:2 Preach the word. The charge is to “preach the Word,” not just preach.

4:2 be instant. The main thrust of this command is simply to “be there” when needed, to be “on call” when God calls.