2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

As the apostle Paul’s impending death drew near, he chose his words carefully as he penned what some scholars say was his last will and testament. His words are full of images, full of hope, and express satisfaction in a life lived well for Christ. These important last words are found in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18.

To get a good understanding of the passage, it’s important to backtrack. In the verses leading up to the passage, Paul challenged Timothy. He said, as for you— preach the word, do the work of an evangelist, and guard against false teaching. After encouraging Timothy to fulfill his ministry, he then turns the attention to himself. Paul had been preparing Timothy for 15 years for this moment. It’s as if Paul passed the baton just before he crossed the finish line by saying, “As for me…”

Speaking from the heart Paul writes, “I am already being poured out as a libation…” The word libation is one the average Christian may not understand, but this concept was one that the Jewish and the Greco-Roman reader would easily get. Paul may have been referring to the OT practice that concluded the sacrificial offering as described in Numbers 15, but this idea of pouring out a libation was a common part of Greek and Roman cult practices as well. Paul used rich imagery to paint a picture of how his entire life had been poured out in service and suffering on the altar to Christ. Just like a drink offering, Paul would spill his blood for Christ. Ready and willing, his martyrdom was in motion.

Paul continues to paint a picture by intentionally using the word departure when referring to his death. How amazing considering he was facing a brutal execution! I would think it would be understandable if he had expressed some level of fear, but he spoke of this as an unloosing from this world into the presence of Christ as a ship being unloosed from an anchor or an unyoking of animals after a hard day’s work. Death to Paul was a release. It was rest. It was letting go of this world to enter into the presence of Christ.

Verse 7 is familiar, but it is important to not miss the beautiful imagery. Paul is basically saying he doesn’t have regrets. He is likening his struggles to the equivalence of intense athletic contests. He has sacrificed, labored, and won. He not only started, but he finished and finished well. He fought for the things worth fighting for. He kept on keeping on when the going got tough. Paul kept the faith—the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. And now, his faith was on the brink of sight.

Paul now thinks about the reward that lies ahead—the crown of righteousness. Again, this is rich symbolism, but Dr. Tony Evans points out that this is also a great picture of Paul’s faith. “Paul knew he would die at Rome’s hands. According to ancient tradition, he was beheaded. But that frightening fate made no difference to Paul. Not only would the Lord restore his head to his body, but he would also put a crown on it. And not only his head, but on all the heads of all those who have loved Christ’s appearing through faithful living” (1298). Paul had his eye on the prize that was ahead!

The lectionary passage picks up in verse 16. Paul refers to his first defense—perhaps a pre-trial arraignment and recalls how he was deserted. Facing accusers, he had no friends or allies to support him. Even so, Paul forgave.

Paul then testifies to the goodness of God. “But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength.” Isn’t that just like Jesus? Is there a friend so faithful as He? When the apostle Paul was at perhaps his lowest moment—alone, abandoned, facing judgment, the Lord stood beside him. Let that sink in. Why? So that he would be strengthened to carry out his ministry—“So that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles might hear it” (vs 17). The Lord helped Paul complete his ministry.

In verse 18, Paul is confident that the Lord will rescue him from every evil attack and save him for His heavenly Kingdom. Paul knew that absolutely nothing could keep him from the heavenly Kingdom, not even death.

This passage is filled with strong preaching points. There is so much that could be said and so many angles to choose from. Three ideas emerge at the top for me: No worries, no regrets, and no fears.

When Paul came to the end of his life, he didn’t worry about the continuance of the good work he had started. He prepared Timothy well for this. He was leaving the ministry in good hands. How are we doing? Are we preparing the next generation? Are we intentionally making room for those who will follow in our footsteps?

Paul didn’t have regrets because he fulfilled his ministry. He stayed faithful and didn’t get side-tracked by someone else’s ministry. He didn’t regret for a minute that he had dedicated his entire life—his time, talents, and efforts in service to Christ. What a great lesson for everyone—both clergy and laity.

Staring execution in the face, Paul had no fear of death, nor the cause. Paul was ready to pour out his blood and last breath for Christ, because he was confident and sure in the hope to come.

God, help us to live our lives in such a way that when we come to the end we can have no worries, no regrets, and no fears. We can only do this as we pour out our lives to You. We are trusting you to stand with us and to help us finish our race well for Your glory!

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Evans, Tony, Dr. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary. Holman Bible Publishers. 2019