So far, Paul hasn’t said much about his imprisonment and his expectations for the future. However, in this week’s passage, he gives an indication that he sees the end in sight.

You can see his thoughts in 2 Timothy 4:6-7:

Earlier in the letter, Paul mentioned that he is in prison, something Timothy was surely aware of (2 Timothy 1:8, 12, 16, and 2:9). However, here he indicates that he feels his time on earth is about over. He must make sure Timothy is ready to take on the responsibility of leadership, because soon, Paul’s death will occur.

Paul uses two different metaphors in this verse alone to describe his impending death.

Poured out like a drink offering

Drink offerings were a very familiar part of Old Testament Jewish culture. These offerings were typically wine, and were poured out as an act of worship (Exodus 29:40-41; Leviticus 23:13; Numbers 15:1-10, 28:4-8). Paul use a similar description in Philippians 2:17, where he states that he would willingly give up his life if necessary. Here, however, it is clear that events are already in motion that will lead to his death.

The time has for my departure

This second metaphor doesn’t come through clearly in most English translations, but here Paul uses a term referring to when a ship draws anchor to leave a port, or when a squadron of soldiers breaks camp to set out on a mission, or unyoking an animal from the plow. To Paul, death is rest from his labors. He is ready to leave this life and be in the presence of the Lord. It seems that the term “depart” was a common term used for death, just as it is today.

From this verse, Paul moves into three more descriptions of his work and ministry, and the conclusion of it. Since he has just stated to Timothy that his ministry is at an end, it is only natural for him to look back over his efforts, and concludes that it was all worth it.

I have fought the good fight

This first description, along with the next one, are both athletic in nature. Many assume that this is referring to a military battle. Not so. He used the same illustration in 1 Timothy 6:12. As he looks back over his service, he calls it a good or noble fight. This isn’t speaking so much about his own efforts, but that the job to be accomplished is a noble job, a worthy task.

I have finished the race

Another athletic illustration, this brings to mind the Olympic stadium, with a race marked out. This is how Paul sees his ministry. He has finished the course set out for him. But he is not yet dead, how can he be finished? Some scholars see this as more of a relay race illustration. Paul has finished his leg of the race, and is handing off the baton to the next runner, Timothy. With his portion completed, Paul is ready to reap the rewards of his efforts.

I have kept the faith

Throughout the Pastoral Epistles, when Paul uses the term “the faith,” he isn’t referring to his own state of belief, but to a tangible reality, this thing called Christianity, the message of the Gospel of Christ. Some see this as a continuation of the athletic metaphors, and perhaps Paul has such a double meaning in mind. If so, then in his efforts, he has kept to the rules, and not been disqualified from the prize. He has stated such ideas before, so this is entirely possible.

All three of these metaphors are verbs in the perfect tense. This indicates that the task is complete, but the effect is continuing on. The work is finished, and Paul is ready to reap the rewards.

While the third analogy fits the order and can be a continuation of Paul’s thoughts, as stated above, it also clarifies the first two statements, bringing things to a tidy conclusion. Paul has accomplished what God called him to do. Now he is ready to meet his Savior face to face, leaving Timothy, and Titus, and his other companions through his life to continue the work into the next generation.

From generation to generation this has continued, all the way down to us. We have been handed a charge. What will we do with it? Will we run the race well, as Paul? Will we keep the faith? Will we preserve the message of salvation and pass it on to the next generation?

My hope and prayer, and all my efforts are centered on this very fact. Everything I do must be centered on the foundation of passing on the torch of this gospel to those who will come after me:  my kids, my family, my friends, my church.

Question: How are you doing when it comes to this challenge? Are you keeping the faith? What are you doing to ensure that you run the race well until your part is done? You can leave a comment by clicking here.