2 Timothy 4:6-8

Paul's Farewell Address

As Paul saw the end of his life approaching, he said, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,” which is an allusion to the drink offering poured out on the altar under the law of Moses (see Numbers 15:1-10). So sure was Paul of his coming death that he spoke of it as already taking place. Using another figure, he said he was being loosed from the harness like a weary animal at the end of a hard trip or day of ploughing (2 Timothy 4:6; 1 Peter 1:21-23).

Using the image of either an olympic contest or a great battle, Paul also said he had overcome the obstacles placed in front of him in the contest with Satan over the faith (1 Timothy 6:12). He also had run the race of life in accord with the rules laid out by the Lord (1 Corinthians 9:26-27; Hebrews 12:1-15). Further, the apostle said he had been a faithful steward who properly kept that with which the Lord entrusted him (Acts 9:15; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5). Since Paul had done the Lord's will, he could confidently say a victory crown awaited him (James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10). The crown was the reward for living in accord with the Lord's will which ultimately is available because of the Lord's supreme sacrifice. It will be given to the faithful by the Lord who judges truly in contrast to earthly judges like those Paul faced. The crown will be given to the righteous, who have anxiously awaited the Lord's return (1 Corinthians 16:22; Revelation 22:20), in the very day the Lord comes again (2 Timothy 4:7-8; John 5:28-29).