II Timothy 4:6-8 Session Devotional

English Standard Version Chapter 4

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Paul’s Ministry Status (6-7).

The Apostle Paul appears to be aware of his near departure. He describes himself as a drink offering already being poured out. The imagery is taken from the Old Testament where wine was poured out as an offering as a pleasing aroma to the Lord (See Numbers 15:1-10; 28:1-7). And it is a metaphorical picture of his coming death (6).

Eusebius tells us that the Apostle Paul dies by beheading in Rome under Nero close to the same time the Apostle Peter was crucified, around 67 AD.

Paul recounts his life and ministry using athletic terminology as he did in other places in his letters. He refers to fighting (I Corinthians 9:26-27) and to racing (Acts 20:24; Philippians 3:13-14) as aspects of his life and ministry (7).

Given Paul’s description of himself, how do you believe Paul saw his life and ministry in light of his calling before God? Do you think his perception motivated Paul in ministry?

English Standard Version Chapter 4

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Paul’s Future Reward (8).

All that is left for the Apostle Paul is the future “crown of righteousness” that has been laid up for him. This seems to be a metaphorical “crown” denoting the final and complete sanctification of the believer which is an eternal reality (See James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). However, a literal crown that is reflective of the eternal dynamic is not out of the question (Revelation 4:10).

Paul is continuing his use of game competition in events like the ancient Olympic games. This idea fits in context as Guthrie points out: “The crown of righteousness is reminiscent not only of the wreaths of honour awarded to Olympic winners, but also of the awards made to loyal subjects by oriental sovereigns for services rendered” (pg. 181).

Paul is fully confident that it will be the Lord Jesus who will bestow this crown. Paul refers to the Lord as the “righteous judge” and this is probably set in contrast to Nero on earth. Paul knows that in the final day that all those who love the appearing of the Lord will be awarded the same crown.

Based on what we see here in verses 6-8, how do you think the Apostle Paul viewed being with the Lord versus remaining on earth?