6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
for (v.6) — Paul’s exhortations to Timothy throughout the letter were in light of the fact that his own ministry was over.
I (v.6) = emphatic “as for myself” — as distinct from Timothy
as a drink offering (v.6) — Upon the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire they went to pour out a drink offering of a certain measure of strong wine, an indication of the divine satisfaction in the completed sacrifice (Exodus 29:40). Paul’s whole life since his conversion had been devoted as a sacrifice to the service of God, and now, conscious of the acceptance of his sacrifice, he views his death in this way. — Vine, page 226.
drink offering (v.6) — See Philippians 2:17
departure (v.6) = unloosing, undoing again, breaking up — the word for untying a ship from its mooring or the military striking tents and breaking up an encampment
is at hand (v.6) = to stand by — as though death was waiting in the room
have fought (v.7) — perfect tense, past action with continuing results — the word from which we get “agonize”
good (v.7) = kalos = external goodness seen by the eye, an outward expression of internal, intrinsic goodness, beauty in action — referring to the fight, not Paul’s fighting
the good fight (v.7) — Philippians 1:27-28 — the word is used of a contest in the Greek games
have finished (v.7) — perfect tense — the race is over and the runner rests at the finish line
race (v.7) = race course — Acts 20:24
kept (v.7) = kept by guarding like a soldier
faith (v.7) — the body of truth given to Paul
finally (v.8) = what remains
laid up (v.8) — used in Luke 19:20 of money in a napkin and in Colossians 1:5 of hope
the crown (v.8) — a particular crown — the word is that used for the laurel crown awarded in the Greek games
judge (v.8) = an umpire or referee at the games
give (v.8) = award
that day (v.8) — the Judgment Seat of Christ
loved (v.8) = agape
His appearing (v.8) = to become visible — the Rapture of the Church