2 Timothy 4:6-8 is the correct citation, as there is no verse 68 in 2 Timothy. Here’s the passage from the Catholic Version of the Bible:
“I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearance.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NABRE)
In this passage, Saint Paul is nearing the end of his life and is reflecting on his ministry and the struggles he has faced. He is confident that he has remained faithful to God and is looking forward to receiving the crown of righteousness, which is a symbol of eternal life and union with God.
Here are some key points from this passage:
- Sacrificial language: Paul uses the image of being “poured out like a libation” to describe his martyrdom, emphasizing his willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of the Gospel.
- Confidence in his ministry: Paul affirms that he has “fought the good fight” and “finished the race,” indicating his confidence in the work he has done and the faith he has kept.
- Eschatological hope: Paul looks forward to receiving the “crown of righteousness” on the day of the Lord’s return, which symbolizes his hope for eternal life and union with God.
- Universal application: Paul notes that this crown is not only reserved for him but also for “all who have longed for his appearance,” emphasizing the universal scope of salvation and the hope that all believers share.
This passage is often seen as a testament to Paul’s courage, faithfulness, and hope in the face of adversity, and it continues to inspire and encourage believers to this day.
Now let’s look more deeply at each of the verses individually to gain a clearer understanding:
2 Timothy 4:6
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”
- Poured out like a drink offering: This phrase is a metaphor that Paul uses to describe his impending death. In the ancient world, a drink offering was a libation poured out to the gods as an act of worship. Paul sees his own death as a sacrifice, an offering to God.
- Time of my departure: Paul is aware that his time on earth is coming to an end. The word “departure” (Greek: analusis) literally means “loosening” or “release,” suggesting that Paul views death as a release from the burdens of this life.
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
- Fought the good fight: Paul uses the metaphor of athleticism to describe his ministry. He has “fought the good fight,” which means he has struggled against opposition and persecution, but has remained faithful.
- Finished the race: Paul has completed the course of his life and ministry. He has run the race with perseverance and has reached the finish line.
- Kept the faith: Paul has remained faithful to the Gospel and to God. He has not wavered or compromised his beliefs, even in the face of adversity.
2 Timothy 4:8
“From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
- Crown of righteousness: The “crown of righteousness” is a symbol of eternal life and union with God. It is the reward that awaits believers who have remained faithful.
- Lord, the righteous Judge: Paul affirms that God is the righteous Judge who will reward believers on the day of judgment.
- On that day: Paul is referring to the day of the Lord’s return, when believers will be judged and rewarded.
- Not only to me but also to all: Paul emphasizes that this reward is not just for him, but for all believers who have longed for the Lord’s appearing. This is a universal hope that unites all believers.
