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Ordinary Time · Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles: Day Mass · Year A

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

I Have Finished the Race

June 29, 2026

The Apostle Paul in Prison, Rembrandt van Rijn
The Apostle Paul in Prison, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1627Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
An old man sitting on the floor of a cell with the books open across his knees and the sword behind him, stopped mid-sentence with the pen still in his hand.Several of these letters say outright that they are being written from prison, and this is the room.Rembrandt van RijnRembrandt at twenty-one, painting the thinking rather than the writing.Staatsgalerie StuttgartThe Staatsgalerie Stuttgart.Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
Roman Lectionary
GospelMatt. 16:13-19Mt 16:13-19
Second Reading2 Tim. 4:6-8, 17-182 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18
First ReadingActs 12:1-11
Responsorial PsalmPs. 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (5b)Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (5b)

Overview & Insights

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

Paul writes near the end of his life, poured out like a libation and ready for departure. He looks to the crown of righteousness laid up for him, and testifies that the Lord stood by him and will rescue him for the heavenly kingdom.

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Take it further: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

Commentary

2 Timothy 4: Finishing Well2 Tm 4: Finishing Well Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on Paul's final charge.

2 Timothy 4:6 Commentaries2 Tm 4:6 Commentaries BibleHub

Aggregates classic commentaries on the good fight and the crown of righteousness in one place.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 4Barnes' Notes on 2 Tm 4 StudyLight

Albert Barnes' notes on the whole of 2 Timothy 4.

Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Commentary on 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18 Center for Excellence in Preaching

A preaching commentary on Paul finishing the race and the Lord standing by him.

Saints Peter and Paul Explained Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre

Dr. Brant Pitre works through the feast readings, including Paul's crown of righteousness.

Background & Word Study

2 Timothy 4:6 Greek Interlinear2 Tm 4:6 Greek Interlinear BibleHub

Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for Paul's farewell.

The Church Fathers

Catena on 2 Timothy 4Catena on 2 Tm 4 Catena

Patristic comments verse by verse on Paul finishing the race and keeping the faith.

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