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Time after Pentecost · Proper 25 · Year C

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

I Have Finished the Race

October 29, 2028

The Martyrdom of Saint Paul, Mattia Preti
The Martyrdom of Saint Paul, Mattia Preti, 1654–1661Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The old apostle kneels bare-shouldered among soldiers and a raised banner, while the executioner stands over him with his sword.I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.Mattia PretiA Calabrian painter and knight of the Order of Malta, whose dramatic, shadowy canvases fill the cathedral of Valletta.Museum of Fine Arts, HoustonThe Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the largest art museum in Texas.Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelLuke 18:9-17Lk 18:9-17
Epistle2 Tim. 4:6-8, 16-182 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18
Old TestamentGen. 4:1-15Gn 4:1-15
PsalterPs. 5Ps 5

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, 16-18

Commentary

2 Timothy 4 Commentary2 Tm 4 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Verse-by-verse treatment of Paul's final testimony and the crown of righteousness.

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

Gathers several classic commentaries on Paul's approaching departure.

2 Timothy Commentaries2 Tm Commentaries Precept Austin

Indexes detailed verse-by-verse notes and word studies across the letter.

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Commentary2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

A preaching-focused reading of Paul's finished race and the Lord who stood by him.

Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Commentary on 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary's exegesis of Paul's farewell testimony.

Background & Word Study

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

Greek interlinear text for Paul's drink-offering imagery.

The Church Fathers

Homily 9 on Second Timothy New Advent · Church Fathers

Chrysostom's fourth-century homily on having fought the good fight.

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