The Good Fight Fought to the End

Looking toward the crown of righteousness

Rome · c. AD 66–67 · 2 Tim 4:6–22

Story

When he wrote his last letter, Paul was in chains in Rome. Paul wrote to Timothy, “My life is already being poured out like wine on the altar, and the time of my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now the crown of righteousness is waiting for me. On that day the Lord will give it to me, and not only to me but to all who long for his coming.”

He was lonely. Demas had loved this world and gone off to Thessalonica. Crescens had gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke was with Paul. Paul wrote, “Bring Mark with you. He is a help to me in my work.” It was the same Mark over whom Paul and Barnabas had parted ways. Paul also asked him to bring the cloak he had left in Troas, and the books, especially the parchments.

Paul wrote, “At my first defense in court, no one stood by me. Everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood beside me and gave me strength. Through me he made sure the message was fully proclaimed, so that all the Gentiles might hear it.” Paul asked once more: “Do your best to come before winter.”

Words of the Lord and of Paul

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Now the crown of righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will give it to me on that day.

Everyone deserted me, but the Lord stood beside me and gave me strength.

Do your best to come before winter.

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 2 Tim 4:6–22

Background

Pause and Reflect