2 Timothy 4:6-8
I am already being offered ( ηδη σπενδομα ). Present (progressive) passive indicative of σπενδω, old verb, to pour out a libation or drink offering. In N.T. only here and Php 2:17. "What was then a possibility is now a certainty" (Parry). The sacrifice of Paul's life-blood has begun.Of my departure ( της αναλυσεως μου ). Our very word "analysis." Old word from αναλυω, to loosen up or back, to unloose. Only here in N.T., though αναλυσα for death is used by Paul in Php 1:23 which see for the metaphor.
Is come ( εφεστηκεν ). Perfect active indicative of εφιστημ (intransitive use). See 1Th 5:3; Lu 21:34. The hour has struck. The time has come.
I have fought the good fight ( τον καλον αγωνα ηγωνισμα ). Perfect middle indicative of αγωνιζομα, a favourite figure with Paul (1Co 9:25; Col 1:29), with the cognate accusative αγωνα (Php 1:27, 30, etc.). The "fight" is the athletic contest of his struggle for Christ.
I have finished the course ( τον δρομον τετελεκα ). Perfect active indicative of τελεω. He had used this metaphor also of himself to the elders at Ephesus (Ac 20:24). Then the "course" was ahead of him. Now it is behind him.
I have kept the faith ( την πιστιν τετηρηκα ). Perfect active indicative again of τηρεω. Paul has not deserted. He has kept faith with Christ. For this phrase, see Re 14:12. Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 309) gives inscriptions in Ephesus of a man who says: "I have kept faith" ( την πιστιν ετηρησα ) and another of a man of whom it is said: "He fought three fights, and twice was crowned."
Henceforth ( λοιπον ). Accusative case, "for the rest."
There is laid up for me ( αποκειτα μο ). Present passive of αποκειμα, old verb, to be laid away. See Col 1:5 for the hope laid away. Paul's "crown of righteousness" ( ο της δικαιοσυνης στεφανος, genitive of apposition, the crown that consists in righteousness and is also the reward for righteousness, the victor's crown as in 1Co 9:25 which see) "is laid away" for him.
At that day ( εν εκεινη τη ημερα ). That great and blessed day (1:12, 18).
The righteous judge ( ο δικαιος κριτης ). "The just judge," the umpire who makes no mistakes who judges us all (2Co 5:10).
Shall give me ( αποδωσε μο ). Future active of αποδιδωμ. "Will give back" as in Ro 2:6 and in full.
But also to all them that have loved his appearing ( αλλα πασιν τοις ηγαπηκοσιν την επιφανειαν αυτου ). Dative case of the perfect active participle of αγαπαω, to love, who have loved and still love his second coming. Επιφανεια here can as in 1:10 be interpreted of Christ's Incarnation.
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