Ready to Depart: 2 Timothy 4:6
“6) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” 2 Timothy 4:6
Paul now shares the certainty of his eminent death. With his second arrest in Rome something had changed. He now has no prospect of being released from prison except by physical death. Some believe this helps explain his urgent plea to Timothy in this second letter to fulfill his calling and faithfully preach the Word.
Paul here uses two word pictures to describe his pending fate. The first is that of a drink offering that was poured out before the Lord as an act of worship. He viewed his life and service to God as a drink offering that was slowly poured out in praise to God. At the time of his writing, the pouring out was nearly complete.
The phrase “the time of my departure has come” is the picture of a ship ready to depart from port. The mooring lines have been untied from the dock and the bow pointed to the open sea. As the sails are hoisted and filled with the wind, the ship departs for the open sea.
This verse is reminiscent of Philippians 1:20-24, only this time he has no hope of being released. He was certain that his fate was sealed and his departure from this life would soon be accomplished. He had lived well, now he was prepared to die well.
Every believer can share the same hope and confidence in the face of death. We should live with a readiness to depart from this life and set sail for our eternal home.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
