NOTES for Ti2 4:6-22

The apostle Paul gives us a model of Christian logic, of Christian thinking. "I am already being poured out as an offering," he says. Clearly, he is speaking of the martyr's death that awaits him. And what follows? Our reflex is to continue in this vein: "But that is all right; after all, we are doing our best for the Lord..." Nothing of the kind. Paul says that he has traveled a good, long, and difficult road, has kept the faith, and now a reward awaits him: the crown of righteousness, the martyr's crown.