2 Timothy 4:7 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;

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

NLT: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

KJV: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

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

As Paul looked toward his coming death, he also looked back and gave three positive statements about his ministry. First, he declared confidence in his own efforts for the sake of Christ. In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul had commanded Timothy to likewise, "fight the good fight of the faith."

Second, Paul stated that he has completed the mission he was given by God. Elsewhere Paul spoke of the Christian faith as a race, saying, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it" (1 Corinthians 9:24). In Hebrews 12:1, the author also noted, "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Third, Paul writes that he has specifically held to the truth. Paul did not keep some ambiguous faith in God, but "the" faith, a specific belief in Jesus as the resurrected Messiah. The New Testament often spoke of belief in Jesus as "the faith" (Acts 6:7; 13:8; 14:22; 16:5). Paul commanded the Corinthian Christians to "stand firm in the faith" (1 Corinthians 16:13), something he practiced in his own life. "The faith" has also been referred to several times in this letter (2 Timothy 1:13; 3:8).

Second Timothy 4:1–8 contains Paul's last ministry instructions to Timothy. Paul knows that he will not survive his current imprisonment. So, he clearly and boldly charges Timothy—commands him—to hold to the faith he has seen and lived. He can do this knowing that Paul has faithfully served God, expecting the heavenly rewards given to all of God's followers. The poignant tone of this passage is made even more bittersweet by the long friendship these two men have shared.

Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy, through a practical application of his prior teachings. Timothy is "charged" by Paul to defend his faith, against all error and false teaching, at all times. Timothy will face resistance. Paul also openly admits that his life is nearly over, so Timothy will need to soldier on without him. After this, Paul gives some personal updates about his situation, giving Timothy a few instructions and advice about particular people. Paul makes a final appeal for Timothy to visit him, then closes his letter—as he will close his life—focused on the grace of God.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.