In our last post, we stood at the stoning of Stephen and listened to a young man speak forgiveness with his final breath. Now we move forward to the prison cell of an old man who had run his race – Apostle Paul. If Stephen taught us how to die free of hate, Paul teaches us how to die fulfilled, poured out, and at peace.
Jesus on the cross died for our salvation. Stephen died proclaiming the truth. Paul died knowing he had given everything.
His final words are not the trembling cries of someone afraid of the unknown. They are the steady reflections of someone who lived for eternity. This wasn’t just death—it was transition. It was victory.
Let’s lean in close and listen to what a man on death row—yet full of hope—had to say. Because in his last words, we find lessons that will help us live, and die, with purpose.
Setting the Scene: Paul’s Final Days
The book of 2 Timothy is often described as Paul’s farewell letter. It’s raw. It’s personal. It’s emotional. Paul is writing from a cold Roman cell, likely chained, awaiting execution under Emperor Nero—a ruler known for his cruelty toward Christians.
Most of his companions have deserted him. He is physically alone, yet spiritually full.
And then, he writes these words in 2 Timothy 4:6–8 (NIV):
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Let’s unpack them, one by one.
1. “I am already being poured out like a drink offering”
Apostle Paul doesn’t describe his death as a tragedy but as an offering. In the Old Testament (see Numbers 28:7), the drink offering was a final act of devotion poured out before God. Nothing was held back. Paul saw his entire life and death as worship. He did not try to avoid or escape death. He considered it as gain as we seen Philippians 1:21 because had always had his sight and heart on God.
📝 Lesson for Us:
Your life isn’t meant to be stored up—it’s meant to be poured out. Whether it’s your talents, time, wisdom, or finances, don’t hoard what God has given you. Pour it out. Lay your life before Him daily, not out of pressure but out of love.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice...” – Romans 12:1
2. “I have fought the good fight”
He doesn’t say, “I lived a peaceful life,” or “I avoided conflict.” He uses the language of struggle – fight. Because faith is a fight. Not against people, but against fear, doubt, sin, and the lies of the enemy. Apostle Paul started his journey persecuting christians to later become a minister of God. He had to fight many battles, being shipwrecked, bitten by a venomous snake, and being thrown in prison to name a few. When he said his final words, he was in prison behind bars yet he says – I have fault a good fight.
📝 Lesson for Us:
Stop thinking struggle means you’re doing something wrong. Sometimes the struggle means you’re on the right path. Stand firm. Fight for purity, for truth, for your calling—even when it’s not easy.
“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” – 1 Timothy 6:12
3. “I have finished the race”
Paul doesn’t say, “I ran fast,” or “I won first place.” He says, I finished. That’s what God looks for. It’s not about flashy starts, it’s about faithful endings.Starting is easy, anyone can do it. There is a saying that i love that says “When things gets tough, the tough gets going”. Apostle Paul needed the grace of God to finish strong as will see in the next section.
📝 Lesson for Us:
Some of us are tired. Wounded. Disillusioned. But Paul reminds us, just keep going. Don’t quit. God isn’t grading your speed; He’s looking at your consistency. Finish well.
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1
4. “I have kept the faith”
He didn’t just start with belief, he held on. Through beatings, prison, shipwrecks, betrayal, and loneliness, Paul didn’t let go of the truth. Yes he accomplished a lot and wrote most books in the new testament but he also went through the most. In all things, he kept the faith. My encourage to you my brother or sister is, keep the faith. In the middle of struggling with that addiction, feeling unworthy or whatever it is you are struggling with, like Apostle Paul – keep the faith.
📝 Lesson for Us:
Faith is a treasure that must be guarded. The world may try to water it down. Pain may tempt you to give it up. But keep it. Even when it’s all you’ve got.
“Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” – Revelation 3:11
5. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”
Paul’s focus wasn’t on the earthly reward, nor the fame and glory – it was on heaven’s reward. The crown of righteousness isn’t for the perfect, but for the faithful. For those who longed for Christ’s return and lived like it. There is a saying in the world – “There is light at end of the tunnel”. That might not always be true here on earth but Apostle Paul reminds us that there is indeed light (crown) at the end of the tunnel.
📝 Lesson for Us:
What you do for God is never wasted. Even if people don’t notice, even if no one applauds—God sees. There is a reward. And eternity is longer than this life.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life…” – James 1:12
Key Takeaways from Paul’s Final Day
- Live poured out – Every day is a chance to give back to God.
- Fight well – Be bold in the battles that matter.
- Finish strong – Don’t stop when it gets tough.
- Guard your faith – Hold on through the storms.
- Fix your eyes on eternity – Heaven is worth the sacrifice.
Final Thoughts: Your Legacy Starts Now
Paul didn’t wait until the end to get serious about faith. He lived every day like it mattered. That’s why he could face death without flinching.
So here’s the real question:
If today was your last day, could you say what Paul said?
If not, it’s okay. Because the grace Paul wrote about—the same grace that sustained him—it’s available to you right now. Your race isn’t over. You still have time to fight, to run, to finish, to keep the faith.
Don’t wait for your last day to live with purpose. Start now. Live like someone who knows the crown is waiting.
John Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations.
