A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:" — 2 Timothy 4:7 (ASV)

I have fought the good fight (τον καλον αγωνα ηγωνισμα). Perfect middle indicative of αγωνιζομα, a favourite figure with Paul (1 Corinthians 9:25; Colossians 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 (Acts 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."