Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Timothy 4:6

"For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come." — 2 Timothy 4:6 (ASV)

In Php 2:17 Paul wrote, “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice”; here he says, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering.” In both passages “I am being poured out like a drink offering” (GK 3064) presents the picture of a drink offering poured on the lamb of sacrifice just before it was burned on the altar (Numbers 28:24).

In the earlier letter, written during his first Roman imprisonment, Paul was expecting to be released soon and revisit Philippi . But now the case is different. He is nearing the end of his second and final imprisonment at Rome. He is conscious that his fate is sealed, for he adds, “And the time has come for my departure.” Paul was about ready to leave his physical body and forsake this earth for the presence of his Lord.