Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Timothy 4:6-8

"For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing." — 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (ASV)

The blood of the martyrs, though not a sacrifice of atonement, was still a sacrifice of acknowledgment of the grace of God and his truth.

To a good man, death is his release from the imprisonment of this world and his departure to the enjoyments of another world. As a Christian and a minister, Paul had kept the faith, kept the doctrines of the gospel. What comfort it will afford to be able to speak in this manner toward the end of our days!

The crown of believers is a crown of righteousness, purchased by the righteousness of Christ. Believers do not have it at present, yet it is sure, for it is laid up for them. The believer, amidst poverty, pain, sickness, and the agonies of death, may rejoice; but if the duties of a man's place and station are neglected, his evidence of his part in Christ will be darkened, and uncertainty and distress may be expected to cloud and harass his last hours.