4:6 {4} For I am now ready to be {c} offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
(4) He foretells his death to be at hand, and sets before them an excellent example, both of invincible constancy, and sure hope.
(c) To be offered for a drink offering: and he alludes to the pouring out of blood or wine which was used in sacrifices.
4:6 For I am now ready to be offered. Poured out as a drink offering (Revised Version, margin) by having his blood shed.
The time of my departure. Death, to Paul, was simply a departure, a leaving the body and this world for a better state.
Is at hand. His death had been predetermined by his enemies, and was near.
4:6 The time of my departure is at hand - So undoubtedly God had shown him. I am ready to be offered up - Literally, to be poured out, as the wine and oil were on the ancient sacrifices.
4:6-8 The blood of the martyrs, though not a sacrifice of atonement, yet was a sacrifice of acknowledgment to the grace of God and his truth. Death to a good man, 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 will it 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 have it not 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 interest in Christ will be darkened, and uncertainty and distress may be expected to cloud and harass his last hours.
