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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_timothy/4-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/55_2Ti_04_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Timothy 4:7 - Preach the Word" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nasb/2_timothy/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; <a href="/nasb77/2_timothy/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; <a href="/lsb/2_timothy/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. <a href="/amp/2_timothy/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. <a href="/csb/2_timothy/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. <a href="/hcsb/2_timothy/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. <a href="/asv/2_timothy/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: <a href="/cev/2_timothy/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. <a href="/erv/2_timothy/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: <a href="/gwt/2_timothy/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. <a href="/gnt/2_timothy/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. <a href="/isv/2_timothy/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. <a href="/msb/2_timothy/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. <a href="/net/2_timothy/4.htm">NET Bible</a> I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! <a href="/nheb/2_timothy/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. <a href="/wbt/2_timothy/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: <a href="/wey/2_timothy/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I have gone through the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have guarded the faith. <a href="/web/2_timothy/4.htm">World English Bible</a> I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_timothy/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I have striven the good strife, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; <a href="/blb/2_timothy/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. <a href="/ylt/2_timothy/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the good strife I have striven, the course I have finished, the faith I have kept, <a href="/slt/2_timothy/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I have contended earnestly the good contest, I have completed the course, I have kept the faith:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_timothy/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. <a href="/cpdv/2_timothy/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faith. <a href="/nabre/2_timothy/4.htm">New American Bible</a> I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. <a href="/nrsvce/2_timothy/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_timothy/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept my faith: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_timothy/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> I have fought an excellent fight; I have finished my race and I have kept my faith.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_timothy/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: <a href="/godbey/2_timothy/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: <a href="/haweis/2_timothy/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I have struggled hard in the honourable contest, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: <a href="/mace/2_timothy/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I have struggled in a glorious cause: I have finish'd my career: I have stood to the faith: <a href="/wey/2_timothy/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I have gone through the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have guarded the faith. <a href="/worrell/2_timothy/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> I have contended in the noble contest, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; <a href="/worsley/2_timothy/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith. <a href="/parallel/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FxoCLii8Z48?start=619" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_timothy/4.htm">Preach the Word</a> …6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7<a href="/greek/75.htm" title="75: ēgōnismai (V-RIM/P-1S) -- From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case.">I have fought</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalon (Adj-AMS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">good</a> <a href="/greek/73.htm" title="73: agōna (N-AMS) -- From ago; properly, a place of assembly, i.e. a contest; figuratively, an effort or anxiety.">fight,</a> <a href="/greek/5055.htm" title="5055: teteleka (V-RIA-1S) -- (a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay. From telos; to end, i.e. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge.">I have finished</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1408.htm" title="1408: dromon (N-AMS) -- A running, course, career, race. From the alternate of trecho; a race, i.e. career.">race,</a> <a href="/greek/5083.htm" title="5083: tetērēka (V-RIA-1S) -- From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.">I have kept</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistin (N-AFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith.</a> 8From now on there is laid up 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 to all who crave His appearing.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a> Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ... <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12-14</a> Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. / Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Acts 20:24</a> But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. <a href="/revelation/3-21.htm">Revelation 3:21</a> To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. <a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a> Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. <a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a> And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. <a href="/romans/8-37.htm">Romans 8:37</a> No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a> Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. <a href="/matthew/25-21.htm">Matthew 25:21</a> His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12-13</a> For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. / Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29</a> To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a> Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a> But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:have thought.<a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a> Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.I have finished.<a href="/john/4-34.htm">John 4:34</a> Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.<a href="/acts/13-25.htm">Acts 13:25</a> And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.<a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Acts 20:24</a> But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.I have kept.<a href="/2_timothy/1-14.htm">2 Timothy 1:14</a> That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.<a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23</a> Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.<a href="/luke/8-15.htm">Luke 8:15</a> But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/2-1.htm">Combat</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Contest</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Course</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">End</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/romans/15-28.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">Fought</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-11.htm">Glorious</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-5.htm">Good</a> <a href="/galatians/3-23.htm">Guarded</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-25.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Race</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Run</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-24.htm">Striven</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_chronicles/32-6.htm">Combat</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Contest</a> <a href="/titus/2-12.htm">Course</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">End</a> <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-4.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-3.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/revelation/12-7.htm">Fought</a> <a href="/titus/2-13.htm">Glorious</a> <a href="/titus/1-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-5.htm">Guarded</a> <a href="/titus/3-13.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Race</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Run</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/genesis/26-20.htm">Striven</a><div class="vheading2">2 Timothy 4</div>1. <a href="/2_timothy/4-1.htm">He exhorts him to preach the Word with all care and diligence;</a> 6. <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">certifies him of the nearness of his death;</a> 9. <a href="/2_timothy/4-9.htm">wills him to come speedily unto him, and to bring Marcus with him;</a> 14. <a href="/2_timothy/4-14.htm">warns him to beware of Alexander the metalworker.</a> 16. <a href="/2_timothy/4-16.htm">informs him what had befallen him at his first answering;</a> 19. <a href="/2_timothy/4-19.htm">and soon after he concludes.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_timothy/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_timothy/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I have fought the good fight This phrase reflects the Apostle Paul's life of dedication and struggle in spreading the Gospel. The imagery of a fight suggests a spiritual battle, echoing <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>, where Paul describes the Christian life as a struggle against spiritual forces. The "good fight" implies a noble and worthy cause, aligning with <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a>, where believers are encouraged to "fight the good fight of faith." Historically, Paul faced numerous challenges, including persecution, imprisonment, and opposition from false teachers, as seen throughout Acts and his epistles. This phrase also connects to the athletic imagery Paul often uses, likening the Christian journey to a contest requiring discipline and perseverance.I have finished the race Paul uses the metaphor of a race to describe his life and ministry, emphasizing completion and endurance. This imagery is consistent with <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a>, where Paul speaks of running in such a way as to obtain the prize. The race metaphor suggests a course set by God, requiring steadfastness and focus. Historically, races were a common part of Greco-Roman culture, making this metaphor relatable to Paul's audience. The completion of the race signifies Paul's fulfillment of his God-given mission, echoing Jesus' words in <a href="/john/17-4.htm">John 17:4</a>, where He speaks of finishing the work given to Him by the Father. This phrase underscores the importance of perseverance in the Christian life.I have kept the faith This phrase highlights Paul's steadfastness in maintaining the core truths of the Gospel amidst trials and false teachings. "Keeping the faith" implies guarding the deposit of truth entrusted to him, as mentioned in <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20</a>. It reflects a commitment to sound doctrine and the teachings of Christ, as seen in <a href="/2_timothy/1-13.htm">2 Timothy 1:13-14</a>. The historical context includes the rise of heresies and false doctrines in the early church, which Paul often addressed in his letters. This phrase also connects to the idea of faithfulness, a key attribute of believers, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, where the faith of the patriarchs is commended. Paul's declaration serves as a model for believers to remain faithful to the Gospel until the end.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter, Paul is writing to Timothy, his spiritual son, from a Roman prison. This is considered one of his final epistles, reflecting on his life and ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and close companion of Paul, Timothy is the recipient of this letter. Paul is encouraging him to remain steadfast in his faith and ministry. 3. <a href="/topical/r/roman_imprisonment.htm">Roman Imprisonment</a> Paul writes this letter during his second imprisonment in Rome, facing the end of his life. This context adds weight to his reflections on having "fought the good fight." 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The broader context involves the early Christian church, which was facing persecution and doctrinal challenges. Paul's letters often address these issues, providing guidance and encouragement. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_christian_race.htm">The Christian Race</a> The metaphor of a race is used to describe the Christian life, emphasizing perseverance, discipline, and the ultimate goal of faithfulness to Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a> The Christian life is likened to a fight and a race, requiring endurance and commitment. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith despite challenges. <a href="/topical/c/completion_of_the_mission.htm">Completion of the Mission</a> Paul’s declaration of having "finished the race" serves as a reminder to fulfill the calling and mission God has given each believer. It encourages a life lived with purpose and intentionality. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_faith.htm">Guarding the Faith</a> "Keeping the faith" involves holding fast to the truth of the Gospel and living it out. This requires vigilance against false teachings and a commitment to sound doctrine. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faithfulness.htm">Legacy of Faithfulness</a> Paul’s life serves as an example of faithfulness to the end. Believers are encouraged to consider the legacy they are leaving and to strive for a testimony that honors God. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> The focus on the "good fight" and "finishing the race" points to an eternal perspective, where the ultimate reward is not earthly but heavenly. Believers are encouraged to live with eternity in mind.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_timothy_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 4</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'fought_the_good_fight'.htm">What does "I have fought the good fight" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'keep_the_faith'_mean.htm">What does "keep the faith" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'pastor_emeritus'_mean.htm">What does "Pastor Emeritus" mean?</a> <a href="/q/have_i_finished_the_race.htm">Have I finished the race?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_timothy/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) I have fought a good fight.--More accurately, more forcibly rendered, the good fight. St. Paul changes the metaphor, and adopts his old favourite one, so familiar to all Gentile readers, of the athlete contending in the games. First, he speaks generally of the combatant, the charioteer, and the runner. "I have fought the good fight," leaving it undetermined what description of strife or contest was referred to. The tense of the Greek verb--the perfect--"I have fought," is remarkable. The struggle had been bravely sustained in the past, and was now being equally bravely sustained to the end. His claim to the crown (<a href="/2_timothy/4-8.htm" title="From now on there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing.">2Timothy 4:8</a>) was established.I have finished my course.--Or "race," for here the image of the stadium, the Olympic race-course, was occupying the Apostle's thoughts. Again the perfect is used: "I have finished my course." How, asks, Chrysostom, "had he finished his course?" and answers rather rhetorically by replying that he had made the circuit of the world. The question is better answered in St. Paul's own words (<a href="/acts/20-24.htm" title="But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.">Acts 20:24</a>), where he explains "his course," which he would finish with joy, as the ministry which he had received of the Lord Jesus.I have kept the faith.--Here, again, the metaphor is changed, and St. Paul looks back on his lived life as on one long, painful struggle to guard the treasure of the Catholic faith inviolate and untarnished (see <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm" title="O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:">1Timothy 6:20</a>). And now the struggle was over, and he handed on the sacred deposit, safe. It is well to compare this passage with the words of the same Apostle in the Epistle to the Philippians (<a href="/2_timothy/3-12.htm" title="Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.">2Timothy 3:12</a>, and following verses). The same metaphors were in the Apostle's mind on both occasions; but in the first instance (in the Philippian Epistle) they were used by the anxious, care worn servant of the Lord, hoping and, at the same time, fearing what the future had in store for him and his Church; in the second (in the Epistle to Timothy) they were the expression of the triumphant conviction of the dying follower of Christ, who had so followed his loved Master in life, that he now shrank not from following the same Master in death.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_timothy/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - The for a, A.V.; the for my, A.V. I have fought the good fight; as <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a> (τὸν ἀγῶνα τὸν καλόν), meaning that, however honourable the contests of the games were deemed, the Christian contest was far more honourable than them all. The word "fight" does not adequately express by agora, which embraces all kinds of contests - chariot race, foot race, wrestling, etc. "I have played out the honourable game" would give the sense, though inelegantly. The course (τὸν δρόμον); <a href="/acts/13-25.htm">Acts 13:25</a>; <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Acts 20:24</a>. The runner in the race had a definite δρόμος, or course to run, marked out for him. St. Paul's life was that course, and he knew that he had run it out. I have kept the faith. St. Paul here quits metaphor and explains the foregoing figures. Through his long eventful course, in spite of all difficulties, conflicts, dangers, and temptations, he had kept the faith of Jesus Christ committed to him, inviolable, unadulterated, whole, and complete. He had not shrunk from confessing it when death stared him in the face; he had not corrupted it to meet the views of Jews or Gentiles; with courage and resolution and perseverance he had kept it to the end. Oh! let Timothy do the same. <a href="/commentaries/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I have fought ἠγώνισμαι (ēgōnismai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_75.htm">Strong's 75: </a> From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. good καλὸν (kalon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. fight, ἀγῶνα (agōna) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_73.htm">Strong's 73: </a> From ago; properly, a place of assembly, i.e. a contest; figuratively, an effort or anxiety. I have finished τετέλεκα (teteleka) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5055.htm">Strong's 5055: </a> (a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay. From telos; to end, i.e. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. race, δρόμον (dromon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1408.htm">Strong's 1408: </a> A running, course, career, race. From the alternate of trecho; a race, i.e. career. I have kept τετήρηκα (tetērēka) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5083.htm">Strong's 5083: </a> From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. faith. πίστιν (pistin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">NT Letters: 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Timothy 4:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Timothy 4:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_timothy/4-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Timothy 4:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Timothy 4:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>