THE SACRIFICE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL EMBELLISHES A LIFE SPENT FOR THE GOSPEL: «I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT...» (CF. 2 TIM 4, 6-8)
THE SACRIFICE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL EMBELLISHES A LIFE SPENT FOR THE GOSPEL: «I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT...» (CF. 2 TIM 4, 6-8)

Summary/Abstract: The Holy Apostle Paul expresses his attitude towards death with the help of the image of the sacrifice, a sacrificial offering out of love for God, considering that the time of his departure from this world has arrived, like a ship returning to its homeland. The apostle, now on the threshold of eternity, casts a glance over his past and summarizes, in a few words, all his mission and the faithfulness with which he fulfilled it, then he looks to the future and joyfully contemplates the glory that awaits him. With the help of other images such as fighting, running, the crown, taken from the sports field of the respective times and frequently used by the Apostle, the athletic aspect of Christianity is emphasized, a true celebration of faith. The apostle fought the good fight for the defense and propagation of the Gospel like a strong athlete. He reached the end of the race, that is, he completed the apostolic work that was entrusted to him. St. Paul often uses these similes, borrowed from the public games, to explain how the life of true disciples of Jesus Christ should be. He kept his faith, that is, he was faithful in the performance of his duties and above all in keeping the depository of the truths of the Gospel. These feelings of the Apostle don’t come from an attitude, but from a good conscience and a firm hope. The apostle, in his capacity as a preacher, didn’t betray the deposit of truth entrusted by the Lord.

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