Paul's own life becomes the organizational framework upon which is built this final section of exhortations to Timothy. In verse 5, Paul outlines what is expected and required of Timothy ("As for you ...") if he is to accomplish his mission and ministry. Corresponding to and contrasting with this directive is Paul's own personal example ("As for me ...") of a mission accomplished.

Paul uses a familiar first-century image to describe the current course of his life. To be "poured out as a libation" is a sacrificial image used to describe the meaning of Paul's life and imminent death. In cultic practices, both Jewish and pagan, the drink offering poured out was a gift to the divine (God or gods), a show of honor and respect. Already in Philippians 2:17, Paul uses drink as a metaphor for deat…