2Ti 4:7 | RWP | e4.org | I have fought the good fight ( τον καλον αγωνα ηγωνισμα ). Perfect middle indicative of αγωνιζομα , a favourite figure with Paul ( ; ), with the cognate accusative αγωνα ( , , etc.). The "fight" is the athletic contest of his struggle for Christ. I have finished the course ( τον δρομον τετελεκα ). Perfect active indicative of τελεω . He had used this metaphor also of himself to the elders at Ephesus ( ). Then the "course" was ahead of him. Now it is behind him. I have kept the faith ( την πιστιν τετηρηκα ). Perfect active indicative again of τηρεω . Paul has not deserted. He has kept faith with Christ. For this phrase, see . Deissmann ( Light, etc. , p. 309) gives inscriptions in Ephesus of a man who says: "I have kept faith" ( την πιστιν ετηρησα ) and another of a man of whom it is said: "He fought three fights, and twice was crowned."

‏ 2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight ( τον καλον αγωνα ηγωνισμα ). Perfect middle indicative of αγωνιζομα, a favourite figure with Paul (1Co 9:25; Col 1:29), with the cognate accusative αγωνα (Php 1:27, 30, etc.). The "fight" is the athletic contest of his struggle for Christ.

I have finished the course ( τον δρομον τετελεκα ). Perfect active indicative of τελεω. He had used this metaphor also of himself to the elders at Ephesus (Ac 20:24). Then the "course" was ahead of him. Now it is behind him.

I have kept the faith ( την πιστιν τετηρηκα ). Perfect active indicative again of τηρεω. Paul has not deserted. He has kept faith with Christ. For this phrase, see Re 14:12. Deissmann (Light, etc., p. 309) gives inscriptions in Ephesus of a man who says: "I have kept faith" ( την πιστιν ετηρησα ) and another of a man of whom it is said: "He fought three fights, and twice was crowned."