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A Drink Offering
Today, some historical background. What does Paul mean in verse 6 when he says he's "already being poured out as a drink offering"? Make sure you check the verses for the OT background:
"Paul told the terrible truth. Departure here means not release but death. A drink offering consisted of wine poured out on an altar as a sacrifice to God (see Genesis 35:14; Exodus 29:41; Numbers 28:24). Paul viewed his life as an offering, poured out before God. Paul had used the same comparison in Philippians 2:17, where he wrote, “Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming for your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you” (NIV). There will be times when service seems wasted. Sometimes, being poured out will feel like being thrown out! When that happens, remember Paul’s image of the drink offering and be encouraged. Even if he had to die, Paul was content. Paul’s commitment was total; thus, sacrificing his life to build others’ faith seemed to him a joyous reward.
Paul’s words about his departure would communicate to Timothy that he would not be able to count on Paul’s presence or encouragement much longer. Shared leadership was ending. Timothy must take charge." [1]
A Drink Offering
Today, some historical background. What does Paul mean in verse 6 when he says he's "already being poured out as a drink offering"? Make sure you check the verses for the OT background:
"Paul told the terrible truth. Departure here means not release but death. A drink offering consisted of wine poured out on an altar as a sacrifice to God (see Genesis 35:14; Exodus 29:41; Numbers 28:24). Paul viewed his life as an offering, poured out before God. Paul had used the same comparison in Philippians 2:17, where he wrote, “Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming for your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you” (NIV). There will be times when service seems wasted. Sometimes, being poured out will feel like being thrown out! When that happens, remember Paul’s image of the drink offering and be encouraged. Even if he had to die, Paul was content. Paul’s commitment was total; thus, sacrificing his life to build others’ faith seemed to him a joyous reward.
Paul’s words about his departure would communicate to Timothy that he would not be able to count on Paul’s presence or encouragement much longer. Shared leadership was ending. Timothy must take charge." [1]
[1] Bruce B. Barton, David Veerman and Neil S. Wilson, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1993), 223.
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