Verse 6 Is at hand. This passage (2 Timothy 4:6-8) has been by some considered as indicating that Paul wrote this Epistle when very near the close of his life, during a second imprisonment, which tradition teaches that he suffered at Rome, and which terminated in his martyrdom The directions, however, which follow, (2 Timothy 4:11-13,21,) seem to imply that he did not consider his work as yet absolutely ended. If the latter supposition is correct, this passage must mean only that he felt that he was gradually drawing towards the close of his labors. In either case, it is interesting to observe that the faith and hope which had given him activity and guidance during his long life of suffering and danger, now became his solace and support when he found himself near its end.