2 Timothy 4:6 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

I am—ready to be offered,— The original is very emphatical: For I am already poured out as a libation. So St. Peter foresaw his approaching martyrdom, 2 Ephesians 1:14. St. Paul uses the word σπενδομαι in the same sense, Philippians 2:17. It seems to be an allusion to the custom of pouring wine upon the head of the victim, just before it was offered up to God; and that wine so poured out was usually called a libation. The apostle here intimates, that his blood was as it were already like one of those libations, which, when it was poured out, could not be gathered up again. Thus he speaks of his approaching martyrdom as of a thing sure and already done, and past recalling; intimating that it would certainly happen, whenever he should come to make his second apology. His ministry was a sacrifice; and when the wine was poured out, the sacrifice was finished. In this manner he hints that his ministry was just come to an end, and he could nomore assist Timothy in spreading and supporting the true gospel of Christ.