Verse 18
Paul knew he would die a martyr’s death (2 Timothy 4:6-8), but he saw death as God’s vehicle to deliver him from an evil deed (his execution) and to bring him into his Lord’s presence. For this prospect he glorified God.
Thoughts of the coming heavenly kingdom that Paul was about to enter lay behind all he wrote in 2 Timothy 4:1-18. He referred to Christ’s kingdom in 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:18 specifically. I believe Paul was speaking of Christ’s rule in which all Christians will participate when we enter His presence, part of which will include His millennial reign on the earth.
"Three features of Paul’s attitude can provide us help and encouragement for today. First, Paul avoided indulging his disappointments. . . . Second, Paul could rejoice in the victory won in the life of Mark. . . . Third, Paul found no room for vindictiveness toward those who hurt or opposed him." [Note: Lea, p. 257.]
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