²⁰ according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but ^(A)with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life ^(B)or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²² But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I ^[a]cannot tell. ^23 [b]For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a ^(C)desire to depart and be with Christ, which is ^(D)far better.

Paul’s Valedictory

⁶ For ^(A)I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of ^(B)my departure is at hand. ^7 (C)I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Finally, there is laid up for me ^(D)the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous ^(E)Judge, will give to me ^(F)on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.