Setting Sail on the Seas of Eternity

(“My Departure Is at Hand”)

Mike Johnson

While in a Roman prison near the end of his life, Paul wrote, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand” (2 Tim. 4:6).

The Greek word (analusis),  translated as “departure,” occurs only in this place in the New Testament. Paul uses the word here as a metaphor for death, and Greek scholars tell us that it refers to the act of releasing a boat from its moorings (Thayer). Picture a boat tied to a dock. It moves up and down and back and forth; the rope becomes tight and then loose. The boat strains to set itself free from the pier. Finally, its owner unties the vessel, and it departs from the dock.

Paul describes living here upon this earth as, in a sense, tied to a dock. The time would soon come for “untying the rope,” and he would set sail upon the seas of eternity. His death would be a release.

Consider the way Peter spoke of his death. After saying that he must shortly leave his “tent” (i.e., die), he said, in 2 Peter 1:15, “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease (NASB “departure.”) The word translated decease (exodus) is the same word used by Luke (Lk. 9:31) in his account of the transfiguration. Luke points out that when Jesus spoke to Moses and Elijah, He spoke of his “decease” (NKJV), which would happen in Jerusalem. Various other translations use the word “departure.” Interestingly, Hebrews 11:22 says Joseph spoke of the children of Israel “departing” from Egypt to go to the Promised Land. This passage has the third use of the Greek term. The children of Israel would “depart” on a literal journey.

Sometimes we refer euphemistically to a person who has died as one who has “departed.” Indeed, death is not the end; it merely is a “departure” from this life. When a person dies, his spirit leaves his body (Jas. 2:26) and departs to another place.

Comfort exists knowing that death is a departure. We mourn when loved ones pass away as we know we will miss them. Jesus even wept on such an occasion (Jn. 11:35). However, the person who is a faithful Christian is merely going to another place, which is “far better” (Phil. 1:23). Indeed, death is not the end.

In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul noted that he had fought a good fight,  finished his course, and  kept the faith. Because of this, he could look forward to his departure, anticipating a crown of righteousness that awaited. He pointed out he desired to depart and be with Christ (Phil. 1:23). If we faithfully serve God, we also can favorably anticipate our “departure.” Paul pointed out that this crown would not be for him only but for all who love His appearing.

There will be a time when we will be “untied from the dock.” Will we be ready?