What does 2 Timothy 4:18 mean?

Paul concludes his thoughts from the previous verse. Even though he fully expects to die under Roman imprisonment, he still speaks of God rescuing him. Just as Paul had been delivered from Alexander (2 Timothy 4:14) and in his first legal defense (2 Timothy 4:17), God's will would be perfectly fulfilled, no matter what the earthly outcome. Paul was confident of his salvation and his eternal destiny.

As a result, Paul could praise God, even in prison. Though he expected to soon die, he could still say, "To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." His life had been given in service to the Lord, the One whom he would soon see face-to-face. Paul's story would soon fulfill his words in Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He would not simply die and become non-existent or endure soul sleep, but would immediately be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:6–8; Philippians 1:23).