The “course” (v. 7) that God set before Paul led from one hardship to another. He enjoyed very little of the normal comforts of life, and was sometimes misunderstood by his fellow church members and even other apostles. Disgrace and humiliation from those without constituted much of Paul’s compensation for preaching the gospel.

Gr. sōzō, “to save.” Although his mortal life would not be spared much longer, Paul knew that his eternal future was secure. As he bowed his head before the executioner’s sword the certainty of his Lord’s promises brought forth a song from his heart.

That is, every wicked design that Satan and his enemies may plot against him and against the advance of God’s truth.

 Perhaps a reference to the Lord’s Prayer: “deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13), thus a statement of Paul’s unswerving confidence in God, who fails not in the hour of man’s need. Paul knows no fear; companionship with God “casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18). Compare Ps. 23:4; 27:1-3.