Verse
Context
Sermons
Hans R. Waldvogel
David Wilkerson
Stephen Kaung
Oswald J. Smith
Stephen OlfordSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown - This I can claim as my due; but the crown I expect is not one of fading leaves, but a crown of righteousness; the reward which God, in his kindness, has promised to them who are faithful to the grace he has bestowed upon them. The Lord, the righteous Judge - He alludes here to the brabeus, or umpire in the Grecian games, whose office it was to declare the victor, and to give the crown. At that day - The day of judgment; the morning of the resurrection from the dead. Unto all them also that love his appearing - All who live in expectation of the coming of Christ, who anticipate it with joyfulness, having buried the world and laid up all their hopes above. Here is a reward, but it is a reward not of debt but of grace; for it is by the grace of God that even an apostle is fitted for glory. And this reward is common to the faithful; it is given, not only to apostles, but to all them that love his appearing. This crown is laid up - it is in view, but not in possession. We must die first. I have several times noted the allusions of St. Paul to the Greek poets, and such as seemed to argue that he quoted immediately from them. There is a passage in the Alcestis of Euripides, in which the very expressions used here by the apostle are found, and spoken on the occasion of a wife laying down her life for her husband, when both his parents had refused to do it. Ουκ ηθελησας ουδ' ετολμησας θανειν Του σου προ παιδος· αλλα την δ' ειασατε Γυναικ' οθνειαν, ἡν εγω και μητερα Πατερα τε γ' ενδικως αν ἡγοιμην μονην· Και τοι καλον γ' αν τανδ' αγων' ηγωνισω, Του σου προ παιδος κατθανων. Alcest. v. 644. "Thou wouldst not, neither darest thou to die for thy son; but hast suffered this strange woman to do it, whom I justly esteem to be alone my father and mother: thou wouldst have fought a good fight hadst thou died for thy son." See Sophocles and Aeschylus, quoted Ti1 6:15. The καλος αγων, good fight, was used among the Greeks to express a contest of the most honorable kind, and in this sense the apostle uses it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a crown--rather as Greek, "the crown." The "henceforth" marks the decisive moment; he looks to his state in a threefold aspect: (1) The past "I have fought"; (2) The immediate present; "there is laid up for me." (3) The future "the Lord will give in that day" [BENGEL]. crown--a crown, or garland, used to be bestowed at the Greek national games on the successful competitor in wrestling, running, &c. (compare Pe1 5:4; Rev 2:10). of righteousness--The reward is in recognition of righteousness wrought in Paul by God's Spirit; the crown is prepared for the righteous; but it is a crown which consists in righteousness. Righteousness will be its own reward (Rev 22:11). Compare Exo 39:30. A man is justified gratuitously by the merits of Christ through faith; and when he is so justified God accepts his works and honors them with a reward which is not their due, but is given of grace. "So great is God's goodness to men that He wills that their works should be merits, though they are merely His own gifts" [POPE CELESTINE I., Epistles, 12]. give--Greek, "shall award" in righteous requital as "Judge" (Act 17:31; Co2 5:10; Th2 1:6-7). in that day--not until His appearing (Ti2 1:12). The partakers of the first resurrection may receive a crown also at the last day, and obtain in that general assembly of all men, a new award of praise. The favorable sentence passed on the "brethren" of the Judge, who sit with Him on His throne, is in Mat 25:40, taken for granted as already awarded, when that affecting those who benefited them is being passed [BENGEL]. The former, the elect Church who reign with Christ in the millennium, are fewer than the latter. The righteous heavenly Judge stands in contrast to the unrighteous earthly judges who condemned Paul. me--individual appropriation. Greek, "not only to me." them that love--Greek, "have loved, and do love"; habitual love and desire for Christ's appearing, which presupposes faith (compare Heb 9:28). Compare the sad contrast, Ti2 4:10, "having loved this present world."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,.... The happiness of the future state of the saints is signified by a crown, on account of the glory and excellency of it; and in perfect agreement with the character of the saints, as kings; and who are raised to sit among princes, and to inherit the throne of glory, and have a kingdom prepared for them; and this is called a crown "of righteousness", because it comes through the righteousness of Christ; it is that which gives a right unto it, and without which it cannot be enjoyed; and because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and usurpation, as crowns sometimes are: it is God the Father's free gift unto his children, what they are born heirs unto, and have a meetness for, through regenerating and sanctifying grace, and have a legal title to it through the righteousness of Christ. Moreover, this may be expressive of the perfect holiness and righteousness of the heavenly state, and of the saints in it, wherein will dwell none but righteous persons, and who will be entirely without sin. And this happiness, signified by a crown, is "laid up"; in the covenant of grace for the saints, which is ordered in all things and sure; and in Christ, in whose hands their persons are, and their grace is, and with him also is their life of glory hid and secured: and this also is laid up in heaven, and reserved there, and that for me, and thee; for particular persons, for all the vessels of mercy, for all that are chosen in Christ Jesus, and redeemed by his blood, and sanctified by his Spirit; which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day. By the Lord is meant the Lord Jesus Christ; as is evident from his character, as a Judge, for the Father judgeth no man; and from mention being made hereafter of his appearing: Christ is ordained Judge of quick and dead, for which he is abundantly qualified, and a "righteous" one he will be; he is righteous as God, and as man, and as Mediator, in the discharge of all his offices, and so he will be as a Judge, in the administration of that office; righteousness will be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins; and from Christ, under this character, the apostle expected to receive all his future glory and happiness; and that both in a way of gift, as a free grace gift from him, and through him, and in a way of righteousness; and this seems to be a Jewish way of speaking. One of the Septuagint interpreters, whom Ptolomy king of Egypt sent for from Judea, to translate the law of Moses into Greek, in answer to a question put to him by the king, uses this phrase of , "a crown of righteousness"; and which he represents as the gift of God (z): at that day; either at the day of death, the time of his dissolution, which was at hand; or at the day of the resurrection, and of the last judgment, when Christ will appear under the above character: and the apostle further observes, to the comfort and encouragement of Timothy, and others, that this happiness was not intended and prepared for himself only, but for others: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing; that is, his appearing at his second coming; which is to be loved, and so looked for by the saints, not only because it will be glorious in itself, in its attendants and consequences, but will be of great advantage to the saints; Christ will appear unto salvation to them, and so to their joy; they will appear with him in glory, and be like him, and enjoy the everlasting vision of him. The devils believe this appearance of Christ, but tremble at it; wicked men will behold him, and fear; saints know, believe, and love both Christ and his appearing; and such will wear that crown: the Ethiopic version renders it, "who love him at his coming"; all that love him now, will love him then. (z) Aristeae Hist. 72. Interpr. p. 91, Ed. Oxon.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:8 Only one thing remained for Paul: the victor’s crown (see also Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 2:10; 3:11). • If we live expecting that Christ is indeed coming again, we can eagerly look forward to his appearing (see 1 Tim 6:14) to set up his kingdom (2 Tim 4:1). If we don’t follow Christ’s commands, we cannot look forward to his coming as Judge and King.
Preach the Word
7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 7): The Appearing of Jesus Christ
By A.W. Tozer11K43:36Second Coming Of ChristMAT 6:331CO 15:521TH 4:161TI 4:12TI 4:81PE 1:71JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of appearance and manifestation. He uses the example of a soldier returning home to his wife and children, emphasizing the anticipation and expectation of his appearance. The preacher then relates this to the reading of Scriptures, highlighting the importance of not trying too hard or being tense when approaching the Word of God. He emphasizes the need to relax and trust in the Lord. The sermon also touches on the idea of the trial of faith and the preciousness of faith compared to material possessions, with a focus on the appearing of Jesus Christ.
Seeking God
By Hans R. Waldvogel6.5K15:09Seeking GodJER 2:8JER 29:13MAT 6:33MAT 7:72CO 5:20PHP 3:82TI 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God with one's whole heart. He uses the example of a woman searching for a lost piece of money to illustrate the determination and persistence required in seeking God. The preacher also highlights the uniqueness of the apostle Paul, who confidently declares that a crown of righteousness awaits him because he has lived a righteous life. The sermon concludes with a call to seek God constantly and attentively, entering into one's own heart and soul to find Him.
Eating and Drinking With the Drunken
By David Wilkerson6.0K55:38GodlinessPRO 4:23ISA 55:1MAT 24:44LUK 12:37JHN 6:352TI 4:8HEB 9:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of guarding one's eyes, ears, and diet from sinful influences. He leads the congregation in a prayer of repentance for consuming the wrong food and drink, asking Jesus to be their sustenance. The preacher warns against the addictive nature of sports and the dangers of excessive screen time, particularly on the internet. He predicts a future filled with uncensored pornography and filth on the internet, urging believers to sanctify their computer usage. The sermon is based on Matthew 24:44 and highlights the need for spiritual discernment in a world filled with temptation.
A Poured Out Life
By Stephen Kaung3.0K1:08:19LUK 10:382TI 4:8In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a man named Washington who had a powerful conversion experience and dedicated his life to the Lord. Despite being a brilliant person with a planned future, Washington struggled to fully surrender to Jesus because he knew it meant giving his whole self to the Lord. Eventually, through prayer, he was moved by the realization of his sins and the love of Christ, leading him to fully surrender. After graduating from college, Washington lived a humble and sacrificial life, serving the Lord with all his strength. The speaker also highlights the story of a sister who understood the worth of Jesus and poured out everything she had upon him, even when others questioned her actions. The sermon emphasizes the contrast between the world's mindset of gaining and storing, and the example of complete surrender and pouring out for the Lord.
The Judgement Seat of Christ
By Oswald J. Smith2.9K33:53MAT 6:33ROM 2:6ROM 14:101CO 3:102CO 5:102TI 4:8REV 22:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the foundation and superstructure in the Christian life. Salvation is dependent on being on the foundation, which assures eternal salvation. However, the rewards we receive in heaven depend on the superstructure, which refers to the kind of life we live and the works we perform. The preacher highlights the need to live a life dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ and to turn away from worldly pursuits. He also mentions that it is possible to be saved but receive no reward, instead suffering loss. The sermon is based on 1 Corinthians 3 and provides nine important points about the judgment seat of Christ.
Fren-18 Apostolic Foundations - Preaching
By Art Katz1.9K1:25:39PreachingACT 4:202CO 3:62TI 4:22TI 4:52TI 4:8HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker reflects on moments of physical weakness and disorientation while preaching the word of God. Despite the risk of failure and humiliation, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching with authority and confidence, knowing that the words spoken are not their own but from God. The speaker shares a personal experience of delivering a powerful message that caused controversy and offense, but also led to a profound encounter with God. The sermon concludes with the reminder that even in moments of discouragement and weariness, the spoken word holds great reverence and power.
The Resurrection-01 Power of the Resurrection
By Stephen Olford1.7K32:43ROM 8:21CO 15:45PHP 3:102TI 4:8In this sermon, Reverend Stephen F. Oldford discusses the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that this power is not only centered in the risen Savior, but it is also communicated by the Holy Spirit. The sermon references 1 Corinthians 15 and Romans 8 to explain how the resurrection brings life and freedom from sin and death. Reverend Oldford encourages the listeners to have faith and be linked with the resurrected Christ, so that their lives may display the characteristics of a victorious and exalted Lord.
Crowns - Part 1
By Ken Baird93856:56MAT 24:42ROM 13:111CO 9:251TH 2:192TI 4:81PE 5:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Five Crowns mentioned in the Bible. They have already covered the incorruptible crown and the soul winner's crown in previous sessions. Now, they focus on the crown of righteousness, comparing the Christian to a warrior. The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal righteousness in the life of a believer and encourages them to live in a way that aligns with their belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ. They also highlight the contrast between the things of this world and the things provided by God, emphasizing that the things of God are superior.
Spiritual Secrets of Smith Wigglesworth - Part 2 by George Storemont
By Smith Wigglesworth88753:25DEU 33:27PSA 119:11ISA 58:8MRK 11:22JHN 14:12ACT 2:4ROM 12:32TI 4:8HEB 12:2JAS 5:15
This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith, healing, and the power of God's Word. It shares stories of miraculous healings, the impact of faith in action, and the necessity of being men and women of the Book, rooted in the Word of God. The speaker highlights the intimate relationship with Jesus that Smith Wigglesworth had, leading to holy boldness and supernatural encounters.
Pleasing God - Pt. 6
By Kay Smith8481:16:39Pleasing GodGEN 5:24MAT 6:331TH 4:12TI 4:8REV 16:15In this sermon, the speaker begins by explaining their purpose in sharing the message. They express a deep concern for women who are not walking in the way God intended or who are struggling to find answers in the Bible. The speaker shares that their calling to speak comes from a love and care for women and a desire to see them go deeper in their relationship with God. They mention two concepts that have greatly impacted their life: the fear of God, which is an awe and reverence that keeps one from sinning, and pleasing God, which provides answers to many questions.
The Mental Agonies of Hell
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne3Eternal ConsequencesUrgency of SalvationGEN 15:1PSA 73:26PRO 15:11JER 6:30MAT 25:412CO 5:8PHP 1:232TH 1:92TI 4:8REV 3:20Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the urgency of seeking the kingdom of heaven, drawing from Paul's example of striving for spiritual assurance and discipline even after conversion. He warns of the dire consequences of being a 'castaway,' highlighting the mental agonies of hell, where the unrepentant will be eternally separated from God's presence, favor, and blessings. M'Cheyne illustrates that the wicked will face not only the absence of joy and comfort but also the torment of their own memories and conscience. He urges both believers to remain vigilant in their faith and the ungodly to turn to Christ before it is too late, reminding them of the love of Christ who bore the weight of being a castaway for their salvation.
The Crown of Righteousness
By Thomas Watson12TI 4:8Thomas Watson preaches about the promise of a crown of righteousness for those who honor God, emphasizing the need to find comfort and hope in the midst of loss and sorrow by looking to the heavenly reward. He encourages Mrs. Mary Hodges to make sure of her relationship with Christ, highlighting the importance of faith in securing the crown of righteousness and the union with Christ that death perfects. Watson explains the significance of the crown of righteousness, comparing it to earthly crowns and emphasizing its resplendence, weightiness, and honor. He delves into the conditions for wearing the crown, including the work, way, and armor of righteousness, urging believers to strive for holiness and perseverance in their Christian walk.
Until My Change Comes
By Thomas Watson0JOB 14:14PSA 89:48PSA 104:23MRK 9:442TI 2:32TI 4:8HEB 2:10HEB 9:27REV 9:6REV 18:22Thomas Watson preaches on the importance of understanding the brevity and challenges of life, likening it to a day with its shortness, vicissitudes, labor, and irreversibility, urging believers to not be overly attached to worldly things. He emphasizes that the Christian life is a constant warfare involving hardships, watchfulness, and combat, with Jesus Christ as the Captain and the promise of a glorious reward. Watson also delves into the preordination of each person's life by God, cautioning against delaying repentance and encouraging courage in fulfilling God's will. Lastly, he discusses the certainty and significance of the change that death brings, contrasting the dreadful change for the wicked with the glorious change for the godly, urging all to prepare for this inevitable transition with a holy change and a continual expectation of eternity.
Faith Realizes Eternal Realities
By Thomas Brooks0FaithEternal LifeMAT 6:20JHN 14:2ROM 8:182CO 4:18PHP 3:20COL 3:22TI 4:8HEB 11:11PE 1:4REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of faith in realizing eternal realities, urging believers to focus on the glory and blessedness that God has prepared for those who love Him. He explains that faith transforms the unseen into the seen, making absent joys, riches, and divine favor present to the soul. By faith, believers can perceive the invisible God and the eternal rewards awaiting them, which are far greater than anything earthly. Brooks illustrates that faith allows the soul to experience the richness of God's promises and the joy of salvation, drawing a vivid picture of the heavenly treasures that await. Ultimately, faith is the lens through which believers can grasp the profound and glorious realities of eternity.
Earthly Crowns Are Like Tennis-Balls
By Thomas Brooks0The Nature of GloryEternal RewardsMAT 6:19ROM 8:181CO 9:252CO 4:17PHP 3:202TI 4:8HEB 12:1JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 2:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the eternal nature of the believer's crown of glory, contrasting it with earthly crowns that are temporary and fleeting, much like tennis balls that are passed around until they wear out. He highlights that while earthly achievements may bring momentary satisfaction, they ultimately fade, whereas the crown of glory bestowed upon believers remains fresh and flourishing for eternity. Brooks reassures that no force, not even the devils in hell, can take away a believer's heavenly inheritance, which is far superior to anything this world offers. The sermon encourages believers to focus on their eternal rewards rather than the transient accolades of this life.
Those Treasures Are Mine!
By Thomas Brooks0PerseveranceFaithPSA 48:14JHN 20:28ROM 8:172CO 5:7EPH 1:3PHP 3:14COL 3:22TI 4:8HEB 11:11PE 1:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of faith in the life of a believer, illustrating how it empowers us to walk in God's ways despite discouragements. He highlights that faith allows us to claim God as our eternal guide and to embrace the promises and treasures found in Christ. By affirming that these blessings are personally ours, faith strengthens our perseverance and hope. Brooks encourages believers to recognize the sweetness and joy that come from a relationship with Christ, asserting that all these treasures belong to us through faith.
If You Would Live Gloriously
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal RewardsFocus on GodMAT 6:19ROM 8:182CO 4:17PHP 3:20COL 3:22TI 4:8HEB 12:2JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 2:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of focusing on God and the eternal rewards awaiting believers rather than being distracted by the temptations of the world. He warns that the world, with its allurements, can be a dangerous snare for the soul. Instead, believers should fix their eyes on God, Christ, and the glorious crown of glory that awaits them, which far surpasses any earthly pleasure. This perspective encourages a life lived in faith and anticipation of divine rewards.
Our Future Rewards
By A.W. Tozer0Eternal RewardsGenuine FaithMAT 6:20ROM 14:101CO 3:14GAL 6:9COL 3:232TI 4:8HEB 11:6JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 22:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes that our motives in the Christian life should be genuine and rooted in love for God, rather than solely for the rewards He offers. He reassures believers that while we should serve God for who He is, we should also remember the glorious future promises He has made, which include eternal rewards for those who walk in faith, love, and obedience. Tozer expresses confidence that God's faithful servants today may shine as brightly as the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews, suggesting that the legacy of faith continues beyond the past.
Judgment of the Believer's Works
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0JHN 3:18JHN 17:23ROM 5:1ROM 14:101CO 1:301CO 4:51CO 11:322CO 5:10EPH 1:6EPH 6:8COL 2:10COL 2:132TI 4:8HEB 10:14REV 20:11REV 22:12Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the biblical teachings on judgment and rewards for believers. He emphasizes that the child of God, under grace, is assured not to come into judgment for their sins, as Christ has already borne the penalty for all sin past, present, and future. While believers are beyond condemnation and accepted in Christ's perfection, they will still give an account of their daily life and service before the judgment seat of Christ. The judgment seat of Christ evaluates the believer's works for rewards or loss of rewards, separate from their eternal salvation, which is secure through Christ's finished work.
I Write These Things to Warn You
By Ignatius of Antioch0JHN 14:6ACT 4:121TH 4:162TI 4:81PE 1:21Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of guarding against false teachings and encourages believers to have full assurance in Christ. He highlights Christ's miraculous life, healing ministry, revelation of the one true God, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and future return for judgment. Those who have a deep conviction and belief in these truths are blessed, and Ignatius commends his audience for their love for God and Christ, urging them to remain steadfast in their hope.
A Kind of Omnipotency in It
By Thomas Brooks0God's PromisesFaithPSA 48:14JHN 10:28ROM 8:31EPH 2:4PHP 3:92TI 4:8HEB 9:14JAS 1:51PE 5:101JN 5:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of faith as an appropriating grace that allows believers to claim God's promises and attributes as their own. He illustrates how faith enables individuals to declare God as their eternal guide, to embrace their identity in Christ, and to lay hold of the righteousness, mercy, power, wisdom, and salvation offered through Jesus. This kind of faith possesses a unique omnipotency, empowering believers to navigate life's challenges with confidence in God's provision and support.
The Land of Darkness and the Shadow of Death.
By F.B. Meyer0Readiness for His ReturnHope in ChristJOB 10:21MAT 25:1JHN 14:3ROM 13:121TH 5:62TI 4:8TIT 2:13HEB 9:281PE 1:13REV 22:12F.B. Meyer reflects on the contrast between the ancient understanding of death as a land of darkness and the Christian hope of eternal life and light through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that while the patriarchs viewed life as day and the afterlife as night, believers today see the present as night and the future as a glorious day. Meyer encourages Christians to live in anticipation of Christ's return, likening the soul's affections to the tides influenced by the cross and the hope of His coming. He urges believers to remain vigilant and prepared, embodying the spirit of waiting for the Lord's return with faith and readiness.
The Glorious State of the Saints in Heaven.
By John Gill0HeavenAssurance of SalvationPSA 84:11JHN 14:2ROM 8:302CO 5:1PHP 1:232TI 4:8HEB 12:281PE 1:41JN 2:25REV 21:18John Gill preaches about the glorious state of the saints in heaven, emphasizing the reality and certainty of this ultimate glory that begins at death and culminates in the resurrection. He describes heaven as a place of eternal joy, peace, and communion with God, where believers will be free from sin and suffering, and will enjoy a perfect relationship with Christ and fellow saints. Gill highlights that this glory is promised by God, prepared for the faithful, and is the inheritance of those who have received His grace. He encourages listeners to seek this grace and live in a manner worthy of their calling, as the assurance of their future glory is rooted in their faith in Christ.
The Coming of the Crowning Day
By T. Austin-Sparks0Perseverance in TrialsCrowns of FaithfulnessROM 5:31CO 9:242CO 4:17PHP 3:81TH 2:192TI 4:8HEB 12:1JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 2:10T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the crowns offered by God to His servants, which symbolize victory and honor through trials and tribulations. He discusses three specific crowns: the Crown of Righteousness, which represents God's rightful place in our lives; the Crown of Life, awarded to those who endure temptation and remain faithful; and the Crown of Glory, given to those who selflessly serve the Lord. Each crown is tied to the challenges faced in life, highlighting the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity. Ultimately, Sparks encourages believers to strive for these crowns, recognizing the privilege of standing for Christ's Lordship in a challenging world.
The Second Coming of Christ.
By Edward Payson0JOB 19:26MAT 24:30LUK 21:271CO 15:521TH 4:161TH 5:22TI 4:82PE 3:101JN 3:2REV 1:7Edward Payson preaches about the second coming of Christ, emphasizing the certainty of this event as revealed in the Scriptures and the importance of being prepared for it. He describes the awe-inspiring scene of Christ coming in the clouds of heaven, where every eye shall see Him, and the contrasting reactions of different characters upon witnessing His return. Payson highlights the joy and comfort that faithful servants of Christ will experience, eagerly awaiting His appearing, while the unfaithful and wicked will be filled with terror, anguish, and despair. He urges the congregation to consider the impact of Christ's second coming on their own lives, emphasizing the need for readiness and faithful living in anticipation of that great day.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown - This I can claim as my due; but the crown I expect is not one of fading leaves, but a crown of righteousness; the reward which God, in his kindness, has promised to them who are faithful to the grace he has bestowed upon them. The Lord, the righteous Judge - He alludes here to the brabeus, or umpire in the Grecian games, whose office it was to declare the victor, and to give the crown. At that day - The day of judgment; the morning of the resurrection from the dead. Unto all them also that love his appearing - All who live in expectation of the coming of Christ, who anticipate it with joyfulness, having buried the world and laid up all their hopes above. Here is a reward, but it is a reward not of debt but of grace; for it is by the grace of God that even an apostle is fitted for glory. And this reward is common to the faithful; it is given, not only to apostles, but to all them that love his appearing. This crown is laid up - it is in view, but not in possession. We must die first. I have several times noted the allusions of St. Paul to the Greek poets, and such as seemed to argue that he quoted immediately from them. There is a passage in the Alcestis of Euripides, in which the very expressions used here by the apostle are found, and spoken on the occasion of a wife laying down her life for her husband, when both his parents had refused to do it. Ουκ ηθελησας ουδ' ετολμησας θανειν Του σου προ παιδος· αλλα την δ' ειασατε Γυναικ' οθνειαν, ἡν εγω και μητερα Πατερα τε γ' ενδικως αν ἡγοιμην μονην· Και τοι καλον γ' αν τανδ' αγων' ηγωνισω, Του σου προ παιδος κατθανων. Alcest. v. 644. "Thou wouldst not, neither darest thou to die for thy son; but hast suffered this strange woman to do it, whom I justly esteem to be alone my father and mother: thou wouldst have fought a good fight hadst thou died for thy son." See Sophocles and Aeschylus, quoted Ti1 6:15. The καλος αγων, good fight, was used among the Greeks to express a contest of the most honorable kind, and in this sense the apostle uses it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a crown--rather as Greek, "the crown." The "henceforth" marks the decisive moment; he looks to his state in a threefold aspect: (1) The past "I have fought"; (2) The immediate present; "there is laid up for me." (3) The future "the Lord will give in that day" [BENGEL]. crown--a crown, or garland, used to be bestowed at the Greek national games on the successful competitor in wrestling, running, &c. (compare Pe1 5:4; Rev 2:10). of righteousness--The reward is in recognition of righteousness wrought in Paul by God's Spirit; the crown is prepared for the righteous; but it is a crown which consists in righteousness. Righteousness will be its own reward (Rev 22:11). Compare Exo 39:30. A man is justified gratuitously by the merits of Christ through faith; and when he is so justified God accepts his works and honors them with a reward which is not their due, but is given of grace. "So great is God's goodness to men that He wills that their works should be merits, though they are merely His own gifts" [POPE CELESTINE I., Epistles, 12]. give--Greek, "shall award" in righteous requital as "Judge" (Act 17:31; Co2 5:10; Th2 1:6-7). in that day--not until His appearing (Ti2 1:12). The partakers of the first resurrection may receive a crown also at the last day, and obtain in that general assembly of all men, a new award of praise. The favorable sentence passed on the "brethren" of the Judge, who sit with Him on His throne, is in Mat 25:40, taken for granted as already awarded, when that affecting those who benefited them is being passed [BENGEL]. The former, the elect Church who reign with Christ in the millennium, are fewer than the latter. The righteous heavenly Judge stands in contrast to the unrighteous earthly judges who condemned Paul. me--individual appropriation. Greek, "not only to me." them that love--Greek, "have loved, and do love"; habitual love and desire for Christ's appearing, which presupposes faith (compare Heb 9:28). Compare the sad contrast, Ti2 4:10, "having loved this present world."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,.... The happiness of the future state of the saints is signified by a crown, on account of the glory and excellency of it; and in perfect agreement with the character of the saints, as kings; and who are raised to sit among princes, and to inherit the throne of glory, and have a kingdom prepared for them; and this is called a crown "of righteousness", because it comes through the righteousness of Christ; it is that which gives a right unto it, and without which it cannot be enjoyed; and because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and usurpation, as crowns sometimes are: it is God the Father's free gift unto his children, what they are born heirs unto, and have a meetness for, through regenerating and sanctifying grace, and have a legal title to it through the righteousness of Christ. Moreover, this may be expressive of the perfect holiness and righteousness of the heavenly state, and of the saints in it, wherein will dwell none but righteous persons, and who will be entirely without sin. And this happiness, signified by a crown, is "laid up"; in the covenant of grace for the saints, which is ordered in all things and sure; and in Christ, in whose hands their persons are, and their grace is, and with him also is their life of glory hid and secured: and this also is laid up in heaven, and reserved there, and that for me, and thee; for particular persons, for all the vessels of mercy, for all that are chosen in Christ Jesus, and redeemed by his blood, and sanctified by his Spirit; which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day. By the Lord is meant the Lord Jesus Christ; as is evident from his character, as a Judge, for the Father judgeth no man; and from mention being made hereafter of his appearing: Christ is ordained Judge of quick and dead, for which he is abundantly qualified, and a "righteous" one he will be; he is righteous as God, and as man, and as Mediator, in the discharge of all his offices, and so he will be as a Judge, in the administration of that office; righteousness will be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins; and from Christ, under this character, the apostle expected to receive all his future glory and happiness; and that both in a way of gift, as a free grace gift from him, and through him, and in a way of righteousness; and this seems to be a Jewish way of speaking. One of the Septuagint interpreters, whom Ptolomy king of Egypt sent for from Judea, to translate the law of Moses into Greek, in answer to a question put to him by the king, uses this phrase of , "a crown of righteousness"; and which he represents as the gift of God (z): at that day; either at the day of death, the time of his dissolution, which was at hand; or at the day of the resurrection, and of the last judgment, when Christ will appear under the above character: and the apostle further observes, to the comfort and encouragement of Timothy, and others, that this happiness was not intended and prepared for himself only, but for others: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing; that is, his appearing at his second coming; which is to be loved, and so looked for by the saints, not only because it will be glorious in itself, in its attendants and consequences, but will be of great advantage to the saints; Christ will appear unto salvation to them, and so to their joy; they will appear with him in glory, and be like him, and enjoy the everlasting vision of him. The devils believe this appearance of Christ, but tremble at it; wicked men will behold him, and fear; saints know, believe, and love both Christ and his appearing; and such will wear that crown: the Ethiopic version renders it, "who love him at his coming"; all that love him now, will love him then. (z) Aristeae Hist. 72. Interpr. p. 91, Ed. Oxon.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:8 Only one thing remained for Paul: the victor’s crown (see also Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 2:10; 3:11). • If we live expecting that Christ is indeed coming again, we can eagerly look forward to his appearing (see 1 Tim 6:14) to set up his kingdom (2 Tim 4:1). If we don’t follow Christ’s commands, we cannot look forward to his coming as Judge and King.