In last week’s passage, Paul indicated that his time on earth was drawing to a close. However, he is not fearful. Instead, his demeanor is one of hopeful anticipation, looking forward to the time when he will be in the presence of the Lord, along with all those who have partnered with him in longing for the second coming of Christ.
Take a look at this encouraging passage in 2 Timothy 4:8:
Paul continues his athletic metaphor in this passage, describing a crown of righteousness. This is not the royal crown, belonging to the king. Rather, it is the victor’s crown, much like the garland that early Olympians received when victorious.
The phrase “crown of righteousness” has a couple of different potential meanings. First, it could be translated as “the crown which is righteousness,” meaning a right standing before God. This is similar to the various uses of the phrase “crown of life” in structure (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10), or the phrase “grown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4), and seems to be the likely meaning.
However, the phrase “crown of righteousness” could also be a simple possessive, being a crown given as a result of a righteous life, or right living. The drawback to this perspective however, is that a strict grammatical rule means that this crown belongs to righteousness itself, and is not necessarily an award for the ones receiving it. This stretches things a bit too far for Paul’s theology, giving the first option much more credence.
One final note regarding the crown of righteousness. This crown will be given at the second coming, and carries an eschatological weight to it, making this passage pertinent to any study of end times. This passage gives us the indication that those who receive the crown of righteousness receive it because they have already been made righteous by Christ’s work on their behalf.
From here, Paul looks forward to the day when he will receive that crown, which he senses isn’t that far off in the future. His joy lies in the fact that he looks forward to receiving that crown from Christ himself, perhaps given with the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
But Paul knows that he will not be alone in this. Timothy will also receive that crown, and every single person who long for his appearing. This crown will be given to all who have loved and obeyed Christ. Perhaps this should be better translated as those who have “set their love upon” his appearing. This is a steadfast and continuing love, evident in the lives of those who have submitted to Christ’s Lordship, and look forward in anticipation to his return.
This sets up the contrast to Demas, in the next passage, who loves this life more than the coming of Christ.
With this, the main thrust of Paul’s letter concludes. But the letter isn’t finished. Paul has some concluding remarks for Timothy, and these must be viewed upon the foundation of all that has been said thus far.
Question: Are you longing for the crown of righteousness? Are you looking forward with loving anticipation the day of his appearing? How does this affect your daily living? You can leave a comment by clicking here.