Verse 8
Because he had been faithful, Paul did not dread dying but looked forward to seeing His Lord. On the day of rewards for Christians (the judgment seat of Christ; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:10) Paul was confident that the Lord would give him a reward that was proper.
The "crown of righteousness" may be either the fullness of righteousness as a reward or some unspecified reward for righteous conduct on earth (cf. James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). This seems to be a metaphorical crown (i.e., a reward) rather than a literal material crown since righteousness is non-material. This reward (victor’s crown, Gr. stephanos) will go to all Christians like Paul who, by the way they lived, demonstrated a longing for the Lord’s return. Not all Christians are anxious for the Lord to return since some know they need to change their way of living.
| Believers’ Crowns |
| Title | Reason | Reference |
| An Imperishable Crown | For leading a disciplined life | 1 Corinthians 9:25 |
| A Crown of Rejoicing | For evangelism and discipleship | 1 Thessalonians 2:19 |
| A Crown of Righteousness | For loving the Lord’s appearing | 2 Timothy 4:8 |
| A Crown of Life | For enduring trials | James 1:12;Revelation 2:10 |
| A Crown of Glory | For shepherding God’s flock faithfully | 1 Peter 5:4 |
Clearly Paul was thinking of the judgment seat of Christ in 2 Timothy 4:1-8. He referred to his Judge in 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:8. Note that it will be the righteous Judge who will bestow the crown of righteousness.
"An expectation of reward is also a recognition of God’s grace. Those who anticipate reward will not be able to boast, ’Look at my accomplishments.’ They should be able to offer praise to God by saying, ’Thank you, Lord, for what you have produced in me.’ The very expectation of reward is an acknowledgment of God’s grace." [Note: Ibid., p. 249. See also Joe L. Wall, Going for the Gold, pp. 125-28, 131-39.]
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