2 Timothy 4:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Henceforth 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 also to all who have loved his appearing.

NIV: Now there is in store 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 also to all who have longed for his appearing.

NASB: in the future there is reserved 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 also to all who have loved His appearing.

CSB: There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing.

NLT: And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

KJV: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

NKJV: Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Because of Paul's faithfulness to Christ, he can confidently expect heavenly rewards. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), yet eternal rewards are based on one's faithful service to Christ. This is the only place in the New Testament referring to this specific type of crown. Other crowns include the imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:24–25), crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians), crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10) and crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4). This crown of righteousness would come from the "righteous judge" (also Psalm 7:11).

Paul expects to obtain this crown on "that Day," a reference which is often debated by interpreters. Some believe this would be when Paul died and stood before the Lord, while others interpret this as a future time such as the end-times "Day of the Lord." Given the context of this passage, it seems more likely to be a reference to when Paul dies. Of much encouragement to Christians is the fact that Paul adds that the crown of righteousness is for him and also "all who have loved his appearing." Any faithful believer has the potential to receive this particular crown.

Second Timothy 4:1–8 contains Paul's last ministry instructions to Timothy. Paul knows that he will not survive his current imprisonment. So, he clearly and boldly charges Timothy—commands him—to hold to the faith he has seen and lived. He can do this knowing that Paul has faithfully served God, expecting the heavenly rewards given to all of God's followers. The poignant tone of this passage is made even more bittersweet by the long friendship these two men have shared.

Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy, through a practical application of his prior teachings. Timothy is "charged" by Paul to defend his faith, against all error and false teaching, at all times. Timothy will face resistance. Paul also openly admits that his life is nearly over, so Timothy will need to soldier on without him. After this, Paul gives some personal updates about his situation, giving Timothy a few instructions and advice about particular people. Paul makes a final appeal for Timothy to visit him, then closes his letter—as he will close his life—focused on the grace of God.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.