Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 2nd Letter Volume 48

Paul Writes to Timothy his Farewell Oration Part 3

2 Timothy 4:8 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. KJV

With all Paul has testified and declared concerning himself in the last two verses, he now sums up his farewell by saying from now on, that is, the moment he steps out of his temporary house/tent/human body he will be rewarded by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ for his steadfastness to the Gospel and his waging warfare against the devil and for his holding fast his testimony of faith in Christ and for his standing for and in the truth of the Word of God and declaring God's whole counsel to every sinful soul he encountered with these words written to Timothy, "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." (2 Timothy 4:8) (KJV). The English phrase 'there is laid up' is translated by the Greek word apokeimai which means to be reserved; figuratively to await: - be appointed, (be) laid up. In other words, the Apostle Paul (as should every true born again believer be) was very confident (not cocky) in having a reward waiting for him at the Throne of Christ Jesus our Lord. What was it that was there in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ laid up for Paul? 'A crown' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word stephanos which means a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, literally or figuratively: - crown.  What type of 'crown' was the Apostle Paul declaring to be laid up for him in heaven? A crown of 'righteousness' and this English word is translated by the Greek word dikaiosunē which means (as used here) specifically (Christian) justification: - righteousness. This crown will be given to every true redeemed, resurrected, and reborn son and daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).

Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the crown of righteousness being laid up, "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." The One who places the crown on the head of the Apostle Paul is none other that our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and Paul declares Him to be 'the righteous judge' and by this statement Paul means that He is the only judge of every human soul and that He is a just judge.

You see our Lord Jesus Christ wants to bestow the 'crown of righteousness' to every human soul, but He cannot be unjust or unfaithful to Himself, for every soul must come through Him to God the Father and to heaven, there is no other way (John 14:6), the Muslim, the Buddhist, the Hindu, nor any other man made spirituality or religion will not get the sinner a 'crown of righteouness'. Paul did not count himself as some special privileged believer because he was an Apostle, but he knew that every true believer who looked forward to and loved the appearing or 2nd Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ also has this same 'crown of righteousness' laid up in heaven for each and every one of us of all times. Here again is what Dr. John Gill had to say about all those who love Christ appearing 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: 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."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…