2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.… If I had three things to wish, I should wish for Paul's threefold crown. 1. The crown of grace, a great measure of grace to do Christ much service. 2. His crown of joy, a great measure of joy to go through with that service. 3. The crown of glory which he was here assured of.In the words we have first the concluding particle, henceforth, lastly, as for that which remains. 1. A crown is not given till the victory be gained (chap. 2 Timothy 2:5). 2. It notes the perpetuity of the glory, incorruptible, never fading crown (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corinthians 9:24). 3. It notes the perfection of it, as the crown compasseth the head on every side; so there is nothing wanting in this crown of life. So the saints in glory shall be crowned with goodness when all the faculties of the soul and members of the body shall be perfect and filled with glory. 4. It represents to us the dignity of the saints and the glory of their reward. They are all kings and shall be crowned. The day of judgment is their coronation day.Of righteousness — 1. Because it is purchased for us by the righteousness of Christ. By His perfect righteousness and obedience He hath merited this for us. 2. In respect of His promise, His fidelity bindeth Him to perform it. God hath promised a crown of life to such as serve Him sincerely (James 1:12; 1 John 2:25; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:21). 3. It may be called a crown of righteousness, because it is given only to righteous men, and so it showeth who shall be crowned, and what is the way to it; but not for what merits or desert of ours it is given. (T. Hall, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.WEB: For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. |
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