2Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 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.
‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.’ Fivefold testimony of Paul: I am ready to be offered or poured out as a libation to God and a sacrifice offering for souls (4:6). My departure is at hand – the sentence of death has already been passed. I have fought a good and honourable fight – wrestled a good wrestling and am champion (4:7). I have finished my course – run the race and have outstripped all my competitors and gained the prize. I have kept the faith – followed every rule of the race and have won the prize lawfully.
‘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.’ This is the 6th New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:8) and it is unfulfilled. This is the prize for Paul’s efforts of 2Timothy 4:6-7. The crown is laid up for all who prove true but possess none until the time of reward. It is in view, not in possession.
‘At that day’ In the day when Christ comes to receive saints unto Himself at the time of the rapture (1Cor. 1:8; 5:5; 2Cor. 1:14; Php. 1:6, 10; 2:16). May we all be ready when He appears, living according to the examples of Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23) and one or two others who paid the price of persecution to make Christ known amongst others and not advancing their own interests or names.
Living the Word 