2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth. Gr. loipon, either “in the future” or “as far as anything else is concerned.” Nothing is left for Paul except the glory of his heavenly reward. The Roman authorities had deprived him of further opportunity to preach the gospel; his impending execution canceled any much-deserved rest and fellowship with friends. But the beckoning hand of God was enough to eclipse every earthly desire.

Laid up. Or, “stored up.” Paul uses the present tense to emphasize his present possession of the eternal reward. Compare John 3:16. During the dark hours of his noble fight for the faith the splendor of his Lord’s promises had imparted courage and hope (see on Colossians 1:5).

Paul does not expect the “crown” of victory to be awarded him at death; it is “laid up” to be given him at that future day, the day of Christ’s “appearing.”

Crown. Gr. Stephanos, “coronet” (see on Revelation 2:10), a symbol of victory.

Righteousness. Gr. dikaiosune, “right character” (see on Matthew 5:6). Paul, because of his righteous life, will be rewarded with all the privileges that God has prepared for the redeemed. God has promised eternal life to all who fight the “good fight” and who finish their “course.”

Righteous judge. Or, “just judge,” that is, Jesus Christ who “shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing” (see on 1 Timothy 6:14). Compare John 5:22, 27, 30; 2 Corinthians 5:10. The plan of salvation was designed both to save sinners and to vindicate the character and wisdom of God. When God’s last verdict against sin and sinners is finally pronounced, the plan of salvation and the character of God will be affirmed as “just” (see on Romans 3:26; Philippians 2:10, 11). Although Paul was being judged unfairly by earthly judges, he was confident that God would make no mistakes.

Shall give. Gr. apodidomi, “to give back,” “to reward,” “to recompense.” Compare Romans 2:6; Revelation 22:12.

At that day. That is, the day of Christ’s second advent, “his appearing” (see on 1 Timothy 6:14 cf. 2 Timothy 1:12, 18). The righteous dead will then be resurrected to eternal life (see on 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Revelation 20:2). Paul knows of no immediate entrance into heaven at death; the second advent is “that day” when the redeemed will be rewarded with eternal life.

Not to me only. Paul here gives further evidence that he expected no immediate entrance to heaven at death. The righteous, both dead and living, will receive their reward of eternal life at the same time, “at that day” (see on 1 Corinthians 15:51-54).

Love. Gr. agapao (see on Matthew 5:43; John 21:15). The word suggests much more than mere impulse; it demands that the whole life, every phase of thought and action, be oriented with respect to the person loved. The joyous prospect of the second advent controls the Christian’s use of his time and money, affects his choice of friends, and provides a powerful incentive to eliminate defects in character and to become more like Christ (see on 1 John 3:3).

Appearing. Gr. epiphaneia, “visible manifestation” (see on 1 Timothy 6:14).