2 Timothy 4:8

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, etc.] 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…”

“a crown--rather as Greek, "the crown." The "henceforth" marks the decisive moment; he looks to his state in a threefold aspect: (1) The past "I have fought"; (2) The immediate present; "there is laid up for me." (3) The future "the Lord will give in that day" [BENGEL]. crown--a crown, or garland, used to be bestowed at the Greek national games on the successful competitor in wrestling, running, &c. (compare Pe1 5:4; Rev 2:10). of righteousness--The reward is in recognition of righteousness wrought in Paul by God's Spirit; the crown is prepared for the righteous; but it is a crown which consists in righteousness. Righteousness will be its own reward (Rev 22:11). Compare Exo 39:30. A man is…”

“Henceforth there is laid up for me - At the end of my race, as there was a crown in reserve for those who had successfully striven in the Grecian games; compare the notes on 1 Corinthians 9:25. The word “henceforth” - λοιπὸν loipon - means “what remains, or as to the rest;” and the idea is, that that was what remained of the whole career. The race had been run; the conflict had been waged; and all which was now necessary to complete the whole transaction, was merely that the crown be bestowed. A crown of righteousness - That is, a crown won in the cause of righteousness, and conferred as the reward of his conflicts and efforts in the cause of holiness. It was not the crown of ambition; it…”

“The crown of that righteousness - Which God has imputed to me and wrought in me. Will render to all - This increases the joy of Paul, and encourages Timotheus. Many of these St. Paul himself had gained. That have loved his appearing - Which only a real Christian can do. I say a real Christian, to comply with the mode of the times: else they would not understand, although the word Christian necessarily implies whatsoever is holy, as God is holy. Strictly speaking, to join real or sincere to a word of so complete an import, is grievously to debase its noble signification, and is like adding long to eternity or wide to immensity. 2 Timothy 4:9”

“4:8 Only one thing remained for Paul: the victor’s crown (see also Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 2:10; 3:11). • If we live expecting that Christ is indeed coming again, we can eagerly look forward to his appearing (see 1 Tim 6:14) to set up his kingdom (2 Tim 4:1). If we don’t follow Christ’s commands, we cannot look forward to his coming as Judge and King.”

“there: Psa 31:19; Mat 6:19, Mat 6:20; Col 1:5; Ti1 6:19 a crown: Ti2 2:5; Pro 4:9; Co1 9:25; Jam 1:12; Pe1 5:4; Rev 2:10, Rev 4:4, Rev 4:10 the righteous: Ti2 4:1; Gen 18:25; Psa 7:11; Rom 2:5; Th2 1:5, Th2 1:6; Rev 19:11 at that: Ti2 1:12, Ti2 1:18; Mal 3:17; Mat 7:22, Mat 24:36; Luk 10:12; Th1 5:4 that love: Rom 8:23; Co1 2:9; Co2 5:2; Th1 1:10; Tit 2:13; Heb 9:28; Rev 1:7; Rev 22:20 2 Timothy 4:9”