Golden Wreath
In the years 49 and 51 C.E. the Isthmian Games were celebrated at Corinth, and it is possible that Paul attended them. In the Greek athletic games, the victor was crowned with a garland or wreath of foliage.
The wreath was not what the racer ran for. It was only a symbol and its entirely valueless character made it all the more valuable. It expressed simply honour and the joy of success. In front of the temple that presided over the games was a long avenue, on either side of which stood ranged the statues of the victors and the hope that flushed many a man’s face was that his image, with his name on its pedestal, should stand there.
The nature of the crowns or rewards mentioned:
In the New Testament,
“There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…”
(2 Tim 4:8)
The wreath was not what the racer ran for. It was only a symbol and its entirely valueless character made it all the more valuable. It expressed simply honour and the joy of success. In front of the temple that presided over the games was a long avenue, on either side of which stood ranged the statues of the victors and the hope that flushed many a man’s face was that his image, with his name on its pedestal, should stand there.
The nature of the crowns or rewards mentioned:
- For the wreath of victory in the games (1 Cor 9:25, 2 Tim 2:4)
- As a festal ornament
- As a public honour granted for a distinguished service or private worth.
In the New Testament,
- An incorruptible crown for those who get mastery over the old man (1 Cor 9:25)
- A crown of rejoicing for the soul winners (1 Thess 2:19)
- A crown of life for those enduring trials (James 1:12)
- A crown of righteousness for loving his appearing (2 Tim 4:8)
- A crown of glory for being willing to feed the flock of God (1 Pet 5:4).
“There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…”
(2 Tim 4:8)