Daily a new Bible text for devotion - EZBB

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

CROWN BEFORE THE LORD - Here, CROWN is not a translation of the Greek word diadem, a king's crown, but of stephanos, which was the crown of victory in games, of civic valor, of military merit, of nuptial joy, of festive rejoicing, not a sign of royalty.

HOPE, JOY, AND CROWN OF BOASTING - These words of Paul are charged with emotion and feeling, but they are not exaggerations. Some people place their hope in riches, or in security, or in personal ambition. Such hopes die in this world. The apostle, with the heart of a true shepherd, has a better hope, one that transforms his frequent sufferings. The objects of his hope are his beloved children in the faith, presented to Christ as a trophy of grace (2 Cor. 11:2). The growth and spiritual progress of these children are what makes the apostle's heart leap for joy. They are the "stones of his crown," the only garland of the victor he desires.

As the glory of the teacher is in producing wise men, so the glory of the Christian is in souls won (Dan. 12:3; Phil. 2:16). The truth is that for all only this investment in human hearts has ultimate meaning.ness, self-centeredness, fanaticism and legalism were not and are not really limited to the Jews. These verses warn of the high cost of religion without love.