2 Timothy 4:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

How, you ask, can one love the appearing of Christ? If you rejoice at His coming. Whoever rejoices at His coming does what is worthy of such joy.

If necessary, he will give up both his possessions and his soul to obtain the future good things, and to be counted worthy to behold His second coming fittingly, with boldness, in glory and light.

This is what it means to love His appearing. Whoever loves His appearing will do everything so that, before the universal coming, Christ may come to him personally.

How, you ask, is this possible? Listen to Christ Himself, Who says: "He who loves Me will keep My commandments, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him" (Jn 14:23).

Consider how great this is. He Who is to appear to all in general promises to appear to each of us in particular. "We will come," He says, "and make Our abode with him."

Whoever loves His appearing will do everything to call Him to himself and keep Him with himself, so that the light may shine in him. Let there be nothing in us unworthy of His coming, and He will soon dwell in us.

Appearing, έπιφάνεια, is so called because it appears above, έπάνω φαινεσθαι, and shines from on high. Therefore let us strive toward the things above, and we shall soon draw the rays from above to ourselves.

No one who crawls below and buries himself in the earth can see the sunlight. No one who defiles himself with worldly deeds can see the Sun of righteousness. It does not appear to anyone who gives himself to such a life.

Sober up even a little. Rise from this abyss, from this chasm of worldly life, if you wish to see the Sun and be counted worthy of His coming.

If you are counted worthy of His coming now, then you will look upon Him with great boldness then. Be wise now. Let there be no spirit of pride in you, lest it strike you and cast you down.

Let there be no darkness or stony heart in you, lest your ship be shattered against it. Let there be no wickedness in you. Underwater rocks cause the most terrible shipwrecks.

Do not nourish wild beasts within yourself. I mean the passions, for they are fiercer than wild beasts. Do not rely on things that pass quickly, like flowing water, if you wish to stand firmly.

No one can stand on water, but on a rock all can stand securely. Worldly affairs are water, for it is said, "The waters have come up to my soul," like a stream overflowing its banks (Ps 68:2).

Spiritual deeds are a rock: "He set my feet upon a rock," it is said (Ps 39:3). Worldly affairs are mud and uncleanness. Let us detach ourselves from them, and thus we can be counted worthy of Christ's appearing.

Whatever may befall us, let us bear it. Sufficient consolation in everything is to suffer for Christ. Let us repeat this divine saying, and the pain of every wound will cease.

How, you ask, can one suffer for Christ? Suppose someone slanders you simply, not for Christ. If you bear it courageously, if you give thanks, and if you pray for him, you will do all this for Christ.

But if you curse, grow vexed, and try to take revenge, then even if you do not succeed, you will not suffer for Christ. You will instead receive harm and be deprived of the fruits by your own will.

It depends on us whether we receive benefit or harm from calamities. This does not depend on the nature of the calamities themselves, but on our free choice.

I will give an example. Job endured so many calamities, bore them with thanksgiving, and was justified. This was not because he suffered, but because, while suffering, he bore everything with thanksgiving.

Another man undergoes the same sufferings, or rather not even the same, for no one suffers as Job did, but much less. He grows angry, is vexed, curses the whole world, and murmurs against God.

Such a man is condemned and punished, not because he suffered, but because he murmured against God. He did not murmur against God by any necessary demand of circumstances.

Otherwise, if he acted so by the necessary demand of circumstances, Job also would have murmured. Since Job underwent the heaviest calamities and did nothing of the kind, such things happen not from necessity, but from weakness of will.

Therefore we need a firm soul, and then nothing will be difficult for us. For a weak soul, on the contrary, nothing is easy.

By the disposition of our will, everything becomes bearable or unbearable for us. Let us strengthen it, and then we shall easily bear everything.

So also a tree, if it has sent its roots deep, cannot be shaken even by a strong storm. But if it spreads them shallowly on the surface, even a weak gust of wind uproots it.

So it is with us. If we nail our flesh with the fear of God, nothing will shake us. But if we leave it free, even a weak assault can strike and destroy us.

Therefore I exhort you to bear everything with complete good courage and to imitate the prophet, who says: "My soul clings to You" (Ps 62:9).

See what he says: "My soul clings." He did not simply say, "is devoted," but, "clings." And again: "My soul thirsts for You" (Ps 62:2). He did not simply say, "desires," but, "thirsts," expressing by this word a special intensity of desire.

And again: "Nail my flesh with fear of You" (Ps 118:120). He wants us constantly to cling to God in this way and be united with Him, so as never to depart from Him.

If we are thus devoted to God, if we nail our hearts to Him, and if we thirst for Him with intense desire, then we shall receive everything we desire.

We shall be counted worthy of the future good things in Christ Jesus our Lord. To Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be glory, dominion, and honor, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

"And not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." Here the Apostle encourages Timothy himself. For if He will render it to all, much more to you.

Who loves His appearing? The one who does what is worthy of that appearing. Therefore the one who does not do this plainly does not love it, but rather hates it, lest he receive what accords with his deeds.

The appearing, επιφάνεια, is so called because it appears above, το επάνω φαινεσθαι, and shines from on high.

Before the universal appearing there is another appearing, in which the Lord reveals Himself to those who are worthy, and not to the world. Again the Lord says: We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (Jn 14:23).

Such a crown is fitting for Paul. But since there are many crowns, we must hope to receive at least some one of them.

In worldly contests, one is rewarded with a crown of laurel, and the prize may also be a shield. But the crown of joy is set before you: A crown of joy will overshadow you (Prov 4:9).

In another place: "With the shield of His good pleasure He will surround you" (cf. Ps 5:13). And again: "The Lord crowned with glory and honor the one whom He loved" (cf. Ps 8:6).

Therefore, wishing to grant a crown, He provides temptations. If you ever undergo temptations, know that a crown is being prepared for you.

Remove the struggles of the martyrs, and you have taken away their crown. Remove their torments, and you have taken away blessedness.

Was not Joseph's temptation a confirmation of his virtue? (cf. Gen 39:7-15, 20; 41:43; 37:28). Was not his undeserved imprisonment a crown of purity?

How could he have received a share in governing Egypt if he had not been sold by his brothers? He himself showed that this happened by divine will, so that the righteous man might pass through trial.

For he said: How else would it have happened that many people should be fed today? (Gen 50:20).

Therefore we must not fear worldly temptations as some evil, because through them glorious rewards are prepared for us. Yet, knowing the condition of human nature, it is better to ask that we undergo such temptations as we can endure.

He did not say, "He will give me," but "He will render to me," in order to show that the righteousness of God requires such recompense. Therefore he mentions the righteous Judge and the day of righteous judgment, saying: "which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will render to me on that day."

He will righteously render the honors of righteousness to those who have struggled for faith and virtue. So that no one might think he says this only of himself, he adds: "and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."

Do not think that the crown of righteousness has been prepared only for me. It is ready for all who have loved His appearing, that is, for all the righteous.

They love His appearing, that is, they desire Him to come to judge the living and the dead, so that they may receive "the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world" (Mt 25:34).

But wretched sinners do not love, but dread, such a coming of God, imagining the torment that awaits them.

For this reason the Apostle says: "which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will repay me on that day."

There is no doubt that Saint Paul entered the joy of the Lord immediately after completing his earthly course, as His faithful servant. But here he speaks of the full glory of Christ's ascetics.

They will receive it when souls are united with risen bodies, and when the righteous, according to the Lord's promise, will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father (Mt 13:43).

"And not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." The crown of righteousness is prepared for them.

Who are these who have loved the Lord's appearing, or His appearing when He comes to earth in glory to accomplish the last universal judgment?

They are those Christians who, while living on earth, always think on heaven and prepare themselves for the future life. They are those true followers of Christ who always nourish in their souls a living faith in Christ the Savior.

With all their strength they strive to fulfill His commandments. They are those ascetics who, for the sake of the Lord and Savior, bear all the sorrows, labors, and misfortunes of the present life with good courage.

Amid severe trials they unwaveringly hope in the Lord. In Him they seek consolation and strengthening. They consider nothing on earth dearer or more necessary than always to nourish a strong love for the Lord and to fulfill His commandments.

Those who love the Lord and Savior in this way also love His future appearing on earth. That is, they think with joyful hope on the Lord's second and glorious coming to earth for the accomplishment of the last judgment.

They hope that they too will not be deprived of the crown of righteousness on that fearful and glorious day. Then the Lord, the righteous and all-good Judge, will repay all according to their works.

"And not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." Saint Paul added this to move Timothy to be faithful to his calling.

It is as though he says: See, my son, how I hope to receive from the Lord the crown of righteousness on that day. So you also should hope to receive this reward, if, like me, you fight the good fight in the Lord's service.

Remain faithful to Him until the end of life. The Lord is good and has prepared a great reward in heaven for all who love Him and keep His commandments, while awaiting His second and glorious coming to earth for the last judgment.

Brethren, the apostolic teaching also moves us to good struggles on the path of salvation. What Saint Paul wrote for Timothy's edification and consolation, he also says to all of us.

It is as though he says: Attend to the teaching of Christ. Be faithful and zealous in fulfilling your duties for the sake of the Lord.

While caring for your own salvation and the salvation of your neighbors, patiently and good-humoredly bear all difficulties and all sorrows. Let each be faithful to his calling, whatever it may be.

Until the end of life, fight the good fight by faithfully and zealously fulfilling your duties. Unchangeably preserve the right faith in the Lord God, and love Him with all your heart.

Let Him be the beginning and end of all your deeds and desires. Firmly hope that the Lord Jesus Christ, the righteous Judge, will repay the crown of righteousness on the last day to all who have loved Him with true love, and to you as well. Amen.

He carried the preaching to all the nations of the world known then. His disciples, the children of his love and labors, were ready to stand in his place. The Apostle humbly bowed beneath the sword, so as to receive the crown of Christ.

"Is reserved" means it is prepared, but not yet received, though there is no doubt that it will be received. He had said earlier: I press on, that I may attain the prize of the upward calling (cf. Phil 3:12, 14).

The end is already in view, but the running, or pursuit, still continues. It is the same as in the races. The prizes are prepared and visible to all, but they are received when the race ends and the victors are determined.

How cautiously the Apostle speaks of receiving crowns, so as not to claim anything excessive for himself. On what is such confidence founded? On the observance of everything the Lord was pleased to command him and lay upon him.

The witness of conscience says that everything has been done on his part, and every effort exhausted. Nothing has been left without attention.

Thus here, as he mentally looks toward the Lord, he does not lower the eyes of his mind before His face. With love and without fear he raises these eyes to Him.

So also he hopes in the age to come not to be put to shame by the Lord. The hope of recompense rests on the witness of conscience, that no debt remains with the one who hopes.

"Which the Lord will repay me. When? On that day. How is this clear? From the fact that He is the righteous Judge. I know, he says, that He is righteous, and I know that He is Judge. I rely on the judgment and await a sentence favorable to me" (Blessed Theodoret).

"He did not say, 'will give,' but 'will repay,' as something owed, as a debt. Since He is righteous, He will certainly appoint recompense for labors. Therefore the crown is due to me according to the righteousness of the Judge" (Blessed Theophylact).

"The Apostle said this not in self-exaltation, but to move his disciple to hold fast to the struggles, because unfading crowns lie before them" (Blessed Theodoret).

Is this not bold? Not at all. It is nothing other than the heart's appropriation of the Lord's good promises, when the conditions established by the Promiser are exactly fulfilled.

The believer has entered God's realm by faith and remains faithful in everything to faith and to God's order. He cannot speak or feel otherwise.

Yet it must be noted that such confidence is not implanted at once. It is the fruit of the labors of a whole life.

One who has received faith is sure only that crowns are prepared for believers, if they labor and live in the spirit of faith. But confidence that a crown is prepared for him comes later, when he has labored conscientiously and without sparing himself.

With this in view, and not wishing to give cause to expect a crown without labors, for faith alone, the Apostle added: "and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."

Those who love His appearing are believers like servants awaiting their master and laboring watchfully in the tasks entrusted to each. They strictly fulfill the Lord's will in everything, sparing not themselves, and walk unwaveringly in His commandments.

The Lord's appearing here is His second coming for judgment. Who can love this appearing without fulfilling the Lord's commandments?

He will come for this reason, to test how each has fulfilled His will. He will reward those who fulfilled it as they ought, and punish those who did not.

A man who is confident that he will give satisfactory answers loves examinations and hastens to them willingly. So only one who is confident that he will not be shamed at the judgment, but approved and praised, can lovingly await the Lord's appearing for judgment.

Only a faithful fulfiller of the Lord's commandments can imagine himself such a man.

"The one who loves the Master's appearing is he who follows His laws and lives according to them. For he awaits the judgment with good hope" (Blessed Theodoret).

Saint Chrysostom says: "Here, that is, by saying that He will repay all, he also encourages the disciple. If the Lord will repay all, then much more Timothy. Yet he did not say, 'and you,' but 'all.' He shows that if all, then much more him.

How, you ask, can one love the appearing of Christ? If you rejoice at His coming. Whoever rejoices at His coming does what is worthy of such joy.

If necessary, he will give up both his possessions and his soul to obtain the future good things, and to be counted worthy to behold His second coming fittingly, with boldness, in glory and light.

This is what it means to love His appearing."

In conclusion, Saint Chrysostom adds instruction on how to be counted worthy of the Lord's appearing even here. In this we may have a pledge of joyful meeting with His appearing also at the second coming.

"Whoever loves His appearing will do everything so that, before the universal coming, Christ may come to him personally. How, you ask, is this possible?

Listen to Christ Himself, Who says: 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and We will come to him, I and the Father, and make Our abode with him' (cf. Jn 14:23).

Consider how great this is. He Who is to appear to all in general promises to appear to each of us in particular. 'We will come,' He says, 'and make Our abode with him.'

Whoever loves His appearing will do everything to call Him to himself and keep Him with himself, so that the light may shine in him. Let there be nothing in us unworthy of His coming, and He will soon dwell in us.

Appearing, επιφανεια, is so called because it appears above, επανω φαινεσθαι, and shines from on high. Therefore let us strive toward the things above, and we shall soon draw the rays from above to ourselves.

No one who crawls below and buries himself in the earth can see the sunlight. No one who defiles himself with vain deeds can see the Sun of righteousness. It does not appear to anyone who gives himself to such a life.

Sober up even a little. Rise from this abyss, from this chasm of vanity, if you wish to see the Sun and be counted worthy of His coming.

If you are counted worthy of His coming now, then you will look upon Him with great boldness then.

Be wise now. Let there be no spirit of pride in you, lest He strike you and cast you down," and so forth.