Five crowns

The Five Crowns, also known as the Five Heavenly Crowns, is a concept in Christian theology that pertains to various biblical references to the righteous's eventual reception of a crown after the Last Judgment.[2] Proponents of this concept interpret these passages as specifying five separate crowns, these being the Crown of Life; the Incorruptible Crown; the Crown of Righteousness; the Crown of Glory; and the Crown of Exultation.[2] In the Greek language, stephanos (στέφανος) is the word for crown and is translated as such in the Bible, especially in versions descending from the King James Version.[3] These five rewards can be earned by believers, according to the New Testament, as "rewards for faithfulness in this life".[4]

The Crown of Life in a stained glass window in memory of the First World War, created c. 1919 by Joshua Clarke & Sons, Dublin.[1]

Crown of Life
Martyrdom of Ignatius of Antioch from the Menologion of Basil II

The Crown of Life, also called the Martyr's Crown, is referred to in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10; it is bestowed upon "those who persevere under trials."[5][6] Jesus references this crown when he tells the Church in Smyrna to "not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."[7]

Incorruptible Crown

The Incorruptible Crown is also known as the Imperishable Crown, and is referenced in 1 Corinthians 9:25.[2] This epistle, written by Paul of Tarsus, deems this crown "imperishable" in order "to contrast it with the temporal awards Paul's contemporaries pursued".[8] It is therefore given to those individuals who demonstrate "self-denial and perseverance".[8]

Crown of Righteousness

The Crown of Righteousness is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:8,[2] and is promised to "those who love and anticipate" the Second Coming of Christ.[9] These Christians desire intimacy with God.[10]

Crown of Glory
A clergyman administers confirmation to a confirmand.

The Crown of Glory is discussed in 1 Peter 5:4 and is granted to Christian clergy, who "shepherd the flock in unselfish love being a good example to others" 1 Peter 5:2–4. [11][12]

Crown of Rejoicing

The Crown of Rejoicing is also known as the Crown of Exultation, or Crown of Auxiliary.[2] Delineated in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 and Philippians 4:1, it is given to people who engage in evangelism of those outside the Christian Church.[13] In the New Testament, Paul earns this crown after winning the Thessalonians to faith in Jesus.[14]

See also

References
  1. "Coleraine St Patrick W10 nave; north aisle; north; 2nd from east". Archived from the original on 16 March 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  2. Thiessen, Henry Clarence (1979). Lectures in Systematic Theology. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. p. 389. ISBN 9780802835291. As we have seen, when the Lord returns, he will judge believers for their works (Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 4:5; 2 Co. 5:10). Everyone will be asked to give an account of the use he has made of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30), the pounds or minas (Luke 19:11-27), and the opportunities (Matt. 20:1-16) that have been entrusted to him. The day will declare whether a man has built of wood, hay, and straw or of gold, silver, and precious stones (1 Cor. 3:12). If of the former, his works will be burnt up, and yet he will be saved so as through fire (v. 15); if of the latter, he will receive a reward (v. 14). Scripture lists several crowns or trophies: the incorruptible or imperishable crown (1 Cor. 9:25), the crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8), the crown of life (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10), the crown of glory (1 Pet. 5:4), and the crown of rejoicing or exultation (1 Thess. 2:19; cf. Phil. 4:1).
  3. Hastings, James; Selbie, John Alexander; Lambert, John Chisholm; Shailer Mathews (1909). Dictionary of the Bible. C. Scribner's Sons. p. 169. In AV, 'crown' represents two Gr. words: (1) stephanos (whence sephanoō, 'to crown'), (2) diadema; the former being the badge of merit of victory, the latter (found only in Rev 123 131 1912) the mark of royalty.
  4. Swindoll, Charles R. (25 September 2011). Insights on Revelation. Zondervan. p. 76. ISBN 9780310590835. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  5. Tada, Joni Eareckson (11 May 2010). Heaven. Zondervan. p. 60. ISBN 9780310872566. There's also the crown of life in James 1:12, reserved for those who persevere under trials.
  6. The Sabbath School Visiter. Massachusetts Sabbath School Society. 1839. p. 27. Retrieved 30 April 2014. And James says, in his epistle, that those who are tried "shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
  7. Garlow, James L.; Wall, Keith (1 July 2009). Heaven and the Afterlife. Bethany House. p. 152. ISBN 9781441204905. Retrieved 30 April 2014. The Crown of Life: This is awarded to those who have endured suffering, those men and women who "gutted it out" through hardship and adversity. Jesus told the church in Smyrna: "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. . . . Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."
  8. Garlow, James L.; Wall, Keith (1 July 2009). Heaven and the Afterlife. Bethany House. p. 152. ISBN 9781441204905. Retrieved 30 April 2014. This crown is called imperishable to contrast it with the temporal awards Paul's contemporaries pursued. The olive wreath-the "crown" for competitors-was sure to wither away. The ever-enduring "endurance crown" is given for profound examples of self-denial and perseverance.
  9. LaHaye, Tim; Hindson, Edward E.; Brindle, Wayne (2004). The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy. Harvest House Publishers. p. 340. ISBN 9780736913522. Retrieved 30 April 2014. This crown is promised to those who love an anticipate our Lord's appearance. These are the ones who live in the light of eternity and the expectation of Christ's imminent return. So motivated, they will not be among those who will experience shame at Christ's coming (1 John 2:28).
  10. Garlow, James L.; Wall, Keith (1 July 2009). Heaven and the Afterlife. Bethany House. p. 152. ISBN 9781441204905. Retrieved 30 April 2014. The Crown of Righteousness: This is given to those who crave intimacy with God. It's the special award for those who year for Jesus' coming: "There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
  11. Pena, Raul (30 November 2010). Father's Revelation of the Son. Harvest Time Publishing. p. 86. ISBN 9780615417776. 1 Peter 5:4 the Crown of Glory for Pastors and Elders who serve the flock in unselfish love.
  12. Fulke, William (1848). Stapleton,Martiall and Sanders. Parker Society. p. 116. Retrieved 30 April 2014. But the words of Eusebius put all out of doubt: "O ye friends and Priests of God, which are clothed with the holy long garment, and the heavenly crown of glory, and with the divine unction, and the priestly robe of the Holy Ghost," & c.
  13. Washington, Sandra Y. (November 2009). Eschatology. p. 34. ISBN 9781440184079. Crown 5: The Crown of Rejoicing - This is for these in the body of Christ who do the work of an evangelist or who operates as an evangelist, the crown is given to anyone who won souls for Christ.
  14. Phillips, John (January 2005). Exploring 1 & 2 Thessalonians: An Expository Commentary. Kregel Academic. p. 73. ISBN 9780825433986. Retrieved 30 April 2014. So, then, Paul emphasizes the reward. He was confident that he had rewards coming to him. He had earned one crown at least--a crown of rejoicing and exultation; the triumph of his dear Thessalonians had assured him of this fact.
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