2 Timothy 2:5
Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
BSB
ASV
And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.
KJV
And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
What is the world but a sort of arena of continual strife? Wherefore also in the Apocalypse the Lord says, "To him that overcometh will I give a crown of life;" and Paul says, "I have fought a good fight;" and in another place, "No man is crowned except he strive lawfully." He who institutes this combat is Almighty God.
And if a man also strive for masteries - As in the Grecian games. See this favorite illustration of Paul explained in the notes at 1Co 9:24 ff. Yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully - In conformity with the rules of the games. See Grotius, in loc.
Rare words are the text's own signal of a deliberate thread: the fewer the occurrences, the more the places it appears belong together.
The walk8
Follow this verse’s cross-references two steps out. Each card is a verse this one points to, and beneath it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several different paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first: the text keeps returning to it. Every stop shows its own words, and every stop is a page.
Through
James 1:12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
leads to
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful…
Reached by 2 independent paths from here.
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish…
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials
See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
Through
Revelation 3:11I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
leads to
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.
Nevertheless, hold fast to what you have until I come.
