We see a number of references to crowns in the New Testament. There are actually several words that mean ‘crown’ – two of the most common are: diadem and stephanos. English translations have made no distinction and have unfortunately rendered them both into the word ‘crown’.
Diadem refers to a crown worn by royalty. There is no achievement needed for this type of crown – just have the right parents and you get one. Stephanos, on the other hand, is a crown earned through effort and strength. Anyone who earned a stephanos may be treated as though royalty – for a while; but the similarity to the diadem ends there. The ancient Greeks and Romans awarded such crowns to winners of athletic events.
Stephanos were usually made of leafy twigs from a laurel tree twisted into a wreath. Laurel leaves tend to last longer than most leaves, but sooner or later the crown would fall apart and would have to be replaced. The word ‘laurel’ has entered our language as a symbol of victory, but to rest on one’s laurels refers to an individual who is relying on past successes instead of trying to improve himself.
There are stephanos described in the New Testament that are like the temporary crowns awarded for obedience, endurance and victory. Yet they are described as being incorruptible and imperishable. That means unlike their earthly counterparts the heavenly laurels last forever. They are awarded only to believers – probably at the Bema judgment – and are meant to be symbolic gifts from our eternal Lord.
When we finish the race and keep the faith, endure temptation, provide a willing example to others, be tested and faithful throughout life without fear, we can expect such rewards. While the earthly stephanos are physical devices and include some element of pride, the heavenly version will not be tangible in nature and are better thought of as similar to “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Mat 25:23)
- The Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5: 4).
- The Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
- The Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8).
- The Crown Incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).
- The Crown of Life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).
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Each of us is a unique spiritual being with a physical body. We are born individually, die individually and stand before God every moment of our lives as an individual. No matter how large a group we are in, our relationship with God is one on one. Therefore our worship and each of our styles of worship must be accordingly unique. That concept is developed and expanded in the book “Worshiping Alone” which is available through Booklocker, Amazon, Barnes and Noble or your favorite bookstore. If you haven’t read it, please consider doing so.
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