The word “crown” is used in the New Testament. The Greek word for crown [stephanos] comes from the verb stephō, meaning to entwine or wreathe. It was used in ancient Greek writings to describe a badge of royalty, or as a prize in the public games, which were often laurel leaves entwined to make a wreathe for the head.
It is used four times in the Gospels regarding Jesus’ “crown” of thorns, which was tightly entwined into his skull. It is also used seven times in Revelation regarding future power and glory. And it is used six times in the epistles, two of which refer to the same “prize.” We are saved by grace, but future rewards are by merit.
Ephesians 2:8-10:
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Crown of Life
A crown or reward that results from prayerful endurance is called “the crown of life.” The context of this crown is “them that love him (God)” and those who prayerfully seek God’s wisdom so that they can carry out God’s will with endurance.
James 1:5,12:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Crown of Righteousness
A crown that results from personally studying God’s Word and teaching it to others is called a “crown of righteousness.” Paul encouraged Timothy to study God’s Word and then teach it to others. Paul knew that he would be rewarded for finishing his course in teaching the truth to others.
II Timothy 3:15; 4:2,7,8:
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Crown of Rejoicing
The “crown of rejoicing” is for those who establish and comfort others by faithfully sharing fully of what they have to give, including the good news of the gospel of Christ.
I Thessalonians 2:19–3:2:
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
For ye are our glory and joy.
Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith.
Paul wrote about this same truth to the Philippians believers.
Philippians 4:1:
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
Crown of Glory
The “crown of glory” results from faithfully pastoring God’s people, like Jesus Christ, “the chief shepherd,” did.
I Peter 5:1-4:
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Feed [shepherd, pastor] the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd [Jesus Christ] shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Crown of Incorruptibility
An incorruptible crown is given for disciplining oneself to share God’s Word with others.
I Corinthians 9:18,19,25:
What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel [euangelizō, evangelize], I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate [disciplined] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible [crown].
We may not remember all the good things we’ve done in our lives. But God is FAITHFUL to remember and reward us for those things done in love.
Hebrews 6:10 [The Passion Translation]:
For God, the Faithful One, is not unfair. How can he forget the work you have done for him? He remembers the love you demonstrate as you continually serve his beloved ones for the glory of his name.
