Note 26 at 2 Tim. 4:8: Paul's physical circumstances at the time of this writing were that he was in prison in Rome and facing possible execution. He had appeared before the emperor, Nero, as a prisoner, and in the eyes of the ungodly he was in a pitiful situation.

But Paul didn't see things the way others did. He said that he didn't look at the things that could be seen which are temporal, but at the unseen things which are eternal (2 Cor. 4:18). He was seeing the day when he would stand before the King of kings and receive the "crown of righteousness." This is one of the great keys to victorious Christian living (see note 20 in 2 Cor. 4:18, p. 999).

Note 27 at 2 Tim. 4:8: Paul wanted to let us know that this "crown of righteousness" wasn't for him alone. He states, ". . .not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Every believer who loves the Lord has a "crown of righteousness" waiting for them too.