Bible Briefs

J O H N   W.   M O O R E ROMANS, CROWNS, AND VICTORY Returning from war, a conquering General would ascend the throne of the Roman Emperor to be crowned with the wreath of victory. Unlike the Emperor’s crown, a crown of authority, this crown symbolized triumph and victory. It was known as the stephanos crown, while the crown of authority was termed diadem. The stephanos crown was given to victorious athletes, gladiators, and military leaders. It is the same crown, referenced by Jesus in Revelation 2:10, to be given to a Christian who overcame the trials, tribulations, and persecutions of an oppressive force or nation. If Christians were full of faith even in the face of death, they would receive the “crown of life”. Here the word crown is the Greek term stephanos and thus denoted victory and triumph. Like Christians of the first four centuries A.D. who faced persecution by the Roman Empire, so we today are motivated by the promise of victory when we are oppressed, persecuted, or ridiculed for our faith. In the pages following the promise of the victory crown of Revelation chapter two, a revelation of hope and a message of victory for those who are fearful and oppressed continue to be realized even today. Come study with us this wonderfully great and powerful story of the victory to be found in Christ Jesus.