“Try hard to enter through the narrow door \{that opens the way to heaven\}! Many people will try to enter there, but they will not be able to enter.
2 Timothy 2:5 - Easy To Read Version If an athlete is running a race, he must obey all the rules to win. Tuilleadh leaganachaKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition And if anyone enters competitive games, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully (fairly, according to the rules laid down). American Standard Version (1901) And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully. Common English Bible Also in the same way, athletes don’t win unless they follow the rules. Catholic Public Domain Version Then, too, whoever strives in a competition is not crowned, unless he has competed lawfully. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version For he also that striveth for the mastery, is not crowned, except he strive lawfully. |
“Try hard to enter through the narrow door \{that opens the way to heaven\}! Many people will try to enter there, but they will not be able to enter.
Some people preach about Christ because they are jealous and bitter. Other people preach about Christ because they want to help.
You are struggling against sin, but your struggles have not yet caused you to be killed.
For a short time you made him lower\par than the angels.\par You gave him glory and honor\par to be his crown.\par
For a short time Jesus was made lower than the angels, but now we see him wearing a crown of glory and honor because he suffered and died. Because of God’s grace (kindness) Jesus died for every person.
What great blessings there are for the person who is tempted and still continues strong. Why? Because after he has proved his faith, God will give him the reward of life forever. God promised this to all people who love him.
Then when the Ruling Shepherd (Christ) comes, you will get a crown. That crown will be very glorious, and it will never lose its beauty.
Don’t be afraid of the things that will happen to you. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison. He will do this to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die. If you continue faithful, then I will give you the crown of life.
“I am coming soon. Continue the way you are now. Then no person will take away your crown (reward).
the 24 elders {\cf2\super [36]} bow down before the One who sits on the throne. The elders worship him who lives forever and ever. The elders put their crowns down before the throne and say:
Around the throne there were 24 other thrones. There were 24 elders {\cf2\super [35]} sitting on the 24 thrones. The elders were dressed in white, and they had golden crowns on their heads.