While the prize of  Phil. 3:,  "the out-resurrection out from the dead", is not

mentioned by name in II Tim., the fact that Paul repeats the words of Phil. 1: 23 and

2: 17, and summarizes with confidence his contest and race inclines one to feel that he

stood in no doubt concerning that for which he forgot all that was behind, and counted all

as loss, "if by any means" he might attain to it.

The prize and the crown are to be distinguished. The former is defined as "being with

Christ" and attaining to a special resurrection from the dead. The latter is not awarded

until "that day" which is still future. Nevertheless they are to be viewed together. Not all

who will attain to the crown will necessarily have also reached the prize, but the one is a

step to the other. The difference is rather one of degree than kind. We are not edified by

an undue curiosity into these things which Scripture has not enlarged upon; we do well to

observe the special conditions under which we labour, notice the weapon which is

provided us, set our hearts upon that day of His appearing in glory, and leave both prize

and crown with that One who is called "The Righteous Judge".

We do not pretend to have exhausted the theme. A few indications of the changed

environment that now obtains from what existed when Philippians was written is all that

we undertook to show. This was done with a desire to help those who may have felt that

the increasing difficulties and the decreasing aids, the failure of corporate testimony, and

the lonely battle, made the case hopeless. We direct such to II Timothy that they may see

their position and take courage.

It is not possible for any one of us to decide either for ourselves or for others as to the

possibility or the probability of having attained either prize or crown. The best thing is

humility. To reckon that we are not yet perfected, and for the love of the truth press on.