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In the second epistle to Timothy, the apostle uses the expression "that day" three times:
A | 1: 12.
Paul in spite of all opposition knew that the Lord was able to
guard that which had been entrusted to the apostle, "until that day".
B | 1: 18. Paul prayed that Onesiphorus might receive mercy of the Lord
in connexion with the service he had rendered unto the apostles,
"in that day".
A | 4: 8.
Paul was at length assured that he would receive from the Lord
the crown of righteousness, "at that day".
Because the apostle was so influenced by "that day" he could remain unmoved by
"man's day" (I Cor. 4: 3, margin), and all who would attain the crown, the prize of our
high calling, will have "that day" in mind too. This we are to see most tragically
illustrated by Demas, who loved this present day too well.
No.40.
The Love of His Appearing (4: 8).
pp. 152 - 155
Limitations of space compelled us to defer the consideration of the closing words of
II Tim. 4: 8 to this article.
Paul had expressed his assurance of victory and of reward. He looked forward to
"that day" when the Lord the righteous Judge should give him the crown of
righteousness, and then, using a blessed epanorthosis* kindles hope in the heart of the
humblest believer by saying:
"And not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."
[* - A recalling of what has been said, in order to correct it as by an afterthought,
as in Gal. 2: 20, "Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me".]
The servant who had five talents, was expected to gain five. The servant who had
two talents was expected to gain two, and if the servant who had but one talent had only
produced another talent, he would have received the "well done, good and faithful
servant", and would have entered into the joy of his Lord (Matt. 25: 14-23). Without
intending that Paul can be fitted into Matthew twenty-five, or that he had five talents
and no more, we can see at least that as--
Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher,
he had much to answer for. To each one of us his more lowly followers:
"Is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (Eph. 4: 7).