For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn't it even you, before our Lord Jesus{TR adds "Christ"} at his coming?
"The future event Paul is looking toward is identical with the appearance of every Christian before the bema (’judgment seat’) of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), where the works of every Christian will be evaluated. Because of his converts’ evident spiritual attainments, Paul feels that this will be an occasion of joy and victory." [Note: Thomas, p. 262. Cf. Earl Radmacher, "Believers and the Bema," Grace Evangelical Society News 10:3 (May-June 1995):1, 4; and Joe L. Wall, Going for the Gold, pp. 129, 152-63.] 