Löffler, Simon - Lebens-Krone Aus der Offenbahrung Johannis - 1672

Löffler, Simon: Life’s Crown From the Revelation of John ch. II. v. 10. On the Christian burial of the well‑born/most honorable and well‑learned Mr. Justi Stahls/ L.L. Studiosi, who on the 20th of September in the year 1672, in regard to the souls, received the same; and on the 25th thereafter, in the body, into his quiet chamber was laid to rest. Leipzig, Georg 1672. 22 pages. Without cover.

The “Lebens-Krone” refers to Revelation 2:10 from the last book of the Bible, the Revelation of John.

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer! Behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
(Alternative often translated as “the crown of life” or “the victor’s crown of life.”)

• Comfort in persecution: The text comes from the letter to the church in Smyrna. It served early Christians in times of oppression and persecution as encouragement

• The “crown” (Stéphanos): Here Means the ancient laurel wreath for victors or the honor wreath at festivals. It symbolizes here the heavenly reward, eternal life, and completion with God

• Cultural role: The verse was especially in the Baroque period a popular motif on epitaphs (memorial stones) and tomb monuments, where often angels or a hand from heaven present the deceased with this sign of victory.