1 Corinthians (TNTC) by Leon Morris

Author:Leon Morris [Morris, Leon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Books & Bibles, Bible Study & Reference, Meditations, Religion & Spirituality
ISBN: 9781783593217
Amazon: B00V8DX2A8
Publisher: IVP
Published: 2008-05-15T16:00:00+00:00

4. Paul’s self-control (9:24–27)

Athletic contests were common in the Greek world, and the Isthmian Games, second only to the Olympic Games, were held every two years at Corinth. Paul often uses imagery from the Games.

24. A foot race yielded but one winner. Therefore the runners must make every effort. Winning is more than simply starting in the race. The parallel with the Christian way is not complete, for many are saved, not just one winner. Paul’s point is that, like the runner, the Christian must give of his best.

25. Competes in the games renders agōnizomai, which gives us words like ‘agony’ and ‘agonize’. It does not mean a half-hearted effort. Every competitor had to undergo strict training for ten months, during which he was ‘temperate in all things’ (AV). After all this, his reward if he won was a crown that will not last (in the Isthmian Games it was a pine wreath at first, later celery was used, and towards the end of the first century, pine again; SPC, p. 101). The Christian has before him something much more worthwhile, a crown that will last for ever (cf. 2 Tim. 4:8). The strenuous self-denial of the athlete as he sought a fleeting reward is a rebuke to half-hearted, flabby Christian service. The athlete denies himself many lawful pleasures and the Christian must similarly avoid not only definite sin, but anything that hinders spiritual progress.

26. The imagery from the Games continues. Paul is not like a runner who does not know where the finishing-line is, or a boxer who hits nothing but air (either shadow-sparring or missing his opponent). Paul’s Christianity is purposeful. He puts everything into direct and forceful Christian endeavour.

27. Paul refuses to be bound by bodily desires. In picturesque language he speaks of the way he disciplines himself. Beat renders hypōpiazō, a verb from boxing, with the meaning ‘give a black eye to’. This, coupled with make it my slave, leaves no doubt as to the vigour with which Paul subdues his body. This does not mean that he saw the body as evil. That is not a Christian position. Paul is saying emphatically that the body must be controlled. Disqualified translates adokimos, which means ‘which has not stood the test’; it was used of disqualification in the Games. Paul’s fear was not that he might lose his salvation, but that he might suffer loss through failing to satisfy his Lord (cf. 3:15).

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