1 Corinthians 9:24

Know ye not? In vs. 24-27 Paul uses the well-known athletic contests that were held periodically in Greece and in the Hellenistic world to illustrate the subject of his discussion, namely, the need for exercising self-denial to promote the salvation of others. In vs. 26, 27 he applies the lesson to himself. The Isthmian, or Corinthian, games were probably the ones to which Paul alluded, as the ones with which the inhabitants of Corinth were most familiar. The games consisted of contests in foot racing, boxing, wrestling, and throwing the discus. Paul alludes to two, foot racing (vs. 24, 25) and boxing (vs. 26, 27).

Race. Gr. stadion, “a racecourse.”

Prize. Only one person could succeed in obtaining the victory in the games, yet all who entered were willing to undergo hardships and severe training in order to increase their chance of securing the prize. The prize given to the victor consisted of a wreath of pine, laurel, olive, parsley, or apple leaves.

So run. All who entered the Greek races put forth their best efforts to win the prize. They used all the skill and stamina they had acquired as a result of their intensive training. None of them was indifferent, lethargic, or careless. The crown of life eternal is offered to all, but only those who subject themselves to strict training will obtain the prize. This means that at all times the Christian will be guided in word, thought, and deed by the high standards found in the Bible, and will not be controlled by the desires and inclinations of his own heart. He will ask at every step of the journey: “What would Jesus do? Will this course of action, this plan of work, or this form of recreation increase my spiritual strength or lessen it?” Everything that in any way interferes with spiritual progress must be rejected; otherwise victory is not possible (see Heb. 12:1, 2).