1 Corinthians 9:27

Keep under. Gr. hupopiazō, literally, “to strike under the eye,” “to give one a black eye.” The KJV rendering here misses the metaphor of the ancient boxing match or fist fight of the Greeks, which Paul used to illustrate graphically the fierce nature of the conflict that must be waged by every sincere Christian. The boxing gloves worn by the fighters were not gloves in the modern sense of the word; they were often made of oxhide bands, which were sometimes fortified with brass knuckles. Hupopiazō vividly portrays the severity and harshness that genuine Christians exercise toward their sinful nature. It suggests the rigid discipline and self-denial that must be exercised in order that victory may be gained over all the corrupt passions of man’s evil tendencies.

Bring ... into subjection. Literally, “to lead into slavery,” hence, “to make a servant of.” Paul thus shows his steadfast purpose to gain absolute victory over all his evil inclinations and corrupt passions and propensities. There was no thought of halfway measures with him. He knew that it must be a fight to the finish, no matter what the cost in suffering and anguish for his earthly nature; that evil thing that was warring against his spiritual aspirations must die. This is a lesson that all must learn who hope to qualify for acceptance as citizens of heaven. The promptings and cravings of the natural appetites and passions must be destroyed. This is possible only when the will is surrendered to Christ (see Phil. 4:13; SC 43, 44, 60).

Any means. Paul did not intend to allow anything to hinder him from attaining to salvation; he was prepared to do anything God willed in order that he might be fitted for heaven. He knew that there was the constant danger of being deceived because of the deceitfulness of sin, and he was determined that nothing should be left undone on his part to ensure his success in obtaining the crown of life everlasting.

Preached to others. Paul may be continuing the metaphor of the games, referring here to himself as the herald who called forth the runners in the race. At the same time he is also a contestant.

Castaway. Gr. adokimos, “not standing the test,” “rejected after testing,” “unapproved.” As a herald Paul had announced the rules governing the games. As a contestant also, he would be expected above all others to abide by the rules. Paul had been zealous in proclaiming to others the rules and regulations governing the contest for eternal life. Here he gives utterance to his determination to practice rigid control over his sinful nature, lest he suffer the fearful disgrace of being found wanting by the great Judge at the end of the race. Christian ministers, who hold before the world the rules pertaining to victory in the contest for eternal salvation, need to be most careful about their own spiritual condition lest they come short in some respect, and so fail to obtain that reward that they have spent their lives urging others to win. If all who are called to the ministry of the gospel were as faithful and steadfast in laboring for souls as Paul was, the revival and reformation for which the church longs would be greatly hastened and Christ would soon come.