1 Coríntios 9
Kenneth Wuest · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Coríntios 9
Wuest - But as for myself, I have not made use of these things in even one instance, and at present continue the same policy. Moreover, I am not writing these things [concerning privileges] in order that in this manner it should be done in my case, for it were good for me rather to die than—no one shall nullify my boasting. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing these things so that something will be done for me. In fact, it would be better for me to die than– no one will deprive me of my reason for boasting! NLT 1 Corinthians 9:15 Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge. ESV 1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:15 ἐγὼ δὲ οὐ κέχρημαι οὐδενὶ τούτων. οὐκ ἔγραψα δὲ ταῦτα, ἵνα οὕτως γένηται ἐν ἐμοί· καλὸν γάρ μοι μᾶλλον ἀποθανεῖν ἤ- τὸ καύχημά μου οὐδεὶς κενώσει. KJV 1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. YLT 1 Corinthians 9:15 And I have used none of these things; neither did I write these things that it may be so done in my case, for it is good for me rather to die, than that any one may make my glorying void; ASV 1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorifying void. CSB 1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have used none of these rights, and I have not written this to make it happen that way for me. For it would be better for me to die than for anyone to deprive me of my boast! MIT 1 Corinthians 9:15 But in my case, I have not made use of these provisions. Nor did I write these things so that I might now start being remunerated. For I would rather die (of lack of necessities) than that anyone should reduce to nothing my basis for boasting. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. NRS 1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing this so that they may be applied in my case. Indeed, I would rather die than that-- no one will deprive me of my ground for boasting! NAB 1 Corinthians 9:15 I have not used any of these rights, however, nor do I write this that it be done so in my case. I would rather die. Certainly no one is going to nullify my boast. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:15 However, I have never availed myself of any rights of this kind; and I have not written this to secure such treatment for myself; I would rather die than that . . . No one shall take from me this ground of boasting. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:15 I haven't used any of these rights, and I haven't written this in order to use them now. I would rather die than have anyone turn my bragging into meaningless words. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have not made use of any of these things: and I am not writing this in the hope that it may be so for me: for it would be better for me to undergo death, than for any man to make this pride of mine of no effect. have: 1Co 9:12 4:12 Ac 8:3 20:34 1Th 2:9 2Th 3:8 I am not writing: 2Co 11:9-12 2 Cor 12:13-18 For it would be better for me to die: Mt 18:6 Ac 20:24 Php 1:20-23 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Thessalonians 2:9+ (PAUL DID NOT ASK FOR MONEY SO HIS MOTIVES WOULD NOT BE QUESTIONED) For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 2 Thessalonians 3:8 (PAUL CHOSE TO EARN HIS LIVING EVEN THOUGH HE HAD THE RIGHT AS AN APOSTLE TO RECEIVE SUPPORT) nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 1 Peter 5:2+ shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain (aischrokerdos) (NET - NOT FOR SHAMEFUL PROFIT, NIV = NOT GREEDY FOR MONEY), but with eagerness; Acts 20:33-35+ (PAUL HAD NOT PREACHED OR TAUGHT FOR MONEY AS HE TOLD THE EPHESIAN ELDERS) “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34 “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. 35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” PAUL LAID DOWN HIS RIGHT TO SUPPORT Notice the key words in 1 Cor 9:15-23 - “gospel” occurs four times, “win” five times and “preach” five times. Clearly this section is about winning souls by preaching the Gospel! This was Paul's passion and should be ours also beloved! And don't say "Well, I am no apostle Paul." No, you are not but you are one of Christ's disciples to whom His prayer applies... “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.....“I do not ask on behalf of these (original disciples) alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word (you and me beloved) (John 17:18, 20) The Lord Jesus has commanded all Christians: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation (Mk. 16:15+). Arnold - Each one of us is to have a heart for evangelism as did Paul, although none of us will ever be as effective as he because he had a special calling. Evangelism, however, is to be at the heart of our Christian experience and without that concern, we will never enjoy God or glorify Him as we ought. We must put 1 Corinthians 9:15-23 in its context. This section is part of the three chapters in which Paul is dealing with the subject of meat offered to idols. It was alright to eat the meat as long as it did not cause a weaker brother in conscience to stumble into sin. Meat sacrificed to idols was a doubtful thing or a questionable practice for Christians in Corinth. Paul's point was that Christians had the right to eat but they were to set aside that right if it offended and caused a weaker brother to stumble. The essence of his argument was that a Christian should never exercise any right if it is going to be a detriment to another person. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul shows from the example of his, own life how he gave up rights to be more effective in his witness for Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, he showed how he had the right to be paid wages as Apostle and minister of the gospel, but he relinquished that right so as not to bring any black mark against Christ and the gospel. Now in 9:15-23, Paul will show from his life how Christ and the gospel were the most important aspects of his life and how he was willing to forego all rights to see men and women, boys and girls, saved. MacArthur introduces this next section 1 Cor 9:15-27 - In 9:15–27 Paul restates (v. 15) and then continues to illustrate the principle that love limits Christian liberty as well as his own policy of not using his right to be supported financially by those to whom he ministered. He gives two reasons why he refused to accept such support. First, he did not want to lose his reward for preaching the gospel without charge (vv. 16–18). Second, and more importantly, he wanted absolutely nothing to hinder his reaching the lost with that gospel (vv. 19–27).
1 Coríntios 9
Wuest - Everyone who participates in the athletic games exercises constant self-control in all things, those, to be sure, in order that they may receive a perishable victor’s garland of wild olive leaves to be worn as a crown of victory, but as for us [we engage in Christian service, exercising constant self-control to obtain] a victor’s garland which is imperishable. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 9:25 Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. NLT 1 Corinthians 9:25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. ESV 1 Corinthians 9:25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:25 πᾶς δὲ ὁ ἀγωνιζόμενος πάντα ἐγκρατεύεται, ἐκεῖνοι μὲν οὖν ἵνα φθαρτὸν στέφανον λάβωσιν, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἄφθαρτον. KJV 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. YLT 1 Corinthians 9:25 and every one who is striving, is in all things temperate; these, indeed, then, that a corruptible crown they may receive, but we an incorruptible; ASV 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. CSB 1 Corinthians 9:25 Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away. MIT 1 Corinthians 9:25 Every serious athletic contender practices self-control in every aspect of his life. They do it in order to receive a garland that will wither. Ours will be one that will not wilt. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. NRS 1 Corinthians 9:25 Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. NAB 1 Corinthians 9:25 Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:25 Every athlete concentrates completely on training, and this is to win a wreath that will wither, whereas ours will never wither. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man who takes pa Everyone who competes: Eph 6:12-18 1Ti 6:12 2Ti 2:5 4:7 Heb 12:4 exercises self-control: Ga 5:23 Titus 1:8 2:2 2Pe 1:6 but: 1Co 15:54 2Ti 4:8 Heb 12:28 Jas 1:12 1Pe 1:4 5:4 Rev 2:10 3:11 Rev 4:4,10 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CLICK FOR ADDITIONAL GENERALLY MORE DETAILED COMMENTS ON THIS VERSE - THE MATERIAL BELOW MAY HAVE SOME DUPLICATION. A PERISHABLE WREATH THE KEY TO VICTORY: EXERCISING SELF CONTROL Everyone who (present tense - continually) competes (agonizomai) in the games (present tense - continually) exercises self-control (egkrateuomai) in all things - Everyone knew self-control was critical for an athlete to win the prize and be crowned with a wreath. However many/most of the Corinthians were doing anything but controlling their flesh, for earlier Paul had written "you are still fleshly (sarkikos). For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly (sarkikos), and are you not walking like mere (unregenerate) men?" (1 Cor 3:3+). And yet even though they were fleshly, they still knew that the effort required to win in the Isthmian Games involved agonizing effort, as seen even in the verb agonizomai which reminds us our English words agony and agonize, both of which describe suffering extreme mental and/or physical pain! While the athletes were to undergoing agonizing training for 10 months (they took an oath to do this), the agonizing training for believers lasts for our entire life! There is to be no furlough to enjoy the TTT'S ("trivial temporal trinkets") of this quickly passing godless world (1 Cor 7:31+, 1 Jn 2:17+, cf 2 Ti 2:4-5+). And so we see the athletes practiced self-control continually (during the requisite 10 months of training) and their training was in the sphere of all things. In short, all the time, in all things! THOUGHT - Now carry this over to the Christian's race! Note that the word "SELF control" can be a bit misleading, leading the young believer or the naive older believer into thinking he or she can exert this self control by themSELF! This is what we call a "recipe for disaster," because SELF cannot control SELF in the moral/ethical sphere, at least not for any significant length of time. "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Gal 3:3+) Ultimately, SELF needs to be subdued by a higher power, the supernatural, miracle producing power of the Holy Spirit, Who Alone can energize and enable a believer to kill sinful thoughts that originate from our fallen SELF, our fallen FLESH. In short, we would be more accurate theologically in calling "SELF-control" "SPIRIT control." Of course, we are not "off the hook," but are fully responsible for our volitional choices and daily decisions, the difference being that the Spirit filled believer (Eph 5:18+), who is walking in the power of the Spirit (Gal 5:16+), now has both the requisite desire and the necessary power to quench the incessant desires that fly into our mind from our fallen flesh (1 Peter 2:11b+). Paul commands us in Php 2:12+ to continually, daily work out our salvation in fear and trembling (subduing SELF and killing SIN), doing so by the power of "God (the Spirit Who) is (continually) working in (us), (continually) giving (us) the DESIRE (THE "WANT TO") and the POWER (100% HIS PROVISION) to do (100% OUR RESPONSIBILITY) what pleases Him. (Php 2:13NLT+) This vital spiritual truth must be understood to achieve victory in the Christian race. Click the following link for more discussion on the important "Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible" (100/100). BRING IT HOME - LET'S BE HONEST -- In what sphere of attitude and/or activity are you failing to continually, habitually, as your lifestyle, practice Spirit enabled self-control? For many men this is their wasted, wanton time on the internet! But this could even be some good thing, that steals time and energy from the best thing (cf every encumbrance - Heb 12:1+, Lk 10:42-43+, Php 3:13-14+), the dedication to our Lord Jesus Christ as His vessel of honor, set apart and prepared for every good work (2 Ti 2:21+, Eph 2:10+). Are you retired and hanging up your spiritual cleats (your running shoes) so to speak? Don't do it! Today is the only day like today that you will have on this earth to REDEEM THE TIME! Tomorrow is too late to do what you should do today! Get busy dying to self (Mk 8:34-35+), so you will be supernaturally enabled to live for the Savior! Experience the reality of Gal 2:20+ "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." You will not regret it throughout eternity! And remember, your real retirement day is yet future, for the Christian runner's retirement is called glorification! May God enable us by His Spirit to practice self-control for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Whose Name we pray. Amen. Table Talk (1 Corinthians) - No one can deny the oftentimes intimidating difficulties of the Christian life. It is like a race. It is a struggle from beginning to end, but the prize that waits for you at the finish line is worth it. Sometimes the struggle gets so overwhelming, sometimes your sin hangs about you like a weight, and sometimes you feel like giving up; but if you keep your eyes focused on Christ, on the prize of glory and eternal life, you will be strengthened to endure (Table Talk, 1 Corinthians). Jack Arnold - Paul had to deny himself lawful, legitimate rights in order to win the spiritual race. He gladly, willingly and voluntarily set aside rights he had in order to win more people to Christ. Why? He was doing this ultimately to win a prize, to finish the race, to be a winner at the Judgment Seat of Christ. What does it take then for any Christian to win the race? It takes denial of personal rights. He must limit indulgences, set aside legitimate pleasures, and refuse to give way to laziness. Self-control comes when one has Christ controlling his life. A life of discipline flows out of a life of dependence on Jesus Christ, an occupation with Him who said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). With Christ, a life of discipline is possible. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philip. 4:13). If we have a life of discipline but no life of faith, we face a possible spiritual burnout. If we have a life of faith but no discipline, we face a spiritual passivity. A balanced Christian knows how to depend on Christ and how to discipline his body with all of its legitimate and evil desires. In order for a Christian to win the spiritual race, he must have self-control in all things. Self-control is to be exercised in temper, in diet, in sleep, in Bible study habits, in prayer habits, in sexual habits and in witnessing habits. In fact, self-control is the key to winning the spiritual race and receiving the crowns that are ours for faithful service for Christ. Epictetus on the "agonizing" effort involved in training - Do you wish to gain the prize at the Olympic games? Consider the requisite preparations and the consequences. You must observe a strict regime; must live on food which is unpleasant; must abstain from all delicacies; must exercise yourself at the prescribed times in hot and in cold; you must drink nothing cool; must take no wine as usual; you must put yourself under a pugilist, as you would under a physician, and afterwards enter the lists. Craig Blomberg - The sacrifices that athletes in training make call to mind as well that Paul’s “evangelistic principle” should permeate all of our lives and order all of our priorities. From time to time we verbally share our faith and explain our moral commitments, but all of life involves modeling for a fallen world the balance of freedom and restraint that Paul articulates here. Whether at work or at play, at church or in the world, we are never “off-duty” with respect to the tasks of exhibiting the values of a balanced Christian life or of identifying with our culture for the sake of redeeming it (NIVAC-1 Corinthians). (Bold added) We need to imitate "those who through faith and patience inherit the promises," (Heb 6:12+), like the humble servant of God, Moses... By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing (THIS IS KEY - EVERY DAY WE HAVE A CHOICE - WHO WILL WE SERVE SAVIOR OR SELF?) rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward (HERE IS A KEY! HE WAS LOOKING TO THE GOAL - EVEN AS BELIEVERS RUNNING THE RACE [Heb 12:1+] SHOULD "FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS" Heb 12:2+). 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.(Heb 11:24-27+) Competes in the games (75) (agonizomai from agon = conflict or the place of assembly for the athletic contests and then a reference to the contests which were held there. English words = agony, agonize, agonal) means to exert oneself, to fight, to labor fervently, to strive (devote serious effort or energy = implies great exertion against great difficulty and suggests persistent effort), to struggle, to contend as with an adversary - all of these actions picture an intense struggle for victory. Agonizomai was a familiar term in writings of both military and athletic endeavors and was used to emphasize the concentration, discipline, conviction, and effort needed to win in both arenas. It pictures a runner straining every nerve to the uttermost towards the goal. Agonizomai was used in secular Greek meaning to contend for the prize on the stage, both of the poet, etc., and of the actor. Agonizomai was used in secular Greek in the context of public speaking meaning to contend against, as law-term, to fight a cause to the last and to fight against a charge of murder. Agonizomai - 8v - Lk. 13:24; Jn. 18:36; 1 Co. 9:25; Col. 1:29; Col. 4:12; 1 Tim. 4:10; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7 Exercises self control (1467) (egkrateuomai from egkrates/enkrates = self-controlled from en = in + kratos = power from stem krat- = power or lordship) means literally to control the strength of and thus depicts one who exercises power to "hold oneself in" or to "master self". This virtue describes "lordship" or dominion over self. The self-controlled individual exercises restraint over his own impulses, emotions, appetites and desires. This verb is used here and in 1 Cor 7:9 "if they do not have self-control, let them marry," in this passage clearly referring especially to sexual temptations. See additional comments for more on self control related to 1 Corinthians 9:25 They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable - Notice the striking contrast (which highlights the effect) for Paul goes from a lesser goal (temporal) to a greater goal (eternal), for "the useless to the priceless!" (Swindoll) This truth alone should be a strong motivating force to encourage every saint to diligently pursue self-control. The difference between the Isthmian athletes and believers is that the former have only the fallen flesh to depend on for self-control whereas believers have the indwelling Holy Spirit who gives as part of His fruit the discipline of self-control. So even as the athletes in training were to continually (present tense) exercise self-control, believers are "in training" for the rest of our lives, further emphasizing our continual need to be continually filled (Eph 5:18+) so that we may continually walk by the Spirit (Gal 5:16+) for then we will not obey the lusts of our flesh (aka "break training" so to speak). Arnold - The strenuous self-denial of the athlete in training for his fleeting reward is a rebuke to all half-hearted Christian efforts and flabby Christian commitment. What kinds of crowns will you be receiving Christian? Paul writes But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control ( egkrateia); against such things there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23 - see commentary on self-control)
1 Coríntios 9
Wuest - As for myself, therefore, I so run, in no uncertain manner. I so swing my fists, not as one who, when fighting, misses his opponent, merely beating the air and not striking a straight blow which finds its target. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 9:26 So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:26 ἐγὼ τοίνυν οὕτως τρέχω ὡς οὐκ ἀδήλως, οὕτως πυκτεύω ὡς οὐκ ἀέρα δέρων· KJV 1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: YLT 1 Corinthians 9:26 I, therefore, thus run, not as uncertainly, thus I fight, as not beating air; ASV 1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: CSB 1 Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. MIT 1 Corinthians 9:26 In this manner I run, but not like the runner who is unsure of where he is headed. In a comparable way, I box—not like one shadow boxing. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. NRS 1 Corinthians 9:26 So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; NAB 1 Corinthians 9:26 Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:26 So that is how I run, not without a clear goal; and how I box, not wasting blows on air. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:26 So I run-but not without a clear goal ahead of me. So I box-but not as if I were just shadow boxing. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:26 So then I am running, not uncertainly; so I am fighting, not as one who gives blows in the air: not: 2Co 5:1,8 Php 1:21 2Ti 1:12 2:5 Heb 4:1 1Pe 5:1 2Pe 1:10 I box: Mt 11:12 Lu 13:24 Eph 6:12 Col 1:29 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CLICK FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY ON THIS VERSE - THE MATERIAL BELOW IS NOT DUPLICATED (FOR THE MOST PART) Ancient Greek Boxer PAUL'S PATTERN: REAL PUNCHES - NO SHADOW BOXING! Shadow boxing - Shadow boxing is an exercise used in the training for combat sports, especially, as its name implies, in boxing. It is used mainly to prepare the muscles before the person training engages in stronger physical activity. In shadowboxing, only one person is required to participate; the participant throws punches at no one in particular. Paul repeatedly referred not to shadow boxing but to a very real (spiritual) fight with invisible enemies, the flesh and the devil (and his minions).... 1 Timothy 1:18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, 1 Timothy 6:12+ Fight (agonizomai in present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 2 Timothy 4:7+ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; Ephesians 6:10-12+ Finally, be strong (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore - Term of Conclusion - In view of the pricelessness and permanence of the prize here is what Paul will do. I (present tense - continually) run (trecho), in such a way, as not without aim - Notice that Paul now switches from second person plural (we) to the first person singular explaining what he himself determines to do. In a way he is now presenting himself as a model to imitate (cf 1 Cor 4:16+, 1 Cor 11:1). What was Paul's aim? He has just clearly stated his aim in 1 Cor 9:19-22, four times stating that his desire was to win as many to Jesus as he could.
1 Coríntios 9
Wuest - But I beat my body black and blue and make it my abject slave lest somehow, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified [from further Christian service]. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) Kistemaker - But I treat my body roughly and enslave it, so that after I have proclaimed the gospel to others, I myself do not become disqualified. NET 1 Corinthians 9:27 Instead I subdue my body and make it my slave, so that after preaching to others I myself will not be disqualified. ESV 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:27 ἀλλὰ ὑπωπιάζω μου τὸ σῶμα καὶ δουλαγωγῶ, μή πως ἄλλοις κηρύξας αὐτὸς ἀδόκιμος γένωμαι. KJV 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. YLT 1 Corinthians 9:27 but I chastise my body, and bring it into servitude, lest by any means, having preached to others -- I myself may become disapproved. ASV 1 Corinthians 9:27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected. CSB 1 Corinthians 9:27 Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. MIT 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I punch out my body and bring it under control, lest somehow, having preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. NRS 1 Corinthians 9:27 but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified. NAB 1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:27 I punish my body and bring it under control, to avoid any risk that, having acted as herald for others, I myself may be disqualified. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:27 Rather, I toughen my body with punches and make it my slave so that I will not be disqualified after I have spread the Good News to others. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I give blows to my body, and keep it under control, for fear that, after having given the good news to others, I myself might not have God's approval. I discipline my body: 1Co 9:25 4:11,12 6:12,13 8:13 Ro 8:13 2Co 6:4,5 11:27 Col 3:5 2Ti 2:22 1Pe 2:11 and: Ro 6:18,19 so that: 1Co 13:1-3 Ps 50:16 Mt 7:21-23 Lu 12:45-47 13:26,27 2Pe 2:15 disqualified.: Jer 6:30 Lu 9:25 Ac 1:25 2Co 13:5,6 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages 2 John 8 “Watch (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward” Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. CLICK FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY ON THIS VERSE - THE MATERIAL BELOW IS NOT DUPLICATED (FOR THE MOST PART) SELF DISCIPLINE TO HIS OWN BODY In his letter to young Timothy Paul reminded his disciple that to win the Christian race we must discipline ourselves using the verb gymnazo which means to make oneself obey, in essence to control one's heart which is going to take some "holy sweat"... Discipline (gymnazo in present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) yourself for the purpose of godliness; for (TERM OF EXPLANATION) bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for (1) the present life and (2) also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor (kopiao in present tense see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to labor) and strive (agonizomai in present tense), because we have fixed our hope (perfect tense) on the living God, Who is the Savior of all men, especially of faithful. (1 Ti 4:7-10+) Related Resource: See Spiritual Discipline But I (present tense - continually) discipline my body and (present tense - continually) make it my slave, so that (lest - ESV, KJV), after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified - NLT - I discipline my body like an athlete. Wuest - "But I beat my body black and blue and make it my abject slave" Paul speaks of his body in a sense as his adversary, as the instrument through which appetites and lusts, if left unchecked, would war against his soul! Paul was determined that his body with these appetites would be his slave, not his master. (WHO IS IN CONTROL OF YOUR BODY?) In 1 Cor 9:19 Paul used a similar metaphor in a different context writing " I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more." Here he says he makes his body his slave in order to win not be disqualified! Vine adds discipline my body and make it my slave "indicates the suppressive treatment of the body, not merely the physical frame, but that regarded as the instrument of the inward passions and lusts; not the bruising of the body itself, but rigid self-denial in order to keep oneself spiritually fit. treating it as a bondslave, refusing the indulgence of its desires, and making it constantly subordinate to the spirit. If our body gets the upper hand of us we are marred in spirit. Our natural desires should be those over which we act as complete masters. For this we need the help (NOT JUST "HELP" BUT ENABLEMENT) of the Holy Spirit which is ever available, but we need also the spiritual determination to respond to His power and direction." Notice Paul personalizes this warning (my body...my slave). If Paul thought there was even a chance of himself being disqualified, how much greater risk for us "mere mortals!" Discipline was not an occasional pursuit, but a present tense passion for Paul! The only way one can continually discipline and make the body our slave is by the supernatural enabling power of the Spirit. That is why we must daily arise and confess and be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18+). There is simply no other way to imitate Paul and fulfill these present tense actions which he undertakes to avoid being disqualified. THOUGHT - It strikes me that another way to make my body my slave is enabled by grace and the Spirit to offer it to the Lord each day for His good pleasure (Ro 12:1+) and during the day to "watch and pray" (Mt 26:41+) with prayers such as those of the psalmist in Psalm 119 --"Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence (holy fear, not trembling dread) for Thee. (Ps 119:38+) And then praying "Establish my footsteps in Thy word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me. (Ps 119:133+) Do you see the common denominator in this two great prayers? (THE WORD - compare Filled with His Spirit/Richly Indwelt with His Word) Remember too that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Pr 9:10, cf Ps 119:38). What a great mindset (and heart attitude) with which to begin each day! Alan Redpath on discipline my body - In connection with this whole issue of preaching a so-called “gospel of works,” I would say that the only faith that matters is a faith that is expressed in the action of your body. The faith that has qualified a man for heaven gets into his feet, his hands, his mind, his tongue — in other words, it is expressed in the physical. If his faith in Jesus Christ does not begin to make his whole body move in the will of God, there is no evidence that it is saving faith at all. It is how a Christian uses his body that proclaims his eternal destiny. That is why Paul says these tremendous things, “I buffet my body; I keep it in subjection.” Like any athlete daily keeps himself in training behind the scenes to win an earthly crown, he keeps his body down. THOUGHT - As other people examine our lives, do they see that you, as a Christen, have left behind certain things to which you are entitled for Jesus’ sake? Do they see you as one who is maintaining an unblemished testimony? You have not let down the standards, and you are taking the gospel message out to an ungodly world. But do they see, above all, a man (or woman) who is triumphing in his own personal walk because he is not allowing the flesh with its appetites and intemperance to dominate his life, a man living under the control of the Spirit of God? These are the authentic marks of Christian experience. But even the apostle Paul could never have expressed those thing in his life were it not that within him was the indwelling life of the risen Lord Jesus (AND THE SPIRIT OF JESUS CHRIST) which enabled him to do so....Perhaps you have been saying to yourself, “I don’t know whether I can pass the tests — I’m not sure if I’ve renounced anything for Jesus. I’m not sure about my ministry; I don’t know about this battle with the enemy.” But the Holy Spirit within you, my friend, will give you unction to maintain you ministry and testimony; He will give you courage to combat Satan at close quarters and defeat the enemy of your soul. (Redpath) Jack Arnold - What kept Paul from running the race? What kept him from giving up fights to win men for Christ and to glorify Christ? His body! Yes, but more than that he is referring to the flesh or sin nature which was housed in his body. The flesh wants its rights. The way Paul kept his sin nature down was to discipline his body. Literally this say, "I beat my body black and blue.” Paul dealt harshly with his body which wanted by nature to be lazy, slothful, indifferent and even rebellious. He had to put the body to death by severe discipline. Running the Christian life sometimes calls for radical mortification of the flesh in order to be effective for Jesus Christ. When things get rough in the Christian life, the Christian sucks it up on the inside and endures. Someone has said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going !" We should not want to get into heaven by the skin of our teeth. We should run the spiritual race for the glory of God to win it. ESV Study Bible - This verse has a long history of misinterpretation in terms of punishing one’s own body as a means of spiritual discipline. Paul’s language, however, is governed both by the athletic metaphor of the previous two verses and by the physical demands of his apostolic work (1 Cor 4:9, 11–13; 2 Cor. 4:8–12; 6:3–10; 11:23–12:10; 1 Th 2:1–2, 9; 3:7–8). Just as an athlete goes through physical training that is sometimes uncomfortable in order to attain the goal of victory, so Paul endures physical and emotional hardship, and gives up his right to material support, for the gospel’s advancement. (See 1 Cor. 9:12 and 2 Cor. 6:1–10.) Rod Mattoon - If you are trying to live your life for Jesus Christ, you know that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battlefield. Christians face many struggles, many dangers, and many difficulties because of their dedication to Jesus Christ. In fact, world-wide there is an average of 160,000 Christians that are martyred for Christ every single year. Live for Christ, and yes, Satan and his followers will oppose you. God's challenge to us is, "Strive for the mastery." As Christians, we are to contend for Christ. We are to struggle to be victorious over our vices, triumphant over our tribulations, conquering our cowardness, and successful in having a servant's attitude toward the Lord and other people. Jude challenged us to contend for the faith. Arnold on make it (my body) my slave - Paul subdued the flesh with vigor. Literally this says, "I lead my body around like a slave.” He made his body his slave and did not become a slave to the cravings and desires of the flesh. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul would dominate his body and not let it dominate him. He would not indulge in anything that would hurt his testimony or keep people from coming to Christ under his ministry. Christian, is your body a slave to you? Are you able to go to bed at night and get up early? Are your eating habits such that you are not overweight? Are your sex drives under control so as not to bring a bad name on Christ? Do you make your body be involved in Christian service? Do you keep your mind from wanting more and more money and more and more things in order that you might give more and more to the cause of Christ? Until we train our bodies to be our slaves, we will never be as effective as we should be for Christ, and we will end up at the Judgment Seat with few or no crowns to throw at Christ’s feet. Christianity is not a life of complacency but of commitment. For sure, the Christian life is not for sissies. God is looking for a few good men and women. John
1 Coríntios 9
Wuest - For if I am preaching the good news, there is nothing for me to boast about, for a necessary compulsion is pressing down upon me, for woe to me if I do not proclaim the good news. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason for boasting, because I am compelled to do this. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! NLT 1 Corinthians 9:16 Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't preach the Good News! ESV 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! NIV 1 Corinthians 9:16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! GNT 1 Corinthians 9:16 ἐὰν γὰρ εὐαγγελίζωμαι, οὐκ ἔστιν μοι καύχημα· ἀνάγκη γάρ μοι ἐπίκειται· οὐαὶ γάρ μοί ἐστιν ἐὰν μὴ εὐαγγελίσωμαι. KJV 1 Corinthians 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! YLT 1 Corinthians 9:16 for if I may proclaim good news, it is no glorying for me, for necessity is laid upon me, and woe is to me if I may not proclaim good news; ASV 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel. CSB 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because an obligation is placed on me. And woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! MIT 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, it is inappropriate for me to boast about that. Indeed, a compulsion weighs upon me to do that. How horrible it would be for me were I not to preach the gospel. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! NRS 1 Corinthians 9:16 If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! NAB 1 Corinthians 9:16 If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! NJB 1 Corinthians 9:16 In fact, preaching the gospel gives me nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion and I should be in trouble if I failed to do it. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:16 If I spread the Good News, I have nothing to brag about because I have an obligation to do this. How horrible it will be for me if I don't spread the Good News! BBE 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I am a preacher of the good news, I have no cause for pride in this; because I am forced to do so, for a curse is on me if I do not. I have: Ro 4:2 15:17 for: Jer 1:17 20:7,9 Am 3:8 7:15 Ac 4:20 Acts 9:6,15 Acts 26:16-20 Ro 1:14 woe: Isa 6:5 Lu 9:62 Col 4:17 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Acts 26:16-18+ ‘But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; 17 rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ Jeremiah 20:9 (EXAMPLE OF UNDER COMPULSION) But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it. COMMENT - A classic description of prophetic reluctance overcome by divine compulsion (Jer 1:6–8; Am 3:8; Ac 4:20; 1Co 9:16). (NIVSB) Acts 4:20+ (EXAMPLE OF UNDER COMPULSION) But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” COMPELLED TO PREACH THE GOSPEL For (gar) term of explanation - If - IF introduces a third class conditional clause, which mean potential action or viewed as possible. (Second "if" below is the same). I (present tense - continually) preach the gospel (euaggelizo/euangelizo), I have nothing to boast (kauchema) of - NLT = "Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about" ICB = "Telling the Good News is not my reason for bragging." The boast he had just alluded to in 1 Cor 9:15 "was not personal. He was not proud as if it were his gospel; nor was he proud about the way he preached it, as if it were his ability" (MacArthur Study Bible) Paul knew that he himself could save no one, but that the Gospel he preached could save anyone, for "the gospel...is the power (dunamis = inherent power to accomplish a result) of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Ro 1:16+) Paul could not take credit for the power, but he could boast in the power of God, even as he said in (1 Cor 1:31+) “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” For (gar) term of explanation Paul explains why he has nothing about which he can boast in himself. His preaching was not from personal pride but a result of divine compulsion.
1 Coríntios 9
Wuest - For, assuming that I am doing this of my own volition, I have a recompense; but doing it without my own volition, a responsibility of administering [the propagation of the good news] has been entrusted to me and at present is the impelling motive that makes it impossible not to proclaim it. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NLT - If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. For - Most commentators feel this term of explanation explains what is meant by saying an obligation (under compulsion v16) is laid upon him. The two "if's" both introduce first class conditional clauses, which are both assumed to be true. If I do this voluntarily - As noted above this is a difficult passage to understand. Trail in his exegetical summary gives two possible explanations of the two "IF" statements (abbreviations are the commentaries that support each interpretation) (1) The first condition is hypothetical and the second is factual [Alford, Edwards, Expositor's GT, Godet, Hering, HNTC-Barrett, Hodge, ICC-Robertson & Plummer, Lenski, Meyer, NICNT - Gordon Fee, Translator's Guide, W E Vine]: if I preach of my own decision (but I don’t), I would have a reward, but if I preach without having a choice (as is the case), I do it because I have been commissioned to do it. Paul did not take up his ministry by his own decision, so he has no reward for doing his duty [Alf]. Paul is just a steward who cannot demand a payment, not a mercenary who could claim his wages [Ed]. The words ἐκών ‘willingly’ and ἄκων ‘unwillingly’ should not be taken as indicating ‘cheerfully’ and ‘reluctantly’, but rather ‘optionally’ and ‘obligatorily’ [Gdt, Ho]. Since he does not merit a reward for preaching the gospel, the next question means ‘But by what then do I merit a reward?’ [He, HNTC]. (2) The first condition is factual and the second is hypothetical [Expositor's BC, New Century BC, NICNT]: if I preach willingly (and I do), I have a reward, but if I preach unwillingly (but I don’t), I still have to preach because I have been commissioned to do it. He preaches freely, not merely fulfilling the commission given to him (Acts 26:16) [EBC]. He receives a reward because he preaches with all his heart and that reward is described in the next verse [NIC]. If he obeys his commission willingly, he will get a reward. If he does so unwillingly, he must still do it, but without a reward [New Century BC]. I (present tense - continually) have a reward - The implication is he would have the reward (pay, recompense) that goes with preaching the Gospel. W E Vine - that is, if of his own choice he makes a business of preaching, as others did, he gets a reward in the pay he receives. Reward (wage) (3408) misthos literally refers to pay which is due for labor performed or dues paid for work. Misthos is used in two general senses in the NT, either to refer to wages or to reward, recognition or recompense. In this latter figurative usage, misthos refers to rewards which God bestows for the moral quality of an action, such rewards most often to be bestowed in eternity future. Uses in First Corinthians - 1 Co. 3:8; 1 Co. 3:14; 1 Co. 9:17; 1 Co. 9:18; But if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted (pisteuo) to me - Earlier in this letter Paul had alluded to this stewardship writing "Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards (oikonomos) of the mysteries of God (INCLUDING THE GOSPEL). In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards (oikonomos) that one be found trustworthy (pistos)." (1 Cor 4:1-2+) Jesus had entrusted the dispensation and declaration of the Gospel to Paul. Note that entrusted is in the perfect tense indicating it was bestowed (by Jesus) in the past and it was still in force so to speak. Vine - his preaching was not a matter of his own choice; accordingly he is simply a steward, a servant doing his duty to his Master. Oikonomia, “stewardship,” primarily denotes the management of a household; it came to mean the management of the property of others; hence a stewardship, as in Luke 16:2–4+. Ryrie says "Paul could not escape his responsibility to preach the gospel, because a stewardship (responsibility) had been committed to him and he was under orders to preach even though he was never paid (cf. Luke 17:10)." (Study Bible) ESV Study Bible on stewardship - This term (Gk. oikonomia) refers to the responsibility of managing a household. Paul uses it metaphorically to say that God has entrusted him with a responsibility to which he must be faithful, whether he benefits from it materially or not.
1 Coríntios 9
Wuest - Do you not know that those who are running in a race are indeed all running, but one receives the victor’s award? Be running in such a manner as the one who won the race, in order that you may obtain the victor’s award. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win. ESV 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:24 Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ ἐν σταδίῳ τρέχοντες πάντες μὲν τρέχουσιν, εἷς δὲ λαμβάνει τὸ βραβεῖον; οὕτως τρέχετε ἵνα καταλάβητε. KJV 1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. YLT 1 Corinthians 9:24 have ye not known that those running in a race -- all indeed run, but one doth receive the prize? so run ye, that ye may obtain; ASV 1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. CSB 1 Corinthians 9:24 Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. MIT 1 Corinthians 9:24 You know, do you not, that in the sport of track all the runners race, but only one receives the prize? With the same determination in mind, run so that you might be awarded. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. NRS 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. NAB 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not realise that, though all the runners in the stadium take part in the race, only one of them gets the prize? Run like that -- to win. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:24 Don't you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward. those: Ho 12:10 who run: Ps 19:5 Ec 9:11 Jer 12:5 run: 1Co 9:26 Ga 2:2 5:7 Php 2:16 3:14 2Ti 4:7,8 Heb 12:1 Jas 1:12 Rev 3:11 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CLICK FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY ON THIS VERSE - THE MATERIAL BELOW IS NOT DUPLICATED (FOR THE MOST PART) Flaminius restoring Liberty to Greece at the Isthmian Games. RUN FOR THE PRIZE Running to Win takes... 1 Cor 9:24 - Determination 1 Cor 9:25 - Discipline 1 Cor 9:26 - Direction 1 Cor 9:27 - Denial Paul Apple has an intriguing approach to this last great section seeing it as showing "Two motivations for disciplined Christian living. (1) The value of the eternal prize and (2) the danger of disqualification should motivate disciplined Christian living in the warfare against sin." THE CARROT - RUNNING ANALOGY - THE VALUE OF THE ETERNAL PRIZE MOTIVATES DISCIPLINED CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE WARFARE AGAINST SIN THOUGHT - Can I challenge you? Would you consider memorizing 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 over this next week? Then you can meditate on it over the succeeding weeks, asking the Spirit to illuminate it's profound meaning and import for our once in a lifetime race. Beloved, we have only one chance to run in this race. The writer of Hebrews says "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1+) Note the little phrase "THE RACE" (not "a race") which signifies the one, once in a lifetime, specific race we have all been given the privilege to run. And this race is not a sprint but a "marathon" so that we are exhorted to run until we cross the finish line called GLORY (glorification 1 Jn 3:2+)! There is no second RACE, but only this one race. Therefore it behooves each of us to deeply ponder the meaning of this truth for our lives. One day we will "appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his/her deeds in the body, according to what he/she has done, whether good or bad." (2 Cor 5:10+) How foolish would it be for an Olympic runner to squander the time in trivial things as he prepares to run the one race of his life! So again I challenge you to memorize 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 paying special attention to the race qualifications and the sobering truth that you can be disqualified (not loss of salvation but loss of usefulness now and rewards in the future) if you fail to meet the qualifications. Paul gives us a list of things that can result in our disqualification in 1 Corinthians 10:1-11+ (craving evil things, idolatry, immorality, trying the Lord, grumbling) and then gives a sobering warning to every Christian runner "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed (command to continually keep an eye on the spiritual obstacles and hindrances) that he does not fall.." (1 Cor 10:12+). Beloved, the race is REAL. The prize is REAL (and eternal). But the danger of falling and being disqualified is also a very REAL, "clear and present danger!" Memorize. Meditate. Discipline yourself (1 Ti 4:7-8+ = discipline "holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come!"). May our Father in Heaven enable you to run "with the wind at your back," in the power of His Spirit, energized by His Holy Word, for the glory of the Lamb. Amen Run beloved. Run! May our life motto be that of Eric Liddell who said "When I run, I feel God's pleasure." May his tribe increase. Amen. Related Resources: The Secret of Greatness - Eric Liddell The Torchlighters: The Eric Liddell Story (2007) | Full Episode (watch this your children!!!) Swindoll - Paul describes here (9:24-27) in vivid imagery the life of a go-for-broke minister of the gospel, one who has not only given up creature comforts for the sake of the ministry but has given up all things for the sake of the call. He did this in view of eternal, not temporal, rewards. These verses drip with the sweat of athletes. You can almost hear their grunts and groans as you read these colorful words. Jack Arnold introduces 1 Cor 9:24-27 - In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul has been dealing with the giving up of rights to be effective for Jesus Christ. He has shown that he had the right to be paid money as a gospel minister, but he willingly set that right aside so as not to have the Corinthians connect the giving of money with the preaching of the gospel. He then used his own life as an example of a person who became “all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” Paul give up the right to do all kinds of legitimate practices such as the eating of meat sacrificed to idols, the drinking of wine and the observing of Jewish holidays so as not to offend men in order to win men to Christ or help them grow in Christ. As a mature Christian, Paul set aside his rights to any questionable practice in order to reach as many men, women, boys and girls as he possibly could for Christ. This whole context is about reaching people for Christ, so in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the emphasis is upon practicing self-denial for the salvation of others. Paul’s point will be that by giving in all the time to the love of indulgences and luxury, we may find ourselves trapped in a lifestyle spiritually injurious to us which could cause us to be disqualified from the spiritual race. ESVSB - Paul frequently uses athletic metaphors to describe the rigors and single-minded focus of his apostolic work to pursue the advancement of the gospel (see also Phil. 3:12–14; 2 Tim. 4:7–8 - ED: listen to and ponder Craig Smith's song Single Heart). The extended metaphor is particularly apt in a letter to Corinth, which was the location of the biennial Isthmian games, at that time second in fame only to the Olympic games. Do you not know (eido/oida) that those who run (trecho) in a race all run(trecho), but only one receives the prize?- Answer? YES! The Corinthians knew this truth because they had seen it played out (pun intended) in the Isthmian Games held about 10 miles outside the city, these games being second in prestige only to the Olympic Games. They knew many ran, but only one won. As he applies this metaphor to the spiritual lives of the Corinthians, while Paul does not specifically state it, the truth is that every "Christian runner" has the potential to win "the prize," so in that sense the metaphor is not an identical picture. The fact that only one receives the prize, but all believing "runners" can potentially receive the prize should be both encouraging an motivating truth (to them and us). Related Resource: Metaphors of St Paul - The Greek Games Race (4712) (stadion from histemi = to stand) refersto (1) an oval area surrounded by tiers of seats for spectators, used for public contests arena, stadium, racecourse (1Co 9.24); (2) as a measure of distance; cf. (stade) in Jn 6.19. Stadion - 7v in NT - Matt. 14:24; Lk. 24:13; Jn. 6:19; Jn. 11:18; 1 Co. 9:24; Rev. 14:20; Rev. 21:16 Receives (2638) katalambano from katá = adds intensity + lambáno = take) means to take eagerly, grasp with force, lay hold of, seize with hostile intent (Mk 9:18). Katalambano in some contexts meant to make something one’s own, to obtain (the prize = win - 1Co 9:24), to attain (Php 3:12, 13, Ro 9:30). In a similar use in the papyri, katalambano is used in the papyri of colonists appropriating land. Katalambano in 1 Cor 9:24 refers to seizing or taking possession of the prize and holding on to it. 14 uses in the NT - Mk. 9:18; Jn. 1:5; Jn. 8:3; Jn. 8:4; Jn. 12:35; Acts 4:13; Acts 10:34; Acts 25:25; Rom. 9:30; 1 Co. 9:24; Eph. 3:18; Phil. 3:12; Phil. 3:13; 1 Th 5:4. Prize (1017) (brabeion - kindred verb brabeuo = to be an umpire, Col 3:15+) is used only here in the NT. The crown is not salvation, which is God’s gift to those who trust in Christ; it is, rather, the future reward of one who is a Christian and seeks to honor Christ in his life. The reward will be received at the Judgment Seat of Christ (bema - See 2Co 5:10+, Ro 14:10-12+ 1Co 3:11-15+). The only other use in the NT is in Philippians 3:14+ "I press on toward the goal for the prize (brabeion) of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Run (trecho - keep on running) in such a way that you may win - In light of this well-known athletic metaphor Paul gives them not a suggestion but a serious command to Run (trecho), a command in the present imperative which calls for continual dependence on the Holy Spirit to obey. Pursue the Prize Diligently and Zealously. In such a way is a term of comparison, so that one could paraphrase it "run LIKE the Isthmian runners," each running to win, holding nothing back, going for the gold so to speak! May win is in the subjunctive mood, the mood of possibility, the point being that winning the prize is not absolutely guaranteed to every Christian runner. Participation does not equate with victory. So sadly the possibility of running and not obtaining is very real to the Apostle Paul. Paul will expand in the following passages on the major requirements that must be met in order to win the prize. The Christian Life is a Marathon not a Sprint Vine observes that these passages emphasize "the need of constant training and strenuous effort, so that nothing of the flesh may hinder or injure the spiritual life and prevent the prospect and actual receipt of the reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ."
1 Coríntios 9:24
Wuest: Do you not know that those who are running in a race are indeed all running, but one receives the victor’s award? Be running in such a manner as the one who won the race, in order that you may obtain the victor’s award. Young's Literal: Have ye not known that those running in a race -- all indeed run, but one doth receive the prize? so run ye, that ye may obtain; Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win Those who run: Ho 12:10 Run: Ps 19:5 Ec 9:11 Jer 12:5 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: BE SURE TO CHECK THE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON THIS VERSE BY CLICKING HERE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS LIKE AN OLYMPIC RACE In the preceding context, Paul discussed how he labored to win as many as possible (1Cor 9:19). Paul now gives a strong exhortation for Christian self-discipline and self-denial, using himself as an example and employing athletic figures familiar to the Corinthians at their own Isthmian athletic games, which were hosted by the city of Corinth. Paul Apple has an intriguing approach to this last great section seeing it as showing "Two motivationS for disciplined Christian living. (1) The value of the eternal prize and (2) the danger of disqualification should motivate disciplined Christian living in the warfare against sin." Jack Arnold introduces 1 Cor 9:24-27 - In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul has been dealing with the giving up of rights to be effective for Jesus Christ. He has shown that he had the right to be paid money as a gospel minister, but he willingly set that right aside so as not to have the Corinthians connect the giving of money with the preaching of the gospel. He then used his own life as an example of a person who became “all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” Paul give up the right to do all kinds of legitimate practices such as the eating of meat sacrificed to idols, the drinking of wine and the observing of Jewish holidays so as not to offend men in order to win men to Christ or help them grow in Christ. As a mature Christian, Paul set aside his rights to any questionable practice in order to reach as many men, women, boys and girls as he possibly could for Christ. This whole context is about reaching people for Christ, so in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the emphasis is upon practicing self-denial for the salvation of others. Paul’s point will be that by giving in all the time to the love of indulgences and luxury, we may find ourselves trapped in a lifestyle spiritually injurious to us which could cause us to be disqualified from the spiritual race. MacArthur also sees the prize as salvation of souls - In a sense, every Christian runs his own race, enabling each one of us to be a winner in winning souls to Christ. Paul therefore counsels all believers to run in such a way that you may win, by setting aside anything that might hinder the reception of the gospel. Baker - In 9:24–27, Paul tops off the discussion of the purpose and strategy of his missionary activity by focusing on his goal, noted in 1 Cor 9:23, to do everything he possibly can to save those who might respond positively to the gospel message Charles Hodge describes this last section (1 Cor 9:24-27) as "An exhortation to self-denial and exertion, clothed in figurative language. As the exhortation is addressed principally to the Gentile converts, the imagery used is derived from the public games with which they were so familiar. These games, the Olympian and Isthmian, the latter celebrated every third summer in the neighbourhood of Corinth, were the occasions for the concourse of the people from all parts of Greece. The contests in them excited the greatest emulation in all classes of the inhabitants. Even the Roman emperors did not refuse to enter the lists. To be a victor was to be immortalized with such immortality as the breath of man can give. To Greeks, therefore, no allusions could be more intelligible, or more effective, than those to these institutions, which have nothing to answer to them in modern times. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? - This is a rhetorical question to arrest their attention. Of course they knew (eido/oida - know beyond a shadow of doubt) only one runner could win first place. Every citizen of Corinth would be very familiar with the famous foot races which were held at the Isthmian Games, second in prestige only to the Olympic Games. In short this introduction would have secured the reader's attention to pay heed to description of the far more important race, the believer's "spiritual race." Wayne Barber on Do you not know - Why would he ask that question? Well, he’s making a comparison. Now that he’s got their attention, now that they understand it, now he’s going to give the comparison of the Christian life. He’s comparing one who runs the race with intensity, having trained, having denying self, looking forward to the prize which is his purpose with the Christian life and how he lives his whole life until the day he sees the Lord Jesus. It’s like he takes you into the training camp of the athlete. You can smell the sweat. You can feel the intensity of the athlete. You can feel the sobriety, the seriousness of them. Hodge on those who run in a race is "literally in the stadium or circus in which the games were celebrated, so called because it was a stadium (a little more than two hundred yards) in length....It was not enough to start in this race; it was not enough to persevere almost to the end; it was necessary to outrun all competitors and be first at the goal. But one took the prize. Kistemaker - Paul uses the word race metaphorically to indicate that all believers are participating in a spiritual race. And he is not suggesting that of all the believers who run this race only one wins the prize. Certainly not. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to take their spiritual life seriously and consider it to be a contest in which they must exert themselves to the limit. What Paul did was use the popular Isthmian Games as a metaphorical picture to help the saints at Corinth understand that they were in a far greater, more important race than any of the races of the Greek athletes. The races of the Isthmian Games had only passing, temporal consequences, whereas the race the Corinthian Christians were in had not only temporal, but more importantly, eternal consequences. John
1 Coríntios 9:25
Wuest: Everyone who participates in the athletic games exercises constant self-control in all things, those, to be sure, in order that they may receive a perishable victor’s garland of wild olive leaves to be worn as a crown of victory, but as for us [we engage in Christian service, exercising constant self-control to obtain] a victor’s garland which is imperishable. Young's Literal: and every one who is striving, is in all things temperate; these, indeed, then, that a corruptible crown they may receive, but we an incorruptible EVERYONE WHO COMPETES IN THE GAMES EXERCISES SELF CONTROL IN ALL THINGS: pas de o agonizomenos (PMPMSN) panta egkrateuetai (3SPMI): Competes: Eph 6:12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 1Ti 6:12 2Ti 2:5, 2Ti 4:7 Heb 12:4 Exercises self control: Ga 5:23 Titus 1:8 Titus 2:2 2Pe 1:6 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: BE SURE TO CHECK THE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON THIS VERSE BY CLICKING HERE RUNNING TO WIN: THE REQUIREMENTS… 1 Cor 9:24 - Determination 1 Cor 9:25 - Discipline 1 Cor 9:26 - Direction 1 Cor 9:27 - Denial Everyone who competes in the games - Everyone means all athletes without exception. They all agonize as they train in anticipation of the day of the race. Beloved, Paul is saying "all believers" (everyone) in their spiritual life, need to emulate the pattern of these ancient athletes. This call is not just in the life of a few "super saints", but is for every man and woman who has been called out of darkness and into His marvelous light. To be sure believers are to walk in the light but in the context of 1Co 9:24-27 Paul calls us to "run" in the light of the coming awards ceremony (2Co 5:10-note). This coming ceremony should prompt a sense of urgency in all of us for "the hour has come for you (plural = church) to wake from sleep, for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand." (Ro 13:11-note, Ro 13:12-note) William
1 Coríntios 9:26
Wuest: As for myself, therefore, I so run, in no uncertain manner. I so swing my fists, not as one who, when fighting, misses his opponent, merely beating the air and not striking a straight blow which finds its target. Young's Literal: I, therefore, thus run, not as uncertainly, thus I fight, as not beating air; THEREFORE I RUN IN SUCH A WAY AS NOT WITHOUT AIM: ego toinun houtos trecho (1SPAI) os ouk adelos: Not without aim: 2Co 5:1,8 Php 1:21 2Ti 1:12 2:5 Heb 4:1 1Pe 5:1 2Pe 1:10 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: BE SURE TO CHECK THE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON THIS VERSE BY CLICKING HERE Ancient Greek Boxer THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS LIKE A FIGHT Running to Win… What it takes 1Cor 9:24 - Determination 1Cor 9:25 - Discipline 1Cor 9:26 - Direction 1Cor 9:27 - Denial Therefore (5106) (toinun) is a term of conclusion used to introduce an inference. In this case, what's it "there for"? Paul has just described the inestimable value of the imperishable crown promised to all believers who run faithfully to the end of their race (1Cor 9:25). The prospect of gaining this prize or “crown” is what determined and motivated the apostle's behavior. By way of application, this same hope (absolute certainty that God will do good to us in the future) should motivate each of us to live intentionally and purposefully for God's glory as we run toward the goal and for the "gold". An ancient runner could hardly expect that he would win a race if he sauntered lazily down the track, and neither can we expect to hear "Well done" at the end of our race if choose to coast causally to the finish line. We thank Thee for the crown Of glory and of life; ’Tis no poor withering wreath of earth, Man’s prize in mortal strife; ’Tis incorruptible as is the Throne, The kingdom of our God and His Incarnate Son. —Horatius Bonar I Run - Notice that in the preceding two passages, Paul shifted from the second person plural ("run in such a way that you [plural] may win" 1Co 9:24) to the first person plural ("we an imperishable" 1Co 9:25) indicating that he was counting himself among those who would one day receive an imperishable crown. In the next two passage, Paul goes from the first person plural (we), to the first person singular ("I" 1Co 9:26, 27) in order to direct our attention to his own conduct. He pictures himself as first a spiritual runner and then as a spiritual boxer. Easton's Bible Dictionary Games Fausset Bible Dictionary Games Holman Bible Dictionary Games Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Games Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Games Games (2) Smith Bible Dictionary Games Vines' Expository Dictionary Games Webster Dictionary Games Watson's Theological Dictionary Games 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica Athletics Sports and Games Boxing Sports and Games International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Games Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Games McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Pythian Games Isthmian Games Actian Games The Nuttall Encyclopedia Isthmian Games Olympic Games The Jewish Encyclopedia Games and Sports Erwin Lutzer asks us to "Imagine an official firing the gun to start the 100-meter dash and the runners all heading in different directions! A sun lover runs toward the west, another fond of mountains runs toward the east, and a third heads toward the sea. Each would be expending maximum energy, but none would win the race. Only those headed toward the finish line would qualify for the prize. Or, says Paul, consider a boxer. If he throws punches that never hit his opponent, he is wasting his energy. If the opponent takes no hits, it matters not how fast the swing or how powerful the punch. Paul would have none of this for himself; he ran toward the goal, and he boxed so as to make every blow count. (Lutzer, E. W. Your Eternal Reward: Triumph and Tears at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Chicago: Moody Publishers)(Note: Consider clicking the link to Lutzer's book and reading some of the "Customer Reviews" on this well done book dealing with the oft misunderstood and/or under-appreciated "doctrine of rewards". You might even consider reading the entire book). Related Resources: The Bema Seat or Judgment Seat of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:10 Exposition on the Judgment Seat of Christ What is the Judgment Seat of Christ / Bema Seat of Christ? What is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven? What do I need to do to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant" when I arrive in heaven? What is the verse about casting our crowns before the feet of Jesus? Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? Ray Pritchard on "rewards"… Most Christians don’t know very much about heavenly rewards even though the New Testament has much to say on this subject. If I could summarize the biblical teaching in a few words it would go like this. Salvation is always by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Heaven is a free gift that cannot be earned or deserved. But when we get to heaven, we will be judged on the basis of the life we live after coming to Christ. In that day, some people will see all that they have lived for go up in smoke (1Co 3:15). Others will receive great rewards, which are called “crowns” in the New Testament (Ed note: I think some are called "crowns" but not all rewards will be "crowns"). I believe there will be many crowns given, some for faithfulness, others for humble service, still others for those who were martyred for Christ. I’m not sure of all the details about our rewards but this much is clear to me. No one who lives for Christ will ever feel cheated when they finally get to heaven. No one will ever say, “I should have spent more time building an empire on the earth.”… Some years ago I heard Dr. Vernon Grounds say that whenever we are faced with a major decision, we ought to ask ourselves, “What difference will this make in 10,000 years?” Most of the things we worry so much about won’t matter in 3 weeks, let alone 3 months or 3 years. We focus on the trivial and forget to pursue the eternal. But 10,000 times 10,000 years from now, you’ll still be glad you invested your life for Jesus Christ… Several years ago the Mercedes Benz automobile company ran some ads describing a brand-new brake technology they had developed and patented. Although they owned the rights to the technology, they freely shared it with other car companies in the interest of promoting safety. The tag line of the ad contained these sobering words: Some things in life are too important not to share. As Christians, we have been given the best news in all the world. It’s too important not to share with others. May God help us to invest our lives in the things that will last forever. (Heavenly Rewards) Howard Hendricks gives us all a great piece of advice that relates to wise running in this race of life "Only two things this world are eternal—the Word of God and people. It only makes sense to build your life around those things that will last forever." Warren Wiersbe… Many believers have such a comfortable situation here on earth that they rarely think about going to heaven and meeting the Lord. They forget that they must one day stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ. It helps to hold us up and build us up when we recall that Jesus is coming again… Is the desire for reward a proper motive for service? The fact that God does promise rewards is proof that the motive is not a sinful one, even though it may not be the highest motive. Just as parents are happy when their children achieve recognition, so our Lord is pleased when His people are worthy of recognition and reward. The important thing is not the reward itself, but the joy of pleasing Christ and honoring Him. (Wiersbe, W: Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989. Victor ) (Bolding added) F B Meyer's prayer - Give us grace, O Lord, to work while it is day, fulfilling diligently and patiently whatever duty Thou appointest us; doing small things in the day of small things, and great labours if Thou summon us to any; rising and working, sitting still and suffering, according to Thy word. AMEN. A BEMA SEAT MINDSET Beloved let me offer a "Biblical grid" through which you can (should) filter every thought, word and deed in your life for the rest of your life in light of your future personal appointed appearance at the Bema Seat of Christ… Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1Corinthian 10:31 I run in such a way - Notice how Paul holds himself forth as our example. He is not pompously claiming that his is the "great apostle" and that he has arrived. Paul did not say, "Do what I say" but "Do as I do!" If you are making disciples (You are aren't you? See our Lord's command - Mt 28:19), you are teaching with your lips and your life, your words and your works. Writing to young Timothy Paul reminded him that… But (in contrast to the false way described in the previous section, see especially 2Ti 3:5) you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance (2Ti 3:10) Comment: What is the first thing Timothy followed? Clearly sound doctrine is imperative to ensure the spiritual growth and health of disciples (to keep the picture here - "followers"). But disciples need to see their teachers live out the truth (conduct). Paul modeled the Christ life after his Lord who told His disciples… For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. (Jn 13:15 - see also Jn 10:4,5 2Ti 3:10 Php 3:17 1Co 4:16, 1Co 11:1 Ep 5:1 1Pe 2:21 1Th 1:6,7 2Th 3:7, 8, 9 1Ti 4:12 Titus 2:7, 8 Heb 6:12, 13:7 1Pe 5:3 1Jn 2:6 3Jn 1:11) Comment: The Lord Jesus has given us an example (1Pe 2:21), of willingness to do menial service (Context = washing the disciple's feet - Jn 13:12) as needed to help others, and should be characteristic of all His disciples. "A man will venture a knock that is in reach of a crown." "The ambitious will run all risks of cruel wounds, and death itself, to reach a throne; the prize hardens them against all hazards. Even so will every wise man encounter all difficulties for the crown of life; and when, by faith, he sees it within reach, he will count all afflictions light through which he wades to glory. 'If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.' " If you desire that crown of glory, You must the crown of thorns, now wear; If you desire to share His glory, You must His suff'rings also share; So bear your cross in full endeavor, And to His Name be ever true; Then from His lips, in God's forever, You'll hear your name confessed anew. Run (5143) (trecho from dremo = to run or walk hastily) means literally to move faster than a walk, making rapid linear movement. To speed on or to make progress. Trecho therefore describes someone in haste (Mt 28:8, Mk 5:6, Jn 20:2, 4, Lk 24:12). Figuratively trecho describes rapid propagation of doctrine, spreading without restraint (2Th 3:1). It also pictures one exerting effort, striving hard, spending strength to attain a goal (Ro 9:16, Gal 5:7, 2:2, Php 2:16, He 12:1). In Gal 5:7 trecho describes the course of the conduct. Webster says to run is "to go steadily by springing steps so that both feet leave the ground for an instant in each step." In 1Cor 9:24, 26 Paul uses trecho to emphasize the preparation and effort necessary to run spiritually and not with the intent of defeating rivals (as in the actual Olympics) for our fellow believers are not our rivals in this grace race! BDAG characterizes the figurative use of trecho as "to make an effort to advance spiritually or intellectually." in LXX trecho is used to describe the running of a warrior in battle. In the Septuagint it meant to run (Ge 18:7; 1Ki 18:46), and in a figurative sense it was used of following the commandments of God (Ps 119:32), or running into lies (61:4), or being immoral in the sense of “running in the way of immorality” (4 Macc. 14:5). In the NT we see the figurative use of trecho describing the Word (the Gospel) as the authorized messenger of the Lord a picture which is also applied to the prophets as His ''runners'' (2Th 3:1) Trecho - 20x in 17v in the NAS - ran(7), run(7), running(3), runs(1), rushing(1), spread rapidly(1). Matthew 27:48 Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. Matthew 28:8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. Mark 5:6 Seeing Jesus from a distance, he (Gadarene demoniac) ran up and bowed down before Him (Mk 5:7) Mark 15:36 Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, "Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down." Luke 15:20 "So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 24:12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened. John 20:2 So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him."… Jn 20:4 The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; Romans 9:16-note So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. Comment: Here trecho means to "exert oneself to the limit of one’s powers in an attempt to go forward, strive to advance… the emphasis is entirely on the effort that the person makes." (BDAG) 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; Galatians 2:2 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. Comment: Paul describes his missionary work of dispensing the gospel in "race terms" and did not want that race to be void of fruit (converts, disciples growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ). His great desire was to finish his course with joy (Acts 20:24; Gal. 2:2; Php. 2:16; 3:12, 13, 14). Galatians 5:7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? Philippians 2:16-note holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you Comment: If this verse doesn't excite you, I'm not sure what will -- the "Gospel with legs!". The OT parallel passage is Ps 147:15 concerning which
1 Coríntios 9:26
Wuest - The Greeks had two words which meant “air,” aer and aither. Aer was used to designate the lower air, the thick air or haze that surrounds the earth. Aither was the name given the pure, upper air as opposed to the thick lower air. The pure upper air started at the mountain tops for the Greeks of the ancient world, since they had no way of exploring the regions above these. The word aer, referring to the lower atmosphere, namely, that below the mountain tops, is used in the NT. Aither is not used, although it must have been in common use in the first century. One can understand the use of this word as that which would naturally be expected in such scriptures as Acts 22:23; I Cor. 9:26, 14:9; Rev. 9:2, 16:17. But it gives one pause to see it used in Eph. 2:2 and I Thes. 4:17. Study these latter two scriptures in the light of the particular meaning of the word aer. (Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament) Aer - 7x in 7v - (Only 2x in the Septuagint - 2Sa 22:12, Ps 17:12) Acts 22:23 And as they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air, 1 Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 1 Corinthians 14:9 So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. Ephesians 2:2-note in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Comment: This passage suggests that Satan has the right and the might over the immediate layer surrounding the earth (the first heaven). We know that he has temporary "squatter's rights" over the earth (Lk 4:5,6) 1Thessalonians 4:17-note Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Comment: At the rapture (Rapture) we will meet together with our Lord in the atmosphere around planet earth. Revelation 9:2-note He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit. Revelation 16:17-note Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, "It is done." Comment: The bowl is poured out into the air, aera . Elsewhere, Scripture gives Satan the title “prince of the power of the air aeros)” (Ep 2:2-note). Paul explains that believers wrestle against “hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ep 6:12-note), a reference to Satan and the angels which joined him in his rebellion (Rev 12:4-note). Having been cast to the earth (Rev. 12:9-note), they no longer have access to the third heaven (the throne of God) or perhaps even the second heaven (starry space), but now are constrained to the earth and its immediate atmosphere, the “air.” At the Second Coming of Christ, the Beast and the False Prophet are captured and cast alive into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19:20-note), but no mention is made of the fate of Satan until afterwards. It is at the pouring forth of this seventh bowl, that Satan’s realm is judged. The pouring forth of this bowl corresponds to the binding and sealing of Satan in the abyss (Rev. 20:1-3-note) and the confinement of the demons to the region of the wasteland that was previously Babylon (Rev. 18:2-note). Air - Holman Bible Dictionary Air - Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament Air - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia W Foerster writes that "For the Greeks the impure air extended to the moon, being then replaced by the pure ether of the starry regions. Spirits inhabited the air. Later Judaism located demons in it, and Paul could thus refer to a prince of the power of the air (Ep 2:2). Believers will meet Christ in this middle sphere (1Th 4:17). “Speaking into the air” in 1Co 14:9 is a proverbial expression, while “beating the air” in 1 Cor. 9:26 is either engaging in a sham fight or striking aimlessly. Erwin Lutzer speaking to sports crazed Americans (including many believers) reminds us that "Whatever makes a winning athlete will make a winning Christian. If we were as committed in our walk with God as we are to golf or bowling, we will do well in the Christian life. We can take what we learn in our tennis lessons and apply it to Christian living. Think of the energy, time, and money spent on sports. If we would transfer such resources to the race that really counts, we would all be winners. Society does not develop saints. There is nothing in our culture that will encourage us to have the stamina and encouragement to become winners for Christ. Indeed, we shall have to buck the world at every turn of the road; we shall have to rely on God and His people to help us develop the disciplines that lead to godliness. (Lutzer, E. W. Your Eternal Reward: Triumph and Tears at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Chicago: Moody Publishers) (Note: Consider clicking the link to Lutzer's book and reading some of the "Customer Reviews" on this well done book dealing with the oft misunderstood and/or under-appreciated "doctrine of rewards". You might even consider reading the entire book). See related discussion: The Bema Seat or Judgment seat of Christ William
1 Coríntios 9:27
Wuest: But I beat my body black and blue and make it my abject slave lest somehow, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified [from further Christian service]. Young's Literal: but I chastise my body, and bring it into servitude, lest by any means, having preached to others -- I myself may become disapproved. BUT I DISCIPLINE MY BODY AND MAKE IT MY SLAVE : alla hupopiazo (1SPAI) mou to soma kai doulagogo (1SPAI): Discipline: 1Co 9:25 4:11,12 6:12,13 8:13 Ro 8:13 2Co 6:4,5 11:27 Col 3:5 2Ti 2:22 1Pe 2:11 Make it my slave: Ro 6:18,19 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: BE SURE TO CHECK THE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON THIS VERSE BY CLICKING HERE Running to Win… What it takes 1Cor 9:24 - Determination 1Cor 9:25 - Discipline 1Cor 9:26 - Direction 1Cor 9:27 - Denial As noted earlier, Paul now applies the example from the Greek sports arena directly to himself ("I discipline… I myself") and does so that he might present himself as an example or model for other believers to imitate (cp 1Co 4:16, 11:1, 1Th 1:6, cp Heb 6:12, He 13:7, 3Jn 1:11). Discipline (buffet, batter, beat my body black and blue) (5299) (hupopiazo from hupo = under + ops = eye) means literally to strike under the eye a description of an "uppercut" to use modern pugilistic parlance. To strike in this manner was generally considered to be a "knockout" punch by the ancient Greek boxers. The idea then is to strike hard and heavy on one's face, rendering it "black and blue." Recall that (apparently not in the first rounds but only in later rounds according to some sources) the boxers wore gloves (the "cestus") made of leather bands and tied into knots in addition to being embedded with metallic objects composed of lead and iron! It is not surprising that these gloves obtained the nickname of "limb-breakers!" The present tense speaks of this as Paul's continual practice which clearly implies a continual need. Peter alerts us to the fact that our innate "home grown" "fleshly lusts… wage war (present tense = continually) against the soul." (1Pe 2:11). Imagine you are fighting an opponent with "brass knuckles" and when the bell sounds for the next round, you let down your guard and are absolutely pummeled! Beloved, this is exactly what happens when we let down our guard in our fight against our flesh -- we are easily and thoroughly defeated! Paul is giving us his example to imitate so that we might experientially live daily as "more than conquerors in Christ." (Ro 8:37KJV). SELF-DISCIPLINE IS A KEY TO USEFULNESS IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD Marvin
1 Coríntios 9:27
Wuest comments on Ro 8:13: Assuming that a person lives habitually under the dominion of the evil nature, Paul says, that person is about to be dying. The verb is present in tense, and therefore durative in meaning, indicating habitual action. The individual who lives habitually under the dominion of the evil nature is an unsaved person. That one is on the way to final death in the Lake of Fire. But the person who by the Holy Spirit habitually puts to death the deeds of the body, will live. That person is a saved person. (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Studies in the Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament: Grand Rapids: Eerdmans) John