1 Corinthians 9:24-27

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

[24] Know ye  not  that  they which run  in  a race  run  all,  but  one  receiveth  the prize?  So  run,  that  ye may obtain.  [25] And  every man  that striveth for the mastery  is temperate  in all things.  Now  they  do it to  obtain  a corruptible  crown;  but  an incorruptible.  [26] therefore  so  run,  not  as  uncertainly;  so  fight I,  not  as  one that beateth  the air:  [27] But  I keep under  body,  and  bring it into subjection:  when I have preached  to others,  I myself  should be  a castaway. 

What does 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

This passage is transitional, concluding Paul"s defense of his apostolic authority ( 1 Corinthians 9:1-23) and returning to the argument against participating in cultic meals (ch8). Metaphors from the athletic games fill the pericope. Philosophers and other orators in Paul"s world frequently used athletic metaphors to describe their labors. [1]