1 Coríntios 9

Marvin Vincent · Citado em PreceptAustin

1 Coríntios 9:24

Vincent has a lengthy comment on stadia noting that it is derived "From histemi = to place or establish. Hence a stated distance; a standard of length. In all other New Testament passages it is used of a measure of length, and is rendered furlong, representing 606¾ English feet (1/8th of a Roman mile). From the fact that the race-courses were usually of exactly this length, the word was applied to the race-course (or "stadium" - the best known race-course at Olympia was a exactly a stade long) itself. The position chosen for the stadium was usually on the side of a hill, which would furnish a natural slope for seats; a corresponding elevation on the opposite side being formed by a mound of earth, and the seats being supported upon arches. The stadium was oblong in shape, and semicircular at one end; though, after the Roman conquest of Greece, both ends were often made semicircular. A straight wall shut in the area at one end, and here were the entrances and the starting-place for the runners. At the other end was the goal, which, like the starting-point, was marked by a square pillar. Half-way between these was a third pillar. On the first pillar was inscribed excel; on the second, hasten; on the third, turn, since the racers turned round the column to go back to the starting-point. (See the description of the stadium at Ephesus in Wood’s “Discoveries at Ephesus”) The isthmus of Corinth was the scene of the Isthmian games, one of the four great national festivals of the Greeks. The celebration was a season of great rejoicing and feasting. The contests included horse, foot, and chariot-racing; wrestling, boxing, musical and poetical trials, and later, fights of animals. The victor’s prize was a garland of pine leaves, and his victory was generally celebrated in triumphal odes called epinikia, of which specimens remain among the poems of Pindar (See a fine description of the Olympic games, on which the others were modeled, in J. Addington Symonds’ “Studies of the Greek Poets,” Volume I. Chapter 11). At the period of Paul’s epistles the games were still celebrated, and the apostle himself may very probably have been present. At the same time, he would have been familiar with similar scenes in Tarsus, in all the great cities of Asia Minor, especially Ephesus, and even in Jerusalem. Metaphors and allusions founded upon such spectacles abound in Paul’s writings. Racers, 1Co 9:24; boxers, 1Co 9:26, 27; gladiators fighting with beasts, 1Co 15:32; the judge awarding the prize, 2Ti 4:8-note); the goal and the prize, 1Co 9:24; Php 3:14-note; the chaplet, 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 2:5-note); 2Ti 4:8; the training for the contest, 1Ti 4:7, 8; the rules governing it, 2Ti 2:5; the chariot-race, Php 3:14-note. These images never occur in the gospels. See on of life, Rev 2:10-note). ONE PRIZE WINNER Only one receives the prize - Here Paul draws a distinction with his analogy with the Olympic runners - they were competing against each other because there was only one "first place." Christian "runners" are in the same race but are not in competition with one another for one prize. Unfortunately denominations and individuals sometimes act as like this were true! The "prize" is within the reach of every Christian runner. We each have our own "lane" in which to run (see note) and do not need to compare ourselves with other "runners" (see illustration). Krell - In this context, Paul is referring to his sacrifice for the gospel to see some saved. Bruce Goettsche on the prize, the imperishable wreath - What is this crown we seek? In the Bible we are told that there will rewards given to those who are faithful. I don’t know what these rewards will be, but one of those rewards will surely be the reward of knowing that you were used by God to bring someone else to faith in Christ. Imagine how wonderful it would be to walk around Heaven and see those who are in Heaven because you were faithful in sharing the truth with them. Personally, I can’t imagine a greater reward....Our ultimate blessing and reward would be to hear the Lord say to us, “Well done!” A child playing ball will often search the stands to see his/her parents. Why? They desire the approval of the people who are most significant to them. When someone we love says, “Good job!” or “I’m proud of you” it is a very significant moment. How much more significant it will be to stand before our precious Redeemer and Lord and hear Him say, “You served me well”? That will be a reward surpassing any trinket the world could afford. Goettsche's comment reminds me of Paul's words in 1 Thes 2:19-20 describing our crown.... For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. Comment - So in this passage Paul identifies the believers he led to the Lord as his crown! THOUGHT - Do you really believe there is a prize worth winning? If you do then 1 Cor 9:24-27 is Paul's "secret message" instructing us how we can run to win! Too many believers either don't understand the Biblical truth about "the prize" or they have grown indifferent to this incredible truth, which is a divine promise from the "non-lying God" to all who determine to discipline themselves in this present passing life enabled to do so by the indwelling Spirit and continually having the eyes of their heart fixed on the prize in the life to come! (see 1Ti 4:7+ 1Ti 4:8, 9, 10+) A W Tozer w- Nothing spiritual can be gained in competition…When two men step into a prize ring they know that only one can win, and whoever wins can do so only by forcing the other to lose. When five men line up on the track for a race they know that only one can come in first. Four men must lose that one may win. It is not so in the kingdom of God. Christians do not run against each other. All can win the race. Paul likens a Christian to a fighter, but the Christian’s fight is not with other Christians. Each one can win and no one need lose. The man of faith fights against the devil, the flesh and the world. He wins as they lose; but he never wins anything truly spiritual in competition with a fellow believer. In the nature of things he cannot. To think so is to entertain an absurdity. (The Tozer Topical Reader 1:112) 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 (See 2Co 5:10-note, Ro 14:10, 11, 12-note 1Co 3:11, 12, 13, 14, 15). The only other use of this word in the NT is by Paul in Philippians 3:14 "I press on toward the goal for the prize (brabeion) of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. So what does faithful running look like? Who are those who run in such a way that they may win? Krell offers these thoughts... Christians who finish their lives still growing, still serving Senior saints that persist in daily prayer until the Lord calls them home Husbands and wives who stay faithful to each other “until death do us part” Young people who preserve their virginity until marriage, in spite of crushing peer pressure Pastors who stay passionate about ministry until their last breath Church members who weather the rougher patches and remain joyful, loving, and faithful Norman Geisler - 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24—Does Paul encourage or discourage running to obtain a spiritual goal? PROBLEM: In this text, the apostle encourages the believer to “run in such a way that you may obtain it.” However, in Romans, Paul informs us that “it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy” (9:16). SOLUTION: The first passage is speaking about rewards which do depend on our works (cf. 1 Cor. 3:11ff and 2 Cor. 5:10), while the last passage is speaking about salvation which is by grace and not by works (Rom. 4:5; Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:5–7). ILLUSTRATION - On June 28th, 1991 I watched one of the greatest displays of strength and endurance I’ve ever seen. The location: Las Vegas. The setting: Caesar’s Palace. The event: Donovan “Razor” Ruddock vs. “Iron” Mike Tyson in a scheduled twelve round championship bout. This was a much-anticipated fight because it was the rematch that followed their highly controversial bout. In their previous brawl, the referee stopped the fight because Tyson was pummeling Ruddock. Well, in the rematch Ruddock was out to prove that he deserved another chance. Ruddock and Tyson were pretty evenly matched in the first three rounds, but in the fourth round Ruddock suffered a broken jaw. Most people expected him to favor his jaw and fight soft, but not Ruddock. He came out fighting round after round after round against, at that time, the world’s greatest fighter and most devastating puncher. He fought eight more rounds after the broken jaw and actually finished the fight stronger than he began! The fight went the scheduled twelve rounds and Tyson won by the judges’ decision. Although Tyson won this fight, I believe the real winner was “Razor” Ruddock. Why? Because he endured to the final bell and finished well. He overcame many obstacles and saved his best fighting for the final rounds. I want to encourage you to be a Razor Ruddock. This will require enduring to the end and finishing well. (Keith Krell) Athletic training and competition is one of the most frequent biblical analogies for Christian living (1 Cor 9:24-27; Phil 3:13-14; 1 Tim 4:7-8; 2 Tim 2:5; Heb 12:1-2). BACKGROUND ON ANCIENT GREEK GAMES Jerry M. Hullinger This description of the serious nature of athletics in ancient Greece helps us understand Paul's charge for believers to run their spiritual race with similar gravity… Athletics in the Greco-Roman world were approached with great vigor and passion. (Ed: Think of your own manner of "spiritual running" - would you describe it as one with great vigor and passion?) This fact helps explain why Paul applied this imagery to the Christian life. In sporting events the goal of the athletes was not merely to take part but to win. To lose, in many cases, was a disgrace. Pindar, a Greek poet of the fifth century B.C., noted that “the athlete delights in the toil and the cost.” And Philo wrote, “I know wrestlers and pankratiasts often persevere out of love for honor and zeal for victory to the point of death, when their bodies are giving up and they keep drawing breath and struggling on spirit alone, a spirit which they have accustomed to reject fear scornfully… Among these competitors, death for the sake of an olive or celery crown is glorious.” The Stoic philosopher Epictetus (ca. A.D. 55-135) noted the same common belief. “In the Olympic Games you cannot just be beaten and then depart, but first of all, you will be disgraced not only before the people of Athens or Sparta or Nikopolis but before the whole world. In the second place, if you withdraw without sufficient reason you will be whipped. And this whipping comes after your training which involves thirst and broiling heat and swallowing handfuls of sand.” The word Paul used to depict this spirit is agonizomai (1Co 9:25), which referred to an athletic contest (“engaging in a contest”) or to any struggle. In classical Greek the noun agon was used in a number of ways: (a) a gathering, (b) a gathering place of the gods on Mount Olympus, (c) the “gathering” of ships in a harbor, and (d) a fight. In the Apocrypha agon occurred primarily in this fourth sense. Paul’s use of the word with athletic overtones could refer to an “expression of the contestants’ manly discipline.” Stauffer described the force of this word in this way: “First is the thought of the goal which can be reached only with the full expenditure of all our energies… a passionate struggle, a constantly renewed concentration of forces on the attainment of the goal… The struggle for the reward [demands] not only full exertion but also rigid denial. The final assault is so exacting that all forces must be reserved, assembled, and deployed in it. The final goal is so high and glorious that all provisional ends must fade before it… If a man is not ready to set aside his egotistic needs and desires and claims and reservations, he is not fit for the arena.” (BSac 161:643 July 2004 p. 344.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (e) The Foot-race. -- The words for "run" and "race" (Greek trecho and dromos) sometimes clearly, and in other cases probably, allude to foot-races at the games. For obvious references compare 1Co 9:24; He 12:1-note; 2Ti 4:7-note; for possible references see Acts 13:25; 20:24; Ro 9:16-note; Gal 2:2; 5:7; Phil 2:16-note; 2Th 3:1. The second of these passages (Heb 12:1-note) alludes to the necessity for the greatest possible reduction of weight, and for steady concentration of effort. All the passages would remind the first readers of the single-course and double-course foot-races of the games. Addendum: The races took place in an enclosure of about six hundred feet in length called a stadia. Three kinds of races were held in these enclosures. “In the stade-race the competitors had to run a single length of the stadium, a distance of 192.28 meters. In the diaulos, which was the middle distance event at the ancient Olympics, they ran twice the length of the stadium, once in each direction, which means that they covered 384.56 meters. In the long-distance event, i.e., the dolichos, they had to run twenty-four lengths of the stadium, a total distance of 4614.72 meters.” Considering the stamina required by the long-distance event, it is probable that this is the running event Paul referred to in his epistles when he likened the Christian life to a race that comprises one’s entire earthly life. Paul told the Philippians to “press on toward the goal” (Php 3:14-note). The Greek word for goal is skopos, which is most likely a reference to the square pillars located at each end of the track on which the runner could fix his eyes in order to run accurately as well as have something to encourage him. Gardiner explained that “it is obvious that in a straight two hundred yards race the runner must have some point to fix his eye on if he is to run straight, and a post with a distinguishing mark would have been of great value as a guide.” (BSac 161:643 July 2004 p. 348) (f) The Goal. -- The goal of the foot-race, a square pillar at the end of the stadium opposite the entrance, which the athlete as far as possible kept in view and the sight of which encouraged him to redouble his exertions, is alluded to once: "I press on toward the goal" (Phil 3:14-note, Greek skopos). (g) The Herald. -- The name and country of each competitor were announced by a herald and also the name, country and father of a victor. There may be an allusion to this custom in 1Co 9:27: "after that I have been a herald (Revised Version margins, Greek kerusso) to others"; compare also 1Ti 2:7; 2Ti 1:11, where the Greek for "preacher" is kerux, "herald." Addendum: The first day was occupied with sacrifices to the gods and the taking of oaths by the judges and competitors. The second morning began with the naming of the competitors by the herald, and was followed by chariot races, horse races, and the pentathlon for men. Contests for boys were held on the third day. On the fourth day the men’s games in foot racing, jumping, wrestling, boxing, and pankration were held. The final day of the games was spent in sacrifices and an evening banquet in which the victors were entertained. (BSac 161:643 July 2004 p. 344) (h) The Prize. - Successful athletes were rewarded at the great games by a wreath consisting in the apostolic age of wild olive (Olympian), parsley (Nemean), laurel (Pythian), or pine (Isthmian). This is referred to in a general way in Php 3:14-note, and in 1Co 9:24: "One receiveth the prize" (Greek in both cases brabeion; compare also Col 3:15: "Let the peace of Christ arbitrate (Revised Version margin) in your hearts," where the verb is brabeuo). The wreath (stephanos) is directly alluded to in 1Co 9:25: "They (the athletes) do it to receive a corruptible crown"; 2Ti 2:5: "A man … is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully"; and 1Pe 5:4-note): "Ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away." There may be allusions also in Phil 4:1; 1Th 2:19; He 2:7,9; Jas 1:12-note; Re 2:10-note; Re 3:11-note). In the palm-bearing multitude of the Apocalypse (Rev 7:9) there is possibly a reference to the carrying of palm-branches by victors at the games. The judges who sat near the goal and who, at Olympia at any rate, had been carefully prepared for their task, may be glanced at in 2Ti 4:8: "The crown … which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day." (The Games) Paul's use of metaphor of a runner to emphasizes each believer's individual responsibility. Therefore we are all (each individual believer) to run like a runner who wants the prize and there is prize for all believers who run faithfully. But there are rules for the race --We are to run the race as God says run it. If someone else "drops out" of the race, that should not affect us because we will each be judged individually. We are not trying to "outrun" other believers (See illustration of the danger of looking around - Illustration) Run the straight race through God’s good grace, Lift up thine eyes, and seek His face; Life with its way before us lies, Christ is the Path, and Christ the Prize. The Bema Seat of Christ (2Co 5:10+ Ro 14:10, 11, 12+) is not to be confused with the judgment at the Great White Throne (Re 20:11+, Re 20:12+, Re 20:13+e, Re 20:14+, Re 20:15+) which is only for unbelievers. On the other hand the Bema seat is only for believers. At the Bema Seat we will not be judged for sins because our sins have been finally judged and paid for in full at the Cross! Every believer will stand before Christ the Judge and our works will be tested by fire (1Co 3:13, 14+; Rev 1:14+ eyes "like a flame of fire") Works that are burned are those deeds which were initiated by our flesh and which we then ask Him to bless! (cf failure to abide in Christ in Jn 15:5, see also Good Deeds) Works that will not be burned are good deeds which are prompted by and energized by God's Spirit. Christians who fail to keep a "Bema Seat" mentality (not in a bad sense but a good sense - an event you look forward to) are more likely to think lightly of sin in this present life. THOUGHT - Beloved, we are developing our capacity to enjoy God right now. If we don't enjoy Him in this life, what makes us think we will enjoy Him in the life to come. In some way, the degree of the reward corresponds directly to the way which we run the race. For example, to whom much is given, much is required. Don't look at others as you run. Look to Jesus and He will guide you know in how you are to run. Too often we are trying to work out someone else's salvation instead of our own! We need to run this "once in a lifetime" Christian race as if we were Olympians -- we need to the same heart, the same intensity and the same enthusiasm as a runner who seeks to win an Olympic gold medal. Awake, our souls! away, our fears! Let every trembling thought be gone! Awake, and run the heavenly race, And put a cheerful courage on. --Isaac Watts TWELVE TESTS OF WHETHER YOU ARE RUNNING THE RACE WELL In order to help us run in such a way that we may win the prize, someone has compiled a set of "tests" to help us discern whether an action should be pursued. 1. THE WORLD TEST. Is it worldly? Will it make me worldly to do it (John 15:19, 1John 2:15-17-note) 2. THE QUALITY TEST. Is it good for me physically, emotionally, and spiritually (Ro 12:9b-note) 3. THE TEMPLE TEST. Can I do it when I remember my body is God’s temple and must not be marred or misused (1Co 6:19-note) 4. THE GLORY TEST. Will it glorify my Lord, or will it on the other hand possibly bring shame to His name (1Co 6:20-note, 1Co 10:32) 5. THE BLESSING TEST. Can I honestly ask God’s blessing on it and be sure I’ll not regret doing it (Pr 10:22, Ro 15:29-note) 6. THE REPUTATION TEST. Is it apt to damage my testimony for the Lord (Php 2:15-note) 7. THE CONSIDERATION TEST. Am I being considerate of others and the effect this might have on them (Ro 14:7-note, Ro 14:21-note) 8. THE APPEARANCE TEST. Will it look bad? Does it have the appearance of what is wrong or suspicious (1Th 5:22-note) 9. THE WEIGHT TEST. Could this slacken or sidetrack me in running the Christian race (He 12:1-note, 1Co 9:24) 10. THE COMING OF CHRIST TEST. Would I be ashamed to be found doing this when He comes again (1Jn 2:28+) 11. THE COMPANION TEST. Can I invite Christ to go with me and participate with me in this (Mt 28:20b, Col 3:17-note) 12. THE PEACE TEST. After having prayed about it, do I have perfect peace about doing it (Col. 3:15a-note, Php 4:6-note, Php 4:7-note) ILLUSTRATION - How much greater is the race believers are called to run! One of the most grueling of all bicycle races is the Tour De France. A contestant in that event, Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle, describes it in a National Geographic article titled, "An Annual Madness.? The race covers about 2000 miles, including some of France's most difficult, mountainous terrain. Eating and drinking is done on the run. And there are extremes of heat and cold. To train for the event, Lassalle rides his bicycle 22,000 miles a year. What kind of prize makes people endure so much hardship and pain! $10,000? $100,000? No. It's just a special winner's jersey. What then motivates the contestants? Lassalle sums it up: "Why, to sweep through the Arc de Triomphe on the last day. To be able to say you finished the Tour de France." No pain, no gain. Know pain, great gain. Related Resources: Devotionals and Articles Related Pithy, poignant and practical Puritan paper entitled The Heavenly Race by Thomas Watson See devotionals at bottom of page related to Hebrews 12:1 and running the race Teach Us to Number Our Days Discussion of what I like to call "Vertical Vision" Redeem the Time Discipline Yourself Our Body, His Temple Are You Entangled? Give Me An Undivided Heart Backsliding-Quotes, Devotionals, Illustrations Backsliding Wikipedia - Ancient Olympic Games Running in the Ancient Olympics See Artist's Rendering of Ancient Olympia New Testament Athletic Metaphors 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 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Games Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Games McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Pythian Games Isthmian Games Actian Games The Nuttall Encyclopedia Nemean Games Isthmian Games Olympic Games The Jewish Encyclopedia Games and Sports Run in such a way that you may win 1Co 9:26 Ga 2:2 Gal 5:7 Php 2:16-note Php 3:14-note 2Ti 4:7,8-note Heb 12:1-note Jas 1:12-note Rev 3:11 “Be steadfast, immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1Corinthians 15:58-note) In such a way - Paul says not to sit and soak up sermons, but run to win! Christianity is not a spectator sport! We need to heed the words of the track coach who said "If you have anything left ten yards past the finish line, you didn't give your all." (Are you as convicted as I am!) Just live your life before your Lord, Rise to that higher, nobler plane-- With single eye His glory seek, And you shall His approval gain. --Rae In such a way includes heeding the exhortations in the following passages… Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance (bad things for sure, but even "good things" what "weigh us down" - Ask God to search your heart - Ps 139:23, 24) and the sin which so easily entangles us ("The easily besetting, encompassing or surrounding sin". What is your "besetting sin"? You need to set it aside by the power of the Spirit, Ro 8:13), and let us run with endurance (hupomone [word study]) the race that is set before us (He 12:1-note) Comment: Run is in the present tense which conveys the truth that this is a lifelong struggle/race, one which ultimately can be run successfully only in His strength. Many Christians are just "spiritually" jogging, some just walking slowly, and others are sitting or even lying down. Yet the biblical standard for holy living is a race, not a morning constitutional. Race is the Greek agon, from which we get agony. A race is not characterized by indulging and luxury, but is a demanding, sometimes grueling and agonizing task which requires our utmost in self-discipline, determination, and perseverance. Note that each runner has "the race" laid out before him or her. The point of the verb "set before" (prokeimai [word study]) is that of something lying before one. It is like a road that stretches out before one’s gaze. In short, dearly beloved of God, our Father has a “lane” set out and prepared for each of his children to run in and a goal for each one to reach. We are not competing with each other. We are competing with ourselves (specifically in regard to our continual battle against the world, the flesh and the devil) striving (agonizomai) to run the race. Remember, we are not running the race in order to get into heaven. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that our sins are forgiven and we have the assurance of heaven (Jn 14:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). It is also worth noting that in the Greek and Roman games, the contestants had to be citizens and no slaves or outsiders were permitted to compete. In the Christian race, each runner is a citizen of heaven (Php 3:20-note) and is running to bring glory to the Lord. (Mt 5:16-note)

1 Coríntios 9:27

Vincent - A most interesting account is given by Rodolfo Lanziani, “Ancient Rome in the Light of Recent Discoveries, ” of the exhuming at the foundation of the Temple of the Sun, erected by Aurelian, of a sitting bronze statue of a boxer. The accompanying photograph shows the construction of the fur-lined boxing-gloves secured by thongs wound round the forearm half-way to the elbow. The gloves cover the thumb and the hand to the first finger-joints. The writer says; “The nose is swollen from the effects of the last blow received; the ears resemble a fiat and shapeless piece of leather; the neck, the shoulders, the breast, are seamed with scars… The details of the fur-lined boxing-gloves are also interesting, and one wonders how any human being, no matter how strong and powerful, could stand the blows from such weapons as these gloves, made of four or five thicknesses of leather, and fortified with brass knuckles.” Vine adds that hupopiazo means "to beat the face black and blue. It 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. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson) Comment: Note that "rigid self denial" is not just me resisting temptation in my own strength. That's just another name for legalism. No, self denial is more accurately designated "Spirit enabled self denial". Yes, I must make a conscious choice to deny the strong desires that continually come from my fallen flesh (My responsibility - Php 2:12-note) but God provides the "want to" (the desire) and the power (God's provision - Php 2:13-note). Fight your sinful impulses with all your might as a boxer fights an opponent Paul could hardly give us a more vivid picture of his willingness to severely discipline his own body than the picture invoked by the verb hupopiazo! In secular Greek hupopiazo was used figuratively to "describe cities terribly scourged and afflicted by war, bearing the marks of devastation." (Thayer) Hupopiazo is used one other time in the NT in a figurative sense to describe a widow importuning the judge and giving him intolerable annoyance … yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'" (Luke 18:5+) Comment: Some think that Luke may intend the literal meaning, that is, that this woman would take out her frustration on the judge not just with verbal assaults but also physical assault! Interesting, but I do not think that is the intended meaning in this context. The idea seems more that she is pestering the judge, greatly annoying him, and wearing down his resolve. Perhaps the best way to express this woman's action is that she "browbeat" him. Jesus presented a similar instruction to anyone who desires to truly be His disciple… Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone (continually) wishes to come after Me, let him deny (aorist imperative = this is not "optional" but a clear command to do this now! Do it effectively! Don't delay!) himself (reflexive pronoun referring action of denial back to the "anyone" and with middle voice [deny] the doubly emphasizes that this is our personal responsibility to initiate and participate in), and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits (Mark 8:34-36+) THOUGHT: Just as Paul is not going to force us to discipline ourselves, neither is Jesus. It is our prerogative, our volitional choice, the decision of our will. "Will I follow Jesus today" (or will I take a break and gratify my flesh?) is the question we must confront ourselves with each morning! Will you today? Will I? Surely we can take a "furlough" today. Remember our mortal enemies (world, flesh, devil) never fall back or call a truce and neither can we if we would seek to be more like Jesus each day. We must (symbolically) take up our cross by voluntarily submitting to die to self (self interests, harsh words, our right to retaliate ["get 'em back" - See "Covenant Defender"], an unforgiving spirit ["I'll forgive them over my dead body!", "You don't understand what they did to me!"-See forgiveness/unforgiveness], self-gratification ["Just one more time!"] in all its deceptive, delectable disguises, and the list goes on, a list unique and as varied as each of us as individuals). Self Discipline Is Serious Business My body (4983) (soma) - We do well to not forget the maxim that much (most) of our temptation to sin comes from within our own body (Jas 1:14, 15-note), specifically from the fallen flesh that still resides in every believer and will do so until we are glorified (free finally from the punishment, the power, the presence and the pleasure of Sin! Hallelujah!) Earlier Paul reminded the saints who were living in the "sin"-uous city of Corinth (see "Corinthianize") that their body now belonged to God… Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food; but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord is for the body… Flee (present imperative = command to continually flee because the enemy is continually assaulting our mind and heart with evil desires) immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify (give a proper opinion of the great, majestic, supernatural, invisible) God in your body (by you grace infused, Spirit enabled words and works). (1Co 6:13+, 1 Cor 6:19+, 1Co 6:20+) Jesus called for a variation of "buffeting" one's body in His Sermon on the Mount… You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; but I say to you, that everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to go into hell. (Mt 5:27, 28-note, Mt 5:29, 30-note) (Note: All verbs in red = aorist imperative = Command to do this without delay! Do it effectively! It is serious and demands urgent attention!) Comment: In these picturesque examples of Paul (1Co 9:27) and Jesus, note that neither was calling for a literal physical response which has been a common misinterpretation (and misapplication)! Just as the physical beating of Paul's body could never bring the flesh into submission, neither could gouging out one's eye or cutting off one's hand control the evil desires of the flesh. One would still have the other eye to view inappropriate content on television or the internet! The point is that both Jesus and Paul are calling for radical (grace infused, Spirit enabled) discipline (not physical mutilation or asceticism) in light of the deadly seriousness of sin. Do I really believe sin is that deadly? If we do, we will heed the warnings of Jesus and Paul to get serious about sin. If that means getting rid of your TV men, than let it be! Whatever keeps you from running the grace race and fighting the faith fight needs to be "jettisoned!" (cp He 12:1-note, Col 3:5-note, as John Owen said [paraphrased] "Kill sin before it kills you." - Owen's classic is not easy reading but it is worth the effort > Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers Christian Classics Ethereal Library Related Resource: John MacArthur's article - Mortification of Sin Notice that the phrase "buffet my body" obviously is related to the example of the Greek athlete's exercise of "self control" described in 1Co 9:25. While the former might be classified as a discipline and the latter as denial (or vice versa), the charge, the means and the effects are similar -- growth in holiness, godliness, Christlikeness (~progressive sanctification). For believers both discipline and denial call for dependence on divine grace and the Helper (Jn 14:16), Who supplies the power (dunamis) necessary to fulfill the objective (cp Acts 1:8, Remember that even Jesus depended on the "power of the Spirit" Lk 4:14, Acts 10:38 leaving us an example to follow in His steps 1Pe 2:21-note). Do not misinterpret what Paul is saying here - he is not saying that he subjects his physical body to literal blows or severe discipline as one might in asceticism, where adherents practice self-denial and strict self control (eg, abstaining from foods and other physical pleasures, abstaining from normal relations with one's spouse, etc) in an attempt to attain a higher level of "spirituality". In fact Paul distinctly warned the Colossians of the futility of such practices… "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!" (which all refer to things destined to perish with the using)-- in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. (Col 2:21, 22, 23-note) Scofield: By creating a reputation for superior sanctity, as some did, they did not really honor God but only satisfied the flesh. John Calvin in describing how Paul's words "buffet my body" have been misinterpreted (and thus misapplied) wrote that "the monks of long ago, wanting to comply with this direction, thought out many disciplinary exercises; for they used to sleep on benches; they forced themselves to keep unduly long night vigils; and, in their way of life, kept clear of all luxuries." This describes the kind of self-discipline necessary in order to be a winning spiritual athlete. We must bring our bodies into subjection so that our flesh, with its evil desires, does not dominate us and lead us into sin that will divert us from the goal of godliness and Christ-likeness and winning others to Christ. When we honor the Lord Jesus Christ and focus on loving God and obeying him, motivated by a "glance" at the eternal reward that awaits those who run with faith, this eternal perspective will bring out our best efforts. But dear brother or sister in Christ, make no mistake, this "once in a lifetime" race will require strenuous effort, but as Paul has emphasized repeatedly, it is effort that is possible ONLY by being continually strengthened by God's Spirit and the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2Ti 2:1-note). Commenting on this warning to the Corinthians (and to all believers of all ages) John