Paul & Ancient Sports: Part 3 (5/21/09)

We have come to the conclusion of our 3-part series that focused largely on Paul’s sports imagery in 1 Corinthians 9.  There are indeed more athletic references in Paul’s other letters, but this passage includes the most extensive and specific language.

I struggled in deciding what to talk about (and what to cut out). I wrote a 50 page Masters thesis on this passage, so I had a lot of material to choose from. But as always, staying within my 6-minute time limit is challenging.  Anyway, I hope you found some insights or information of value.

In the video, I made reference to 1 Cor 9:27 and said the verse raises a host of potential theological issues. It seems pretty clear Paul is saying a Christian can be disqualified from receiving the prize. The key question is, however, what prize? Eternal life and heaven? Maybe, maybe not. Or does Paul believe heaven will never be taken away but there are different rewards in heaven? Maybe, maybe not. Or is Paul not talking about the afterlife at all, but rather referring to the prize, joy and satisfaction that comes from serving Christ on earth? Maybe, maybe not. Or perhaps Paul is referring to something else entirely?

Well, this is a simple summary of a complex issue. In any instance of interpreting the Bible, it’s important to understand the context, other passages on the topic, the original language (in this case, Greek), and more.  I don’t mean to raise the issue and leave you hanging, but I just wanted to provide a little more information on what I was referring to in the video. Maybe some day we’ll tackle just verse 27!