1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

Because of the lowliness and grace on the part of the apostle, such as chapter 8 shows in the consideration of his brethren, there were some who would use this as an occasion to belittle him. He made no arrogant show of his liberty or of his authority as an apostle, as did "false apostles" (2 Corinthians 11:13-20); and evidently some, on this account, moved by fleshly vanity, dared to question whether he were an apostle at all. Behind this was the subtle enmity of Satan; for in order to... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

CHRISTIAN LIBERTY AND ITS ABUSE The Christian church was composed largely of Gentiles, who, when they were pagans, worshipped idols, with animal sacrifices and feasts in the idols’ temples. Having become Christians, their practices were discontinued, though pagan neighbors might occasionally invite them, in a social way, to join in such feasts. The question had arisen as to their Christian liberty to accept such invitations. A “liberal” party in the church not only favored it, but indeed... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

Apostolic Rights 1Co 9:15 We should have thought there was nothing worse than death. The Apostle Paul says in effect, It is not in the slightest degree necessary that any man should live, but it is infinitely needful that every man should be good, honest, upright, useful. How foolishly, then, we have reasoned upon this matter! We have gone so far sometimes as to say, My daily bread depends upon it! The Apostle Paul says, What do you want with daily bread? that is of no consequence; it is not... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 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 we an incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (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.... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:24

Know you not? Nothing is more famous in the annals of history than the public games in Greece: it is to these the apostle is here alluding. (Calmet) --- All run indeed, &c. He brings the examples of runners and wrestlers for a prize in the Grecian games, where only one could gain the prize. It is true in our case many obtain the crown for which we strive, but every one is in danger of losing it, and so must use all his endeavours to obtain it. (Witham) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24-27 The apostle compares himself to the racers and combatants in the Isthmian games, well known by the Corinthians. But in the Christian race all may run so as to obtain. There is the greatest encouragement, therefore, to persevere with all our strength, in this course. Those who ran in these games were kept to a spare diet. They used themselves to hardships. They practised the exercises. And those who pursue the interests of their souls, must combat hard with fleshly lusts. The body must not... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:1-99

1Co 9 CHAPTER 8 CLOSES with Paul’s considerate willingness to forego his undoubted rights, if thereby he might save one of his weaker brethren from a spiritual disaster. Chapter 9 opens with a very forcible assertion of his apostolic position and its privileges. The two things are entirely consistent, but he knew only too well that the adversaries of himself and of his Lord would attempt to score a point off him in this matter. They would insinuate that this gracious consideration of his was... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

The need of self-discipline: v. 24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain. v. 25. And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. v. 26. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air; v. 27. but I keep under my body and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

C. Exhortation to earnest self-denial as the condition of obtaining an incorruptible crown; and a warning against carnal security1 Corinthians 9:24 to 1 Corinthians 10:1324Know ye not that they which run in a race [race-course, σταδίῳ] run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain [really lay hold of it, καταλάβητε]. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery [contends for a prize, ὰγωνιζόμενος is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown... read more

Alexander MacLaren

Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture - 1 Corinthians 9:24

1 Corinthians HOW THE VICTOR RUNS 1Co_9:24 . ‘ So run.’ Does that mean ‘Run so that ye obtain?’ Most people, I suppose, superficially reading the words, attach that significance to them, but the ‘so’ here carries a much greater weight of meaning than that. It is a word of comparison. The Apostle would have the Corinthians recall the picture which he has been putting before them-a picture of a scene that was very familiar to them; for, as most of us know, one of the most important of the... read more