In Second Timothy 2:5, Paul recorded the expression, "strive for masteries". This expression translates from the Greek verb root (transliterated "athleo"; pronounced "ath-LEH-"), from which the English language derives its word "athlete", meaning one who competes in athletic contests and games, and "athletics", comprising competitive track and field sports.
One could certainly argue that Apostle Paul was most assuredly interested in the sports of his day due to the several sporting analogies he used to compare to the Christian life. Consider the following:
+ "They which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize. So run, that ye may obtain" ( 1Cor. 9:24).
+ "I therefore so run" ( 1Cor. 9:26a).
+ "So fight I, not as one that beateth the air" ( 1Cor. 9:26b).
+ "Lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain" ( Gal. 2:2).
+ "Ye did run well" ( Gal. 5:7).
+ "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, " ( Eph. 6:12).
+ "Holding forth the Word of Life that I have not run in vain" ( Php. 2:16).
+ "I press toward the mark for the prize of the High Calling of GOD in CHRIST JESUS" ( Php. 3:14).
+ "Strive for masteries strive lawfully" ( 2Tim. 2:5).
+ "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith" ( 2Tim. 4:7).
+ "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us" ( Heb. 12:1b)*.
* This reference is included with the assumption Apostle Paul wrote Hebrews.
In Second Timothy 2:5, Paul recorded the expression, "strive for masteries". This expression translates from the Greek verb root (transliterated "athleo"; pronounced "ath-LEH-"), from which the English language derives its word "athlete", meaning one who competes in athletic contests and games, and "athletics", comprising competitive track and field sports.
One could certainly argue that Apostle Paul was most assuredly interested in the sports of his day due to the several sporting analogies he used to compare to the Christian life. Consider the following:
+ "They which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize. So run, that ye may obtain" ( 1Cor. 9:24).
+ "I therefore so run" ( 1Cor. 9:26a).
+ "So fight I, not as one that beateth the air" ( 1Cor. 9:26b).
+ "Lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain" ( Gal. 2:2).
+ "Ye did run well" ( Gal. 5:7).
+ "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, " ( Eph. 6:12).
+ "Holding forth the Word of Life that I have not run in vain" ( Php. 2:16).
+ "I press toward the mark for the prize of the High Calling of GOD in CHRIST JESUS" ( Php. 3:14).
+ "Strive for masteries strive lawfully" ( 2Tim. 2:5).
+ "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith" ( 2Tim. 4:7).
+ "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us" ( Heb. 12:1b)*.
* This reference is included with the assumption Apostle Paul wrote Hebrews.
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