Acts 28:30

Acts 28:30

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came unto him,

a. NLT: For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

b. ASV: And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him, [Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.]

c. YLT: And Paul remained an entire two years in his own hired house, and was receiving all those coming in unto him, [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.] 

d. Classic Amplified: After this Paul lived there for two entire years [at his own expense] in his own rented lodging, and he welcomed all who came to him, [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

e. Peshitta Eastern Text:  And Paul hired a house for himself at his own expense and lived in it for two years; there he received all who came to him. [HOLY BIBLE FROM THE ANCIENT EASTERN TEXT.Copyright  Ⓒ 1933 by A.J. Holmon Co.; copyright  Ⓒ renewed 1961 by A.J. Holmon Co.; Copyright  Ⓒ 1939 by A.J. Holmon Co.; copyright  Ⓒ renewed 1967  by A.J. Holmon Co.;  Copyright  Ⓒ 1940 by A.J. Holmon Co.; copyright  Ⓒ renewed 1968 by A.J. Holmon Co.; Copyright  Ⓒ 1957 by A.J. Holmon Co. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. HarperCollins Publishers, 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007.]

f. NIV: For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. [THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.]

g. Worrell Translation: [Copyright 1904 by A.S. Worrell. Copyright assigned to the Assemblies of God, Springfield, MO. This edition was published 1980 by the Gospel Publishing House, Springfield, MO 65802. Printed in the U.S.A.]

h. Wuest Translation: [The New Testament: An Expanded Translation by Kenneth S. Wuest. ©️ Copyright Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 1961. All rights reserved.] 

1. “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house…”

a. And [Strong: 1161. de deh a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. [Strong: 3588. [ho] ὁ ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.] [Thayer: [ho] ὁ, ἡ, τό, originally τος, τῇ, τό (as is evident from the forms τοι, ται for οἱ, αἱ in Homer and the Ionic writings), corresponds to our definite article the (German der, die, das), which is properly a demonstrative pronoun, which we see in its full force in Homer, and of which we find certain indubitable traces also in all kinds of Greek prose, and hence also in the N. T.] [Additional variants: tē, hoi, oi, tēn, ta, tēs, tois, tais, tō, tōn, hé  hē, hai.]

c. Paul [Strong: 3972. Paulos pow'-los of Latin origin; (little; but remotely from a derivative of 3973, meaning the same); Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle:--Paul, Paulus.]

c. dwelt [Strong: 3306. meno men'-o a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):--abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own.]

d.  two [Strong: 1333. dietia dee-et-ee'-a from 1332; a space of two years (biennium):--two years.]

e. whole [years] [Strong: 3650. holos hol'-os a primary word; "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb:--all, altogether, every whit, + throughout, whole.]

f. in [Strong: 1722. en en a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

g. his [own] [Strong: 2398. idios id'-ee-os of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate:--X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private(-ly), proper, severally, their (own).]

h. hired house [Strong: 3410. misthoma mis'-tho-mah from 3409; a rented building:--hired house.]

1). Paul had rented a house and was completely unhindered from preaching the gospel. And this went on for two years. When they arrived at Rome all the other prisoners were given to the captain of the guard. Paul was permitted to live by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

a). Acts 28:16 “And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier.”

 

b.) Scofield Reference Bible: “It has been much disputed whether Paul endured two Roman imprisonments, from A.D. 62 to 68, or one. The tradition from Clement to Eusebius favors two imprisonments with a year of liberty in between. [Some have] pointed out that leaving of Trophimus sick at Miletus, mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:20, could not have been a occurrence of Paul’s last journey to Jerusalem, for then Trophimus was mpt left (Acts 20:4; 21:29), nor of the journey to Rome to appear before Ceasar, for then he did not touch at Miletus. To make this incident possible there must have been a release from the first imprisonment, and an interval of ministry and travel.”

 

c). It is traditionally accepted that Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon were all written while Paul was in prison in Rome. Philippians is the only letter where he writes that he is in jail.

(1) Philippians 1:12, 13 “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in other places.”

(2)  Philippians 4:22 “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

2. “...and received all that came unto him,”

a. and [Strong: 2532. kai kahee apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. received [Strong: 588. apodechomai ap-od-ekh'-om-ahee from 575 and 1209; to take fully, i.e. welcome (persons), approve (things):--accept, receive (gladly).]

c. all [Strong: 3956. pas pas including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]

d. [Strong: 3588. [tous] ὁ ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.] [Thayer: [tous] ὁ, ἡ, τό, originally τος, τῇ, τό (as is evident from the forms τοι, ται for οἱ, αἱ in Homer and the Ionic writings), corresponds to our definite article the (German der, die, das), which is properly a demonstrative pronoun, which we see in its full force in Homer, and of which we find certain indubitable traces also in all kinds of Greek prose, and hence also in the N. T.] [Additional variants: tē, hoi, oi, tēn, ta, tēs, tois, tais, tō, tōn, hé  hē, hai.]

e. [that] came unto [Strong: 1531. eisporeuomai ice-por-yoo'-om-ahee from 1519 and 4198; to enter (literally or figuratively):--come (enter) in, go into.]

f. him [Strong: 846. autos ow-tos' from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

1 Corinthians 9:27

1 Corinthians 9:27

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.

a. NLT: I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

b. NIV: No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. [THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.]

c. YLT: but I chastise my body, and bring it into servitude, lest by any means, having preached to others -- I myself may become disapproved. [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

d. Amplified Bible: But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

1. “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…”

a. But [Strong: 235. alla al-lah' neuter plural of 243; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.]

b. [I] keep under [Strong: 5299. hupopiazo hoop-o-pee-ad'-zo from a compound of 5259 and a derivative of 3700; to hit under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), i.e. (figuratively) to tease or annoy (into compliance), subdue (one's passions):--keep under, weary.] [Zodhiates: to strike under the eye, beat the face black and blue, give a black eye. In the NT generally means to subject the body with hardship.] 

c. my [Strong: 3450. mou moo the simpler form of 1700; of me:--I, me, mine (own), my.] 

d. body [Strong: 4983. soma so'-mah from 4982; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave.]

e. and [Strong: 2532. kai kahee apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

f. bring it into subjection [Strong: 1396. doulagogeo doo-lag-ogue-eh'-o from a presumed compound of 1401 and 71; to be a slave-driver, i.e. to enslave (figuratively, subdue):--bring into subjection.] [doulagogeo; doulos-in bondage; ago-to bring]

1). Rick Renner 10/31/16: The word “subjection” is the word doulagogeo, a compound of the word doulos and ago. The word doulos is the word for a slave, and the word ago is the Greek word that means to lead. This means that Paul mastered his body and flesh rather than allowing his body and flesh to master him. He knew that many believers allow themselves to be led about by their fleshly desires. But Paul was determined that he would be the master of his own flesh. He was going to keep it in “subjection.” In other words, he was going to lead his flesh about as his slave rather than be its slave and pander to its carnal desires.

2). The Greek word Paul used for “subjection” is a compound word, the first half, “doulos” of course means slave. Doulos is the same word Paul used in Romans 6:16.

a). Romans 6:16 Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness?

2). We as Christians have the covenantal responsibility to bring our flesh under subjection, i.e., through the power of the Holy Ghost, to make or force our bodies to be obedient to the word of God. This process of course involves our responsibilities of prayer and study of the word, without which, this process is just a futile attempt of physical discipline.

a). Romans 12:1 I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

b). 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

c). Others that could be written out are more than a few, but I will at least list some of them. Romans 6:13, Romans 6:16-18.

2. “…lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

a. lest that by any means [Strong: 3381. mepos may'-pos or me pos may poce from 3361 and 4458; lest somehow:--lest (by any means, by some means, haply, perhaps).]  

b. when I have preached [Strong: 2784. kerusso kay-roos'-so of uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel):--preacher(-er), proclaim, publish.] 

c. [to] others [243. allos al'-los a primary word; "else," i.e. different (in many applications):--more, one (another), (an-, some an-)other(-s, -wise).] 

d. I myself [Strong: 846. autos ow-tos' from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.] 

e. [should] be [Strong: 1096. ginomai ghin'-om-ahee a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):--arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.]

f. [a] castaway [Strong: 96. adokimos ad-ok'-ee-mos from 1 (as a negative particle) and 1384; unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally):--castaway, rejected, reprobate.] [adokimos; a-without; dokimos-acceptable, approved.] [Zodhiates: Unapproved, unworthy, spurious, worthless.] 

1). Rick Renner 10/31/16: When the King James Version uses the word “castaway,” it is actually the Greek word adokimos, which comes from the word dokimos, an old Greek word that means approved. But when an a is added to the front of the word, making it the word adokimos, it reverses the condition, which means this is no longer an approved person. Now this person has become disapproved, discredited, or disqualified.

2). Amplified Bible: “…for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit—not stand the test and be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit.”

3). Paul clearly said that he would be rejected even if he preached the gospel but did not bring his flesh body under subjection. I believe that means he would not make it to heaven. I believe this is shown in not only his statement here but coupled with the examples from the Old Covenant he also gives in the next chapter. This same word is translated “reprobate” in Romans 1:28, Titus 1:16, and 2 Timothy 3:8. It is translated “rejected” in Hebrews 6:8. 

a). Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 

b). Hebrews 6:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

c). Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

d). 2 Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

4). In dealing with offenses between brothers and sisters within the body Jesus gave instruction regarding those offenses. When they were overwhelmed by them (Luke 17:1-4). They responded by asking him to increase their faith (Luke 17:5). Then jesus said:  “And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you” (Luke 17:6). 

a). Rick Renner 12/29/16 Jesus said that when you finally decide to deal with the wrong attitudes that have stalked and hounded your life for so long, you must order them to “...be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea...” (Luke 17:6).
The words “plucked up by the root” are from the Greek word ekridzoo, which is a compound of the words ek and ridzo. The word ek means out, and the word ridzo is the Greek word for a root, like the roots of a plant. When joined into one word, the compound word means to rip out by the roots. This is not a person who hopes the plant will be removed but does nothing to make it happen. Quite the contrary! This is the picture of a person who wraps his hands around the base of that plant, pulls with all his might, and rips the roots of that plant right out of the ground. He has made the determination that he is not going to stop until the ground he stands on is totally free from the roots of that nasty plant so that it will never produce life there again!...When you make that choice to rise up, speak to your emotions, and exert your authority in Jesus Christ, your flesh WILL obey your commands! If you don’t take authority over your flesh and emotions, they will continue to dominate and hound you. If you’ll stand up to your emotions and plant them in the sea forever, they will obey you!

1 Corinthians 9:26

1 Corinthians 9:26

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

a. NLT: So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

b. NIV: Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

c. YLT: I, therefore, thus run, not as uncertainly, thus I fight, as not beating air;

d. Amplified Bible: Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary.

e. Worrell Translation: I, therefore, so run, as not uncertainly; I so fight, as not beating the air.

1. “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly…”

a. I [1473 * ego] [Strong: a primary pronoun of the first person I (only expressed when emphatic):--I, me. For the other cases and the plural see 1691, 1698, 1700, 2248, 2249, 2254, 2257, etc.]

b. therefore [5106 * toinun] [Strong: from 5104 and 3568; truly now, i.e. accordingly:--then, therefore.]

c. so [3779 * houto] [Strong: or (before a vowel houtos hoo'-toce adverb from 3778; in this way (referring to what precedes or follows):--after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.]

d. run [5143 * trecho] [Strong: apparently a primary verb (properly, threcho; compare 2359); which uses dremo drem'-o (the base of 1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figuratively):--have course, run.]

e. not [3756 * ou] [Strong: also (before a vowel) ouk ook, and (before an aspirate) ouch ookh a primary word; the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but.]

f. as [5613 * hos] [Strong: probably adverb of comparative from 3739; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.]

g. uncertainly [84 * adelos; a-negative; delos-evident.] [Strong: probably adverb of comparative from 3739; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.]

          1). Of the effort he put forth and his destination Paul was not unsure.

a). 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know in whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

b). One of the key words in this verse is the word, “committed”.  A committed man is a stable man.

(1)  Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

(2) James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

2 “…so fight I, not as one that beatheth the air.”

a. so [3779 * houto] [Strong: or (before a vowel houtos hoo'-toce adverb from 3778; in this way (referring to what precedes or follows):--after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.]

b. fight [4438 * pukteo] [Strong: from a derivative of the same as 4435; to box (with the fist), i.e. contend (as a boxer) at the games (figuratively):--fight.]

c. not [3756 * ou] [Strong: also (before a vowel) ouk ook, and (before an aspirate) ouch ookh a primary word; the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but.]

d. as [5613 * hos] [Strong: probably adverb of comparative from 3739; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.]

e. beateth [1194 * dero] [Strong: a primary verb; properly, to flay, i.e. (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash:--beat, smite.]

f. the air [109 * aer] [Strong: from aemi (to breathe unconsciously, i.e. respire; by analogy, to blow); "air" (as naturally circumambient):--air.]

1). Shadow boxing, no damage done, beating the air, or in a boxing match, missing my target. The Amplified Bible reads, “…I do not box as one beating the air and striking without an adversary.” Paul made his punches count and he exhorts us to do the same in our spiritual battles using our faith.

a). 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

             2). Near the end of Paul’s ministry, he declared that he had been faithful.

a). 2 Timothy 4:7, 8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

           3). Paul isn’t the only one who exhorts us to fight the good fight.

a). Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

1 Corinthians 9:25

1 Corinthians 9:25

And everyman that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

a. NLT: All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

b. NIV: Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

c. YLT: and every one who is striving, is in all things temperate; these, indeed, then, that a corruptible crown they may receive, but we an incorruptible;

d. Amplified Bible:  Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither.

e. Worrell Translation: And everyone who strives in ther games exercises slef-restraint in all things; they, indeed, therefore, to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

1. “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things…”

a. and [1161 * de] [Strong: [1161 * de] [Strong: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. every man [3956 * pas] [Strong: including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]

c. that striveth for the mastery [75 * agonizomai] [Strong: from 73; to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something):--fight, labor fervently, strive.] [Zodhiates: To contend for victory in the public games…generally to fight or wrestle…as an inward contest…to take pains…straining every nerve to the  uttermost towards the goal…special pain and toil. (English: agony)]

d. temperate [1467 * enkrateuomai] [Zodhiates: To be continent, temperate, to have self-control.] [Strong: middle voice from 1468; to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity):--can(-not) contain, be temperate.]

1). One of the hallmarks of the last days is the failure of people to control themselves. Lack of self control or addiction is just another word for bondage.

a). 2 Timothy 3:1- This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2). When we were born again we were given in our spirit the power of self control.

a). 2 Timothy 1:7 [KJV] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

b). 2 Timothy 1:7 [NIV] For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

3). But even we as Christians have the free will to neglect the Covenant promises and sin and fall into bondage.  But it is not God’s will. There is total and absolute victory over every sin and bondage in Christ.

a). Romans 6:15-18 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

b). 2 Timothy 2:25, 26 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

e. in all things [3956 * pas] [Strong: including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]

1). The training that an athlete puts forth to win is sometimes incredible. The Greek word Paul used for “striveth” is where the English word ‘agony’ comes from. The NIV uses the phrase “competes in the games”. It involves bodily exercise, weight lifting, diet, and sleeping habits, everything that would improve their chances of winning. Their whole world revolves around it. Here the Spirit of God encourages us to use the same amount of effort to live for Christ as an athlete does to win the race. I am reminded of what Paul wrote to Timothy in his first letter.

a). 1 Timothy 4:7, 8 But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself unto godliness.

4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

b). Paul is not saying there is anything wrong with bodily exercise, in fact he writes that it is profitable. The profit is little but there is profit, but he says that godliness is much more profitable not only in this life but also in the life to come.

2). The bottom line in all of this is use the same effort to pursue godliness that is used to pursue excellence in athletics. The effort has to be according to the rules.

a). 2 Timothy 2:5 And if a man strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

3). According to His working.

a). Colossians 1:28, 29 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

1:29 Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

4). We have a covenantal responsibility to put forth effort if need be agonizing effort to run the race.

a). Galatians 5:19-24 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

b). 1 Peter 5:8-10 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

2. “…Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.”

a. now [3767 * oun] [Strong:  apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.]

b. they [1565 * ekeinos] [Strong: from 1563; that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed:--he, it, the other (same), selfsame, that (same, very), X their, X them, they, this, those.]

c. do it [2443 * hina] [Strong: probably from the same as the former part of 1438 (through the demonstrative idea; compare 3588); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to.]

d. to obtain [2983 * lambano] [Strong: a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas 1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while 138 is more violent, to seize or remove)):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).]

e. a corruptible [5349 * phthartos] [Strong: from 5351; decayed, i.e. (by implication) perishable:--corruptible.]

f. crown [4735 * stephanos] [Strong: from an apparently primary stepho (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, 1238), literally or figuratively:--crown.]

1). The crown that these athletes received was merely a wreath of a leafed vine that within days falls apart.

g. but [1161 * de] [Strong: [1161 * de] [Strong: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

h. we [2249 * hemies] [Strong: nominative plural of 1473; we (only used when emphatic):--us, we (ourselves).]

 i. an incorruptible [862 * aphthartos] [Strong: from 1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of 5351; undecaying (in essence or continuance):--not (in-, un-)corruptible, immortal.]

1). We on the other hand receive a crown that is incorruptible, an eternal one. There are five crowns mentioned in the New Testament that are rewards for believers faithfulness.

a). Incorruptible Crown : Given to those who successfully run their race, bringing their bodies into subjection, crucifying  lusts: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

b). The Crown of Rejoicing:  Soul winners crown, given to those who win others to Christ: 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20; Daniel 12:3.

c). The Crown of Life: Given to those who endure trials and severe suffering: James 1:12; Revelation 2:8-11.

d). The Crown of Righteousness: Given to those who faithfully and anxiously await the coming of the Lord: 2 Timothy 4:8.

e). The Crown of Glory: Given to those who faithfully lead the flock of God, pastors, teachers, Sunday school teachers: 1 Peter 5:1-4.