5 “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)
In 2 Timothy 2:3-7, the Apostle Paul provided three analogies illustrating important truths concerning gospel ministry. An analogy is a comparison from life It is a figure of speech comparing two different things to show how they are alike in order to explain a larger point.
“Paul draws analogies to Timothy’s ministry in Christ from three spheres of vocation: military life (vs. 3-4), athletics (vs. 5), and farming (vs. 6). Then he summons Timothy to meditate on the implications of these illustrations (vs. 7),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
Few things dominate the American and worldwide culture than amateur and professional athletics. Spectator sports influence fashion, entertainment, television and online programs and podcasts, 24-hour news cycles, legal and illegal gambling betting, fantasy leagues, conversations, along with weekend preparations and plans. Take for instance the recent World Cup Soccer Tournament held in the United States.
“Philosophers often compared their task to that of athletes, whose intense discipline and preparation were proverbial. Athletes were pledged by oath to ten months of such preparation preceding their participation in the Olympic games. The winner’s prize was a garland.”[1]
Philosophers (followed by Diaspora Jewish sources like Philo and 4 Maccabees) commonly used athletic illustrations to describe their striving for truth and wise living. Paul portrays the discipline and self-sacrifice necessary to live the Christian life through the analogy of races (I Cor. 9:24–26a) and boxing (9:26b–27). (The footrace preceded the other four athletic contests of the pentathlon in the Panhellenic Games.) The clause “but only one receives the prize” (a wreath for the head, which would eventually rot) emphasizes how hard one had to work to win the race. (A long period of intense discipline was mandatory for any who planned to participate in the events. For instance, participants for the Olympic games had to swear by Zeus to follow ten months of strict training beforehand.) Corinth itself hosted major games for all Greece every two years on the isthmus; these were the best-attended Greek festivals next to the Olympic games, which were held every four years. The pine garland was awarded at these Isthmian games (wild olive at the Olympic, parsley at the Nemean, etc.).”[2]
For the Apostle Paul to use the analogy of athletics to illustrate spiritual truth would be understood by his young protégé Timothy. The task at hand is for today’s believer in Christ to understand the original meaning and to apply it in everyday circumstances.
The word athlete (ἀθλῇ; athle) is a present active subjunctive verb. The word is not a noun describing a person, place or thing. Rather, an athlete was/is a competitor. They are those who presently, actively and purposefully compete. They engage in an athletic contest with the emphasis on competition.
To be crowned (στεφανοῦται; stephanoutai) is a present passive indicative singular verb. It refers to an athlete who receives a reward or a prize for winning their competition. However, they can only win the prize if they compete according to the rules. The word compete is the same word Paul used for athlete. The phrase according to the rules (νομίμως; nomimos) means correctly, rightly and according to the rules.
“With a quick change of metaphor Paul switched to an athlete. The thought here is similar to 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (and Heb. 12:1–2). According to the rules translates nomimōs (lit., “lawfully”). The metaphor clearly draws on athletic games such as the Olympics, but do “the rules” refer to the regulations governing each event or to those governing the training of those qualified to take part? Competitors in the Olympic games, for example, were required to swear that they had trained diligently for at least 10 months. Though the second is in some ways easier to explain, the first is required by Paul’s grammar, which suggests that the issue is not whether one is qualified to compete but, among those competing, who will win the crown. Every athletic event has its boundaries, its rules; moreover, all who fail to discipline themselves to observe these rules are disqualified. Paul wanted Timothy to run so as to win the crown (cf. 2 Tim. 4:7–8) and not be disqualified. This requires a Christian to have strong qualities of discipline, self-control, endurance, and a certain toughness.”[3]
“Wholehearted devotion is not all that is required. Rules must be obeyed. In this respect the best figure is always that of a man who is competing in an athletic event. Paul pictures him in the very act of competing. Now, unless such an athlete (1 Tim. 4:7b, 8) competes lawfully, that is, in accordance, with the established rules, he does not receive the victor’s wreath, the chaplet of leaves or of leaflike gold. Similarly, unless the man who performs special service in God’s kingdom observes the rules—for example, to preach and teach the truth, and to do this in love; to exercise discipline in the same spirit; he will not receive the wreath of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8) and of glory (1 Thess. 2:19; cf. 1 Peter 5:4; James 1:12; Rev. 2:10.”[4]
Let each of us who are believers in Christ compete today in our special service for the Lord. May we exercise godly discipline, character, and wholehearted effort.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 2 Ti 2:5.
[2] Ibid., 1 Co 9:24–25.
[3] A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 752–753.
[4] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 248–249.
His Word Today 