New Testament athletic metaphors

The New Testament uses a number of athletic metaphors in discussing Christianity, especially in the Pauline epistles and the Epistle to the Hebrews.^[2][3][4] Such metaphors also appear in the writings of contemporary philosophers, such as Epictetus and Philo,^[5] drawing on the tradition of the Olympic Games;^[6] this may have influenced New Testament use of the imagery.^[7]

Ancient Greek race at the Panathenaic Games, illustrated on a Greek vase. Like the Isthmian Games of Corinth, the Panathenaic Games continued into early Christian times.^[1]

The metaphor of running a race "with perseverance" appears in Hebrews 12:1;^[8] related metaphors appear in Philippians 2:16,^[9] Galatians 2:2,^[10] and Galatians 5:7.^[11] In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul writes "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."^[12]

In 1 Corinthians 9:24–26,^[13] written to the city that hosted the Isthmian Games,^[14] the metaphor is extended from running to other games, such as boxing,^[15] to make the point that winning a prize requires discipline, self-control, and coordinated activity.^[16] In 2 Timothy 2:5,^[17] the same point is made.^[18] These athletic metaphors are also echoed in later Christian writing.^[19]

As with New Testament military metaphors, these metaphors appear in many hymns, such as Fight the Good Fight with All Thy Might,^[20] which was sung in the film Chariots of Fire; and "Angel Band",^[21] which was sung in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

New Testament athletic metaphors were embraced by advocates of muscular Christianity, both in the Victorian era and in later times.^[22][23]

See also

• New Testament military metaphors