Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Corinthians 9:24

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race, run all, but one receiveth the prize ? So run that ye may obtain .

The Apostle presseth all his former discourse by minding them of the difficulty of getting to Heaven, and of the obligation that lay upon them to be the first in the spiritual Race. To this purpose he fetcheth a similitude from what they saw daily in the practice of those who frequented those Games by which the Romans and Corinthians were wont to divert themselves. They had several, known by the names of the Olympian, Pythian, Nemean, and Isthmian Games, the latter of which were most proper to Greece. At these Games there were several that ran Races, either on foot, or on horse-back; and several that wrestled, the Reward was a Crown or Garland: and for those that ran, we read that the Crown or Garland was hung up at the end of the Race, and those who running on foot or on horseback, could first lay hold upon it, and take it down, had it, so as though many ran, yet but one had the Crown: So, he saith, it is as to getting to Heaven; men might think it was a light matter, but they who would have the Crown of Glory must run for it, and it was a work required so much striving and labour, that not many would have that Crown; which is the same with that which our Saviour saith, Luke 13.24. For many shall seek to entes in, and shall not enter. 2 Tim. 2.5. If a man strive for masteries, he is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Therefore (saith the Apostle) make it your business so to run, that you may obtain, not only to do things in themselves lawful or good, but which are so cloathed with all their circumstances, and in the best manner for the glory of God, and the good of others.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 letter].7. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 letter] 14. [illegible: 1 word] 4.7. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 2 letters].1.