Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin
John Calvin
a few. 505
1 Corinthians 9:23-27
1 Corinthians 9:23-27 23. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker there of with you
23. Hoc autem facio propter Evangelium, ut particeps eius fiam. 24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
24. An nescitis, quod qui in stadium currunt, omnes quidem currunt, sed unus accipit praemium? Sic currite, ut comprehendatis.
25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
25. Porro quicunque certat, per omnia temperans est: 506 illi quidem igitur, ut perituram coronam accipiant, nos autem, ut aeternam.
26. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
26. Ego itaque sic curro, ut non in incertum: sic pugilem ago, non velut aerem fortens:
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.
27. Verum subigo corpus meum, et in servitutem redigo, ne quo modo fiat, ut, quum aliis praedicaverim, ipse reprobus 507 efficiar.
23. That I may become a partaker of it. As the Corinthians might think with themselves, that this was a peculiarity in Paul's case on the ground of his office, he argues, from the very design of it, that this is common to all Christians. For when he declares, that his aim had been, that he might become a partaker of the gospel, he indirectly intimates, that all who do not act the same part with him are unworthy of the fellowship of the gospel. To become a partaker of the gospel is to receive the fruit of it.
24. Know ye not, that they who run in a race. He has laid down the doctrine, and now, with the view of impressing it upon the minds of the Corinthians, he adds an exhortation. He states briefly, that what they had hitherto attained was nothing, unless they steadfastly persevered, inasmuch as it is not enough to have once entered on the Lord's way, if they do not strive until they reach the goal, agreeably to that declaration of Christ — He that shall endure unto the end, etc. (Matthew 10:22.) Now he borrows a similitude from the race-course. 508 For as in that case many descend into 505"Le profit et salut pour le moths de quelques uns;" — "The profit and welfare of at least some individuals."
506"Il s'abstient en toutes choses, ou — vit entierement par regime;" — "He abstains in all things, or — he lives entirely according to prescribed rule."
507"Reprouue, ou, trouue non rcceuable;" — "Reprobate, or, found not admissible." 508"De ceux qui conrent a la lice pour quelque pris;" — "From those who run in the