Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin deny themselves every delicacy, in order that they may have more agility for the combat, and they do this, too, for the sake of a corruptible crown But if they value so highly a crown of leaves that quickly fades, what value ought we to set upon a crown of immortality? Let us not, therefore, think it hard to give up a little of our right. It is well known that wrestlers were contented with the most frugal diet, so that their simple fare has become proverbial.
26. I therefore so run He returns to speak of himself, that his doctrine may have the more weight, on his setting himself forward by way of pattern. What. he says here some refer to assurance of hope — (Hebrews 6:11) — "I do not run in vain, nor do I run the risk of losing my labor, for I have the Lord's promise, which never deceives." It rather appears to me, however, that his object is to direct the course of believers straight forward toward the goal, that it may not be wavering and devious. "The Lord exercises us here in the way of running and wrestling, but he sets before us the object at which we ought to aim, and prescribes a sure rule for our wrestling, that we may not weary ourselves in vain." Now he takes in both the similitudes that he had employed. "I know," says he, "whither I am running, and, like a skillful wrestler, I am anxious that I may not miss my aim." Those things ought to kindle up and confirm the Christian breast, so as to devote itself with greater alacrity to all the duties of piety; 515 for it is a great matter not to wander in ignorance through uncertain windings.
27. But I keep under my body 516 Budaeus reads Observo; (I keep a watch over;) but in my opinion the Apostle has employed the word {ὑπωπιάζειν}
517 here, to mean treating in a servile manner 518 For he declares that he does not indulge self, but restrains his inclinations — which cannot be accomplished unless the body is tamed, and, by being held back from its inclinations, is habituated to subjection, like a wild and refractory steed. The ancient monks, with a view to yield obedience to this precept contrived many exercises of discipline, for they slept on benches, they forced themselves to long watchings, and shunned delicacies. The main thing, however, was wanting in them, for they did not apprehend why it was that the Apostle enjoins this, because they lost sight of another injunction — to take no concern for our flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof. a kind of bread that was fitted to maintain and increase strength, which was commonly made use of by wrestlers, and persons of that sort. The Greeks call it coliphium." The term coliphium is supposed to be compounded of {κῶλον}, a limb, and {ιφ}, strongly --- a means of strengthening the limbs It is defined by Tymme, in his Translation of Calvin on the Corinthians, to be ``a kinde of breade whereof the Wrastelers did use in tyme past to eate, to be more strong.'' It is made mention of by Juvenal (2. 53.) --- Ed
515"Toutes choses concenantes la piete et crainte de Dieu;" — "All things that relate to piety and the fear of God."
516"Mais ie matte et reduy en seruitude mort corps;" — "But I mortify my body, and bring it into servitude."
517Its original meaning is to strike under the eye, being compounded of {ὑπό}, (under,) and {ὤψ}, (the eye,) to beat black and blue, as the wrestlers were accustomed to do with the cestus (See Arist. Pac. 541.) --- Ed
518"Manier rudement et d'une faqon seruile;" — "To handle roughly, and in a servile manner."
Commentary on the Corinthians
(Romans 13:14.)
For what he says elsewhere (1 Timothy 4:8) always holds good — that bodily exercise profiteth little. Let us, however, treat the body so as to make a slave of it, 519 that it may not, by its wantonness, keep us back from the duties of piety; and farther, that we may not indulge it, so as to occasion injury, or offense, to others.
That, when I have preached to others Some explain these words in this way — "Lest, after having taught others with propriety and faithfulness, I should incur the judgment of condemnation in the sight of God by a wicked life." But it will suit better to view this expression as referring to men, in this way — "My life ought to be a kind of rule to others. Accordingly, I strive to conduct myself in such a manner, that my character and conduct may not be inconsistent with my doctrine, and that thus I may not, with great disgrace to myself, and a grievous occasion of offense to my brethren, neglect those things which I require from others." It may also be taken in connection with a preceding statement, (1 Corinthians 9:23,) in this way — "Lest I should be defrauded of the gospel, of which others are partakers through means of my labors."
519Our author has evidently in view the literal meaning of the original word here used {δουλαγωγῶ}, I reduce to slavery It is used in this sense by Diodorus Siculus. (12. 24.) --- Ed