Although a faithful Jew, Paul was firmly immersed in the Greek world and understood the culture. That familiarity contributed to his effectiveness as a missionary in the environment of his time. And, to know the Greek ambience, one should be familiar with its sports. For the people of the time, the Olympic and Isthmian Games would carry an importance comparable to the modern Olympics. In his writings, one can discern Paul’s employment of terms and contexts that receive their color and focus from these athletic contests. His readers in the Greek world would understand his imagery. The Gospels contain none of these kinds of allusions.

Recall Paul’s familiar assertion in 1 Cor 9:24-27:

Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus, I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

The images of running and boxing focus this passage. Using the images of the games, Paul encourages those who pursue the Christian life to do so with discipline and drive. The goal is to win the race and to earn the crown that signifies eternal life, and not the perishable wreath of garland.

Running stands out as the sport to which Paul makes several references in his writings.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. (Heb 12:1-2)

Notice how he advocates the need to keep one’s eyes fixed on the prize. Every good runner knows that to be true. In order to run straight and fast, one must focus directly upon the goal. For Paul, that is Jesus.

In Galatians, Paul speaks to the community that has strayed from the path (Gal 5:7-8). They have lost the way and the pursuit of the truth.

You were running well; who hindered you from following [the] truth? That enticement does not come from the one who called you.

Paul knows that he has competed well throughout his ministry. Now, he awaits that “crown,” that “wreath,” that is bestowed on the winner of the race (2 Tim 4:6-8):

For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.

In Phil 2:13-14, Paul insists that in his pursuit, he does not get slowed down by the obstacles of the past, but strains forward towards the finish line and his reward in the Lord.

Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.

We can envision those races in which the athletes lean forward and stretch themselves as they draw near to their goal. So should it be for the Christian woman and man.

As we take pleasure in watching the Olympic Games in these weeks, the images of Paul take on a particular character. We can pray that we continue our training, keep our eyes trained upward, and strain forward as we seek that finish line which is life in Christ Jesus.