Paul’s use of sports vocabulary and metaphors. Target-directed human/ Christian activity

Abstract

As an heir and connoisseur of the Hellenistic world, the culture
of which includes the organization of various sports competitions,
Paul is the only New Testament writer who abundantly uses
the sports metaphors in expressing and transmitting his attitudes
and theological ideas. In this paper the author analyzes literary and
contextually all Paul’s texts that are rich in sports motives (1 Co 9,
24-27; 1 Te 2,1s.19; Ph 1, 27-30; Gal 2,1s; 5,7; Ph 3,12-16; 4,1.3;
Ro 9,16; 15,30), recognizing their historical rootedness and thoughtfulness.
Almost all his texts with sports metaphorics – and Paul
uses it in almost all his original writings, from the first to the last,
though not in the same way and with the same weight, reflect Paul’s
paracletic, particularly auto-exemplary aspirations in forming the
Christian behaviour of his addressees. This behaviour, like Paul’s
life and his prophetic activity, are marked by the correct use of freedom
which does not bypass, but integrates, renunciation, self-control
and discipline. It is accomplished with maximal occupation,
perseverance and effort; with the dynamics that breaks from start
to finish, counting on failure too; with concentration on the essentials;
with boldness, fearlessness and hope; with fairness and compliance;
taking into account the other and different, with respect for
everyone; with training, fighting and stamina until death; with target
orientation of all human/Christian activities. Using the sports
metaphorics, especially the frequent metaphor of running, as well as
of boxing, Paul insists on target orientation of Christian life in which
you can never trust in success and always fear of possible failure.
Neither sport nor faith knows the security and safety system. Maximal
occupation around the goal, work on you and focus on life are
the premises that open the space for God for the fulfilment of his
promises. The ultimate success of Christian life is the reality of the
final judgement of God and ultimately of his grace. In Christian life,