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24 [a]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.(A) 25 Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 9:24–27 A series of miniparables from sports, appealing to readers familiar with Greek gymnasia and the nearby Isthmian games.

19 For what is our hope or joy or crown to boast of in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming if not you yourselves?(A) 20 For you are our glory and joy.

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

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Footnotes

  1. 4:6 The apostle recognizes his death through martyrdom to be imminent. He regards it as an act of worship in which his blood will be poured out in sacrifice; cf. Ex 29:38–40; Phil 2:17.
  2. 4:7 At the close of his life Paul could testify to the accomplishment of what Christ himself foretold concerning him at the time of his conversion, “I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16).
  3. 4:8 When the world is judged at the parousia, all who have eagerly looked for the Lord’s appearing and have sought to live according to his teachings will be rewarded. The crown is a reference to the laurel wreath placed on the heads of victorious athletes and conquerors in war; cf. 2 Tm 2:5; 1 Cor 9:25.

Temptation. 12 (A)Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation,[a] for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:12 Temptation: the Greek word used here is the same one used for “trials” in Jas 1:2. The crown of life: in ancient Palestine, crowns or wreaths of flowers were worn at festive occasions as signs of joy and honor. In the Hellenistic world, wreaths were given as a reward to great statesmen, soldiers, athletes. Life: here means eternal life. He promised: some manuscripts read “God” or “the Lord,” while the best witnesses do not specify the subject of “promised.”

Chapter 5

Advice to Presbyters.[a] So I exhort the presbyters[b] among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed. Tend the flock of God in your midst, [overseeing] not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly.(A) Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. (B)And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.[c]

Advice to the Community.[d]

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Footnotes

  1. 5:1–4 In imitation of Christ, the chief shepherd, those entrusted with a pastoral office are to tend the flock by their care and example.
  2. 5:1 Presbyters: the officially appointed leaders and teachers of the Christian community (cf. 1 Tm 5:17–18; Ti 1:5–8; Jas 5:14).
  3. 5:4 See note on 1 Pt 2:25.
  4. 5:5–11 The community is to be subject to the presbyters and to show humility toward one another and trust in God’s love and care (1 Pt 5:5–7). With sobriety, alertness, and steadfast faith they must resist the evil one; their sufferings are shared with Christians everywhere (1 Pt 5:8–9). They will be strengthened and called to eternal glory (1 Pt 5:10–11).