The Olympics were not the only games held by the Greek states in ancient times. In non-Olympic years athletes would gather at Corinth (which is on an Isthmus) for what were know as the Isthmian games. Since St. Paul was a tent maker he had lots of business during the games. The apostle took the experience of seeing the athletes compete as analogous to the spiritual life. Runners, boxers go to great lengths to prepare themselves for the contest. “Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.” St. Paul says “I drive my body and I train it” in order reach his goal of a life on high with Christ Jesus.
