And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
And, х De (G1161)] - 'Moreover.'
Strive for masteries - in the great national games of Greece.
Yet is he not crowned, except - even though he conquer.
Strive lawfully - observing the conditions of the contest (keeping within the bounds of the course and stript of his clothes), and also of the preparation for it-namely, as to self-denying diet, anointing, exercise, chastity, etc. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27.) As a soldier, the believer is one of many; as an athlete, he has to wage an individual struggle, and that continually, bearing the discipline of the preparation as well as the conflict.