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Why Does Paul Use So Many Sports Metaphors?

Why does the Apostle Paul talk so much about running races, boxing, and winning wreaths? In this episode, we explore Paul’s love of athletic imagery—known as the Agon motif—and why it resonated so strongly in the ancient world. From 1 Corinthians 9 to other passages in his letters, Paul uses the language of contests and self-mastery to describe the Christian life. We’ll look at how these metaphors connect with Stoic ideals of discipline and self-control, and how they illustrate Paul’s emphasis on striving toward an imperishable prize. We’ll even see how early Christians picked up on this theme—like the famous commemorative spoon that depicts Paul himself as an athlete! Sign up for a 14-day free trial with BSA at https://www.bartehrman.com/bsalearning #Jesus #Christianity #BibleStudy #NewTestament #Paul Dr. Robyn Faith Walsh is Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Gabelli Senior Scholar at the University of Miami, specializing in early Christianity and Greco-Roman literary culture. She is the author of The Origins of Early Christian Literature (Cambridge, 2021) and a frequent contributor to both academic and public-facing publications.