Prize
The Athletic Metaphor: The Prize as a Goal
The New Testament's most direct teaching on the 'prize' uses the vivid imagery of ancient Greek athletic games. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the Apostle Paul urges believers to run the race of faith with purpose and discipline, just as athletes compete to win a perishable wreath. He emphasizes self-control and intentional training, stating, "They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever" (1 Corinthians 9:25). The Greek word used here, brabeion, specifically refers to the victor's award at games like the Olympics—typically a wreath of laurel, olive, or pine leaves. Paul contrasts this fleeting, earthly honor with the imperishable, eternal reward awaiting the faithful follower of Christ.
The Ultimate Pursuit: The Heavenly Prize
Paul develops this metaphor further in his letter to the Philippians, where he personalizes the pursuit. He describes his own spiritual journey as a single-minded race: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). Here, the 'prize' is explicitly connected to God's upward call—the culmination of salvation and resurrection life. This goal is so valuable that Paul considers all his former religious credentials and achievements as mere 'garbage' in comparison to knowing Christ and attaining the resurrection (Philippians 3:8-11). The prize is not earned by works but is the gracious outcome of God's call, pursued through faith and perseverance.
What the Prize Is Not: The Kenosis of Christ
A critical theological discussion about 'prize' arises in Philippians 2:6, where a different Greek word (harpagmos) is used. Translations vary, but the core meaning centers on whether Christ viewed equality with God as something to be 'grasped' or 'clutched' as a prized possession. The prevailing interpretation is that Jesus, though divine, did not consider this status a 'prize' to be selfishly retained. Instead, he 'emptied himself' (the kenosis), taking human form and obeying to the point of death (Philippians 2:7-8). This redefines greatness and reward not as something seized, but as something given up in loving service. The true prize, modeled by Christ, is found in humility and obedience, leading to exaltation by God (Philippians 2:9-11).
Living for the Imperishable Crown
The biblical teaching on the prize fundamentally reorients a believer's values and efforts. It calls for a life of discipline, focus, and endurance, not for earthly acclaim, but for an eternal reward that far surpasses it. This hope provides motivation during suffering and perseverance in faith. As Paul concludes his own race, he writes with confidence: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day" (2 Timothy 4:7-8). The prize is ultimately God himself—the crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10) and the joy of hearing, 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:21).
Biblical Context
The concept of 'prize' appears primarily in the New Testament epistles, where it is used as a theological metaphor. The key passages are 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Philippians 3:12-14, where Paul employs the imagery of an athletic contest to describe the Christian life. A theologically dense usage is in Philippians 2:6, discussing Christ's nature. The idea also underlies references to 'crowns' as rewards (e.g., 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12, Revelation 2:10). The term plays a minor role in the Old Testament, with the verb 'to prize' appearing in Zechariah 11:13 in the context of valuing a prophet's wages.
Theological Significance
The 'prize' teaches that the Christian life is one of purposeful effort and endurance, motivated by a glorious future hope. It underscores that salvation, while a free gift of grace, calls for active, disciplined pursuit and perseverance. The metaphor balances divine grace (God calls and gives the reward) with human responsibility (we must run the race). Crucially, Philippians 2:6 informs the doctrine of Christ's incarnation (kenosis), showing that true divinity is expressed not in clutching status but in self-giving love. The prize ultimately points to the believer's final glorification and eternal communion with God.
Historical Background
Paul's metaphor draws directly from the Panhellenic Games (like the Olympics and Isthmian Games), major cultural and religious festivals in the Greco-Roman world. Victors in these contests won a wreath (stephanos) of leaves—a great honor that brought lifelong fame and material benefits to their city, though the crown itself was perishable. The judging was strict, and athletes underwent ten months of rigorous, regulated training. Paul's original audience in Corinth, host to the Isthmian Games, would have instantly understood his imagery of the stadium, the rules, the disciplined training, and the coveted but fading prize, making the contrast with the eternal Christian reward powerfully clear.