1 Corinthians 9:25

1 Corinthians 9:25. And every man that striveth in the games is temperate in all things ‘systematically practises every sort of self-restraint' A strict course of discipline had to be practised, failing which the candidate was said not to “strive lawfully,” or according to the rules. In that, even though successful, he was not “crowned” (2 Timothy 2:5). [1]

[1] Epictefus thus describes the rules: “Would you conquer in the Olympic games... you must be orderly, live on spare diet, avoid confections, practise gymnastics at the appointed time, in heat and cold, and drink neither cold water nor wine; in a word, you must give yourself up to the training-master, as to a physician, and then enter the lists.” (Ench. c. 55.)

Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown made of the pine, of which there were groves surrounding the Isthmian race-course. Even still, it seems, the same tree grows on the Isthmus of Corinth. [2]

[2] Conybeare and Howson.

but we an incorruptible “a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8), “a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 5:4).