[Greek] ἀγών (agōn), [Latin] sollicitudo:fight, struggle, agony, opposition, foot race; Php.1:30, Col.2:1, 1Thess.2:2, 1Tim.6:12, 2 Tim.4:7, Heb. 12:1
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means contest, stadium, debate, conflict, and games. Sophocles’ Electra 686 states “When he had finished the race, the first contest he entered the list, a wonder in all the eyes there.” Sophocles’ Trachinae 159 states “He inscribed with words all the previous labors he endured. So great was his belief that he would triumph.” Euripides’ Orestes 847 states “He has gone to the Argive people to stand the appointed trial.” The agon was the place of assembly, a place of contests, and a stadium. The contest can involve litigation, debate, and conflict. This venue can provide an exercise of moral, mental, or physical struggle. The execution of martyrs occurred in the same place of athletic contests.
Old Testament: This term means to be weary, to be impatient, to be offended, and to contest. This term conveys the sense of the heroic struggles that the pious experience. The passion of martyrs are associated with the contest of athletes. But now that it comes to you, you are impatient, when it touches you, you are dismayed (Job 4:5). But now he has exhausted me; you have stunned all my companions (Job 16:7). The toil is exhausting, but the great filth will not come out (Eze.24:12).
New Testament: This term means struggle, competing, and running. Paul reminds us that all Christians may share in the same struggle as a Christian. Being a Christian may involve various forms of struggle, opposition, and persecution. The Christian life is like participating in a race (contest), requiring discipline, faithfulness, and perseverance. The final destination is eternal life. Martyrdom can be seen as ultimate victory in the Christian race. Paul states that he has competed well in being faithful. The saints in heaven support us in our in Christian path.
Scripture:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that cling to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” Heb 12:1
The writer visualizes a great host of people surrounding these 1st century readers. The writer speaks of a race, which is living the Christian life. The testimony of these witnesses are giving examples to urge these Christians on their way to be faithful. The contestants are urged to remove any impediments or hindrances that will weigh (or slow) them down in their race.
“Yours is the same struggle as you saw in me and now hear about me.” Phil.1:30
“I have competed well. I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim.4:7
Paul, realizing that he is coming to the end of his life, claims that he was faithful to Christ. Living the Christian life can be a both a struggle and a race to the finish line.
Early Church: Living the Christian life was like participating in a contest. Martyrdom was seen as a victory. The martyrdom writings allowed the person’s blessedness, but also accomplishes the triumph of the Church over all forces against it. The picture of the victorious contestant becomes the glorified symbol of the Christian martyr. The Christian martyr gains his victory over Satan. Christ Himself came to be celebrated as the great martyr who entered the contest of suffering on our behalf. Christ redeemed the world by conquering death and sin.
Conclusion:
Agony, agonize, solitude
From this comes the words agony and agonize. Jesus prayed so fervently in the garden. His sweat became like drops of blood. Jesus was in agony.
The athletes compete in the agon, the place for contests. The saints in their heavenly skyboxes are cheering us on!