[Greek] τρέχω (trechō), [Latin] currere: to run, to run a track race, to spread rapidly, to rush, to walk hastily, to rush into, to run well, having free run; Lk.15:20, Heb.12:1, Rev.9:9, Mt.28:9, Act.19:28, Rom.9:16, Gal.5:7, 2Thess.3:1
Paul calls his fellow Christians to run to win the imperishable crown of salvation (1 Cor.9:24-26)
Background Information:
Secular Greek: This term takes on the sense of to run, to rush on, to run through, to hasten, to be moved, and to be turned. This term is most notably used for running connected with the Olympic games. This event always took on great importance as Olympiads were almost always named after the victor in the race. Other aspects of running involved running for one’s life, running a risk, and having quickness. The high regard for runners found expression in notoriety, fame, and prestige. The runner’s sandals were called trochadia. However, there existed varying schools of thought concerning the importance of races and athletics.
Philosophical views toward athletics: Solon, an Athenian statesman, minimized the value of the runner in emergencies. Xenon, a Greek philosopher, objected to the uselessness of sport as compared to intellectual achievement. Plato warned against the one-sided preference for bodily exercise at the expense of the mind. Diogenes of Sinope, a Greek philosopher, ridiculed the need for running contests. Years later, important spiritual running metaphors take shape as one runs the Christian race, preaches the Gospel, and faces persecution and martyrdom.
Old Testament: This term is used primarily in various ways to express movement and quickness. The sons will ride the king’s chariots and horses (1 Sam.8:11). The chariots dash madly through the streets (Nah.2:5). Pharaoh had Joseph summoned before him quickly from the dungeon (Gen.41:14). I blew away what you brought home (Hag.1:9). They cooked the Passover meals on the fire and brought them quickly to all the common people (2 Chr.35:13). He ran to the herd and picked out a choice steer (Gen.18:7).
Prophets: Running becomes a special character or mark of the prophet. Running is connected with the spreading of the prophet’s mission and prophetic message. This is perhaps explained by the fact prophets of salvation should not lose any time with their good message. Elijah, touched by the hand of the Lord, girded up his clothing and ran before Ahab (1 Kgs.18:46). I did not send these prophets, yet they ran (Jer.23:21). Habbakkuk easily and clearly wrote down the vision upon the tablets (Hab.2:2). The Lord sends a command to earth; His Word runs swiftly (Psa.147:15).
New Testament: This term is used predominately in the sense of to run (implying speed), to give effort, to progress in one’s behavior, and to spread. The gospels provide several illustrations of running due to various human motivations. Such motivations include love, fear, anticipation, and concern. Paul presents himself as a Christian runner in his evangelical mission to spread the Gospel message. Paul further develops the Christian runner metaphor with its nuanced differences and similarities with the Hellenistic runner in the arena.
Scripture:
“So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” Lk.15:20
Because of his unconditional love for his son, the father runs to welcome back son. This parable represents the Father’s love for each of us.
“Finally, brothers, pray for us, so that the Word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified, as it did among you.” 2 Thess.3:1
This makes a reference to Psa. 147:15. The Word of the Lord “runs” in the sense of spreading among believers.
“You were running well; who hindered you from following the truth?” Gal. 5:7:
Paul was praising and encouraging the Galatians for being faithful to the Christian message. Paul warns the Galatians to not to stray from the truth.
“So it depends not upon a person’s will or exertion, but upon God, who shows mercy.” Rom. 9:16
There is not necessarily a direct relationship with man’s will and God’s will. One’s salvation is more dependent on God’s mercy.
Runner in the arena: This runner does not have any need for a supernatural commission. With a view only to his own success, he competes with the other athletes to win the prize. He strives to win a perishable prize. Exercising discipline, He runs to win. There is only one winner. He only depends on himself for his efforts and success.
One who runs the Christian race: This runner has a supernatural calling or commission. He lifts up his fellow competitors in times of difficulties in the race of the Christian life. He strives to win the imperishable prize of salvation. Exercising discipline, He runs to win. No competitor has to be defeated. He can rely on others’ support and God’s mercy to get him to the finish line of salvation.
Conclusion:
Track, current
I have discovered that this term has a very interesting and rich back story. Everyone can identify with running and running to a destination. Whether one is a runner or athlete, we can identify with heading to the finish line. We compete and try our best to win the race.
I never would have thought that there would have been so much philosophical discussion concerning athletics. It was interesting to learn about these varying philosophical viewpoints about athletics. Perhaps, this is not really so surprising after all. Even today, in our society we still has these same important conversations about education and sports.
It was interesting to discover that there is actually a relationship between prophets and running. I had never really thought about it that way. Prophets are moving always moving forward in their mission. Paul ingeniously develops the notion of the Christian runner who runs the Christian race.
Many of us always enjoy the pageantry, competition, and glory of the Olympic games. We cheer for the runner who wins the race. Like in the past, we spectators praise and admire these athletes as they strive to win that race. In a sense, nothing has really changed since ancient times. We often see many athletes often “run” into fame and fortune.