I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.
Summary: Paul’s use of the word “contend” challenges us to think hard about what he means.
Every once in a while, Paul uses a word that is so difficult to translate that nobody seems to agree on what he is saying.
In this case, the NIV translation uses the word “contending” to translate the Greek “agōn.” Other translations use words like:
• Struggle (ESV)*
• Conflict (BRG)
• Combat (Darby)
• “trying very hard” (ERV)
• “doing a difficult work” (EASY)
• Agonized (NLT)
• Strive (RSV)So what was Paul trying to say?
The word Paul uses can refer to a place of assembly, an athletic contest, or solicitude (intense care or concern for someone).** Together, all three descriptions provide a picture of what Paul is expressing.
In Greek culture, a “place of assembly” is a stadium or colosseum. The connotation is that this is where people go to watch others struggle against each other, sometimes in mortal combat.
The reference to an “athletic contest” is the same. It suggests an epic struggle that involves putting preparation and training to the test.
“Solicitude” is somewhat of a legal-sounding word that tells us Paul cares deeply about the people he mentions.
If we put all this together, the words paint a picture of a deeply caring person who is “contending” or “struggling” in a battle.
What kind of battle is Paul involved in?
Paul often refers to this battle as a “race.” In 1 Corinthians 9:24, he says:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
Writing to the Galatians, Paul says:
“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7)
Later, in his second letter to Timothy, Paul says:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Paul’s mission is not a cakewalk. Jesus did not appear to Paul just so he would realize that the Messiah had come. When Jesus spoke with Ananias to have him contact Paul, he said:
“This man [Paul] is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15-16)
Paul was given a mission by Jesus. He spent the rest of his life contending for that mission. When he was done, he was able to look back and see that he had left nothing on the battlefield. He had given his all.
Application: Give it all for Jesus!
Food for Thought: How do we know what our mission is?
*The Bible translations shows are representative of the first occurrence. In most cases, there are several different translations that use a given word.
**”G73 – agōn – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 25 Nov, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g73/niv/mgnt/0-1/.
How do we know what our mission is?
God is sovereign and His will shall be done. He has chosen to create all mankind with free will to choose living in obedience to His will, or their own.
Isiah 46:9-11 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.
All who have chosen to receive and live in service to God will be equipped by God to serve His purposes as He makes Himself known to those in our sphere of influence. This process is lifelong and will be completed when we at last stand before God. Our God will equip and direct, while His servants will receive and obey.
1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:2, 12:6–8
1 Peter 4:10, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Romans 12:2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:6-8, We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Thank you, Ron!
The theme I hear in your words today is “making God known!” That certainly is a most excellent mission!
Very good devotion brother. And good comments R2T2.
To go super simplistic… Jesus did give a couple of commands to help define the mission of the church. Our individual mission will fit into that in some way.
Matthew28: 19 – 20: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Acts 1: 8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Thank you, Rich!
To be the Lord’s witness is to testify to the reality of Jesus.
To make disciples of the nations requires a strong enough testimony that everyone sees it and no one can deny it.
Great comments this morning and I really liked your deeper dive into Paul’s use of the word agōn.
I think our mission is a personal one. Personal because our relationship with the Father and our relationship with Christ is personal. Personal because our mission is to bring the hope and salvation that Christ offers to those around us, and to those far from us. Personal because we do this mission in the love that Christ has shown us, and in love for each other. Our mission is to become like Christ, and in doing so, become a living testament to His glory, power, and hope.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, love one another as I have loved you
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
1 Chronicles 16:24
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Thank you, Chris.
Your comment, “I think our mission is a personal one,” suggests that understanding our personal mission requires discernment. That is such an important quality and one that requires us to listen to the Holy Spirit in real time.
Paul was doing battle with the roman empire. Ideological, spiritual and martial . “Combat” is apt. Think of how many battles were needed to preserve Christianity from Christ, the early church, medieval era, modern era and to today.
Thank you TMI!
Yes, the survival of Christianity is in itself a testimony to the power of Christ.