Panhellenic Games and … Paul?

Jun 28

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. “ 1 Cor 9:24-26

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

The Apostle Paul’s sports metaphors are familiar to us and are as readily understandable to a present day reader as they would have been to original readers in the early churches at Corinth, Philippi and to Timothy. In Paul’s day, the Roman and Hellenistic world were enthralled by the Panhellenic games. Started in 776 BC with the first Olympics, the games became an “olympiad” - a 4 year cycle of games that lasted until the 4th century AD.

The Olympics were held at Olympia and honored the Greek god Zeus. Year 2 were the Isthmian Games honoring the god Poseidon. Year 3 the Pythian Games honoring the god Apollo at Delphi. Year 4 the Nemean games (for the god Zeus) and the Isthmian games again (they were on a 2 year cycle). Then back to the Olympics and the rotation continued. Archeological remains at all 4 locations still show evidence of these ancient games. Stadiums, race tracks, art work and sculpture all attest to the importance of the Panhellenic Games.

Athletes, musician, poets, actors and spectators came from all over the Ancient Greek and Roman world to participate in the games. Not only athletic games, but artistic competitions as well. God placed Paul at the heart of this flow of people from a multitude of places moving through Corinth. Isthmia was just 5 miles from Corinth. Delphi and the Pythian Games were 120 miles from Corinth. Many traveling through the area would have needed the services of a tent maker.

Built in the 4th century BC. The stone finish line for foot races is still visible at the south end of the stadium.

Ancient inscriptions call this the "pythikon station", used for the Pythian Games. Special seating for dignitaries visible at the center of the west side of the stadium.

Bases of a tripled arched entrance to the stadium. Just in front of these are the stones that formed the starting line for foot races.

Stadium at Delphi used for the Pythian Games.

Wreath crowns were given to winners of olympiad competitions: Olympia - olive leaf crown. Delphi - laurel crown. Isthmia/Corinth - celery leaf and later pine crown. Nemea - wild celery crown.

Wrestlers, 510 BC

140 - 150 BC bronze Jockey of Artemision at the Athens Archeological Museum. The Panhellenic games included horse and chariot races.

Charioteer, Delphi Archeological Museum.

monument dedicated to the winner of many musical competitions at the Isthmian Games near Corinth. Isthmia Museum. 2nd century AD.

"Hysplex" starting gate. A mechanism of bars and ropes that released 16 runners. 4th c BC stadium of Isthmia.

The baths at Isthmia, near the temple of Poseidon to whom the Isthmian games were dedicated. Note the black and white mosaic floor with marine scenes. Dates to 2nd century AD.

late 1st century BC amphitheater between Isthmia and Corinth.

Craig Bertram

Panhellenic Games and … Paul?

Gethsemane and the Basilica of the Agony (Church of All Nations), Jerusalem Israel