I. CORINTHIANS 9, 27. 169

my hody. (vTrwTrta^w, to smite under the eye, to bruise^ to smite, Luke 18, 5.) His antagonist was his body, which he so smote, i. e. so dealt with, as to bring it into subJectio7i ; Uter- ally, to lead about as a slave. Perhaps in reference to the custom of the victor leading about his conquered antagonist as a servant ; though this is doubtful. The body, as in part the seat and organ of sin, is used for our whole sinful nature. Rom. 8, 13. It was not merely his sensual nature that Paul endeavoured to bring into subjection, but all the evil propensi- ties and passions of his heart. JOest having preached to others (Krjpv^a^). Perhaps the apostle means to adhere to the figure and say, ' Lest having acted the part of a herald, (whose office at the Grecian games was to proclaim the rules of the contest and to summon the competitors or combatants to the lists,) he himself should be judged unworthy of the prize.' As, how- ever, the word is so often used for preaching the gospel, he may intend to drop the figure and say, ' He made these strenu- ous exertions, lest, having preached the gospel to others, he himself should become (dSo/ct/xo?) a reprobate, one rejected.' What an argument and what a reproof is this ! The reckless and listless Corinthians thought they could safely indulge themselves to the very verge of sin, while this devoted apostle considered himself as engaged in a life-struggle for his salva- tion. This same apostle, however, who evidently acted on the principle that the righteous scarcely are saved, and that the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, at other times breaks out in the most joyful assurance of salvation, and says that he was persuaded that nothing in heaven, earth or hell could ever separate him from the love of God. Rom. 8, 38. 39. The one state of mind is the necessary condition of the other. It is only those who are conscious of this constant and deadly struggle with sin, to whom this assurance is given. In the very same breath Paul says, " O wretched man that I am ; " and, " Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory," Rom. 7, 24. 25. It is the indolent and self-indulgent Christian who is always in doubt.