Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Timothy 2:5

"And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowded, except he have contended lawfully." — 2 Timothy 2:5 (ASV)

In addition to military metaphors, Paul is also fond of athletic metaphors. The Christian, and especially the minister, must be spiritually a good athlete (see also comment on 1 Timothy 6:12). The goal of an athlete is to “receive the victor’s crown” (cf. Hebrews 2:7, 9), the wreath given to the winner. But the winning athlete does not receive this crown unless he competes “according to the rules.” Anyone who breaks the rules is disqualified.