John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:25

"And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they [do it] to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." — 1 Corinthians 9:25 (ASV)

Now every one that striveth. As he had exhorted to perseverance, it remained to state in what way they must persevere. This second point he now presents to them using a comparison taken from pugilists; not, indeed, in every detail, but only insofar as was required by the subject at hand, to which he confines himself—namely, how far they ought to yield to the weakness of the brethren.

Now he argues from the lesser to the greater that it is unseemly if we begrudge giving up our right. For pugilists, eating their simple rations sparingly and not to the full, voluntarily deny themselves every delicacy to have more agility for the combat, and they do this, too, for the sake of a corruptible crown.

But if they value so highly a crown of leaves that quickly fades, what value ought we to set upon a crown of immortality? Let us not, therefore, consider it difficult to give up a little of our right. It is well known that wrestlers were contented with the most frugal diet, so that their simple fare has become proverbial.