Bible Dictionaries
Prize

Holman Bible Dictionary

A prize awarded in an athletic competition. Paul used the image to illustrate the goal of the Christian life (Philippians 3:14; compare 1 Corinthians 9:24 ). The prize is sometimes identified as Paul's heavenly destination. More likely the “upward call” designates the total call to Christian maturity. The larger context uses multiple expressions (know Christ 1Corinthians 2:8,1 Corinthians 2:10;gain Christ 1 Corinthians 2:8; know the power of Christ's resurrection; share Christ's suffering and death 1 Corinthians 2:10 ) to define the goal of Christian living. Though Paul used a competitive image, he was aware that the righteousness which matters was not the result of his own efforts but is God's gift through faith (1 Corinthians 3:9 ).