ABSTRACT

The metaphors of ‘soldier’ and of ‘athlete’ are as commonplace in Paul as they are among the general run of moralists in the ancient world. 1 Life is presented as an agôn, a struggle. One best prepares for the struggle by appropriate askêsis, training, which will allow one to endure troubles that arrive uninvited. But preparatory training in effect amounts to engaging in hardships voluntarily, and so a very important spectrum emerges between (at the hedonistic end of the scale) preparing to cope with difficulties that are absolutely unavoidable, and (at the other end) positively inviting trouble so as to be able to face and to overcome it as well as each and every challenge that may arrive unbidden.