Bible Verses About Sports And Public Games

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Direct Bible passage on athletics and lawful competition.

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Direct Bible passage contrasting perishable and imperishable crowns.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Direct Bible passage using running as a Christian image.

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Shows bodily training as secondary to godliness.

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Uses training language for godliness.

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

General pursuit language that supports disciplined Christian life

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Direct Bible passage about disciplining the body.

And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

Bible passage about the theater in Ephesus, useful as background context.

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

Bible warning against idolatry and play tied to worship of the calf.