2 Timotius 2:5

2:5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner ¹  unless he competes according to the rules. ² 

2 Timotius 4:7

4:7 I have competed well; ³  I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!

[2:5]  ¹ tn Grk “will not be crowned,” speaking of the wreath awarded to the victor.

[2:5]  ² sn According to the rules (Grk “lawfully, by law”) referring to the rules of competition. In the ancient world these included requirements for training as well as rules for the competition itself.

[4:7]  ³ sn The expression I have competed well (Grk “I have competed the good competition”) uses words that may refer to a race or to a boxing or wrestling match: “run the good race” or “fight the good fight.” The similar phrase in 1 Tim 1:18 uses a military picture and is more literally “war the good warfare.”