Luke 13:24

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate, etc.] What is meant by the strait gate, and by entering in at it, (see Gill on “<400713>Matthew 7:13”). To “strive”, is to be diligent in the use of means; to search the Scriptures with care; to attend on the preaching of the word with constancy, neglecting no opportunity; to pray earnestly for spiritual light, knowledge, and grace; to contend with every enemy that opposes the salvation of the soul, as sin, Satan, and the world; to bear all reproaches and persecutions, and press through all difficulties, for the prize of the incorruptible crown: the metaphor seems to be taken from the striving, wrestling, and combat in the Olympic games, for a…”

“Strive--The word signifies to "contend" as for the mastery, to "struggle," expressive of the difficulty of being saved, as if one would have to force his way in. strait gate--another figure of the same. (See on Mat 7:13-14). for many . . . will seek--"desire," that is, with a mere wish or slothful endeavor. and shall not be able--because it must be made a life-and-death struggle.”

“Strive - Literally, “agonize.” The word is taken from the Grecian games. In their races, and wrestlings, and various athletic exercises, they “strove or agonized,” or put forth all their powers to gain the victory. Thousands witnessed them. They were long trained for the conflict, and the honor of victory was one of the highest honors among the people. So Jesus says that we should strive to enter in; and he means by it that we should be diligent, be active, be earnest; that we should make it our first and chief business to overcome our sinful propensities, and to endeavor to enter into heaven. This same figure or allusion to the Grecian games is often used in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians…”

“Strive to enter in - Agonize. Strive as in an agony. So the word signifies Otherwise none shall enter in. Barely seeking will not avail. Mat 7:13. Luke 13:25”

“Strive: Luk 21:36; Gen 32:25, Gen 32:26; Mat 11:12; Joh 6:27; Co1 9:24-27; Phi 2:12, Phi 2:13; Col 1:29; Heb 4:11; Pe2 1:10 the strait: Mat 7:13, Mat 7:14 for: Pro 1:24-28, Pro 14:6, Pro 21:25; Ecc 10:15; Isa 1:15, Isa 58:2-4; Eze 33:31; Mar 6:18-20; Joh 7:34, Joh 8:21, Joh 13:33; Rom 9:31-33, Rom 10:3 Luke 13:25”