Gr. agōnizomai, related to the nouns agōn, “a contest,” “a trial,” “a struggle,” and agōnia, “fear,” “anguish.” Our English word “agony” is derived from agōnia. Agōnizomai originally referred to the effort put forth by a contestant in an athletic contest to qualify for the prize, and hence came to mean in a general sense “to struggle,” or “to exert oneself.” Agōnizomai is sometimes used in the NT of the Christian‘s efforts to qualify for entrance into the kingdom of heaven (1 Cor. 9:25; Col. 1:29). It is also translated “fight” in 1 Tim. 6:12, with reference to fighting the good fight of faith (see 2 Tim. 4:7). In John 18:36 it is used in the sense, “then would my servants exert themselves.” See on Matt. 7:13, 14.

 Jesus did not directly answer the man‘s question (v. 23). Instead, His answer is based on the truth that our primary concern should be, not how many are going to be saved, but rather whether we ourselves will be. In the parable of the Mustard Seed Jesus taught that many would enter the kingdom (see on Matt. 13:31, 32), and in the parable of the Leaven He emphasized the transforming influence of the gospel upon the life that prepares one for the kingdom (see on Matt. 13:33).