¹⁶ For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach.^(A) Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷ If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;^(B) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.^{(C) 18} What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge,^(D) and so not make full use of my rights^(E) as a preacher of the gospel.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

¹⁹ Though I am free^(F) and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,^(G) to win as many as possible.^{(H) 20} To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.^(I) To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law),^(J) so as to win those under the law. ²¹ To those not having the law I became like one not having the law^(K) (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law),^(L) so as to win those not having the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.^(M) I have become all things to all people^(N) so that by all possible means I might save some.^{(O) 23} I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

³² That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.^{(A) 33} The whole town gathered at the door, ³⁴ and Jesus healed many who had various diseases.^(B) He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.^(C)

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place^(D)

³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.^{(E) 36} Simon and his companions went to look for him, ³⁷ and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

³⁸ Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”^{(F) 39} So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues^(G) and driving out demons.^(H)