1 Corinthians 9:16-19
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
16 If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it!(A) 17 If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship.(B) 18 What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.(C)
All Things to All. 19 [a]Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible.(D)
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- 9:19–23 In a rhetorically balanced series of statements Paul expands and generalizes the picture of his behavior and explores the paradox of apostolic freedom. It is not essentially freedom from restraint but freedom for service—a possibility of constructive activity.
1 Corinthians 9:22-23
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
22 To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some.(A) 23 All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.
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