15 But (A)I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for (B)it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for (C)necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, (D)I have a reward; but if against my will, (E)I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What is my reward then? That (F)when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel [a]of Christ without charge, that I (G)may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:18 NU omits of Christ

15 But I have not used any of these rights.(A) And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast.(B) 16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach.(C) Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;(D) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.(E) 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge,(F) and so not make full use of my rights(G) as a preacher of the gospel.

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