16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for (A)necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, (B)I have a reward; but if against my will, (C)I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What is my reward then? That (D)when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel [a]of Christ without charge, that I (E)may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

Serving All Men

19 For though I am (F)free from all men, (G)I have made myself a servant to all, (H)that I might win the more;

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:18 NU omits of Christ

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)

Read full chapter

22 (A)to the weak I became [a]as weak, that I might win the weak. (B)I have become all things to all men, (C)that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:22 NU omits as

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.(A) I have become all things to all people(B) so that by all possible means I might save some.(C) 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Read full chapter