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.

The Need for Self-Discipline

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?^(P) Run^(Q) in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown^(R) that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.^{(S) 26} Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;^(T) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.^{(U) 27} No, I strike a blow to my body^(V) and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.^(W)