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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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Footnotes

  1. 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.

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)

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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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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.

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