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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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16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

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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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22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

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