15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 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. (1 Corinthians 9:15-18 KJV)
Commentary
Here he tells them that he had, nevertheless, waived his privilege and explains his reason for doing so.
He tells them that he had not claimed his right in the past: “I have used none of these things” (1 Corinthians 9:15). He neither ate nor drank at their expense, nor led about a wife to be supported by them, nor stopped working to provide for himself. Though he received support from other churches (2 Corinthians 11:8-9), he took nothing from them for special reasons. Nor did he write this to make a claim now. Though he asserts his right, he does not demand his due, but denies himself for their sake and for the sake of the gospel.
He explains his reason for this self-denial: “It were better for me to die than that any man should make my boasting void” (1 Corinthians 9:15). This “boasting” was not pride or self-conceit but a deep sense of satisfaction in preaching the gospel freely. It was a joy to him to share the message of salvation without being a burden, and he was determined not to lose that satisfaction. His glory was to advance the gospel without cost, and he valued this privilege more than his rights or even his life. Better for him to die than to have it said that he preferred wages to his work. It is the glory of a minister to value the success of his ministry above personal interest and to deny himself for Christ’s sake and the salvation of souls. In this, he acts not beyond duty but within the law of love, bringing honor to God, who will in turn honor such self-denial.
He further shows that this self-denial brought him more satisfaction than even the act of preaching itself: “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” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Preaching the gospel was his calling and duty as an apostle (1 Corinthians 1:17). He was under divine command to do so. To neglect it would be to betray his trust and disobey God. Those called to the ministry are under the same charge—woe to them if they do not preach the gospel. Yet it is not said, “Woe to him if he does not preach and also refuses support.” Preaching freely is not a universal obligation, but a matter of choice. A minister may sometimes be called to preach without support, but he generally has the right to receive it. When he voluntarily renounces that right for the sake of the gospel and others’ good, he denies himself for love’s sake and will be especially rewarded by God.
The apostle then teaches that serving willingly brings a gracious reward from God: “If I do this thing willingly, I have a reward” (1 Corinthians 9:17). Only willing service is acceptable and rewarded by God. It is not the mere performance of duty, but the cheerful, heartfelt doing of it that pleases Him. Duties without heart are lifeless and offensive to God. Ministers must preach with gladness, not as a burden. Those who willingly give up their rights out of love for God and souls will be rewarded. But whether the work is done willingly or reluctantly, every minister still holds a stewardship from God (Luke 16:2) and must one day give an account. Christ’s faithful servants will be rewarded according to their zeal and diligence; His slothful servants will face judgment for their negligence.
Finally, Paul sums up his reasoning by describing his hope of reward: “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” (1 Corinthians 9:18). His reward was the joy of preaching freely, not using his authority in a way that would hinder the gospel’s purpose. It would have been an abuse of his right to exercise it in a manner contrary to its intent. Instead, he gladly denied himself for Christ’s honor and the salvation of souls. Ministers who follow his example can look forward to a rich and joyful recompense from the Lord.