17 For if I do it willingly, I have a reward, but if I do it against my will, notwithstanding the dispensation is committed unto me.

18 What is my reward then? verily that when I preach the Gospel, I make the Gospel of Christ [a]free, that I abuse not mine authority in the Gospel.

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

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:18 By taking nothing of them to whom I preach it.

17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;(A) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.(B) 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge,(C) and so not make full use of my rights(D) as a preacher of the gospel.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

19 Though I am free(E) and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,(F) to win as many as possible.(G)

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