1 Corinthians 9:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G5101} is {G2076} my {G3427} reward {G3408} then {G3767}? Verily that {G2443}, when I preach the gospel {G2097}, I may make {G5087} the gospel {G2098} of Christ {G5547} without charge {G77}, that {G1519} I abuse {G2710} not {G3361} my {G3450} power {G1849} in {G1722} the gospel {G2098}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So then, what is my reward? Just this: that in proclaiming the Good News I can make it available free of charge, without making use of the rights to which it entitles me.

Berean Standard Bible

What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.

American Standard Version

What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 9:18, the Apostle Paul articulates his profound and counter-cultural understanding of his "reward" in ministry. Far from seeking financial remuneration or personal gain, Paul declares that his deepest satisfaction and true recompense come from the privilege of preaching the gospel of Christ without charge, thereby ensuring that his apostolic authority is never misused or becomes a stumbling block to the very message he proclaims.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful culmination of Paul's extensive defense of his apostolic rights and, paradoxically, his deliberate choice to forego them. In the preceding verses of [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Rights as an Apostle"), Paul meticulously argues for the legitimacy of apostles, prophets, and ministers to receive financial support, citing Old Testament law, the example of temple priests, and even the Lord's own command (e.g., [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - The Lord's Command for Support")). However, from [1 Corinthians 9:15](/1_corinthians/9-15 "1 Corinthians 9:15 - Paul's Refusal of Support") onward, he emphatically states his personal decision not to exercise this right. His refusal is not out of necessity, but a strategic and selfless act to remove any potential barrier to the gospel's reception. Verse 18 distills this motivation, revealing that his true "reward" is the unhindered proclamation of the message, leading directly into his principle of becoming "all things to all people" in [1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Paul's Principle of Adaptation").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was situated in a bustling, commercially driven port city, a melting pot of various philosophical schools and religious cults. In this environment, it was common for traveling teachers, sophists, and religious leaders to charge fees for their instruction, often correlating the quality of their teaching with the price demanded. This practice could easily lead to accusations of greed or exploitation, particularly against those who claimed divine authority. Paul's stance of preaching "without charge" directly countered these cultural norms, distinguishing him from the charlatans and self-serving orators of his day. His refusal of payment was a powerful demonstration of his integrity and the intrinsic, invaluable nature of the gospel, preventing the Corinthians from perceiving him as just another mercenary teacher.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to Paul's theology and ministry. It highlights **Selfless Service**, demonstrating that true ministry prioritizes the spiritual well-being of others and the advance of God's kingdom over personal comfort or financial gain, echoing the example of Christ's self-emptying as seen in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility"). It underscores **Integrity in Ministry**, as Paul's gratuitous preaching ensures his motives are pure and beyond reproach, protecting the reputation and effectiveness of the gospel message itself. Furthermore, it addresses the theme of **Avoiding Abuse of Power**, as Paul consciously restrains his legitimate apostolic authority to prevent it from becoming a stumbling block or being exploited for personal benefit. This reflects a deep commitment to ethical leadership and the principle of not causing others to stumble, a theme Paul explores further in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols"). Finally, it implicitly magnifies **The Gospel's Intrinsic Value**, asserting that the good news of Christ is priceless and transcends any earthly transaction or commodification.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reward (Greek, _misthós'_):** G3408, meaning "pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad; hire, reward, wages." In this context, Paul redefines what constitutes his "pay" or "wages." While he has a right to material support, he considers his true reward to be something far more profound and spiritual: the unhindered opportunity to serve. This is a deliberate reorientation of worldly values.
* **Without charge (Greek, _adápanos'_):** G77, derived from a negative particle and "expense," meaning "costless, i.e. gratuitous; without expense." This word emphatically highlights Paul's commitment to offering the gospel freely, without imposing any financial burden or expectation of payment on those to whom he ministers. It underscores the freeness of God's grace.
* **Abuse (Greek, _katachráomai'_):** G2710, meaning "to overuse, i.e. misuse." This term carries a strong negative connotation here, indicating Paul's deep concern about exploiting or taking undue advantage of his legitimate "power" or authority. It's not merely about using power, but about the potential for its perversion for selfish ends.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What is my reward then?"**: Paul opens with a rhetorical question, inviting the Corinthians to consider what he truly values as his recompense. Having established his right to material support, he now reveals his spiritual priority, setting up a contrast between worldly gain and spiritual fulfillment.
* **"[Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge"**: This clause provides Paul's answer. His true "reward" or "wages" is the privilege of proclaiming the good news of Christ in such a way that it incurs no financial cost to the recipients. The phrase "make the gospel of Christ without charge" (G5087 _títhēmi_ G2098 _euangélion_ G5547 _Christós_ G77 _adápanos_) signifies his deliberate action to present the gospel as a free gift, unburdened by financial expectations.
* **"that I abuse not my power in the gospel."**: This final clause explains the purpose and motivation behind his action. The Greek "hína" (G2443) indicates purpose or result: *in order that* he might not misuse or exploit his "power" (G1849 _exousía_, authority/right) which he possesses "in the gospel" (G1722 _en_ G2098 _euangélion_). His self-imposed restraint is a safeguard against bringing discredit to the gospel by appearing self-serving or manipulative.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his profound message. The opening **Rhetorical Question** ("What is my reward then?") immediately draws the reader into Paul's internal reasoning, prompting reflection on the nature of true reward. There is a powerful **Paradox** at play: Paul, an apostle with legitimate rights, finds his greatest "reward" not in exercising those rights for personal gain, but in *relinquishing* them for the sake of others and the gospel's advance. This creates a striking **Antithesis** between worldly expectations of compensation and Paul's spiritual priorities. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis** through repetition of "the gospel" (G2098 _euangélion_), highlighting its central importance as both the subject of his preaching and the sphere of his authority. The phrase "abuse not my power" also serves as a strong **Warning**, not just for himself but for all who hold positions of influence, underscoring the ethical responsibility that accompanies authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 9:18 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian ministry and stewardship. It elevates the intrinsic value of the gospel above any earthly compensation, asserting that its proclamation should be driven by selfless love and devotion to Christ, not by personal gain. This passage challenges believers, especially those in leadership, to examine their motives for service, ensuring that their actions always commend the gospel and never become a stumbling block. It underscores the principle that true spiritual authority is best exercised through humility and sacrifice, mirroring the ultimate example of Christ who, though having all power, chose to empty Himself for the sake of humanity.

* [2 Corinthians 11:7](/2_corinthians/11-7 "Paul's Free Preaching in Corinth")
* [Matthew 10:8](/matthew/10-8 "Freely You Received, Freely Give")
* [Acts 20:33-35](/acts/20-33-35 "Paul's Self-Sufficiency and Example")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 9:18 provides a powerful and enduring model for all believers, particularly those engaged in any form of Christian service. It compels us to critically examine our motivations: are we serving God and others out of genuine love for Christ and the desire for the gospel's advance, or are there hidden desires for personal recognition, financial security, or worldly influence? Paul's willingness to forgo legitimate rights for the sake of the gospel challenges us to consider what sacrifices we might be called to make to ensure the unhindered spread of the Good News. This verse serves as a vital reminder that the integrity of our witness is paramount, and that any perceived or actual self-interest can undermine the very message we seek to share. Ultimately, it calls us to prize the spiritual reward of effective gospel proclamation above all earthly comforts and accolades.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is my true "reward" or motivation for serving God and others in my daily life or specific ministry?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "abuse my power" or influence (whether in a formal role or simply through my gifts and abilities) for personal gain or recognition, rather than for the glory of God and the benefit of others?**
* **How does the priceless nature of the gospel, which Paul presented "without charge," impact my understanding of its value and my responsibility to share it freely?**
* **What legitimate "rights" or comforts might I be willing to set aside to ensure that my actions do not become a stumbling block to someone hearing or receiving the gospel?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul refuse financial support when he clearly stated that ministers had a right to it?**

Answer: Paul's refusal of financial support, despite affirming his legitimate right to it (as detailed in [1 Corinthians 9:1-14](/1_corinthians/9-1-14 "1 Corinthians 9:1-14 - Paul's Defense of Apostolic Rights")), was a strategic and deeply spiritual choice. His primary motivation, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 9:18](/1_corinthians/9-18 "1 Corinthians 9:18 - Paul's True Reward"), was to "make the gospel of Christ without charge," thereby removing any potential barrier or accusation that he was preaching for personal gain. In a culture where many religious teachers charged fees, Paul's gratuitous ministry distinguished him and underscored the gospel's intrinsic, priceless value. It was an act of selfless love and a commitment to the integrity of his message, ensuring that his "power in the gospel" was never misused or exploited.

**What does Paul mean by "abuse not my power in the gospel"?**

Answer: When Paul speaks of not "abusing" (Greek, _katachráomai_) his "power" (Greek, _exousía_), he is referring to his legitimate apostolic authority and the rights that came with it, including the right to receive financial support. To "abuse" this power in this context would mean to exploit it for personal financial benefit, to become a burden to the believers, or to give the appearance of greed. Paul was deeply concerned that if he were to demand support, it might lead some to question his motives, perceive him as self-serving, or even reject the gospel message itself. His aim was to use his authority not for his own advantage, but to serve the gospel's free and unhindered proclamation, demonstrating selfless leadership as a pattern for all ministers (compare [1 Peter 5:2-3](/1_peter/5-2-3 "1 Peter 5:2-3 - Shepherding the Flock Willingly")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's profound statement in 1 Corinthians 9:18, where he redefines his "reward" as the privilege of proclaiming the gospel freely, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the quintessential example of one who possessed ultimate "power" (all authority in heaven and on earth, as declared in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), yet chose not to "abuse" it for personal gain or comfort. Instead, He "made the gospel without charge" in the most profound sense, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sin, a gift of salvation freely given and utterly undeserved ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")). Jesus' entire earthly ministry was characterized by self-emptying, humility, and a relentless focus on the Father's will and the redemption of humanity, rather than His own comfort or earthly recognition ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Paul's willingness to forgo his rights and embrace self-sacrifice for the sake of the gospel is a direct outworking and imitation of the Christ-like pattern, demonstrating that true spiritual leadership is always cruciform, reflecting the Lamb of God who gave Himself freely for the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 8:9

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

2 Corinthians 11:7

Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].

1 Thessalonians 2:6

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:8

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

2 Thessalonians 3:9

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.