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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.
-
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.
In 1 Corinthians 9:18, the Apostle Paul articulates the profound motivation behind his self-sacrificing ministry. Having established his legitimate right to financial support as an apostle (as discussed in 1 Corinthians 9:14), he now reveals what he considers his true "reward" for preaching the gospel.
Context
This verse is the culmination of Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and his unique approach to it. Throughout 1 Corinthians 9, Paul argues that while he possesses the right to be compensated for his spiritual labor—a right supported by Old Testament law and even by the Lord's command—he deliberately chooses not to exercise this right. His aim is not to lay a burden on the Corinthian believers but to remove any potential obstacle to the acceptance of the gospel message. His renunciation of personal gain highlights his commitment to the integrity of his preaching.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "without charge" translates the Greek word adapanos (ἀδάπανος), meaning "free of expense" or "without cost." This emphasizes that Paul did not impose a financial burden on those he ministered to. The phrase "abuse not my power" comes from the Greek katachraomai (καταχράομαι), which can mean "to use to the full" or, more critically, "to misuse" or "exploit." In this context, it clearly points to Paul's intention to avoid any exploitation of his apostolic authority for personal financial benefit.
Practical Application
1 Corinthians 9:18 offers timeless principles for all believers, especially those in ministry leadership. It challenges us to:
Paul's ultimate "reward" was not earthly riches, but the joy and fulfillment of effectively proclaiming the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ without hindrance.