1 Corinthians 9:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} this {G5124} I do {G4160} for {G1223} the gospel's {G2098} sake {G1223}, that {G2443} I might be {G1096} partaker {G4791} thereof {G846} with {G4791} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I do it all because of the rewards promised by the Good News, so that I may share in them along with the others who come to trust.

Berean Standard Bible

I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

American Standard Version

And I do all things for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 9:23, the Apostle Paul encapsulates the profound motivation behind his adaptable and self-sacrificial ministry: the advancement of the gospel. This verse serves as a concise summary of his preceding arguments, revealing that every personal right he willingly relinquished and every cultural adaptation he embraced was singularly directed toward ensuring that others might hear, believe, and ultimately partake in the saving benefits of the Good News of Jesus Christ, sharing in its eternal blessings alongside him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the concluding statement to Paul's extensive defense of his apostolic rights and his subsequent decision to waive them for the sake of the gospel. In [1 Corinthians 9:1-18](/1_corinthians/9-1-18 "1 Corinthians 9:1-18 - Paul's Apostolic Rights"), Paul asserts his legitimate claims as an apostle, including the right to financial support. However, he immediately clarifies that he has chosen not to exercise these rights, lest he "hinder the gospel of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 9:12](/1_corinthians/9-12 "1 Corinthians 9:12 - Paul's Refusal of Support")). Following this, in [1 Corinthians 9:19-22](/1_corinthians/9-19-22 "1 Corinthians 9:19-22 - Paul Becomes All Things to All People"), he elaborates on his radical flexibility, becoming "all things to all people" – to Jews, to those under the law, to those without the law, to the weak – all with the singular aim of winning some to Christ. [1 Corinthians 9:23](/1_corinthians/9-23 "1 Corinthians 9:23 - Paul's Gospel Motivation") thus functions as the overarching purpose statement, tying together his arguments for self-denial and strategic accommodation, demonstrating that his entire approach was driven by gospel intentionality.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, and philosophical schools. Its inhabitants were known for their affluence, individualism, and a strong emphasis on personal rights and freedom, often leading to moral laxity and division within the nascent Christian community. Within this environment, Paul's ministry faced challenges from those who questioned his apostleship or misunderstood his methods. His willingness to forego personal rights, such as receiving payment for his ministry or adhering rigidly to Jewish dietary laws when ministering to Gentiles, would have been counter-cultural. In a society that valued status and personal gain, Paul's self-emptying posture "for the gospel's sake" was a radical demonstration of love and commitment, aiming to remove any potential stumbling blocks that might prevent people from hearing and accepting the message of Christ.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 9:23](/1_corinthians/9-23 "1 Corinthians 9:23 - Paul's Gospel Motivation") powerfully contributes to several major themes in 1 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores **Gospel Centrality**, emphasizing that the Good News of Jesus Christ is the ultimate priority and driving force for all Christian life and ministry, as seen throughout Paul's letters (e.g., [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Second, it highlights the theme of **Self-Sacrifice and Service**, demonstrating that true Christian freedom is not merely the exercise of one's rights but the voluntary surrender of those rights for the benefit of others and the advancement of God's kingdom, a principle echoed in [1 Corinthians 10:23-24](/1_corinthians/10-23-24 "1 Corinthians 10:23-24 - All Things are Lawful, But Not All Things are Profitable"). Third, it speaks to **Shared Spiritual Inheritance and Community**, as Paul's desire to "be partaker thereof with you" reveals a profound longing for others to experience the same salvation and blessings he enjoys, fostering a sense of communal joy and destiny among believers, a theme also present in [Philippians 1:5](/philippians/1-5 "Philippians 1:5 - Partnership in the Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb, G4160, means "to make or do" in a very wide application, encompassing actions that are more or less direct. In this context, it signifies Paul's active, intentional, and consistent engagement in the practices he has just described – his self-denial and adaptability. It's not a passive state but a deliberate choice and ongoing commitment to a particular course of action.
* **gospel's (Greek, _euangélion'_):** G2098, derived from a word meaning "good message," refers specifically to the "good news" or "gospel" of Jesus Christ. This word is foundational, as it identifies the supreme motivation behind Paul's actions. His sacrifices are not for personal gain, reputation, or even for the Corinthian church's specific preferences, but for the inherent value and transformative power of the message of salvation itself.
* **partaker (Greek, _synkoinōnós'_):** G4791, a compound word meaning "a co-participant" or "a fellow sharer." This term is rich, emphasizing the idea of having a common share or mutual participation. Paul's goal is not merely to *give* the gospel to others, but to *share* in its blessings *with* them. This speaks to the communal nature of salvation and the joy of a shared spiritual inheritance, where both the evangelist and the convert become joint participants in the benefits and rewards of the gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this I do":** The conjunction "And" (G1161, _dé_) links this statement directly to the preceding discussion of Paul's self-denial and strategic adaptation in ministry. "This" (G5124, _toûto_) refers specifically to his foregoing of rights and becoming "all things to all men" ([1 Corinthians 9:19-22](/1_corinthians/9-19-22 "1 Corinthians 9:19-22 - Paul Becomes All Things to All People")). The phrase "I do" (G4160, _poiéō_) emphasizes Paul's deliberate, active, and consistent commitment to these practices. It highlights his intentionality and agency in his ministry approach.
* **"for the gospel's sake,":** This clause provides the ultimate and singular motivation for Paul's actions. The phrase "for the sake of" (G1223, _diá_) indicates the channel or reason for an act. Paul's self-sacrifice is not arbitrary or for personal gain, but entirely driven by his devotion to the "gospel" (G2098, _euangélion_), the good news of Christ's saving work. This demonstrates the supreme importance of the message of salvation in Paul's life and ministry.
* **"that I might be partaker thereof with [you].":** This final clause articulates the desired outcome and ultimate joy for Paul. The word "that" (G2443, _hína_) introduces a purpose clause. Paul's aim is to "be partaker" (G4791, _synkoinōnós_) of the gospel's blessings, not alone, but "with [you]" (the Corinthians, and by extension, all who believe). The "thereof" (G846, _autós_) refers back to the gospel. This signifies a shared spiritual inheritance and a deep desire for communal participation in the benefits, rewards, and eternal life that the gospel offers. It underscores the communal joy of salvation and the fellowship of believers.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is a **Purpose Statement**, where the apostle clearly articulates the "why" behind his previously detailed actions. This serves to summarize and provide a theological anchor for his practical ministry strategies, revealing his unwavering, singular focus. There is also an element of **Personal Example**, as Paul uses his own life and ministry as a model for selfless dedication to the gospel. Finally, the phrase "with [you]" introduces a strong sense of **Inclusivity and Communion**, transforming what might otherwise be a purely individualistic statement of purpose into an expression of shared destiny and mutual participation in the blessings of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 9:23 profoundly articulates the core of Paul's missional theology: all actions, sacrifices, and adaptations in ministry must ultimately serve the purpose of the gospel's advancement and the shared spiritual benefit of believers. This commitment to the gospel's sake echoes the very heart of Christian discipleship, where personal preferences and rights are willingly laid down for the greater good of God's kingdom and the salvation of souls. It highlights that the true reward of ministry is not personal acclaim or material gain, but the joy of seeing others come to faith and sharing in the eternal inheritance of Christ alongside them, fostering a deep spiritual communion.

* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Loss for Christ")
* [Philippians 1:5](/philippians/1-5 "Philippians 1:5 - Partnership in the Gospel")
* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 9:23 stands as a powerful challenge and inspiration for every believer today. It compels us to critically examine the driving forces behind our choices, actions, and even our spiritual disciplines. Is the advancement of the gospel – the good news of Jesus Christ – truly the ultimate motivation for what we "do"? Paul's example encourages a radical reorientation of priorities, urging us to consider how our personal freedoms, preferences, and even rights might be willingly laid aside if doing so removes barriers for others to encounter Christ. This verse calls us to cultivate a selfless, outward-focused faith, where our greatest joy is found not in personal accumulation or comfort, but in the profound privilege of seeing lives transformed by the power of God and sharing in the spiritual blessings of salvation with those whom we have served. It invites us into a partnership with God in His redemptive mission, finding our deepest satisfaction in the communal experience of the gospel's fruit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What personal rights or preferences might you be clinging to that could potentially hinder the advancement of the gospel in your sphere of influence?**
* **How can you more intentionally align your daily actions and decisions with the ultimate goal of seeing others come to know Christ and share in His salvation?**
* **In what ways can you actively seek to "be partaker" of the gospel's blessings with others, fostering a deeper sense of communal joy and spiritual inheritance?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "partaker thereof with you"?**

Answer: When Paul says he wants to "be partaker thereof with you," he is expressing his desire to share in the blessings, benefits, and eternal rewards of the gospel alongside those to whom he ministers. The "thereof" refers to the gospel itself. He doesn't just want to be the one who *gives* the good news; he wants to *experience* its life-transforming power and its ultimate fulfillment in eternal life *with* the Corinthians and all believers. This highlights the communal aspect of salvation and the profound joy of shared spiritual destiny. It's a vision of partnership and mutual enjoyment of God's grace, where the evangelist and the convert are united in the same spiritual inheritance, as described in passages like [Philippians 1:5](/philippians/1-5 "Philippians 1:5 - Partnership in the Gospel") where Paul speaks of their "fellowship in the gospel."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 9:23 speaks directly of Paul's motivation, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the very nature of the gospel and the example of Christ himself. Paul's willingness to "do this for the gospel's sake" and to become "all things to all people" ([1 Corinthians 9:22](/1_corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Paul Becomes All Things to All People")) is a direct reflection of Christ's own self-emptying love. Jesus, "who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Self-Emptying")). Christ, the ultimate "partaker" with humanity, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but descended to our level, becoming flesh and dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), ultimately giving His life on the cross "for the gospel's sake" – that we might "be partaker" of His divine nature and eternal life ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")). Paul's mission, therefore, is a participation in Christ's own mission to "seek and to save that which was lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save")), ensuring that through his sacrificial service, many might become co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and share in the glorious inheritance of the gospel.

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

2 Timothy 2:10

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Mark 8:35

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

1 Corinthians 9:25

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

1 Corinthians 9:27

But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1 John 1:3

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Galatians 2:5

To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Hebrews 3:14

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;