1 Corinthians 9:15-27 Commentary
In this passage, Paul continues to defend his apostleship and the rights that come with it. He explains that he has chosen not to exercise his rights as an apostle, including the right to financial support, in order to further the Gospel.
Paul's Sacrifice
v. 15-18 Paul writes, "But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done thus to me; for it is good for me rather to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:15-16, NKJV).
Paul makes it clear that he has not taken advantage of his rights as an apostle, even though he has every right to do so. He is not motivated by personal gain, but rather by a deep sense of responsibility to share the Gospel. Paul's sacrifice is not just about giving up his rights, but also about his willingness to endure hardship and persecution for the sake of the Gospel.
The Reward of Evangelism
v. 19-23 Paul writes, "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Corinthians 9:19-22, NKJV).
Paul's goal is to win people to Christ, regardless of their background or circumstances. He becomes a servant to all, adapting to different cultural and social norms in order to effectively share the Gospel. This willingness to adapt and become all things to all men is a hallmark of Paul's evangelistic approach.
The Importance of Self-Control
v. 24-27 Paul writes, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, NKJV).
Paul uses the analogy of an athlete training for a race to emphasize the importance of self-control and discipline in the Christian life. Just as an athlete must train and discipline their body in order to win the prize, so too must Christians discipline themselves in order to achieve spiritual maturity and receive the imperishable crown.
In conclusion, Paul's commentary in 1 Corinthians 9:15-27 emphasizes the importance of sacrifice, evangelism, and self-control in the Christian life. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate Paul's example, putting the needs of others before our own and adapting to different circumstances in order to effectively share the Gospel.
