1 Corinthians 9:16-17: The Apostle's Reward
In the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 9, verses 16-17, the apostle Paul writes:
"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! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship." (NKJV)
In this passage, Paul emphasizes the importance of his calling as an apostle of Christ. He views his role not as a privilege, but as a sacred responsibility that he cannot shun.
The Necessity of Preaching
Paul says that "necessity is laid upon me" (v. 16). The Greek word for "necessity" is "anagke," which connotes a sense of constraint or compulsion. Paul feels an overwhelming urge to preach the gospel, a burden that he cannot shake off. He is driven by a deep sense of obligation to fulfill his calling, regardless of the cost.
The Stewardship of the Gospel
In verse 17, Paul mentions that he has been entrusted with a stewardship. The Greek word for "stewardship" is "oikonomia," which refers to the management of a household or a trust. Paul sees himself as a trustee of the gospel, responsible for administering it faithfully to the world.
The Reward of Faithfulness
Paul writes that if he preaches the gospel willingly, he has a reward (v. 17). This reward is not material or earthly, but rather a sense of fulfillment and joy that comes from obeying God's will. The apostle's motivation is not self-seeking or fame, but rather a desire to please God and fulfill his divine calling.
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 9:16-17, Paul highlights the importance of faithfulness to one's calling. As Christians, we are all called to fulfill a sacred trust, whether it be in preaching the gospel, serving others, or simply living out our faith in our daily lives. May we, like Paul, be driven by a sense of necessity and responsibility to fulfill our calling, and may we find joy and fulfillment in obeying God's will.
