1 Corinthians 9:16-23 KJV: The Reward of Evangelism
Verse 16: "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel. He does not consider it a privilege, but a necessity. He is compelled to preach the gospel, and if he does not, he will be condemned. This verse highlights the critical role of evangelism in Christianity.
Verse 17: "For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me."
Here, Paul differentiates between doing something willingly and doing it out of obligation. If he preaches the gospel willingly, he will receive a reward. However, if he does it against his will, he is still responsible for spreading the gospel.
Verse 18: "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."
Paul's reward is not about personal gain but about spreading the gospel without expecting anything in return. He does not want to abuse his power or authority in preaching the gospel.
Verse 19: "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more."
Paul, as a free man, humbles himself to become a servant to all. He does this to reach more people and spread the gospel effectively.
Verse 20: "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;"
Paul adapts to different cultures and backgrounds to reach various groups of people. He becomes like a Jew to win the Jews and identifies with those under the law to win them.
Verse 21: "To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law."
Paul also reaches out to those who are not under the law, identifying with them to win them over. However, he remains under the law of Christ, ensuring that his actions are guided by his faith.
Verse 22: "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
Paul becomes like the weak to reach the weak, and he adapts to different situations to save some. His goal is to reach as many people as possible with the gospel.
Verse 23: "And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you."
Paul's motivation is to spread the gospel and be a partaker of its blessings together with the Corinthian church. His selfless efforts are driven by his commitment to evangelism.
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Paul emphasizes the importance of evangelism and its rewards. He adapts to different cultures and backgrounds to spread the gospel, and his motivation is to win souls for Christ. As Christians, we are called to follow Paul's example, spreading the gospel with dedication, humility, and selflessness.
