1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Tagalog Version)
The Reward of Preaching the Gospel
1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Ang Salita ng Diyos, Tagalog Version)
16 "Anong kapurihan sa akin kung ipahayag ko ang Evangelio? Sapagkat sa apostol ko'y walang kabayaran. 17 Pero dahil sa akin, hindi ako nakatikim ng anumang kabayaran, kundi ang Evangelio ko'y pinagpapahayag ko sa mundo. 18 Anong kabayaran ko kung hindi ko ipinangangaral ang Evangelio? 19 Sapagkat walang kabayaran sa akin ang pangangaral, kundi ang kalayaan ng lahat ng tao. 20 Upang maging kapurihan sa akin ang pangangaral ng Evangelio sa mga Hudyo, at upang maging kapurihan sa akin ang pangangaral ng Evangelio sa mga Gentil. 21 At sa mga walang batas, akoy nagpakita ng sarili ko bilang walang batas, upang makapulot ng mga kaluluwa ng mga walang batas. 22 Sa mga mahina, akoy nagpakita ng mahina, upang makapulot ng mga kaluluwa ng mga mahina. 23 Sa lahat ng mga bagay, nagpakita akong lahat sa lahat ng tao, upang makapulot ng mga kaluluwa.
The Apostle's Reward
In this passage, the Apostle Paul talks about the reward of preaching the Gospel. He asks rhetorically, "What is my reward?" and answers that it is not in the form of payment or compensation, but in the opportunity to preach the Gospel to all people.
The Freedom to Preach
Paul emphasizes that he has given up his right to financial compensation in order to preach the Gospel freely to all people. He has the right to receive payment for his work, but he has chosen not to exercise that right.
Becoming All Things to All People
Paul says that he has become all things to all people so that he might win some for Christ. He has adapted to different cultures and lifestyles in order to reach people where they are. This is a key principle of effective evangelism and mission.
Conclusion
In this passage, we see the heart of the Apostle Paul, who is willing to give up his own rights and comforts in order to preach the Gospel to all people. His example inspires us to follow in his footsteps, sacrificing our own interests for the sake of sharing the Good News with others.
