1 Corinthians 9:19-27: The Apostle's Right to Compensation
Paul's Right to Compensation
In 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, Paul addresses the issue of his right to receive financial support from the Corinthian church. This passage is a continuation of Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and his decision not to accept financial support from the church.
Verse 19: Becoming All Things to All People
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. (1 Corinthians 9:19, ESV)
Paul begins by stating that he is free from all, meaning that he is not bound by any human authority or tradition. However, he has chosen to become a servant to all, in order to win as many people as possible to Christ. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the passage, emphasizing Paul's willingness to adapt to different situations in order to fulfill his mission.
Verses 20-22: Becoming All Things
To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. (1 Corinthians 9:20, ESV)
Paul explains how he has adapted to different situations in order to win people over to Christ. To the Jews, he became as a Jew, observing Jewish customs and traditions in order to connect with them. To those under the law, he became as one under the law, without being bound by the law himself. This was done in order to win those who were under the law.
To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being without law toward God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. (1 Corinthians 9:21, ESV)
To those outside the law, Paul became as one outside the law, while still being under the law of Christ. This indicates that although he did not follow Jewish law, he was still bound by the moral law of Christ.
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. (1 Corinthians 9:22, ESV)
Paul also became weak to win the weak, showing his willingness to adapt to different situations in order to fulfill his mission.
Verses 23-27: Running the Race
I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:23, ESV)
Paul's willingness to adapt to different situations is for the sake of the gospel, so that he may share in its blessings.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:24, ESV)
Paul uses the analogy of a race to illustrate the importance of perseverance in the Christian faith. Just as athletes must strive to win the prize, so too must believers strive to obtain the prize of eternal life.
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (1 Corinthians 9:25, ESV)
Paul contrasts the fleeting nature of earthly rewards with the imperishable nature of eternal life.
So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. (1 Corinthians 9:26, ESV)
Paul is not running aimlessly, but with a clear goal in mind – to win the prize of eternal life.
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest, after I have preached to others, I myself be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27, ESV)
Paul disciplines his body and keeps it under control, lest he become disqualified from the prize of eternal life. This passage serves as a warning to believers to stay focused on their goal and to avoid becoming complacent in their faith.
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 emphasizes the importance of adapting to different situations in order to fulfill one's mission, as well as the need for perseverance and self-control in the Christian faith.
